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

[yinyanggirls]

I went through our local chapter's website to refer my daughter back in early May, and have not received any response nor request for additional information.

I really have no way to know if this is standard or not.

Thanks for any input!!

Our chapter was very quick to respond to us to get our info and approve her for A wish, but when it came time to work on the details of HER wish they moved relatively slow. If you have a doctor that you like and knows your child well, ask if they can please contact MAW for you. I think that speeds up the process.

 

[yinyanggirls]

Okay guys I just started my TR! And I need someone to remind me of how to link my TR in my siggie...I know I know...it's probably around here somewhere I guess I'm just being lazy

Here is the link:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37276878#post37276878

You go to your signature (look toward the top of this page under quick links) and when you are editing the sig, type out "Our June Trip Report" or any creative title you might want to use, then highlight the words you just typed, click on the earth symbol with the chain looking thing on top of it, and a box will pop up. delete the letters that are already there, then copy the link for your new TR into the box. It will make your title become the link in your siggie.

 

[blessedmom4]

Hi all,

Not sure if this is the right place for this question, so if anyone could point me in the right direction, I'd sure appreciate it.

If you (as the parent) submitted your child's name to Make-A-Wish, how long did it take to hear back from them to begin the process?

I went through our local chapter's website to refer my daughter back in early May, and have not received any response nor request for additional information.

I really have no way to know if this is standard or not.

Thanks for any input!!

Hi, another NC Mom here, Welcome to the DIS boards!

We submitted our online request in late March to our MAW Chapter for our daughter's wish and had not heard back in two weeks. At one of our MD appointments, the child life ladies (who had originally told me to go through the website) asked me if I had heard back from MAW yet. I told them no. We are not in any hurry . I thought perhaps that was why they had not responded, I had told them not to rush. Child Life told me to resubmit the request online. Less than 2 weeks later, the intake coordinator from MAW called and I apologized for bothering them twice. She said they had never received my original request and said she was glad I had emailed again. Once she took all our info, it took until Sunday, June 27 to hear from our wish granter .We started early, because we had been told they were way behind in granting wishes, due to the economy. I hope that helps some. My advice is to re-submit your request. Also, if any of the MD offices have a child life coordinator that would probably help speed things up for you.

 

[rcq925]

We leave in 3 Days!! How much would you say for toll roads for the entire week? Think I should take a roll of quarters and that be enough?

WOW! You are so close! Have a WONDERFUL time! We haven't gone yet and no one else answered you about the tolls. I seem to remember reading that the tolls were between $2-$4 each way, so a roll of quarters should do it!!

Can't wait to hear all about your trip and riding Jaws when you get back!!!!

 

[wishin' on a star]

We leave in 3 Days!! How much would you say for toll roads for the entire week? Think I should take a roll of quarters and that be enough?

I'm pretty sure it's $2.00 each way. You'll be all set if you bring quarters, and you will be good for that, as the toll booths don't have an attendant. I can't believe how close you are getting Tonya!!

 

[casper_jj11]

You may also want a roll of quarters and a roll of pennies for the pressed penny machines. It's always a job for us here to find pennies and quarters for tolls and the pressed pennies because the tolls and machines only take american coins and not canadian. We also can't 'buy' american coins here, just bills so its luck of the draw if the bank or a store has american change in their til when we get there. Not a huge deal for the pressed pennies becasuse we've always managed to get change at our hotel or in a store in one of the parks but the tolls, well that's a necessity. We've actually thrown in cdn quarters and ran the toll a few times... technically we've paid... but without an attendant there to change bills, there's nothign else we could do. We now make sure to have at least $10 in US quarters just in case we get lost (which has also happened )

 

[wishin' on a star]

Hi all,

Not sure if this is the right place for this question, so if anyone could point me in the right direction, I'd sure appreciate it.

If you (as the parent) submitted your child's name to Make-A-Wish, how long did it take to hear back from them to begin the process?

I went through our local chapter's website to refer my daughter back in early May, and have not received any response nor request for additional information.

I really have no way to know if this is standard or not.

Thanks for any input!!

Definitely call! That seems like a really long time to wait.

I called in late January...left a message with a wish coordinator. She called me back within two days, then she took all the information and called Catherine's cardiologist to confirm his approval. Once she had that, we received a letter with the wish granters' names. They visited within a couple of weeks. Her wish was officially granted by the end of February, and we travelled in May. Hope this helps.

