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

[J'sMum]

I just wanted to post something reguarding the idea of people wanting post from a "newbie" point of view. I do not mind if no one posts, or if many post. I have noticed that if i do indeed have a question and while it is by now a question that has been asked by many before me, they have always been answered. For that I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to post and I want to wave hello to those who just taken a peak.(as soon as i have a camera i will have more pics ! and that will be before the trip) However for the main forum that we all tend to pop into I have noticed the mood go from exciting with all the planning and trips that have been (PTR / TR) to almost like many feel accused? or ignored or whatever it is that anyone could be feeling at any moment I am hoping and praying that the mood of this place can pick back up to one that I met a couple months ago where the excitement was amazing.

Having said that my DS DD DH and I are getting sooooo excited cause we hit the 2 month mark still spinning on what we will be doing or what we will be expecting but the excitement of the trip to come is sooo awesome because the trip to come has replaced the impending blah of every 6 week hospital stay. For now, GKTW/Disney takes up more of our minds then the blah, which is what it's suppose to do and with the help of this forum the ptr's the tr's and just the random help we get from everyone it puts a bit of that "pixie dust" that we all need in our lives to everyone

 

[yinyanggirls]

I hope that I am making sense, and I hope that I have not offended anyone. I just can't be here right now, and it has nothing to do with not wanting to give back, or not appreciating what was done for us, or etc. It's just...hard to be here. I don't know how else to explain it.

Kelly

Hi Kelly! I love your honesty because it helps all of us prepare ourselves for the less than dreamlike trip or post trip experience that we are likely to have. I'm so sorry to hear that Ali is having an even harder time. Phoebe is still Phoebe, but we had all those tests after we came back, and I remember sitting there thinking, Yep, this is why she "earned" her trip, and will continue to earn it year after year of tests and questions and unkowns! We've been waiting years to find out which chromosome disorder she has, and out of the blue we find brain damage. I was really kind of numb at first. Didn't know what to think. But I enjoy coming here and sharing what is going on with our lives because everyone here basically "gets it". Even if the diagnosis or prognosis is different, they understand how test results can be both good and bad, enlightening and confusing at the same time. Wow, I'm rambling. I just wanted to say hi and let you know that I think about you guys often and check in on your FB posts.

I hope you didn't feel like I was criticizing those who don't finish their TRs. I just wanted to warn those who haven't gone yet what a time commitment (and emotional as you point out) it really is. So don't everyone think that you have to do one, but it is definitely nice to hear at least a quick summary when you return. Good luck to those of us who are still plugging along!

 

[yinyanggirls]

I am looking on the DIS for info on DisneyLAND and CA Adventure. Since many of you know my family here, I thought I'd go ahead and ask those who have been to both. If you could only do one, which would it be?

My DH and I grew up in OC, CA and have been to DL thousands of times. (okay, maybe hundreds, but we've got it memorized). The kids have been once, and then MK of course, which is very similar. Do we stick with DL, knowing the kids will like it, or try CA ADV? We have GAD/GAD vouchers and since we are doing so many other amusement parks on the same trip I was thinking we will be too tired to upgrade to parkhoppers or three day passes or anything like that.

Also, restaurants? We just might be there on Phoebe's bday and the only "special" place I know about is Blue Bayou (that looks out over the PoTC). It might be too fancy for our kids though. Any thoughts?

 

[cajunfan]

As a poster that does not have a Wish kid and has never been on a Wish trip, I thought I would give you all my perspective. I love reading the pre trip reports and try to help answer any questions that I can. I LOVE reading the the post trip reports and especially seeing the pictures. But, I know that is for purely selfish reasons! I love seeing my favorite place on Earth from other people's perspective. It gives me my Disney FIX!

Also, for all of you that don't get back here on the boards after your trip, just know that I personally just care about how the kiddos are doing. For example, I have been wondering about Miss Ali...although I did just read her caring bridge site. I truly care how everyone is doing, and when someone goes AWOL, I just worry about them. So hopefully folks will just pop in every now and then and let us know how everyone is doing even if you can't hang around!

J'sMum...keep in mind, that sometimes the boards are just slow and then sometimes it just takes off and you can't keep up! I don't think it was anyone's intent to be acusatory(sp?). Keep asking away if you have questions! Someone will hopefully jump in and answer, and if they do not, ask again!

