Make a Wish (and other organizations) - Wish Trippers UNITE! Volume THREE! :)

[maroo]

We have TWO new pretrip reports to add to the Wish Trippers thread!!



The3DsMommy (Derek) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW June 30 - July 6, 2010

ktcwinmommy (Kira) Wish Trip GKTW October 3-9, 2010

 

[The Lurker]

Just found out that the Today show will be showing the feature on GKTW on Friday, June 18th. No time listed.

Katie

 

[wishin' on a star]

Thank you Katie!!

 

[The Lurker]

Further update - The Today segment on GKTW will be during the 8 AM hour on Friday (that is what is posted today at GKTW).

Katie

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

Further update - The Today segment on GKTW will be during the 8 AM hour on Friday (that is what is posted today at GKTW).

Katie

Thank you!!

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

Ok another question (can you tell we are getting a little bit close?)

Ty has meds that need to stay frozen or at least cold. (I think I mentioned this before) so my delima is getting them from home to the airport(2hours) then to the villa (probably another 2hours). But I have some questions I would like to ask about security for them. So which would I call? The airport security or would I just call the airline and ask them?

 

[maroo]

Further update - The Today segment on GKTW will be during the 8 AM hour on Friday (that is what is posted today at GKTW).

Katie

is that EST? I assume it is...but don't want to miss it!

 

[The Lurker]

I assume it means the 2nd hour of the show, but I am not sure. The note in the volunteer office just said 8 A.M Friday.

Katie

 

[casper_jj11]

Ok another question (can you tell we are getting a little bit close?)

Ty has meds that need to stay frozen or at least cold. (I think I mentioned this before) so my delima is getting them from home to the airport(2hours) then to the villa (probably another 2hours). But I have some questions I would like to ask about security for them. So which would I call? The airport security or would I just call the airline and ask them?

I had to keep antibiotic liquid cold on our trip to Mexico last spring. I didn't actually ask anyone but if you'd like to, I'd contact the security organization. The airline doesn't really have any control over what security does. Have a look at the security organizatino website to see if medications are mentioned. For us (in Canada), they're excluded from the requirements of no liquids on board. I put the medicine in a plastic ziploc bag which was in another larger ziploc bag with ice. I just dumped the ice prior to entering through security. Once on the other side, I asked for ice at a restaurant and refilled the larger ziploc bag with ice again and placed the medicine inside. It stayed cold until we arrived at our resort. They asked about it in Mexico when our bags were searched at customs but we had no issue with it at all. If it was within the US or between US and Canada, we wouldnt have even had an issue because no one looks at your carryon after you go through security. HTH

 

[casper_jj11]

Hi everyone. Ok, so I have a question. I've been under the understanding that our wish foundation was booking the resort directly through Disney (we've requested to stay onsite) but in our last email, reference was made to the resort onsite being booked through GKTW. Maroo, I know you've talked about this before but I'm wondering what exactly this means. I believe we'll need to be there for an orientation? What time are these? We have ADR at Chef Mickeys for our arrival day so I may need to change that. I'm also wondering how it works for meals if you're staying onsite but booked through GKTW... we're not expected to go back and forth for meals are we? While I would love for the kiddos to experience GKTW, driving back and forth for meals would add a lot of travel time to our day ...

 

[maroo]

Hi everyone. Ok, so I have a question. I've been under the understanding that our wish foundation was booking the resort directly through Disney (we've requested to stay onsite) but in our last email, reference was made to the resort onsite being booked through GKTW. Maroo, I know you've talked about this before but I'm wondering what exactly this means. I believe we'll need to be there for an orientation? What time are these? We have ADR at Chef Mickeys for our arrival day so I may need to change that. I'm also wondering how it works for meals if you're staying onsite but booked through GKTW... we're not expected to go back and forth for meals are we? While I would love for the kiddos to experience GKTW, driving back and forth for meals would add a lot of travel time to our day ...

My broken record may have to come out again...because some of this may depend on the chapter -

But this is how it worked for us.

Our local called GKTW and GKTW actually booked the reservation. Because Lauren needed a roll-in shower, we actually had to change resorts (the message didn't get to GKTW that we needed that), but eventually we were told that we would be staying at The Contemporary. They wanted her on the monorail for transportation issues.

