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

[jen-y]

What are the strollers at the parks like? Do they shade from the sun?, Rain? Do they have cup holders/storage?
I don't want to be picky, but Nicky has a sensitivity to the sun from his meds. Also, I'm sure you all know how it is....we need storage for all our stuff and drinks.
The last time we went, we rented a stroller from one of those companies in Orlando that delivers. That worked out good, cause it had all the stuff, but it poured rain, so we ended up having to put a clear, plastic shower curtain over the stroller to keep it dry. Any suggestions?

Also, does anyone know what kind of rental car we get?

 

[jen-y]

I have never flown with my three kids and only took my oldest on a plane when he was 1, so I was wondering what I need to fly with them in regards to ID or birth certificates? Also any other suggestions on flying with kids would be appreciated.

I have flown several times with my kids, ages 4 & 8. I brought their birth certificates, however, I was never asked to show them. I don't think you need to for minors, as long as you are flying within the country. Our flight to FL. is only 2 1/2 - 3 hours, so not too long. We bring our portable DVD player so the kids can watch a movie, and I let them each bring a snack (usually a small bag of animal crackers or something like that). Once they start watching their movie, eating their snack, and the flight attendant brings them their drink - they are all good

PS. If possible try and make sure they go potty before getting on the plane. Its kind of a pain to take them potty on the plane (if you can avoid it)

 

[jen-y]

I am having an ADD moment. I know I asked this before, but can anyone recomend where I can buy t-shirts for Nickys wish trip shirt. I think someone said there was a place online, but I don't remember. I need 20, so I am looking for a good deal, but not cheap quality.

 

[brookerene]

Thanks for the reply. In regards to pottying before, that is a good idea. I have a habit of forgetting to ask themLOL and I learn the hard way. (although my kids will probably want to see the bathroom on the plane).

I don't know our plane schedule yet, but I think it's probably a 4 hour trip from Omaha which is about as long as it takes us to get there! as soon as I find out our airline, I'll be calling, but I'm going to take their birth certs just in case.

At lest we are going into Omaha the night before then flying out the next morning and vice versa on the way home... staying overnight in Omaha. That makes it a little easier on everybody.


Questions: How much are the drinks and snacks inside the park(s)? It's been 7 years since I've been to Disneyland, and I remember they were high then. Can you take things in or do they have to stay outside?
I'm trying to figure out a budget that will take into account eating breakfast at at GKTW all but one day, and eating the rest in the parks all but one day. Can you feed a family of 5 for under $100/DAY?

 

[cajunfan]

I am having an ADD moment. I know I asked this before, but can anyone recomend where I can buy t-shirts for Nickys wish trip shirt. I think someone said there was a place online, but I don't remember. I need 20, so I am looking for a good deal, but not cheap quality.

I use jiffyshirts.com...best prices I have found...and make sure you get 100% cotton...breathes a lot better at WDW!

Lynn

 

[cajunfan]

Questions: How much are the drinks and snacks inside the park(s)? It's been 7 years since I've been to Disneyland, and I remember they were high then. Can you take things in or do they have to stay outside?
I'm trying to figure out a budget that will take into account eating breakfast at at GKTW all but one day, and eating the rest in the parks all but one day. Can you feed a family of 5 for under $100/DAY?

Drinks are about $2.50-$3 each. You can take non alcoholic and no glass things in, but you probably do not want to carry them around. We will sometimes bring in a filter water bottle (hate the sulfur taste of the water there), because you can get a free cup of ice water anywhere and the fountains are usually cold. As for the $100 a day, it totally depends on the family members where you plan to eat and how much each person eats. It will be very hard to do. I would suggest that you go to allearsnet.com and look at the menus for the restaurants to give you an idea about what each has and the prices.

Lynn

 

[Bill_Lin]

I was one of the first to post on the original thread for Wish Trippers. That was years ago. I just want to spread a little hope.

Our DD was born with stage 4 cancer and had little hope of survival. After multiple surgeries and chemo, she was strong enough at 5 years to go on a Make a Wish Trip to GKTW. It was such a beautiful time; beyond describing.

About a year later, she was declared IN REMISSION and cancer free. You can imagine our joy. I firmly believe that the Wish Trip brought her the joy and hope it took to overcome.

Last Spring, to celebrate, we took her to Disneyland and stayed at the Disneyland Hotel. It was WONDERFUL. She is a strong, healthy, vibrant young lady of 8 now; our little MIRACLE.

 

[blessedmom4]

I was one of the first to post on the original thread for Wish Trippers. That was years ago. I just want to spread a little hope.

