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

[yinyanggirls]

As far as eating at GKTW is concerned, if you are going to visit all (or even most) of the parks you won't be at GKTW all day every day and needing 3 meals for them (or you). They might be able to grab a continental brkfst at their own hotel before meeting up with you, then go to a park and eat lunch there, then return to GKTW for dinner together. Just as an example.

 

[tidrow]

Thank you SO much, both for the quick replies and for actually going to track down the information! That’s great to learn. We’re more than happy to pay, and it’s a relief to know we’ll be able to spend our time together.

I’m conflicted about starting a pre-trip report, but I’ll probably do it. For no solid reason I can place, I am reluctant to post my kids’ names and pictures in a public place. A bit about us. My wish kid (R) is seven. He is in many ways similar to jbrnhrt’s son: spina bifida, hydrocephalus, neurogenic bowel and bladder, arnold chiari. He also has a disorganized brain stem that has left his vocal chords paralyzed, him unable to deal with saliva and secretions, and paralysis on one side of his face. He uses a wheelchair, is trached, eats through a g-tube, and communicates via sign language. Otherwise, he is a typical kid going into second grade: smart, happy, beautiful, and with a great sense of humor. He has a twin brother (N) and a four year old brother (I), both typical kids.

I’m the planner in my family, so I have been the one in charge of setting the details for our trip. I have a schedule mapped out and a few ADR’s set (Liberty Tavern at MK, Biergarten at Epcot, and Hollywood and Vine at HS). They weren’t all our first choices, but we’re happy with what we got.

Our schedule looks like this:
Thursday (9/30): Arrive early at GKTW, just a couple hours at Sea World, Christmas at GKTW
Friday: Magic Kingdom in morning and through 3 PM parade (including ADR), a couple hours at Animal Kingdom, dinner at GKTW
Saturday: Universal
Sunday: Universal again and Lego store in downtown Disney
Monday: Epcot (with ADR for lunch)
Tuesday: Hollywood studios (ADR for lunch), dinner at GKTW and back to MK for Wishes
Wednesday: Hang out at GKTW (pony rides), with maybe an hour or so at Gatorland, flight home

My kids are all relatively timid, and they’re pretty limited in how much action they can take, so we’re going to shoot for being back at GKTW for the night each evening by 5 or 6 PM except the night we do Wishes. They’re in bed by about 7:45 EST each night at home, and we’re going to try to avoid pushing them too hard.

I do have a few other quick questions:

-Does the above itinerary have any glaring problems anyone sees?

-We originally planned to do MNVSHP on Sunday, but we’re thinking we’ll just spend the evening at GKTW and the Candyland game. I have read good things here about MNVSHP, even someone trying to book a trip when it’s happening, and we don’t want to miss it if it’s a must-see. At the same time, I think my guys will have plenty of action without it, and it seems best to avoid wiping them out. Would anyone say that MNVSHP is a must-do?

-Do passes from GKTW include Typhoon Lagoon? One thing I like about this board is that people here can appreciate that being the sibling of a special needs kid brings its own significant challenges. I think they are compounded for a twin, and we want to do what we can to make our wish kid’s twin have an extra special trip. I thought just him and me going to Typhoon Lagoon for a couple hours one evening might do the trick.

Thanks so much.

 

[maroo]

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!

Hello!

Let me be another person to welcome you to the Wish Trippers thread and to the DIS!

Looks like you have gotten several answers already...

I did want to mention that I think they do allow up to 7 to stay with you in the villa - and you would be right at that (but I totally understand if you guys want to let them stay in a hotel, too - might be cramped).

As far as meals...I think this sort of changes every now and then and depends some on who checks you in...

I have heard anything from "all meals for them are free" to "they have to pay for all their meals"...but even if they have to "pay" for their meals, they are a very nominal fee...like a dollar...per meal. You can buy little meal tickets.

So, either way, I think they will be fine to join you for meals when you are eating at GKTW.


Just a note of caution...I stayed at a hotel (Best Western, maybe) one night on the way down to GKTW and I didn't research it at all...it was close (there on 192) and seemed like the picture online looked fine...but it was kinda in a rough spot of town? A little...I know that is all in the eye of the beholder and depends on what we are used to...but I found it to be a bit run down. There are also some great places right by GKTW as well...so, I guess this long drawn out message is just to say.....check with www.tripadvisor.com and see what they rate the hotel where you plan to put them. Just to be safe and know they are in a great place.