So...here is how it worked:
- We arrived at the airport like most other families and had the GKTW greeter there waiting for us. They gave us the directions to GKTW, helped get the luggage, etc, etc. Then we went to GKTW. They checked us in (stuffed animals for the kids, welcome buttons, etc). Then we had some time to explore GKTW.

Orientation times are, I think, 9 AM, 3:30 PM and 7:30 PM - or something close to that. However - if you need to, they will schedule a private orientation and get you on your way - especially since you are not staying at GKTW.

As far as meals - our local chapter assumed we would be purchasing our meals on Disney property and allowed a certain amt per child and per adult per meal. We were covered, but it definitely didn't cover a sit down meal for each of those. We had snacks in the room for breakfast and mostly ate counter service. It would probably cover a sit down meal or two, I would assume - but this varies GREATLY by chapter.

So, no, I don't think any chapter expects you to drive back and forth for meals.

Having said that - I would definitely try to spend some time at GKTW and hopefully be able to catch some of the parties in the evenings. The button will allow you to get through the parks pretty quickly and would give you some extra time to hopefully spend some time at GKTW.

I would keep your ADR for the arrival day, but maybe try to make a back-up one? For a typical family, I think it would be cheating the system to make back up ADR's - but for a wish trip that has so many unknowns, I think it is completely appropriate!

 

[casper_jj11]

Thanks so much Maroo! I have to say, I'm having a bit of a panic attack here. I would love for the kids to spend some time at GKTW but I hate the unknown LOL. I'm one of these people that has to have a plan. I'm happy to deviate from it as often as we want but to start, I need a plan so going in not knowing what will happen freaks me out. I have all our ADRs booked. Max one per day and some days just counter service. I've started planning our days in th epark so we don't end up standing in the middle of the park saying "so where to next ... I don't know... what do you think?.... hmmm, I don't know, what do you think?"

We arrive at MCO at 1pm. We pick up our rental car at the airport. We usually stop for groceries for breakfast in the room on the way to th ehotel but we may just head directly to GKTW and hang around until the 345 orientation and then stay for awhile. I actually have a back up CM ressie for later in the week I think... need to check that... so missing it isn't a big deal. That will allow us to visit GKTW as long as we'd like.

 

[maroo]

Thanks so much Maroo! I have to say, I'm having a bit of a panic attack here. I would love for the kids to spend some time at GKTW but I hate the unknown LOL. I'm one of these people that has to have a plan. I'm happy to deviate from it as often as we want but to start, I need a plan so going in not knowing what will happen freaks me out. I have all our ADRs booked. Max one per day and some days just counter service. I've started planning our days in th epark so we don't end up standing in the middle of the park saying "so where to next ... I don't know... what do you think?.... hmmm, I don't know, what do you think?"

We arrive at MCO at 1pm. We pick up our rental car at the airport. We usually stop for groceries for breakfast in the room on the way to th ehotel but we may just head directly to GKTW and hang around until the 345 orientation and then stay for awhile. I actually have a back up CM ressie for later in the week I think... need to check that... so missing it isn't a big deal. That will allow us to visit GKTW as long as we'd like.

I think you will probably not be at GKTW too long before the orientation time. Getting through the Orlando Airport and to your car will probably take an hour and it is about a 30 min drive. So the timing should be about right, honestly.

Do you know where you are staying yet? I can't keep up.

I think having a plan is a great idea...you know what you want to accomplish and have a good idea of the layout of the parks because of your planning - then when things don't go to plan you will rely on the info you have researched to determine what to do next.

I finally had to just relax and let things go as they go because being "late" and off plan was stressing me out so much that I was not really having any fun. Now I am more go with the flow - I plan it to death, but then when I get there, I just go with it. Try to get the things done that I really wanted to do and go from there.

 

[wish_upon_a_star35]

Well I spoke to my wish granter and they are going to try to get Chef Mickey's so that we don't have two Ohana ressies. If it doesn't work out that's fine! But I really appreciate them trying!

Also she was telling me that when we get to DHS to hurry up and get a Fast pass for the Toy Story ride? I'm not sure why I would need a fast pass for that ride? Doesn't the "Magic Button" work for that?

 

[Adrismommy]

OUr trip is getting close... we leave a month from tomorrow. I really need to get on my planning. I was a nazi about it last year when we went. I want to be more go-with-the-flow this time, but like Joanne said, I like to have a plan.