Have a great week everyone!

Lynn

 

[Mom2mitokids]

I want to apologize for even starting this posting thing. I honestly was confused as to where to post. I thought I was doing something wrong. This board is so confusing... though now getting the hang of this. I have only been here for a week and I have meet some wonderful people. I have been reading wish story for a couple of months and loved how everyone was helping each other out with there trips. This is why I am here. To get help for our upcoming trip and be of help since we have been on a trip.

Kelly...I totally understand having a child with Mito. Kylee didn't do well on her trip. She completely shut down on eating, she was crabby and crying most of the time and didn't want to walk(which ment a hassle for her to get out of stroller to go on rides). i didn't even take a lot of pics because she was unhappy. The ones I posted are the only real good ones and I had to beg to get a smile. It took a good month for her to bounce back to her normal self(normal for her). I'm actually very nervous about her going again. She is worse off now than in 08 with her Mito. Korissa really wants to go back for her wish, and I really can't say no to her wish. The jet lag is what got her down the last time...what is it going to do with her this time. Kelly many

 

[macntosh]

As a poster that does not have a Wish kid and has never been on a Wish trip, I thought I would give you all my perspective. I love reading the pre trip reports and try to help answer any questions that I can. I LOVE reading the the post trip reports and especially seeing the pictures. But, I know that is for purely selfish reasons! I love seeing my favorite place on Earth from other people's perspective. It gives me my Disney FIX!

Also, for all of you that don't get back here on the boards after your trip, just know that I personally just care about how the kiddos are doing. For example, I have been wondering about Miss Ali...although I did just read her caring bridge site. I truly care how everyone is doing, and when someone goes AWOL, I just worry about them. So hopefully folks will just pop in every now and then and let us know how everyone is doing even if you can't hang around!

J'sMum...keep in mind, that sometimes the boards are just slow and then sometimes it just takes off and you can't keep up! I don't think it was anyone's intent to be acusatory(sp?). Keep asking away if you have questions! Someone will hopefully jump in and answer, and if they do not, ask again!

Have a great week everyone!

Lynn

Well I guess I'm aloud to just pop in... Was just thinking of you guys tonight and thought I would jump back and check the boards. Life is a lot different now as we go another year without a fulfilling career, but the kids don't care.
Mya has been taking swim lessons with an adapted aquatics teacher at the Y, Aidan is learning as well and they love the teacher. Mya begins second grade soon and we have decided to schedule an ARD for her. We found out that she will need some OT as she is about three years behind on some things, we just didn't notice or didn't want to notice. Finding the money for this will not be easy, but as you all know we do what we can for these precious kids. We had another surgery for her legs a while back and I'm not sure now if or what good it did. We tried to get her SSI benefits, but it seems that our Government doesn't view her as being handicap "enough". Wish they would come and spend a day with her and see the struggles she has. A little extra money or medicaid would help with the additional therapies. Well I have vented enough, but wanted to give y'all an update.

On a side note Aidan is learning to communicate quite well with his cochlear's, but is still struggling with eating. Two different programs now and we are lucky to get a cheerio or two down him daily. He started school last spring and is loving it. He's in a class with hearing and assisted hearing alike and we are really looking forward to next year.

Hugs all and keep up the great work all.

 

[Mom2mitokids]

I am looking on the DIS for info on DisneyLAND and CA Adventure. Since many of you know my family here, I thought I'd go ahead and ask those who have been to both. If you could only do one, which would it be?

My DH and I grew up in OC, CA and have been to DL thousands of times. (okay, maybe hundreds, but we've got it memorized). The kids have been once, and then MK of course, which is very similar. Do we stick with DL, knowing the kids will like it, or try CA ADV? We have GAD/GAD vouchers and since we are doing so many other amusement parks on the same trip I was thinking we will be too tired to upgrade to parkhoppers or three day passes or anything like that.

Also, restaurants? We just might be there on Phoebe's bday and the only "special" place I know about is Blue Bayou (that looks out over the PoTC). It might be too fancy for our kids though. Any thoughts?