You guys are going to have a great time!

I will be down there that weekend for a bunch of meets related to the half marathon (I can't do the half this time due to injury), but I might see you guys around!!

 

[maroo]

Thank you SO much, both for the quick replies and for actually going to track down the information! That’s great to learn. We’re more than happy to pay, and it’s a relief to know we’ll be able to spend our time together.

So glad we could help!!

I’m conflicted about starting a pre-trip report, but I’ll probably do it. For no solid reason I can place, I am reluctant to post my kids’ names and pictures in a public place. A bit about us. My wish kid (R) is seven. He is in many ways similar to jbrnhrt’s son: spina bifida, hydrocephalus, neurogenic bowel and bladder, arnold chiari. He also has a disorganized brain stem that has left his vocal chords paralyzed, him unable to deal with saliva and secretions, and paralysis on one side of his face. He uses a wheelchair, is trached, eats through a g-tube, and communicates via sign language. Otherwise, he is a typical kid going into second grade: smart, happy, beautiful, and with a great sense of humor. He has a twin brother (N) and a four year old brother (I), both typical kids.

I understand being a bit worried about posting pics... There are lots of us that just live our life right here on the DIS. I seriously would NOT recommend it if you are in some sort witness protection program or have someone that you don't want to be able to find you (this really has happened - I am not joking at all) - but if you are cool with people on Facebook and such, I think you will be fine posting pics on here. But totally up to you! Whatever you are comfortable with!

Sounds like you have a special young man there!

I’m the planner in my family, so I have been the one in charge of setting the details for our trip. I have a schedule mapped out and a few ADR’s set (Liberty Tavern at MK, Biergarten at Epcot, and Hollywood and Vine at HS). They weren’t all our first choices, but we’re happy with what we got.

I love Liberty Tavern! Had some of my best character interaction there!! And Biergarten is fun. I will be going to Hollywood and Vine for the first time in a few weeks.

Our schedule looks like this:
Thursday (9/30): Arrive early at GKTW, just a couple hours at Sea World, Christmas at GKTW
Friday: Magic Kingdom in morning and through 3 PM parade (including ADR), a couple hours at Animal Kingdom, dinner at GKTW
Saturday: Universal
Sunday: Universal again and Lego store in downtown Disney
Monday: Epcot (with ADR for lunch)
Tuesday: Hollywood studios (ADR for lunch), dinner at GKTW and back to MK for Wishes
Wednesday: Hang out at GKTW (pony rides), with maybe an hour or so at Gatorland, flight home

This sounds like a great plan!

My kids are all relatively timid, and they’re pretty limited in how much action they can take, so we’re going to shoot for being back at GKTW for the night each evening by 5 or 6 PM except the night we do Wishes. They’re in bed by about 7:45 EST each night at home, and we’re going to try to avoid pushing them too hard.

Very good thinking!! Lauren got pretty sick on her trip because she was wanting to go, go, go - but sounds like you are already stepping ahead of that!

I do have a few other quick questions:

-Does the above itinerary have any glaring problems anyone sees?

None that I see.... But I have not stared at any schedules or anything.

-We originally planned to do MNVSHP on Sunday, but we’re thinking we’ll just spend the evening at GKTW and the Candyland game. I have read good things here about MNVSHP, even someone trying to book a trip when it’s happening, and we don’t want to miss it if it’s a must-see. At the same time, I think my guys will have plenty of action without it, and it seems best to avoid wiping them out. Would anyone say that MNVSHP is a must-do?

Aw man!! I am going to be at that MNSSHP!! Bummer!! Selfishly...I say it is a must do. HA! But seriously...it is all up to your kids. They do have a cool parade and fireworks and adults can trick or treat... but it is also expensive.

For us...it allowed us a much needed 4th day at a Disney park without paying the price for a full day. We did the party and stayed out really late - we LOVED it... but Lauren did get sick because she did too much - so another one that is totally up to you guys.