An update on the Reality Wish event - $5100 and some change was raised for Adri's wish. Her wish party has been scheduled for the Wednesday before we leave. I talked with the MAW chapter and the casting director who headed up the fundraising and requested that the party just be our family. We are up for them to invite whoever we want, but we didn't want an open invite on facebook to anyone who had donated and we aren't going to have extended family and all of that there. So doing a lunchtime thing in the middle of the week just before we leave is perfect with us. I assume that's when we'll get our packet. The only problem is that if I notice any conflicts like some of you had (MAW scheduling an ADR during a time where you already had one scheduled), I might freak out since I'll only have a couple of days before we leave. I think I'm going to get in touch with them in advance about a few questions that could potentially arise.

Yesterday was my hubby's last day of school (he is an assistant principal) and he turns his dissertation in this time next week (WOOOOHOOOO!), which means we'll all be home together until we leave for Disney. I'm excited about that. Gives me some flexibility in my schedule to really plan. One day I'll take pics of the shirts we made on the night we had to stay up all night for Adri's EEG and post them here.

 

[kctwinmommy]

We have TWO new pretrip reports to add to the Wish Trippers thread!!




ktcwinmommy (Kira) Wish Trip GKTW October 3-9, 2010

Aww... thanks!!

I do have some questions... Do we need to be making reservations for ADR's and things like that? Or does MAW usually handle those things?? I know things vary by chapter and state. But I'm trying to start thinking about things. And honestly, tonight was the first time that K has even asked about it.

Part of her syndrome is a lack of emotion, or lack of appropriate emotions. So she really hasn't shown much excitement about it. I did show her things on the website about WDW, to give her ideas. She wants to do the Bibbidy-Bobbidy-Boutique, and she really LOVED animals, so something at either Sea World and/or Animal Kingdom would be great!

I just don't know how much we're supposed to set up and how much the MAW people take care of. I'm having a little trouble with our MAW granter cuz she's Polish and I have a hard time understanding her. We were told we had 2, and I met the one and talked to her 2-3 times in the very beginning (back in November), but now the other one has been handling things.

Also, should I be starting to panic or do things really get moving closer to your trip!?! I'm just used to trying to plan a Disney trip several months, 2 years, in advance! With all the reservations, ADR's, plans, etc... So I don't want to miss something, or screw something up.

Thanks so much!!

 

[wishin' on a star]

Well I spoke to my wish granter and they are going to try to get Chef Mickey's so that we don't have two Ohana ressies. If it doesn't work out that's fine! But I really appreciate them trying!

Also she was telling me that when we get to DHS to hurry up and get a Fast pass for the Toy Story ride? I'm not sure why I would need a fast pass for that ride? Doesn't the "Magic Button" work for that?

We were able to use the magic button/green light GAC to ride Toy Story Mania three or four times. I did notice that the fast passes for this ride were gone pretty quickly (we had friends travelling with us who used FP so we could ride together), but we just entered the fast pass line, showed our button and GAC card, and were ushered right in with the fast pass line. This worked the same way on every ride we went on that had a fast pass. We never actually got fast passes for any ride, and were never questioned on this.

 

[casper_jj11]

I think you will probably not be at GKTW too long before the orientation time. Getting through the Orlando Airport and to your car will probably take an hour and it is about a 30 min drive. So the timing should be about right, honestly.

Do you know where you are staying yet? I can't keep up.

I think having a plan is a great idea...you know what you want to accomplish and have a good idea of the layout of the parks because of your planning - then when things don't go to plan you will rely on the info you have researched to determine what to do next.

I finally had to just relax and let things go as they go because being "late" and off plan was stressing me out so much that I was not really having any fun. Now I am more go with the flow - I plan it to death, but then when I get there, I just go with it. Try to get the things done that I really wanted to do and go from there.

I think you will probably not be at GKTW too long before the orientation time. Getting through the Orlando Airport and to your car will probably take an hour and it is about a 30 min drive. So the timing should be about right, honestly.

Do you know where you are staying yet? I can't keep up.

I think having a plan is a great idea...you know what you want to accomplish and have a good idea of the layout of the parks because of your planning - then when things don't go to plan you will rely on the info you have researched to determine what to do next.

I finally had to just relax and let things go as they go because being "late" and off plan was stressing me out so much that I was not really having any fun. Now I am more go with the flow - I plan it to death, but then when I get there, I just go with it. Try to get the things done that I really wanted to do and go from there.