Our DD was born with stage 4 cancer and had little hope of survival. After multiple surgeries and chemo, she was strong enough at 5 years to go on a Make a Wish Trip to GKTW. It was such a beautiful time; beyond describing.

About a year later, she was declared IN REMISSION and cancer free. You can imagine our joy. I firmly believe that the Wish Trip brought her the joy and hope it took to overcome.

Last Spring, to celebrate, we took her to Disneyland and stayed at the Disneyland Hotel. It was WONDERFUL. She is a strong, healthy, vibrant young lady of 8 now; our little MIRACLE.

THANK YOU for sharing that update! What a BLESSING!

I have read many words of wisdom these past three months, penned by you. It is such a wonderful gift to read words of knowledge by those who have been on the road of medical challenges. Thank you again!

 

[jen-y]

Thanks for the reply. In regards to pottying before, that is a good idea. I have a habit of forgetting to ask themLOL and I learn the hard way. (although my kids will probably want to see the bathroom on the plane).

I don't know our plane schedule yet, but I think it's probably a 4 hour trip from Omaha which is about as long as it takes us to get there! as soon as I find out our airline, I'll be calling, but I'm going to take their birth certs just in case.

At lest we are going into Omaha the night before then flying out the next morning and vice versa on the way home... staying overnight in Omaha. That makes it a little easier on everybody.


Questions: How much are the drinks and snacks inside the park(s)? It's been 7 years since I've been to Disneyland, and I remember they were high then. Can you take things in or do they have to stay outside?
I'm trying to figure out a budget that will take into account eating breakfast at at GKTW all but one day, and eating the rest in the parks all but one day. Can you feed a family of 5 for under $100/DAY?

I think they do try and have a variety of food (and price ranges). Snack carts have everything from chips and popcorn to fruit for a couple bucks. The table service restaurants are expensive, so you would probably be leaning towards the counter service places. Things like hot dogs, burgers, etc. Also, depending on your kids ages and appetites, they may be able to split something. My 2 kids most of the time split 1 kids meal, and if they are still hungry, I usually don't eat all of mine, so they finish mine. Try under-ordering (and having empty plates) as opposed to over ordering with food getting wasted.
Also, we found that we did not eat an actual lunch most of the time. We ate a big breakfast and then we were so busy on rides and stuff that the next thing you knew it was already dinner time.
I have stuck a few granola bars or small bags of animal crackers in my bag and they never said anything. They do search your bags, but they are looking for weapons, not someone trying to sneak in a granola bar

 

[blessedmom4]

Can you take things in or do they have to stay outside?
I'm trying to figure out a budget that will take into account eating breakfast at at GKTW all but one day, and eating the rest in the parks all but one day. Can you feed a family of 5 for under $100/DAY?

I PM'd you a couple of ideas for stretching your budget in the park .

 

[yinyanggirls]

The strollers in the park were good enough for our 4 yr old. We usually got a double for a little more room, and they have no problem letting you do that. They have a canvas cover with a vinyl window. It shields the sun pretty well, but in a major downpour they would still get wet. I liked that they were low to the ground so she could just jump in and out when she wanted. It wasn't a big production to get her out. They also had big pockets on the back with a separate cup holder pocket.

We took lots of snacks in. I used the hard plastic snack containers, I found them at Target, with a snap lid. That way crunchy things weren't crumbs by the end of the day. It was a pain to carry around a huge bag (or rather to have to dig around in a huge bag whenever we needed something) but it was worth it. We saved money and also could hold off longer if needed to make a certain schedule. Remember that the Wish Lounges will have bottled waters (cold!) for you and then you can refill them at fountains if you like.

 

[yinyanggirls]

Last Spring, to celebrate, we took her to Disneyland and stayed at the Disneyland Hotel. It was WONDERFUL. She is a strong, healthy, vibrant young lady of 8 now; our little MIRACLE.

That is wonderful news!!! I'm so happy for you! I'd love to hear how she liked DLand if you ever feel like hanging around for a while.

 

[maroo]

I was one of the first to post on the original thread for Wish Trippers. That was years ago. I just want to spread a little hope.

Our DD was born with stage 4 cancer and had little hope of survival. After multiple surgeries and chemo, she was strong enough at 5 years to go on a Make a Wish Trip to GKTW. It was such a beautiful time; beyond describing.

About a year later, she was declared IN REMISSION and cancer free. You can imagine our joy. I firmly believe that the Wish Trip brought her the joy and hope it took to overcome.