-Do passes from GKTW include Typhoon Lagoon? One thing I like about this board is that people here can appreciate that being the sibling of a special needs kid brings its own significant challenges. I think they are compounded for a twin, and we want to do what we can to make our wish kid’s twin have an extra special trip. I thought just him and me going to Typhoon Lagoon for a couple hours one evening might do the trick.

I do think GKTW is able to get Typhoon Lagoon tickets...I am not positive of this...but I would definitely ask. You can call them - 1800-995-KIDS and they should be able to tell you right off.

Another option would be to treat him to one of those Pirate Adventures or something - You can get ticket to those for a pretty good price.

Thanks so much.

I almost missed thsi post.....

But I posted above in pink.

 

[jbrnhrt]

Thank you SO much, both for the quick replies and for actually going to track down the information! That’s great to learn. We’re more than happy to pay, and it’s a relief to know we’ll be able to spend our time together.

I’m conflicted about starting a pre-trip report, but I’ll probably do it. For no solid reason I can place, I am reluctant to post my kids’ names and pictures in a public place. A bit about us. My wish kid (R) is seven. He is in many ways similar to jbrnhrt’s son: spina bifida, hydrocephalus, neurogenic bowel and bladder, arnold chiari. He also has a disorganized brain stem that has left his vocal chords paralyzed, him unable to deal with saliva and secretions, and paralysis on one side of his face. He uses a wheelchair, is trached, eats through a g-tube, and communicates via sign language. Otherwise, he is a typical kid going into second grade: smart, happy, beautiful, and with a great sense of humor. He has a twin brother (N) and a four year old brother (I), both typical kids.

I’m the planner in my family, so I have been the one in charge of setting the details for our trip. I have a schedule mapped out and a few ADR’s set (Liberty Tavern at MK, Biergarten at Epcot, and Hollywood and Vine at HS). They weren’t all our first choices, but we’re happy with what we got.

Our schedule looks like this:
Thursday (9/30): Arrive early at GKTW, just a couple hours at Sea World, Christmas at GKTW
Friday: Magic Kingdom in morning and through 3 PM parade (including ADR), a couple hours at Animal Kingdom, dinner at GKTW
Saturday: Universal
Sunday: Universal again and Lego store in downtown Disney
Monday: Epcot (with ADR for lunch)
Tuesday: Hollywood studios (ADR for lunch), dinner at GKTW and back to MK for Wishes
Wednesday: Hang out at GKTW (pony rides), with maybe an hour or so at Gatorland, flight home

My kids are all relatively timid, and they’re pretty limited in how much action they can take, so we’re going to shoot for being back at GKTW for the night each evening by 5 or 6 PM except the night we do Wishes. They’re in bed by about 7:45 EST each night at home, and we’re going to try to avoid pushing them too hard.

I do have a few other quick questions:

-Does the above itinerary have any glaring problems anyone sees?

-We originally planned to do MNVSHP on Sunday, but we’re thinking we’ll just spend the evening at GKTW and the Candyland game. I have read good things here about MNVSHP, even someone trying to book a trip when it’s happening, and we don’t want to miss it if it’s a must-see. At the same time, I think my guys will have plenty of action without it, and it seems best to avoid wiping them out. Would anyone say that MNVSHP is a must-do?

-Do passes from GKTW include Typhoon Lagoon? One thing I like about this board is that people here can appreciate that being the sibling of a special needs kid brings its own significant challenges. I think they are compounded for a twin, and we want to do what we can to make our wish kid’s twin have an extra special trip. I thought just him and me going to Typhoon Lagoon for a couple hours one evening might do the trick.

Thanks so much.

welcome to the board! I myself have only been here for a few weeks, and it's been wonderful having the support of people in a similar situation, and hearing all the wonderful stories of everyone's wish trips. I have never been to florida, so I can't give any advice, but I just want to say hi! We are the family who made sure our son's wish trip is scheduled during MNSSHP. My son HATES trick or treating at home, but I guess the magic of Disney that's appealing?! My only thought is that you said the kids usually go to bed early, and limit their action, and the halloween party goes from 7pm-midnignt. I've read that past years people have been able to enter mk at 4pm even though the halloween stuff doesn't start til 7. There's talk, as there is every year, that Disney isn't going to allow access to mk till 7, we're all waiting til someone goes to the 1st party on sept 14th to see if they were able to get in at 4. I don't know if early admission will make a difference to you, but I personally wouldn't want to pay nearly $60 a person if we won't be staying for the whole party. But that's just me.
I think it's wonderful that you're going to have extra hands, and hearts along on your wish trip, we're lucky too to have the helps of our parents on a daily basis (they only live a few minutes away), but I'm glad to get away from them for a week!! lol
We have a general itinerary like you do, Where we want to go on certain days, and 1 adr. but other than that, we're winging. I think the key for wish trips is to take things in stride. Or at least try to.
I know that no matter what you try to do, you're family will have fun!!

