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

[J'sMum]

Hi everyone I am still here! I wanted to drop by and send a link to Ty's Caringbridge page. I have been working on it for a few days and can finally post a link.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/abugslife

Hiya ! Glad to see you on , How are you all doing?

Thanks so much for sharing link, I can't wait to take a peek

We are going to the beach this time. We live about 1 hour from beach now, but that's the Pacific. We need to see the Atlantic...lol. I thought Daytona Beach was a 1 hour drive.

LOL Goodness , we live about and hour from beach too, Only we have the atlantic, never seen the pacific Maybe down the road we will have to consider DisneyLand vs world as a trip soo we can drive to the pacific LOl OOooo would be fun

 

[dlewish]

I've noticed reading some of the TR that some parents are wearing the button and GAC. Is this OK? Did you have any problems w/ CM's when the child was not wearing the button? Just wondering.

My DD may give us a hard time wearing a button and lanyard. She just likes to do that some times

Also, are you to wear the button when walking around the village and downtown? I'm guessing maybe they go over this stuff at orientation

Thanks.

 

[jbrnhrt]

we are planning to get a stroller as a wheelchair tag for our son, we are also now thinking about bringing our 2 year old daughter. if we use the handicap/ wheelchair only ares for our son can we still bring our daughter in her stroller into that area, or will we have to split upor use just find a regular spot to watch?

It's not so much the rides I'm concerned with, it's the shows and parades. I would hate for us to have to split up, but We're going at a slow time of year, so I guess the best thing to do is arrive early and just get settled into a regular area, not wheel chair area

 

[that's nice]

It's not so much the rides I'm concerned with, it's the shows and parades. I would hate for us to have to split up, but We're going at a slow time of year, so I guess the best thing to do is arrive early and just get settled into a regular area, not wheel chair area

I would think it would be ok.... but maybe someone can clarify that.

Maybe it can depend on how many people are using the wheelchair area?

 

[maroo]

Maroo, I hope you have lots of fun on your trips!! We will be there November 14th through the 20th, are you planning on being there anytime during that period? I would LOVE to meet you in person as well!

we are planning to get a stroller as a wheelchair tag for our son, we are also now thinking about bringing our 2 year old daughter. if we use the handicap/ wheelchair only ares for our son can we still bring our daughter in her stroller into that area, or will we have to split upor use just find a regular spot to watch?

You may need to fold up your stroller and let the 2 yr old sit in someone's lap? Just to save room for the people around you.

Personally...I would just pick a spot that is not in the wheelchair section, because it can get so crowded over there - I usually just try to find a spot early and grab a snack and people watch for a bit - especially if it is a low crowd time anywa.

I've noticed reading some of the TR that some parents are wearing the button and GAC. Is this OK? Did you have any problems w/ CM's when the child was not wearing the button? Just wondering.

My DD may give us a hard time wearing a button and lanyard. She just likes to do that some times

Also, are you to wear the button when walking around the village and downtown? I'm guessing maybe they go over this stuff at orientation

Thanks.

Parents can totally wear the button! I think that most CM's look for the button on the child - but there are many reasons you may not want your child wearing it...so just make sure the CM sees it.

Wear the button ALWAYS! Lauren is taking her button to school today. (For a project, but still...)

It's not so much the rides I'm concerned with, it's the shows and parades. I would hate for us to have to split up, but We're going at a slow time of year, so I guess the best thing to do is arrive early and just get settled into a regular area, not wheel chair area

I think you are right.

The handicapped area is good if you get there early - but they are relatively small and there are lots of people that need to get there to be able to see...so my philosophy is that if I can get there early enough to get a good seat without the handicapped area, then it is best for everyone, since it leaves them some extra room, too.

 

[casper_jj11]

Hi everyone! We're back! Actually, we've been back since late Wed night but this is the first chance I've had to check it. It was the most amazing experience ever. I can't wait to start the trip report but I really want to do it right since I want to print it out for Sydney's memory box. I planned to do a journal each day and we just didn't have a chance so I'm going to start to write one based on memory but I know as I'm writing one day, I'll remember other things so I'm going to write the full thing first and then post one day at a time. It may take a week or so though. I'm off for the next few days with the kids and head back to work on Monday so things are a bit crazy right now. We've been to Disney four times before Sydney's wish trip and while I questioned going to Disney for her wish since she has done it so many times before, that was all laid to rest. It was an experience of a lifetime for her and the boys and something truly magical. It was everything she wished for and deserved and so much more.