Last Spring, to celebrate, we took her to Disneyland and stayed at the Disneyland Hotel. It was WONDERFUL. She is a strong, healthy, vibrant young lady of 8 now; our little MIRACLE.

What wonderful news!! I am so glad you guys are doing so well. Stage IV to healthy is a wonderful, wonderful accomplishment!!

Thanks for all you have done to help the wish families!

THANK YOU for sharing that update! What a BLESSING!

I have read many words of wisdom these past three months, penned by you. It is such a wonderful gift to read words of knowledge by those who have been on the road of medical challenges. Thank you again!

 

[casper_jj11]

Stacy,

I am in the same boat as you - need to buy an extra 2 days and its really expensive. Unfortunately it sounds like there is no way around it, but if you find one, please let me know. We are going the end of September.

We're in the same boat too. We're staying 4 extra days. I contacted guest services by email and they said they couldn't answer the question and to contact ticketing. I emailed but never heard back. I'm assuming we can't upgrade but I'm hoping for some magic so we won't be buying the tickets until we arrive.... even though there will likely be a price increase at the beginning of August, I'm hoping it won't be too much and worth the risk.

 

[maroo]

Disney is totally fine with you bringing along drinks, food, etc. You can even bring a small cooler, as long as you know you bring it at your own risk (it can be stolen if you just leave it out).

Many families staying at GKTW will go to Walmart when they first get to Orlando (right on the same street as GKTW) and buy snacks for much cheaper than they can get in the parks.


I have read stories on the DIS about the water fountains in Disney - and I am sure it is all forklore, but I will never, ever, ever drink out of a water fountain in Disney (or anywhere else, for that matter) after reading some of those stories. Instead I get the ice water from the counter service restaurants. They will give you ice water for FREE if you will just ask them. You may want to bring a bottle to hold it and keep it cold or even a filter bottle to get rid of the taste (it has a strong taste).

I have a favorite "park" snack. Normally I really enjoy chocolate - but that won't do in the heat - so I usually pack a baggie with peanuts and caramel corn mixed together. It fits easily in my bag and provides both protein (if I am really getting hungry) and sweet (if I am just craving something). The caramel corn is fairly low in fat, so it is a decent snack choice for me (not perfect, though). But it tastes REALLY good mixed - salty and sweet, like a payday bar - and it is easy to keep with me. I can also much on some without getting it everywhere or creating any trash I have to carry around. It works well for me. I just refill my little zip lock back in the morning before I head out and I am basically good to go. Getting the ice water from the restaurants and bringing the snack saves me a lot of money on drinks and snacks during the day.

 

[casper_jj11]

What are the strollers at the parks like? Do they shade from the sun?, Rain? Do they have cup holders/storage?
I don't want to be picky, but Nicky has a sensitivity to the sun from his meds. Also, I'm sure you all know how it is....we need storage for all our stuff and drinks.
The last time we went, we rented a stroller from one of those companies in Orlando that delivers. That worked out good, cause it had all the stuff, but it poured rain, so we ended up having to put a clear, plastic shower curtain over the stroller to keep it dry. Any suggestions?

Also, does anyone know what kind of rental car we get?

The strollers don't have much shade and no rain protection. There's also no storage at all. We one (double) on our first trip. We bought a double stroller rain cover at home and brought it. It worked perfect for rain protection. We placed our backpack straps on each side of the handle so it hung there (either that or we laid it on top of the small canopy) They aren't very comfortable though and with lack of storage, we've brought our own ever since. I'd go with the outside company really. We have a stroller like they rent there and they're wonderful!

ETA: Just read Melissa's post and realized how much I forgot since when we rented it. You're right of course about the pockets on the back. I forgot about them.

 

[casper_jj11]

I was one of the first to post on the original thread for Wish Trippers. That was years ago. I just want to spread a little hope.

Our DD was born with stage 4 cancer and had little hope of survival. After multiple surgeries and chemo, she was strong enough at 5 years to go on a Make a Wish Trip to GKTW. It was such a beautiful time; beyond describing.

About a year later, she was declared IN REMISSION and cancer free. You can imagine our joy. I firmly believe that the Wish Trip brought her the joy and hope it took to overcome.

Last Spring, to celebrate, we took her to Disneyland and stayed at the Disneyland Hotel. It was WONDERFUL. She is a strong, healthy, vibrant young lady of 8 now; our little MIRACLE.

Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful news! I've seen your name so often in preparing for Sydney's trip. She too is in remission... its such a magical word!

 

[maroo]

You guys considering strollers ...