 

[maroo]

TY for the advice I was thinking since my DS (wish child) is more interested in epcot area that we may end up missing out on the Sea World all together so we can save some time to simply stay put at GKTW and allow J some rest. So we are almost 100% positive that we will get the pearl from the Japan area. I was reading forum the other day that had printable passports since we will be in those areas i thought it would be fun to have kids get as many of the areas signed as possible and from what i have read the passports at disney itself can be pretty expensive so by printing it would save money.

You are very welcome! The Japan place is really fun!

We haven't done our trip yet so I can't answer the question about GKTW but I have heard the answer about the extra magic hours somewhere. EMH are for those staying onsite at Disney or at one specific hotel in Downtown Disney. It doesn't include GKTW. I believe you have to have a KTTW (disney hotel key card) to get access.

This is true - but if you find yourself in a park during EMH and you really want to ride something - then go to Guest Services and tell them you are on a wish trip and I think they would make it happen.

Honestly, EMH's tend to be really busy, especially during certain times of the year, and I would avoid them even if I could go to them. But if there is a time when you are at a park and end up there for late EMH or early EMH, then get with Guest Services and I would bet they can help you. You could also show your button at the ride entrance and probably gain access anyway.

We leave in 3 Days!! How much would you say for toll roads for the entire week? Think I should take a roll of quarters and that be enough?

Yes! I think so!

And I like the penny idea they had below, too.

Hi all,

Not sure if this is the right place for this question, so if anyone could point me in the right direction, I'd sure appreciate it.

If you (as the parent) submitted your child's name to Make-A-Wish, how long did it take to hear back from them to begin the process?

I went through our local chapter's website to refer my daughter back in early May, and have not received any response nor request for additional information.

I really have no way to know if this is standard or not.

Thanks for any input!!

to the wish trippers thread!

I would call them - it probably got lost somewhere or they can at least give a status on it.

Our chapter was very quick to respond to us to get our info and approve her for A wish, but when it came time to work on the details of HER wish they moved relatively slow. If you have a doctor that you like and knows your child well, ask if they can please contact MAW for you. I think that speeds up the process.

This is true - some of the time spent will be the time it takes for the dr to fill out the paperwork, too.

You go to your signature (look toward the top of this page under quick links) and when you are editing the sig, type out "Our June Trip Report" or any creative title you might want to use, then highlight the words you just typed, click on the earth symbol with the chain looking thing on top of it, and a box will pop up. delete the letters that are already there, then copy the link for your new TR into the box. It will make your title become the link in your siggie.

This is true - for changing it in your siggie - but you can also do "edit", "advanced" and your title will be at the top in the title box - and you can change it from there.

It is very helpful to put when yours was updated and add dates! helps people to find your report and know when there has been an update.

Hi, another NC Mom here, Welcome to the DIS boards!

We submitted our online request in late March to our MAW Chapter for our daughter's wish and had not heard back in two weeks. At one of our MD appointments, the child life ladies (who had originally told me to go through the website) asked me if I had heard back from MAW yet. I told them no. We are not in any hurry . I thought perhaps that was why they had not responded, I had told them not to rush. Child Life told me to resubmit the request online. Less than 2 weeks later, the intake coordinator from MAW called and I apologized for bothering them twice. She said they had never received my original request and said she was glad I had emailed again. Once she took all our info, it took until Sunday, June 27 to hear from our wish granter .We started early, because we had been told they were way behind in granting wishes, due to the economy. I hope that helps some. My advice is to re-submit your request. Also, if any of the MD offices have a child life coordinator that would probably help speed things up for you.

 

[brookerene]

Hi, we are going on my on my son's Make-A-Wish Trip October 4-10. Is this a good time to go to WDW? I have good experience with DL but have never been to DW. How are the lines? What should I expect? Is there a silouette place at DW or is it only at DL? ALso, my son will be early on in using his immunosuppressants, if there are other moms with any advice regarding this subject, I would love any help. Any help in regards to this trip would be appreciated.
I'm really excited to be going, since this trip to WDW is one that, like many famlies, we could never afford to go, let alone get my husband away form the farm. Thanks.