We have only been to California Adventure twice and my kids didn't really like it as much as Disneyland. I have to say though..it been awhile since we went to CA. They have built it up. I would like to go back, but whenever I give the kids the choice..they say DL. I want to go to CA just for Toy Story Mania If you go to CA I heard that Ariel's Grotto is really good. At Disneyland we always eat at Plaza Inn. It's right on Main Street. We eat before going in park and then I bring snacks to munch on during the day and then eat dinner at the Plaza Inn. I have only been fortunate to eat at Blue Bayou once. When we were at DL in March..we went and looked at the price and decided not to eat there

 

[dlewish]

Hoping someone can give me sugguests. We were going to try and utilize the park strollers, but we are leaning towards renting one now. DD3 is still not potty trained so we need to carry around a diaper bag. Therefore we need stroller storage b/c I cannot carry a diaper bag all day. (With luck she will be potty trained by Oct. But w/ all her treatments we really haven't pushed it. I hoping it comes easy)

The park strollers don't look to have much storage. If we rent one our dilemma is do we rent a single or double? I'm sure my DS6 will get tired. I was thinking we could rent a single and then get the park stroller if/when DS needed it. Is this practical? We have never been to WDW and everything I read is there is a lot of walking. Also w/ a double how hard are they to get into the monorail and boat?

Then another questions would be will MAW provide the rental? I feel uncomfortable asking them to rent us a strolller. Megan doesn't medically need a stroller. The ones we have at home are an umbrella stroller w/ no storage and a heavier one that comes w/ the travel systems.

Suggestions, ideas?? Thanks.

 

[maroo]

I want to apologize for even starting this posting thing. I honestly was confused as to where to post. I thought I was doing something wrong. This board is so confusing... though now getting the hang of this. I have only been here for a week and I have meet some wonderful people. I have been reading wish story for a couple of months and loved how everyone was helping each other out with there trips. This is why I am here. To get help for our upcoming trip and be of help since we have been on a trip.

Kelly...I totally understand having a child with Mito. Kylee didn't do well on her trip. She completely shut down on eating, she was crabby and crying most of the time and didn't want to walk(which ment a hassle for her to get out of stroller to go on rides). i didn't even take a lot of pics because she was unhappy. The ones I posted are the only real good ones and I had to beg to get a smile. It took a good month for her to bounce back to her normal self(normal for her). I'm actually very nervous about her going again. She is worse off now than in 08 with her Mito. Korissa really wants to go back for her wish, and I really can't say no to her wish. The jet lag is what got her down the last time...what is it going to do with her this time. Kelly many

Please don't apologize!! In fact, it was not just your post that prompted me to write my thoughts on the subject - it is something that continues to come up over and over.

We really do have "heated" discussions over here on occasion and it is all good - it goes right back to happy planning. (And this one really was not all that heated, really. )

But, yes, back to planning!

Well I guess I'm aloud to just pop in... Was just thinking of you guys tonight and thought I would jump back and check the boards. Life is a lot different now as we go another year without a fulfilling career, but the kids don't care.
Mya has been taking swim lessons with an adapted aquatics teacher at the Y, Aidan is learning as well and they love the teacher. Mya begins second grade soon and we have decided to schedule an ARD for her. We found out that she will need some OT as she is about three years behind on some things, we just didn't notice or didn't want to notice. Finding the money for this will not be easy, but as you all know we do what we can for these precious kids. We had another surgery for her legs a while back and I'm not sure now if or what good it did. We tried to get her SSI benefits, but it seems that our Government doesn't view her as being handicap "enough". Wish they would come and spend a day with her and see the struggles she has. A little extra money or medicaid would help with the additional therapies. Well I have vented enough, but wanted to give y'all an update.

On a side note Aidan is learning to communicate quite well with his cochlear's, but is still struggling with eating. Two different programs now and we are lucky to get a cheerio or two down him daily. He started school last spring and is loving it. He's in a class with hearing and assisted hearing alike and we are really looking forward to next year.

Hugs all and keep up the great work all.

Wow! Blast from the past!!! Thank you so much for the update!

I am so sorry to hear of the job troubles and that she did not qualify for disability - that really stinks not to have the additional help to pay for stuff.

Is the school going to provide the OT? I only ask because Lauren's school actually does cover some for her?

I am so glad Aidan is doing well!!

Say hello to your family for me!