 

[kayrason333]

Hi everyone! We're back! Actually, we've been back since late Wed night but this is the first chance I've had to check it. It was the most amazing experience ever. I can't wait to start the trip report but I really want to do it right since I want to print it out for Sydney's memory box. I planned to do a journal each day and we just didn't have a chance so I'm going to start to write one based on memory but I know as I'm writing one day, I'll remember other things so I'm going to write the full thing first and then post one day at a time. It may take a week or so though. I'm off for the next few days with the kids and head back to work on Monday so things are a bit crazy right now. We've been to Disney four times before Sydney's wish trip and while I questioned going to Disney for her wish since she has done it so many times before, that was all laid to rest. It was an experience of a lifetime for her and the boys and something truly magical. It was everything she wished for and deserved and so much more.

So glad you had an amazing time! Cannot wait to read the TR and see pics!!!

 

[dlewish]

Hi everyone! We're back! Actually, we've been back since late Wed night but this is the first chance I've had to check it. It was the most amazing experience ever. I can't wait to start the trip report but I really want to do it right since I want to print it out for Sydney's memory box. I planned to do a journal each day and we just didn't have a chance so I'm going to start to write one based on memory but I know as I'm writing one day, I'll remember other things so I'm going to write the full thing first and then post one day at a time. It may take a week or so though. I'm off for the next few days with the kids and head back to work on Monday so things are a bit crazy right now. We've been to Disney four times before Sydney's wish trip and while I questioned going to Disney for her wish since she has done it so many times before, that was all laid to rest. It was an experience of a lifetime for her and the boys and something truly magical. It was everything she wished for and deserved and so much more.

So happy you had magical time. Can't wait to hear all about your trip

 

[balloondoggle]

In Florida, late September is a great time to goto the beach. The water will still be nice & warm! According to google maps- I searched from GKTW to Cocoa beach Florida (east coast) and it said 1 hour 20 minutes so figure 1 1/2 hours. I'm sure there are plenty of great beaches within 2 hours if you didn't want to go to that particular beach (I have personally never been to that beach)


Check out the map HERE

As a former Daytona Beach resident, I can suggest that you visit Ponce Inlet lighthouse. There is a little restaurant right across the lane from the light that has outside seating overlooking the inlet. I haven't eaten there in 20 years so can't vouch for food quality anymore, but Google maps suggests that it is still there. Even if it isn't, the lighthouse has tours. I plan on taking my family there when we are at GKTW next month. I hope it lives up to my memories!!


EDIT: Further checking shows it is The Lighthouse Landing Restaurant and Raw Bar. On Daytona's beach side, 10 miles south.

 

[maroo]

Hi everyone! We're back! Actually, we've been back since late Wed night but this is the first chance I've had to check it. It was the most amazing experience ever. I can't wait to start the trip report but I really want to do it right since I want to print it out for Sydney's memory box. I planned to do a journal each day and we just didn't have a chance so I'm going to start to write one based on memory but I know as I'm writing one day, I'll remember other things so I'm going to write the full thing first and then post one day at a time. It may take a week or so though. I'm off for the next few days with the kids and head back to work on Monday so things are a bit crazy right now. We've been to Disney four times before Sydney's wish trip and while I questioned going to Disney for her wish since she has done it so many times before, that was all laid to rest. It was an experience of a lifetime for her and the boys and something truly magical. It was everything she wished for and deserved and so much more.

Oh! I am so excited for you guys!!!!! I love it when we get a report back like this! I can't wait to see the pics and live vicariously through you!

I will be out of town starting next Thursday for almost 2 weeks...so ya better hurry! Ha! Just kidding! But if I am not posting...that's why!

 

[rcq925]

Hi everyone! We're back! Actually, we've been back since late Wed night but this is the first chance I've had to check it. It was the most amazing experience ever. I can't wait to start the trip report but I really want to do it right since I want to print it out for Sydney's memory box. I planned to do a journal each day and we just didn't have a chance so I'm going to start to write one based on memory but I know as I'm writing one day, I'll remember other things so I'm going to write the full thing first and then post one day at a time. It may take a week or so though. I'm off for the next few days with the kids and head back to work on Monday so things are a bit crazy right now. We've been to Disney four times before Sydney's wish trip and while I questioned going to Disney for her wish since she has done it so many times before, that was all laid to rest. It was an experience of a lifetime for her and the boys and something truly magical. It was everything she wished for and deserved and so much more.

I am so glad you trip was so wonderful! Can't wait to read all about it when you have time! Glad you are all home safe and sound!