You may also want to consider allowing your wish organization to rent a stroller for you. So that you can have it for getting to and from the parks, too and not have to carry yours on the plane.

(Although the Orlando airport is pretty large with a lot of walking.)

You could get them to rent a special needs stroller for your family (assuming that is a reasonable need) and then you could have it in the parks and it has storage.

If you do this, make sure to go by guest services and get a "stroller as a wheelchair" tag that will allow you to take the stroller in line with you.

www.orlandostrollerrentals.com is one such site that rents special needs strollers.

 

[dlewish]

Hello. Thank you all for your post, reports, etc. I've learned a lot this past month or so as I read through your posts. We are going on my DD3 wish trip in Oct.(3-9) We also have a DS6. Megan(wish child) has ALL and is currently in LTM. She will be done in April

I'm not one to post on sites (usually the "stalker"), but thought I would come out of my shell. We are Disney newbies. We will be the family walking around looking clueless I hoping someone can help w/ a few ?s.

Do you think we should do autograph books? Can we skip it? I would have never knew people did this if it wasn't for this site.

We are not a GO GO GO family. The kids like animals so we will do SW, AK, MK but I'm unsure of another disney park for day 3 of the disney parks. Should we do MK again or hop b/t parks? Open for sugguestions. What would be good for a 3yo and 6yo? We will probably take 1 day to hang out at the village. If we would go to MK then Epcot would you drive or take monorail over to Epcot?

Thank you.

 

[casper_jj11]

Hello. Thank you all for your post, reports, etc. I've learned a lot this past month or so as I read through your posts. We are going on my DD3 wish trip in Oct.(3-9) We also have a DS6. Megan(wish child) has ALL and is currently in LTM. She will be done in April

I'm not one to post on sites (usually the "stalker"), but thought I would come out of my shell. We are Disney newbies. We will be the family walking around looking clueless I hoping someone can help w/ a few ?s.

Do you think we should do autograph books? Can we skip it? I would have never knew people did this if it wasn't for this site.

We are not a GO GO GO family. The kids like animals so we will do SW, AK, MK but I'm unsure of another disney park for day 3 of the disney parks. Should we do MK again or hop b/t parks? Open for sugguestions. What would be good for a 3yo and 6yo? We will probably take 1 day to hang out at the village. If we would go to MK then Epcot would you drive or take monorail over to Epcot?

Thank you.

Welcome! My kiddos are about the same age as yours. We've been several times so any questions, just ask. We always do autograph books. The kids just love them and it gives the shy ones a reason to interact with the characters. That said, I actually find them a bit of a pain in the restaurants because you're trying to eat and get autograph books out at the same time. We use paper clips to mark where the last signature was so its easier to find. If you want to skip it, you definitely can. Some kids do it and some don't.

Our kids love MK and Epcot. If DD likes princesses, there's wonderful interaction with them in WorldShowcase in the afternoon. There's a character meet and greet in Future World (mickey, minnie, pluto, goofy and donald), Crush the turtle show (wonderful!), Nemo ride, Imagination ride and Living with the Land that my younger kiddos enjoy. Depending on how tall she is, she may also enjoy Soarin and Test Track. DD was able to do both just after turning 3 (must be 40in tall). If you go, I would drive directly to the park. Its faster than driving to the TTC and taking the monorail.

ETA: You could take the monorail if you decide to do 1/2 day at MK in the morning and afternoon (say 1130 and after) at Epcot. That could work and you could still do rides at Epcot since you'll have the pass and won't need to worry about lines and you could see the princesses too. Go to TTC and take monorail to MK for the morning then around 1130 take the monorail to Epcot for the afternoon then at the end of teh day, monorail it back to the TTC for your car.


ETA: hmm, going to be one of those days... just had another idea. If you're new, you may not realize the need to book meals if you'd like to have sit down meals or character meals in the parks or resorts. Booking starts 180days out so your choices may be limited but one of the first planning things you should do is figure out where you want to be each day and book meals if you're interested. You could do counter service meals and those don't need reservations but you're going during free dining for those in the park so ADR (reservations) are a must if you'd like to try sit down restaurants. Some favourites to try: Akershus castle in Epcot (princesses) (may be an idea for lunch if you go there, even for afternoon), Crystal Palace (winnie the pooh and friends) in MK, Chef Mickey's (at Contemporary Resort near MK so you could monorail it there for lunch on your full MK day), Cinderella's Castle at MK (books quickly), Tusker House at AK... there are others too. Which characters are your kids favourites?