 

[kayrason333]

Hoping someone can give me sugguests. We were going to try and utilize the park strollers, but we are leaning towards renting one now. DD3 is still not potty trained so we need to carry around a diaper bag. Therefore we need stroller storage b/c I cannot carry a diaper bag all day. (With luck she will be potty trained by Oct. But w/ all her treatments we really haven't pushed it. I hoping it comes easy)

The park strollers don't look to have much storage. If we rent one our dilemma is do we rent a single or double? I'm sure my DS6 will get tired. I was thinking we could rent a single and then get the park stroller if/when DS needed it. Is this practical? We have never been to WDW and everything I read is there is a lot of walking. Also w/ a double how hard are they to get into the monorail and boat?

Then another questions would be will MAW provide the rental? I feel uncomfortable asking them to rent us a strolller. Megan doesn't medically need a stroller. The ones we have at home are an umbrella stroller w/ no storage and a heavier one that comes w/ the travel systems.

Suggestions, ideas?? Thanks.

Our wish granters emailed us the other day and asked if we needed a stroller rental and said they would set it up. We told them we would need a double, and they had no problem with it. It is not medically necessary for my kiddos either, but with a diaper bag and a dibetes supply bag it will certainly come in handy.
I would just let ask them, they are there to help you and make your trip perfect. I am pretty sure they will do whatever they can to make it happen.

 

[dlewish]

Our wish granters emailed us the other day and asked if we needed a stroller rental and said they would set it up. We told them we would need a double, and they had no problem with it. It is not medically necessary for my kiddos either, but with a diaper bag and a dibetes supply bag it will certainly come in handy.
I would just let ask them, they are there to help you and make your trip perfect. I am pretty sure they will do whatever they can to make it happen.

Thanks for the info. I was going to call or email our MAW office soon w/ other questions, so I'll ask about stroller rentals.

 

[maroo]

Thanks for the info. I was going to call or email our MAW office soon w/ other questions, so I'll ask about stroller rentals.

Hello!

Have you already posted over here? Did I welcome you?

If not - !!

If so...well... again! Sorry, I am a bit punchy today - lack of sleep.

 

[dlewish]

Hello!

Have you already posted over here? Did I welcome you?

If not - !!

If so...well... again! Sorry, I am a bit punchy today - lack of sleep.

Thanks Maroo. I'm new here. Only posted a few times.

 

[wishin' on a star]

Hoping someone can give me sugguests. We were going to try and utilize the park strollers, but we are leaning towards renting one now. DD3 is still not potty trained so we need to carry around a diaper bag. Therefore we need stroller storage b/c I cannot carry a diaper bag all day. (With luck she will be potty trained by Oct. But w/ all her treatments we really haven't pushed it. I hoping it comes easy)

The park strollers don't look to have much storage. If we rent one our dilemma is do we rent a single or double? I'm sure my DS6 will get tired. I was thinking we could rent a single and then get the park stroller if/when DS needed it. Is this practical? We have never been to WDW and everything I read is there is a lot of walking. Also w/ a double how hard are they to get into the monorail and boat?

Then another questions would be will MAW provide the rental? I feel uncomfortable asking them to rent us a strolller. Megan doesn't medically need a stroller. The ones we have at home are an umbrella stroller w/ no storage and a heavier one that comes w/ the travel systems.

Suggestions, ideas?? Thanks.

Maybe a sit-n-stand stroller would work well for your family? I'm sure it's not a bulky as some of the other doubles. I know of a previous family that rented one on their wish trip. She said it didn't really recline as much as they'd like for naps, but it may work well for you, giving your 6 year old a place to rest for a bit. I can appreciate that, as even my 8 1/2 year old wanted to sit in the stroller sometimes. We used the Disney double, and carried a backpack...although stroller with cargo space would have been great! DH said he felt like a pack mule carrying around the backpack all day! I think it's a bummer that the Disney strollers don't hold more.

 

[casper_jj11]

Hey everyone. Things are crazy here. I'm so sure I'm not going to get everything done before we go. It just feels overwhelming for some reason... not like I haven't done it before but I've usually had a few days off to prepare I guess. Its a long weekend here but DH needs to work this afternoon so I'm just trying to get a few things done since with three kiddos, nothing seems to get done when I'm on my own.