 

[Haybuggsmom]

Thank you SO much, both for the quick replies and for actually going to track down the information! That’s great to learn. We’re more than happy to pay, and it’s a relief to know we’ll be able to spend our time together.

I’m conflicted about starting a pre-trip report, but I’ll probably do it. For no solid reason I can place, I am reluctant to post my kids’ names and pictures in a public place. A bit about us. My wish kid (R) is seven. He is in many ways similar to jbrnhrt’s son: spina bifida, hydrocephalus, neurogenic bowel and bladder, arnold chiari. He also has a disorganized brain stem that has left his vocal chords paralyzed, him unable to deal with saliva and secretions, and paralysis on one side of his face. He uses a wheelchair, is trached, eats through a g-tube, and communicates via sign language. Otherwise, he is a typical kid going into second grade: smart, happy, beautiful, and with a great sense of humor. He has a twin brother (N) and a four year old brother (I), both typical kids.


I’m the planner in my family, so I have been the one in charge of setting the details for our trip. I have a schedule mapped out and a few ADR’s set (Liberty Tavern at MK, Biergarten at Epcot, and Hollywood and Vine at HS). They weren’t all our first choices, but we’re happy with what we got.

Our schedule looks like this:
Thursday (9/30): Arrive early at GKTW, just a couple hours at Sea World, Christmas at GKTW
Friday: Magic Kingdom in morning and through 3 PM parade (including ADR), a couple hours at Animal Kingdom, dinner at GKTW
Saturday: Universal
Sunday: Universal again and Lego store in downtown Disney
Monday: Epcot (with ADR for lunch)
Tuesday: Hollywood studios (ADR for lunch), dinner at GKTW and back to MK for Wishes
Wednesday: Hang out at GKTW (pony rides), with maybe an hour or so at Gatorland, flight home

My kids are all relatively timid, and they’re pretty limited in how much action they can take, so we’re going to shoot for being back at GKTW for the night each evening by 5 or 6 PM except the night we do Wishes. They’re in bed by about 7:45 EST each night at home, and we’re going to try to avoid pushing them too hard.

I do have a few other quick questions:

-Does the above itinerary have any glaring problems anyone sees?

-We originally planned to do MNVSHP on Sunday, but we’re thinking we’ll just spend the evening at GKTW and the Candyland game. I have read good things here about MNVSHP, even someone trying to book a trip when it’s happening, and we don’t want to miss it if it’s a must-see. At the same time, I think my guys will have plenty of action without it, and it seems best to avoid wiping them out. Would anyone say that MNVSHP is a must-do?

-Do passes from GKTW include Typhoon Lagoon? One thing I like about this board is that people here can appreciate that being the sibling of a special needs kid brings its own significant challenges. I think they are compounded for a twin, and we want to do what we can to make our wish kid’s twin have an extra special trip. I thought just him and me going to Typhoon Lagoon for a couple hours one evening might do the trick.

Thanks so much.

WELCOME!!!! We are just missing each other. We are there from 9/18-24.
I hope you will start a PTR so we can get to know you and your kiddos. The challeneges as sometimes easier to face knowing that you have so mony people who share your experiences and love your child also.

We have not been on this board long but have seen and felt the extreme support, love and caring of all the families here.

As far as the ADRs our trip was a "quick plan" also. I finally got the ADRs we wanted by "stalking" the reservation site. I checked several times a day to see if anything we wanted opened up. I kept the ones I had until I got everything scheduled how we wanted it then canelled the ones I did not need. I would also inmagine there would be cancelations as the dates come closer.