 

[maroo]

Hi, we are going on my on my son's Make-A-Wish Trip October 4-10. Is this a good time to go to WDW? I have good experience with DL but have never been to DW. How are the lines? What should I expect? Is there a silouette place at DW or is it only at DL? ALso, my son will be early on in using his immunosuppressants, if there are other moms with any advice regarding this subject, I would love any help. Any help in regards to this trip would be appreciated.
I'm really excited to be going, since this trip to WDW is one that, like many famlies, we could never afford to go, let alone get my husband away form the farm. Thanks.

to the Wish Trippers thread!!

There are probably a lot of similarities between DL and WDW - I think the main difference will be the size of Disney World - It is a lot bigger since they had more land to plan it all. But that much more to explore!

I don't have any advice on immunosuppressants - but can help with the other questions.

Are you guys staying at Give Kids the World? If so, they will give you guys a button that he will wear all the time and it will be his "ticket" to getting in the Fastpass line or exit of most attractions so that you won't have to wait in long lines and big crowds of people.

I think Oct is a WONDERFUL time to go - and was the exact week we went in Oct of 2008. The weather is usually great and you guys could participate in Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party! (This is a separate ticket event, but would allow you an extra "Disney" day a less cost than a one day ticket would be). And it is a fun party!

Feel free to ask questions here! Also make sure to check out the 2nd post on the first page of this thread for many hints about wish trips and information about the DIS - including how to start a pre-trip report if you would like.

 

[J'sMum]

Hi, we are going on my on my son's Make-A-Wish Trip October 4-10. Is this a good time to go to WDW? I have good experience with DL but have never been to DW. How are the lines? What should I expect? Is there a silouette place at DW or is it only at DL? ALso, my son will be early on in using his immunosuppressants, if there are other moms with any advice regarding this subject, I would love any help. Any help in regards to this trip would be appreciated.
I'm really excited to be going, since this trip to WDW is one that, like many famlies, we could never afford to go, let alone get my husband away form the farm. Thanks.

back and welcome !! we will be overlapping time at DW if you are staying at GKTW we will be there october 1st - 7th. I know what you mean about hubby getting time off, my DH has not had a vacation in the 15 years we have been married. Any time he has had for vacation time has always been used for DR appts or hospital stays, so this trip will be amazing not only for my DS(wish child) but for our entire family. Woot 1st trip to disney for all of us and 1st vacation ever for all of us as well!!!! i;m sooooo excited about this as more and more details come about

I also do not have any advice to offer about the immunosuppresents, my sons immune system is compromised due to his treatments and the best defence dr's gave me was to always open doors for him so he does not have to touch public doors and to keep hand sanitizer on us, and to also wash hands as often as possible.

 

[maroo]

back and welcome !! we will be overlapping time at DW if you are staying at GKTW we will be there october 1st - 7th. I know what you mean about hubby getting time off, my DH has not had a vacation in the 15 years we have been married. Any time he has had for vacation time has always been used for DR appts or hospital stays, so this trip will be amazing not only for my DS(wish child) but for our entire family. Woot 1st trip to disney for all of us and 1st vacation ever for all of us as well!!!! i;m sooooo excited about this as more and more details come about

I also do not have any advice to offer about the immunosuppresents, my sons immune system is compromised due to his treatments and the best defence dr's gave me was to always open doors for him so he does not have to touch public doors and to keep hand sanitizer on us, and to also wash hands as often as possible.

The only thing I would add is to try to keep his hands off of the railings at Disney. Disney does a good job of keeping things generally clean, but hundreds of people run their hands over those rails all day long. And maybe use lots of handsanitizer after rides and such (no choice but to grab on to get on and off).

And be careful at GKTW, too. Lots of those kids are sick with various things - and most of their parents are very careful - but I would just keep vigilant during your trip.

The main error we made on our trip was pushing Lauren too much at the beginning. She was excited and not tired, so we stayed out pretty late the first full day and we paid for it dearly as the trip went on (including a night in the hospital) - but I suppose we knew better, if we had really thought about it carefully. If we were to do another trip, we would plan much slower days and maybe blow it out on the last day, instead.

 

[twinmum]

Okay two more questions, and sorry for being totally over-the-top with my questions during our final planning phase:

1 - Have any of your kids participated in the Village Idol? Or have you attended it? I'm curious to know what that has been like.
2 - What are the wish lounges like? Is it similar to the lounges you can go to for changing babies?