Just wanted to add two cents to the stroller question. We have a baby Jogger City Series Double stroller. Its not the mini but the full size. Orlando Stroller Rental rents them out. I think they're the only ones that rent that model. Its, in a word, FANTASTIC! It was bought just for Disney after the double stroller prices at Disney increased. I actually brought DS7 (then 6) to the store to try out abunch of models. He very tall for his age and I wanted to make sure he'd be comfortable. There's no way he have been able to do the walking, its just too big a place and too much. We had him and DD in the double and I brought a single Graco for DS2 who was then much smaller. This is the first trip DS7 won't be in a stroller so we'll take the City Series for DD and DS2. As for where it goes, we don't use buses. I figure it would be a royal pain on a bus. Its wonderful for the monorail and boats though. You don't need to collapse it, the kids can stay on board if they're tired or sleep, or just want to.

 

[jen-y]

Hoping someone can give me sugguests. We were going to try and utilize the park strollers, but we are leaning towards renting one now. DD3 is still not potty trained so we need to carry around a diaper bag. Therefore we need stroller storage b/c I cannot carry a diaper bag all day. (With luck she will be potty trained by Oct. But w/ all her treatments we really haven't pushed it. I hoping it comes easy)

The park strollers don't look to have much storage. If we rent one our dilemma is do we rent a single or double? I'm sure my DS6 will get tired. I was thinking we could rent a single and then get the park stroller if/when DS needed it. Is this practical? We have never been to WDW and everything I read is there is a lot of walking. Also w/ a double how hard are they to get into the monorail and boat?

Then another questions would be will MAW provide the rental? I feel uncomfortable asking them to rent us a strolller. Megan doesn't medically need a stroller. The ones we have at home are an umbrella stroller w/ no storage and a heavier one that comes w/ the travel systems.

Suggestions, ideas?? Thanks.

You may want to rent a stroller from one of those places that will deliver to the hotel. That is what I did on my last trip there. Those strollers have more storage space and are more comfortable for little ones. The park strollers are not cushioned. I do believe MAW will provide the rental, but the little "disclaimer" is that all wish chapters are different, so you need to check with yours to find out. There is a lot of walking. You should have no problem pushing the stroller right on and right off the monorail and boat.
I am not sure if the strollers you rent would be big enough for your 6 year old (but she probably could fit in the park stroller) The other option would be to see if you can rent one of those strollers that your 6 year old could stand on and ride.

 

[dlewish]

Thank you all for the stroller suggestions

Looking at the sit and stand I think DS6 might be too big. From the description it says up to 40lbs per seat???

I sent an email to our MAW office to inquire about the strollers. Depending on their response we will probably rent one with Orlando. It looks like a double would be the way to go.

thanks again.

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

Hi Nichole. I can't imagine how hard it is for you to finish your tr. Bless your family. I am happy to hear you are planning a trip back to Disney and to GKTW. I hope you make many new memories while thinking of the memories before.

I have to say that I had never heard of "Little is Much" before yesterday. And today is the first time I have ever seen it mentioned on here. I heard it twice yesterday on a cd my mom was playing. What a beautiful song to have for a favorite.

Oh, Nichole - You are so sweet to come over here and post.

My heart aches for you - and I have no idea how hard it all is.

I do remember Noah - not only on Thursday, but throughout the year - on holidays and just driving in my car. Lauren, just the other day, said she was playing "Noah's Song" (Little is Much) - so he is remembered - even a whole country away - and one day we will see him again.

And there is no way any of us would ever second guess you not completing your TR - One day, hopefully, you will feel the urge to come write some more, and I, for one, will be here when you do! But take your time - absolutely no rush.

 

[wishin' on a star]

I do agree that the task of doing a TR is a big one...not just the writing and downloading of pics to PB, but the emotional task of reliving such a magical week. Being here on the DIS prior to our trip gave us such a great insider's perspective that really showed us how to make the most of a wish trip. I know it would have been a magical vacation either way, but really...we received so much information thanks to past wish trippers and other helpful people on the DIS!

I WILL finish my TR, as I want to thank those who helped us plan, those who made our trip more special because of the Big Give, and I want to help those who are planning trips in the future.

That being said...I just posted our Magic Kingdom day in my TR! BBB, CRT and more!! Day 3 is now complete!

 

[J'sMum]

Thanks Maroo. I'm new here. Only posted a few times.

Hi !!! welcome