Ahh, sounds like me. Plan it to death and then go with the flow. It actually makes it so much more fun.... just allow the magic to happen!

BTW, we're at the Grand Floridian.

Well I spoke to my wish granter and they are going to try to get Chef Mickey's so that we don't have two Ohana ressies. If it doesn't work out that's fine! But I really appreciate them trying!

Also she was telling me that when we get to DHS to hurry up and get a Fast pass for the Toy Story ride? I'm not sure why I would need a fast pass for that ride? Doesn't the "Magic Button" work for that?

Its so wonderful that they're working with you like this on the ADRs. Oh my, Chase's trip is coming so fast! As for TSM, that's a strange comment but you know, I'm learning that as great as the wish groups are, they aren't as familiar with the parks, even the wish aspect of the parks, as those of us that are sharing information. I would hope she's wrong ... I'm in the midst of planning right now and I can tell you, there's not a FP planned so we're going to be in trouble if the pin/GAC doesn't work for all rides.

Yesterday was my hubby's last day of school (he is an assistant principal) and he turns his dissertation in this time next week (WOOOOHOOOO!), which means we'll all be home together until we leave for Disney. I'm excited about that. Gives me some flexibility in my schedule to really plan. One day I'll take pics of the shirts we made on the night we had to stay up all night for Adri's EEG and post them here.

I'm so glad to hear Adri's party is just what you'd like. You don't need more stress and pressure. And Yeah on hubbie being home! I find it impossible to plan without someone to help out with the kids.

 

[wishin' on a star]

Aww... thanks!!

I do have some questions... Do we need to be making reservations for ADR's and things like that? Or does MAW usually handle those things?? I know things vary by chapter and state. But I'm trying to start thinking about things. And honestly, tonight was the first time that K has even asked about it.

Part of her syndrome is a lack of emotion, or lack of appropriate emotions. So she really hasn't shown much excitement about it. I did show her things on the website about WDW, to give her ideas. She wants to do the Bibbidy-Bobbidy-Boutique, and she really LOVED animals, so something at either Sea World and/or Animal Kingdom would be great!

I just don't know how much we're supposed to set up and how much the MAW people take care of. I'm having a little trouble with our MAW granter cuz she's Polish and I have a hard time understanding her. We were told we had 2, and I met the one and talked to her 2-3 times in the very beginning (back in November), but now the other one has been handling things.

Also, should I be starting to panic or do things really get moving closer to your trip!?! I'm just used to trying to plan a Disney trip several months, 2 years, in advance! With all the reservations, ADR's, plans, etc... So I don't want to miss something, or screw something up.

Thanks so much!!

Our chapter didn't make any ADR's for us, so I would make all the reservations you want and start planning. The only thing that they did for us was to arrange a private meet and greet with Sleeping Beauty. We didn't get the date/time for this until we arrived at GKTW. It didn't work with our park plans and ADR's we had made already, and we met her at lunch and again another time, so we didn't stress about this one and honestly just skipped it.

We didn't hear too much from our wish granters once we had our dates/travel plans confirmed, until we got our packet (1-2 weeks prior to the trip usually). Have fun and make some plans!

 

[maroo]

Well I spoke to my wish granter and they are going to try to get Chef Mickey's so that we don't have two Ohana ressies. If it doesn't work out that's fine! But I really appreciate them trying!

Also she was telling me that when we get to DHS to hurry up and get a Fast pass for the Toy Story ride? I'm not sure why I would need a fast pass for that ride? Doesn't the "Magic Button" work for that?

That is sorta funny. She must have been to Disney with her family and that was the biggest tip!

I think this is why this forum is so helpful to families - because planning a wish trip is so different logistically (and yet similar) - so you get the Wish Trip information and the Disney information in one place.

And yes - your magic button will usually provide access through the Fast Pass line or exit of most attractions. It also usually signals a CM to allow you to "break" a character line, too. The CM's really don't want Wish Families waiting in character lines and if they spot you waiting, they will at least get you out of the line and several families have reported that they have been told to "NEVER wait in a character line." Find a CM and show them the button and ask them where you should line up and they will take care of ya. Sometimes they sneak you through the back if it is an indoor attraction, sometimes they will ask the family about to go if they mind if a Wish Family takes a turn.