Hello Wish Families! I haven't posted in ages, but decided to pop in today. Here's a question I can help with. On our son's Wish Trip in Nov 2008, we wanted to visit all the lounges if we could. Someone has already posted about the Wish Lounge in the MK. Yes, a delightful place for a rest.

There are also 2 VIP lounges at Epcot to which Wish families are given access (check the info at orientation (the "Bunny Book" I think) for how to get access. A third lounge at Test Track is now closed. The boys loved the lounge in Mission:Space for the drinks and the "really neat game" (to quote my son). We missed the lounge at Spaceship Earth because someone (me!) lost track of time and we arrived after the 5:00 closing (also open only Mon-Fri I think).

When I took the boys for a return trip this past February, we had just heard great news about school admission offers for our boys and I was ready to celebrate! I went to Guest Services, told the story about missing the Spaceship Earth lounge and asked if there was any way we could see inside. I had contemplated doing this and had brought Mark's GKTW pin and the GAC from the Wish Trip so the CMs would know I was above board. The lovely CM called and we were given access to both lounges at Epcot! The boys were thrilled - we had brought their friend along and it was fun for all. The lounge at Spaceship Earth has the most interesting features, I think. The Mission:Space lounge gives great access to the ride. I recommend visiting!

 

[brookerene]

Thanks for your replies.... I will remember about watching the rail and using hand sanitizer.... maybe I should have invested in hand sanitizer companies when they first came out!LOL!

 

[kctwinmommy]

Hi, we are going on my on my son's Make-A-Wish Trip October 4-10. Is this a good time to go to WDW? I have good experience with DL but have never been to DW. How are the lines? What should I expect? Is there a silouette place at DW or is it only at DL? ALso, my son will be early on in using his immunosuppressants, if there are other moms with any advice regarding this subject, I would love any help. Any help in regards to this trip would be appreciated.
I'm really excited to be going, since this trip to WDW is one that, like many famlies, we could never afford to go, let alone get my husband away form the farm. Thanks.

I'm excited! We'll be there at the same time! And we've got kids the same age! We'll have to see if we can meet up at all!

Other friends of mine, on a totally different message board, are big Disney fans. And they had the info on the crowd levels during these times. This is one of the best times, that's why we chose it. And we're planning on doing the MNSSHP on Thursday night that week too. Since I figure the Friday night one will be busier with locals too. Just guessing on that.

Of course, crowd levels aren't as important when you have all the extra special access that GKTW/MAW/GAC gets you. But you still don't want to have the busiest time of the year either.

I'll have to read your PTR, tomorrow though... time for sleep here!

 

[tmtyler]

I can not tell you how many hours I have stayed up reading all of your wonderful pre-trip reports and your trip reports... I have cried and smiled and have felt an overwhelming joy for all of your families espeically your wish kids..........
So I will begin our story....................................................................
Our family: Gilbert Sr. (dad) me Tisha (mom) Gilbert Jr. 10, Wish Kiddo, Donovan 7, and new addition to our family Dante 10 months....and my wonderful mother, Gilbert Jr's Home-health aide Marie.... My mother is an amazing person and without her our family does not function. She is Gilbert Jrs second mother.