 

[twinmum]

Thank you SO much, both for the quick replies and for actually going to track down the information! That’s great to learn. We’re more than happy to pay, and it’s a relief to know we’ll be able to spend our time together.

I’m conflicted about starting a pre-trip report, but I’ll probably do it. For no solid reason I can place, I am reluctant to post my kids’ names and pictures in a public place. A bit about us. My wish kid (R) is seven. He is in many ways similar to jbrnhrt’s son: spina bifida, hydrocephalus, neurogenic bowel and bladder, arnold chiari. He also has a disorganized brain stem that has left his vocal chords paralyzed, him unable to deal with saliva and secretions, and paralysis on one side of his face. He uses a wheelchair, is trached, eats through a g-tube, and communicates via sign language. Otherwise, he is a typical kid going into second grade: smart, happy, beautiful, and with a great sense of humor. He has a twin brother (N) and a four year old brother (I), both typical kids.

I’m the planner in my family, so I have been the one in charge of setting the details for our trip. I have a schedule mapped out and a few ADR’s set (Liberty Tavern at MK, Biergarten at Epcot, and Hollywood and Vine at HS). They weren’t all our first choices, but we’re happy with what we got.

Our schedule looks like this:
Thursday (9/30): Arrive early at GKTW, just a couple hours at Sea World, Christmas at GKTW
Friday: Magic Kingdom in morning and through 3 PM parade (including ADR), a couple hours at Animal Kingdom, dinner at GKTW
Saturday: Universal
Sunday: Universal again and Lego store in downtown Disney
Monday: Epcot (with ADR for lunch)
Tuesday: Hollywood studios (ADR for lunch), dinner at GKTW and back to MK for Wishes
Wednesday: Hang out at GKTW (pony rides), with maybe an hour or so at Gatorland, flight home

My kids are all relatively timid, and they’re pretty limited in how much action they can take, so we’re going to shoot for being back at GKTW for the night each evening by 5 or 6 PM except the night we do Wishes. They’re in bed by about 7:45 EST each night at home, and we’re going to try to avoid pushing them too hard.

I do have a few other quick questions:

-Does the above itinerary have any glaring problems anyone sees?

-We originally planned to do MNVSHP on Sunday, but we’re thinking we’ll just spend the evening at GKTW and the Candyland game. I have read good things here about MNVSHP, even someone trying to book a trip when it’s happening, and we don’t want to miss it if it’s a must-see. At the same time, I think my guys will have plenty of action without it, and it seems best to avoid wiping them out. Would anyone say that MNVSHP is a must-do?

-Do passes from GKTW include Typhoon Lagoon? One thing I like about this board is that people here can appreciate that being the sibling of a special needs kid brings its own significant challenges. I think they are compounded for a twin, and we want to do what we can to make our wish kid’s twin have an extra special trip. I thought just him and me going to Typhoon Lagoon for a couple hours one evening might do the trick.

Thanks so much.

Welcome to the WishTrippers thread! Our son's Wish Trip was in Nov 2008, so I defer to those whose trips are more recent to answer most questions. However, I can relate to something you mentioned - our Wish Kid is also a twin. They were just turned 10 when we were on the Wish Trip. I was very concerned about Douglas feeling left out and Mark being the star of the show, but this was certainly NOT the case.

With our boys, D is a much more daring rider than M, so my DH was able to take him off for some wilder rides. If you can tell us more about their differences in likes/dislikes, maybe we can think of some ideas. The one magical thing that worked for us is no longer available, but we'll all think about it (Coral Reef restaurant has divers who used to hold up signs, we were right by the aquarium and I'd been able to arrange for a sign that said "Welcome DB and family" (like the welcome signs the GKTW greeters use to find you at the airport). We also got special menus that highlighted him. Sadly, I think the requests for these were huge and as far as I know, this is no longer done). AT GKTW, the only 2 differences between wish child and siblings were the stuffy given upon arrival (Mickey vs. Shamu...still the same?) and only the wish child does the star.

I felt that the CMs and GKTW volunteers seemed to realize that wish siblings are special too. I hope you'll find this to be the case.

I won't be on for a few days, but I'll look for any more comments from you!