For shows, the button really doesn't do much - except the CM may see it and if you arrive early enough for the show it does greatly increase the chances that you or your family member will be chosen for a extra part - if you are there early.

OUr trip is getting close... we leave a month from tomorrow. I really need to get on my planning. I was a nazi about it last year when we went. I want to be more go-with-the-flow this time, but like Joanne said, I like to have a plan.

An update on the Reality Wish event - $5100 and some change was raised for Adri's wish. Her wish party has been scheduled for the Wednesday before we leave. I talked with the MAW chapter and the casting director who headed up the fundraising and requested that the party just be our family. We are up for them to invite whoever we want, but we didn't want an open invite on facebook to anyone who had donated and we aren't going to have extended family and all of that there. So doing a lunchtime thing in the middle of the week just before we leave is perfect with us. I assume that's when we'll get our packet. The only problem is that if I notice any conflicts like some of you had (MAW scheduling an ADR during a time where you already had one scheduled), I might freak out since I'll only have a couple of days before we leave. I think I'm going to get in touch with them in advance about a few questions that could potentially arise.

Yesterday was my hubby's last day of school (he is an assistant principal) and he turns his dissertation in this time next week (WOOOOHOOOO!), which means we'll all be home together until we leave for Disney. I'm excited about that. Gives me some flexibility in my schedule to really plan. One day I'll take pics of the shirts we made on the night we had to stay up all night for Adri's EEG and post them here.

They raised a lot of money!

I would call them and see if they can let you know about any ADR's now - our wish organization was totally fine with that.

I am so glad that your Hubby will be home!

Aww... thanks!!

I do have some questions... Do we need to be making reservations for ADR's and things like that? Or does MAW usually handle those things?? I know things vary by chapter and state. But I'm trying to start thinking about things. And honestly, tonight was the first time that K has even asked about it.

I would go ahead and make some - so that they fit in your plans. Usually when the MAW chapter makes them they just include the $$ to pay for them in your expense check and then you can use the ADR you made - just make sure you cancel the one MAW made so that another family can have it AND to make sure MAW doesn't get charged for any that may have required a credit card hold.

Part of her syndrome is a lack of emotion, or lack of appropriate emotions. So she really hasn't shown much excitement about it. I did show her things on the website about WDW, to give her ideas. She wants to do the Bibbidy-Bobbidy-Boutique, and she really LOVED animals, so something at either Sea World and/or Animal Kingdom would be great!

There are lots of restaurants that have animals. Coral Reef is in Epcot and has a HUGE aquarium. There is a restaurant at Sea World with an aquarium in there, too. There is also Rainforest Cafe - but it is REALLY loud in there and can be scary for some kids. Animal Kingdom doesn't really have any restaurants with animals in them - but Boma, at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, is GREAT and they have lots of animals at the resort that she could look at before and after your meal. She is going to love Animal Kingdom! There are animals everywhere!

I just don't know how much we're supposed to set up and how much the MAW people take care of. I'm having a little trouble with our MAW granter cuz she's Polish and I have a hard time understanding her. We were told we had 2, and I met the one and talked to her 2-3 times in the very beginning (back in November), but now the other one has been handling things.

Also, should I be starting to panic or do things really get moving closer to your trip!?! I'm just used to trying to plan a Disney trip several months, 2 years, in advance! With all the reservations, ADR's, plans, etc... So I don't want to miss something, or screw something up.

I promise you won't! Wish trips are so awesome. The key, in my opinion, is really soaking up the Wish Trip "only" stuff - use that button to ride the rides you want. Use the button to see the characters you might not normally wait to see. Hang out in the Wish Lounges and VIP Lounges that you have access to. If you think you will be back to Disney - then just make this trip about the Wish Stuff...whatever you guys want to do that you don't normally get to do.

Last week I watched a child ride Toy Story 3 times in a row on his Wish Trip - and a wish trip is about the only time you can do that. If she wants to hang out with the animals, then you could talk to a CM and see what access they could give her.

And then be prepared for the unexpected magic. Always have your camera on you. You never know what thing will happen on your trip that is just magical for your family.

All of us came back with a "I wish I had _____." So there will be those moments where you feel like you should have done this or that - but go with the flow. Don't panic - just enjoy what you get to do and experience and live in each moment. Soak it up.

Thanks so much!!