 

[Mom2mitokids]

Hi everyone! We're back! Actually, we've been back since late Wed night but this is the first chance I've had to check it. It was the most amazing experience ever. I can't wait to start the trip report but I really want to do it right since I want to print it out for Sydney's memory box. I planned to do a journal each day and we just didn't have a chance so I'm going to start to write one based on memory but I know as I'm writing one day, I'll remember other things so I'm going to write the full thing first and then post one day at a time. It may take a week or so though. I'm off for the next few days with the kids and head back to work on Monday so things are a bit crazy right now. We've been to Disney four times before Sydney's wish trip and while I questioned going to Disney for her wish since she has done it so many times before, that was all laid to rest. It was an experience of a lifetime for her and the boys and something truly magical. It was everything she wished for and deserved and so much more.

I can't wait to hear all about the trip and see pictures.

 

[Mom2mitokids]

As a former Daytona Beach resident, I can suggest that you visit Ponce Inlet lighthouse. There is a little restaurant right across the lane from the light that has outside seating overlooking the inlet. I haven't eaten there in 20 years so can't vouch for food quality anymore, but Google maps suggests that it is still there. Even if it isn't, the lighthouse has tours. I plan on taking my family there when we are at GKTW next month. I hope it lives up to my memories!!


EDIT: Further checking shows it is The Lighthouse Landing Restaurant and Raw Bar. On Daytona's beach side, 10 miles south.

Thanks for the info. Going to check it out.

 

[Mom2mitokids]

I've noticed reading some of the TR that some parents are wearing the button and GAC. Is this OK? Did you have any problems w/ CM's when the child was not wearing the button? Just wondering.

My DD may give us a hard time wearing a button and lanyard. She just likes to do that some times

Also, are you to wear the button when walking around the village and downtown? I'm guessing maybe they go over this stuff at orientation

Thanks.

Kylee wore the button, but I wore the lanyard with GAC. I also pinned a MAW button to the lanyard to make it more noticeable.

 

[Mom2mitokids]

Hiya ! Glad to see you on , How are you all doing?

Thanks so much for sharing link, I can't wait to take a peek



LOL Goodness , we live about and hour from beach too, Only we have the atlantic, never seen the pacific Maybe down the road we will have to consider DisneyLand vs world as a trip soo we can drive to the pacific LOl OOooo would be fun

You should plan a trip to So Cal. Disneyland has different rides. The Haunted Manison, small world, and Pirates is completely different than Disneyworld.

 

[tidrow]

Hi all,

This is my first post. My family (wife, two seven-year old boys, four year-old boy, and me) will be making a wish trip to GKTW on 9/30. I have been obsessively reading these boards for the past couple months. I started on the second installment of the wish thread and have made my way to Page 132 of the third installment, with occasional detours to trip reports. Thanks so much to all who have posted information and experiences here.

I have a question for the board. My parents will be accompanying us on our trip. The villa at GKTW would be too packed for all of us, so my parents will stay at an off-site hotel. Our Make a Wish contact person told us that they will be able to join us for our meals at GKTW.

My parents recently emailed GKTW to ask for advice about nearby hotels. They got back a very nice email from GKTW that told them they would be welcome to spend time with us there during our stay, as well as some information about local hotels. However, the email said one thing that concerned us, which was that my parents would be able to join us for one meal during our stay. It would be a major bummer for all of us if they weren’t able to spend meals with us at GKTW.

Does anyone have any experiences with support people coming and staying offsite in terms of dining at GKTW? We would be willing to pay for them to eat their meals with us, although I don’t imagine that’s an option. We’re planning to call our wish contact and GKTW, but I thought it would be useful to first check on others’ experiences.

Thanks!

 

[J'sMum]

Hi all,

This is my first post. My family (wife, two seven-year old boys, four year-old boy, and me) will be making a wish trip to GKTW on 9/30. I have been obsessively reading these boards for the past couple months. I started on the second installment of the wish thread and have made my way to Page 132 of the third installment, with occasional detours to trip reports. Thanks so much to all who have posted information and experiences here.

I have a question for the board. My parents will be accompanying us on our trip. The villa at GKTW would be too packed for all of us, so my parents will stay at an off-site hotel. Our Make a Wish contact person told us that they will be able to join us for our meals at GKTW.

My parents recently emailed GKTW to ask for advice about nearby hotels. They got back a very nice email from GKTW that told them they would be welcome to spend time with us there during our stay, as well as some information about local hotels. However, the email said one thing that concerned us, which was that my parents would be able to join us for one meal during our stay. It would be a major bummer for all of us if they weren’t able to spend meals with us at GKTW.

Does anyone have any experiences with support people coming and staying offsite in terms of dining at GKTW? We would be willing to pay for them to eat their meals with us, although I don’t imagine that’s an option. We’re planning to call our wish contact and GKTW, but I thought it would be useful to first check on others’ experiences.