Alison

 

[kayrason333]

Thank you SO much, both for the quick replies and for actually going to track down the information! That’s great to learn. We’re more than happy to pay, and it’s a relief to know we’ll be able to spend our time together.

I’m conflicted about starting a pre-trip report, but I’ll probably do it. For no solid reason I can place, I am reluctant to post my kids’ names and pictures in a public place. A bit about us. My wish kid (R) is seven. He is in many ways similar to jbrnhrt’s son: spina bifida, hydrocephalus, neurogenic bowel and bladder, arnold chiari. He also has a disorganized brain stem that has left his vocal chords paralyzed, him unable to deal with saliva and secretions, and paralysis on one side of his face. He uses a wheelchair, is trached, eats through a g-tube, and communicates via sign language. Otherwise, he is a typical kid going into second grade: smart, happy, beautiful, and with a great sense of humor. He has a twin brother (N) and a four year old brother (I), both typical kids.

I’m the planner in my family, so I have been the one in charge of setting the details for our trip. I have a schedule mapped out and a few ADR’s set (Liberty Tavern at MK, Biergarten at Epcot, and Hollywood and Vine at HS). They weren’t all our first choices, but we’re happy with what we got.

Our schedule looks like this:
Thursday (9/30): Arrive early at GKTW, just a couple hours at Sea World, Christmas at GKTW
Friday: Magic Kingdom in morning and through 3 PM parade (including ADR), a couple hours at Animal Kingdom, dinner at GKTW
Saturday: Universal
Sunday: Universal again and Lego store in downtown Disney
Monday: Epcot (with ADR for lunch)
Tuesday: Hollywood studios (ADR for lunch), dinner at GKTW and back to MK for Wishes
Wednesday: Hang out at GKTW (pony rides), with maybe an hour or so at Gatorland, flight home

My kids are all relatively timid, and they’re pretty limited in how much action they can take, so we’re going to shoot for being back at GKTW for the night each evening by 5 or 6 PM except the night we do Wishes. They’re in bed by about 7:45 EST each night at home, and we’re going to try to avoid pushing them too hard.

I do have a few other quick questions:

-Does the above itinerary have any glaring problems anyone sees?

-We originally planned to do MNVSHP on Sunday, but we’re thinking we’ll just spend the evening at GKTW and the Candyland game. I have read good things here about MNVSHP, even someone trying to book a trip when it’s happening, and we don’t want to miss it if it’s a must-see. At the same time, I think my guys will have plenty of action without it, and it seems best to avoid wiping them out. Would anyone say that MNVSHP is a must-do?

-Do passes from GKTW include Typhoon Lagoon? One thing I like about this board is that people here can appreciate that being the sibling of a special needs kid brings its own significant challenges. I think they are compounded for a twin, and we want to do what we can to make our wish kid’s twin have an extra special trip. I thought just him and me going to Typhoon Lagoon for a couple hours one evening might do the trick.

Thanks so much.

Welcome!!! We will be at GKTW at the same time you are there. We get there on 9/26 and leave 10/2. Hopefully we will see you there!

 

[billwendy]

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!

HI!
My DH and I were the support people when our nephew and his family went on his MAW trip in April. There were 7 of them in their family so DH and I just stayed at the POP century. It was really easy to get from WDW to GKTW and with us staying there it made it so there was no pressure of meeting at a certain place at a certain time. All we did was determine which park and DH and I would be there when they called to say they were coming.

While we were welcome to spend as much time at GKTW as we wanted, we were only permitted to enjoy 1 meal and 1 ice cream with our family. They would not allow us to purchase additional meal vouchers or anything. They just pointed out to us that there were restaurants close by that we could eat at or get take out. We were really BUMMED!!!!

Have a wonderful trip!!!

 

[jbrnhrt]

we'll be on our wish trip the same time as your family!

 

[Haybuggsmom]

we'll be on our wish trip the same time as your family!

YEA!!! Hopefully we will meet up!

 

[tidrow]

Thank you all for the warm welcome and helpful advice.

Although we could all stay in the villa, we thought it would get a little too packed, especially for my parents when we’re dealing with getting the kids to bed and up in the morning.

I think we’ll play MNVSHP by ear, not planning to go but trying to get tickets day-of if we decide to.

I hope we get a chance to meet those of you who will be there at the same time as us!