Gilbert and I have been together since I was 17 years old and we had our first child, Gilbert Jr. when I was 21. Normal, uneventful preganacy for me. I read all the books, and took excellent care of myself... On January 27th, 2000 @ 2:29 am my son entered this world, 5 lbs. 10 oz. They placed him on my tummy and dried him off. He cried and cried... The nurse told me she had to look him over and so she took him to another part of the room. I was so tired I just laid there and rested. Before I could eve close my eyes, the nurse said that Gilbert Jr was having trouble breathing and she needed to take him to the nursery. I never held my baby and didnt quite comprehend what could be happening and what was actually happening.... Within a couple hours the NICU transport team was here and my son was already intubated and he was gone, in a helicopter to the university medical center that was 2 hours from where I was at. Dad got to fly with him and I stayed behind....I pulled out my IV and signed a discharge paper and my mom drove me to the medical center... After laboring for almost 18 hours and the delivery I was so tired but could not close my eyes.... We arrived at the medical center and Gilbert Sr. greeted us and took me to the NICU. There was may precious baby who had tape on is face and tubes and wires everywhere.... My stomach was in knots and IU will never forget that feeling the first time I saw him.... Long story short, Gilbert Jr was in the NICU for 8 weeks, he had cardiac problems, pulmonary issues and had microcephaly. He had a optic nerve atrophy and did not passs his hearing tests. It has been a long 10 years since that day and we have had good days and bad days... Gilbert was diagnosised with cerebral palsy at the age of 2 with severe developmental delays and he does have a seizure disorder. He does not walk or talk. He can see pretty well and he does have good hearing... He smiles alot and loves watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Handy Manny and Dr. Seuss! and Last but certainly not least he loves The Wiggles!
Gilbert Jr has a 2 wonderful brothers who are healthy and love him dearly. My mother, Gilbert Jrs nana is his home-health aide... They have a very special bond. Gilbert Sr works full-time as do I. I got a degree in Nursing when Gilbert Jr was 3 years old. I work in the Intensive Care Unit. I believe it is because of Gilbert Jr. that love nursing... I live a whole different life than I could have imgained and I am very thankful for every minute I have in this life.
This past May I submitted an on-line referral for Gilbert Jr to the NM MAW chapter and I was quickly contacted. I sent back all the necessary paper work and the so did Gilbert Jrs doctor. Soon after, we were scheduled for an interview. We drove 2 hours , as this was an appointement day the medical center for Gilbert so it was easier to meet at the MAW office. Everyone was so kind and easy to talk to. Although Gilbert Jr. is non-verbal and can not say what his wish would be, I thought about all that made him smile! Gilbert loves his cartoons and will definitely let you know when he doesnt like something. He always smiles and gets excited when MickeyMouse Clubhouse comes out... So I thought WDW would be a wonderful wish. As a family we have never taken a vacation all together.
So after a few weeks, MAW calls and says Gilbert Jr. got his wish and now we need to pick dates!!! YEAH!
We are currently looking at the end of September begining of October.... We will definitely set the dates this next week!

 

[xanphylus]

I can not tell you how many hours I have stayed up reading all of your wonderful pre-trip reports and your trip reports... I have cried and smiled and have felt an overwhelming joy for all of your families espeically your wish kids..........
So I will begin our story....................................................................
Our family: Gilbert Sr. (dad) me Tisha (mom) Gilbert Jr. 10, Wish Kiddo, Donovan 7, and new addition to our family Dante 10 months....and my wonderful mother, Gilbert Jr's Home-health aide Marie.... My mother is an amazing person and without her our family does not function. She is Gilbert Jrs second mother.

Another Wish trip!!!! Hurray!!! Your kiddos sound great! And your mom sounds like a blessing! Can't wait to hear more- Gilbert sounds like a happy trooper!

 

[J'sMum]

I can not tell you how many hours I have stayed up reading all of your wonderful pre-trip reports and your trip reports... I have cried and smiled and have felt an overwhelming joy for all of your families espeically your wish kids..........
So I will begin our story....................................................................
Our family: Gilbert Sr. (dad) me Tisha (mom) Gilbert Jr. 10, Wish Kiddo, Donovan 7, and new addition to our family Dante 10 months....and my wonderful mother, Gilbert Jr's Home-health aide Marie.... My mother is an amazing person and without her our family does not function. She is Gilbert Jrs second mother.

Oh I am so excited !! Glad you are here and I look forward to your pretrip report and trip report

It's so awesome that you have such a wonderful mother to be so involved and soooo Happy that your family will be on a wish trip

We are going the 1st week of october which I have been hearing that it's a wonderful time of year to go and that the Mickeys not so scary halloween party is suppose to be a blast as well so hopefully you will get to do that too !!! I'm still in planning mode myself, I know the dates we are flying, I know the airline we are flying with, I just need the specific times now that we are flying and I am on pins n needles waiting for that info onceee we have that it will all feel so much more real and the real planning can begin
I'm trying right now to figure out who in my house is the most excited my ds(wish kiddo) my DD or me .... WHOOOOHOO for another trip report they are all so exciting and very VERY addictive !!!

 

[wish_upon_a_star35]

Yay! Another Wish Trip!!! You sound like you have a wonderful family! I can't wait to read all about your planning! There are so many good ideas and great information on this board! Welcome

 

[LydRos]

I have been reading about everyone's story on here and decided to share our families. We just got our dates from MAW and will be going November 14-20! Feel free to read our PTR and post all the advice you can. I have not even begun to plan!!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37336769#post37336769