Thanks!

First I would love to say , Glad you are here ! From what I have been reading you parents should be able to purchase meal tickets for a very minimal price so that they can eat meals with you. I know maroo mentioned something a few posts ago about the cost, 5.00 for x# of meals pops in mind but do not quote me, I'll see if I can check back to that post, wasn't too long ago that this topic was brought up and the fact that i recall it is amazing !!!

Will you be doing a Pre trip report??? We would love to be able to follow along, I think I am safe in saying we as in all of us here lol The very first page will tell you how to start one *hopes ya do* OK well again welcome !!! Glad ya here and I will now go see if I can find the answer

 

[Mom2mitokids]

Hi all,

This is my first post. My family (wife, two seven-year old boys, four year-old boy, and me) will be making a wish trip to GKTW on 9/30. I have been obsessively reading these boards for the past couple months. I started on the second installment of the wish thread and have made my way to Page 132 of the third installment, with occasional detours to trip reports. Thanks so much to all who have posted information and experiences here.

I have a question for the board. My parents will be accompanying us on our trip. The villa at GKTW would be too packed for all of us, so my parents will stay at an off-site hotel. Our Make a Wish contact person told us that they will be able to join us for our meals at GKTW.

My parents recently emailed GKTW to ask for advice about nearby hotels. They got back a very nice email from GKTW that told them they would be welcome to spend time with us there during our stay, as well as some information about local hotels. However, the email said one thing that concerned us, which was that my parents would be able to join us for one meal during our stay. It would be a major bummer for all of us if they weren’t able to spend meals with us at GKTW.

Does anyone have any experiences with support people coming and staying offsite in terms of dining at GKTW? We would be willing to pay for them to eat their meals with us, although I don’t imagine that’s an option. We’re planning to call our wish contact and GKTW, but I thought it would be useful to first check on others’ experiences.

Thanks!

I'm not sure about the meals, but we are a family of 7 and we all fit in the Villa. One room has a king size bed(you and wife). The other room has 2 twin beds with a roll away bed. Then the sofa in living room pulls out and 2 more people can sleep there.

 

[J'sMum]

Ok so far i have found this much for you

Maroo had posted this on 11/12/2009 Not sure if this is still the cost.

She would have to pay for her meals. I believe they charge "extra" people $1.00 for each meal voucher that they need at GKTW - to cover the cost of the food.

I know when Maroo see's this she will know answer very well lol

Found a newer one ---

I have been back 3 times since our trip.

The first time I was coming to visit two wish families and I just had to have their name to get through the gate, but then they would not let me out of the check in area until that family came and got me - which I felt really bad about, because I think they were still sleeping when I got there (early meet for breakfast). So they had to get dressed and come all the way to the main building to escort me across campus.

But the last two times I came - both for meets with wish families - I just signed in as a previous wish tripper - I had to have Lauren's name and some info about her and the trip and they had my name on her list. So they gave me a welcome back name tag and a ticket to eat. I actually ended up purchasing a book of meal tickets for $20.00 or something like that, because I refused to eat there for free - Lauren was not even with me. And that was much easier than having to inconvenience another family to come escort me through GKTW. Hope that makes sense.

I did not call ahead for any of those times. I was able to give Lauren's name at the gate and they looked her up in the computer and had me sign in at the welcome desk.

 

[Mom2mitokids]

Hi all,

This is my first post. My family (wife, two seven-year old boys, four year-old boy, and me) will be making a wish trip to GKTW on 9/30. I have been obsessively reading these boards for the past couple months. I started on the second installment of the wish thread and have made my way to Page 132 of the third installment, with occasional detours to trip reports. Thanks so much to all who have posted information and experiences here.

I have a question for the board. My parents will be accompanying us on our trip. The villa at GKTW would be too packed for all of us, so my parents will stay at an off-site hotel. Our Make a Wish contact person told us that they will be able to join us for our meals at GKTW.

My parents recently emailed GKTW to ask for advice about nearby hotels. They got back a very nice email from GKTW that told them they would be welcome to spend time with us there during our stay, as well as some information about local hotels. However, the email said one thing that concerned us, which was that my parents would be able to join us for one meal during our stay. It would be a major bummer for all of us if they weren’t able to spend meals with us at GKTW.

Does anyone have any experiences with support people coming and staying offsite in terms of dining at GKTW? We would be willing to pay for them to eat their meals with us, although I don’t imagine that’s an option. We’re planning to call our wish contact and GKTW, but I thought it would be useful to first check on others’ experiences.

Thanks!

BTW... I hope we get to hear more about your family.