I called GKTW about the dining. It sounds as though they no longer have the option of buying meal vouchers. They told me that guests staying off site can visit with a wish family for one meal and one ice cream (as Wendy said). However, because we only have five in our villa, and we have two additional visitors (keeping us at 7 or less), we can have my parents “stay” with us in the villa. Everything would be as though they are staying in the villa with us; they’ll just leave to sleep somewhere else each night. That way, they’ll be able to join us for all of our meals. They didn’t guarantee it would be approved, but it sounded more or less like a done deal. I didn’t want to seem pushy, so I didn’t ask about Typhoon Lagoon.

 

[Haybuggsmom]

Hey guys!
Being the bargain lady I am I of course am tyring to find money savings and came upon.

If anyone is Military and going to MNSSHP in Sep they are selling miitary discount tickets for $40.23 tax included. They can only be baught at guest services or the ticket counter.

Can save some bucks. Saves us $55.

 

[Haybuggsmom]

I called GKTW about the dining. It sounds as though they no longer have the option of buying meal vouchers. They told me that guests staying off site can visit with a wish family for one meal and one ice cream (as Wendy said). However, because we only have five in our villa, and we have two additional visitors (keeping us at 7 or less), we can have my parents “stay” with us in the villa. Everything would be as though they are staying in the villa with us; they’ll just leave to sleep somewhere else each night. That way, they’ll be able to join us for all of our meals. They didn’t guarantee it would be approved, but it sounded more or less like a done deal. I didn’t want to seem pushy, so I didn’t ask about Typhoon Lagoon.

This is really helpful for us too!!!
Did they say if this is done through your Wish Foundation or do you just tell them that they are staying when you check in? Or pre approval. I'd also like to do it with my parents as we only have the 4 of us going.

 

[kayrason333]

This is really helpful for us too!!!
Did they say if this is done through your Wish Foundation or do you just tell them that they are staying when you check in? Or pre approval. I'd also like to do it with my parents as we only have the 4 of us going.

My parents are staying with us and we had to go through our wish foundation. They sent release of liability paperwork to everyone that would be "staying at the villa".

 

[Haybuggsmom]

My parents are staying with us and we had to go through our wish foundation. They sent release of liability paperwork to everyone that would be "staying at the villa".

AWESOME!! I will shoot her an email today!!

 

[Mom2mitokids]

Thank you all for the warm welcome and helpful advice.

Although we could all stay in the villa, we thought it would get a little too packed, especially for my parents when we’re dealing with getting the kids to bed and up in the morning.

I think we’ll play MNVSHP by ear, not planning to go but trying to get tickets day-of if we decide to.

I hope we get a chance to meet those of you who will be there at the same time as us!

I called GKTW about the dining. It sounds as though they no longer have the option of buying meal vouchers. They told me that guests staying off site can visit with a wish family for one meal and one ice cream (as Wendy said). However, because we only have five in our villa, and we have two additional visitors (keeping us at 7 or less), we can have my parents “stay” with us in the villa. Everything would be as though they are staying in the villa with us; they’ll just leave to sleep somewhere else each night. That way, they’ll be able to join us for all of our meals. They didn’t guarantee it would be approved, but it sounded more or less like a done deal. I didn’t want to seem pushy, so I didn’t ask about Typhoon Lagoon.

Sounds like everything is in place than. If you find out about Typhoon Lagoon..please post it here.

 

[jbrnhrt]

I'm wondering if maw provides transportation from your house to your local airport and then back home again? Just wondering so I.know if we need to arrange for my dad to drop us off and pick us up (cuz I donNt want to leave our car at the airport)

 

[Haybuggsmom]

I'm wondering if maw provides transportation from your house to your local airport and then back home again? Just wondering so I.know if we need to arrange for my dad to drop us off and pick us up (cuz I donNt want to leave our car at the airport)

My neighbor went through MAW and they were picked up in a limo.
We are through another group Toby's Dream and we too are being privided transportation (A LIMO!!!)

I would check with your chapter though.

 

[Mom2mitokids]

I'm wondering if maw provides transportation from your house to your local airport and then back home again? Just wondering so I.know if we need to arrange for my dad to drop us off and pick us up (cuz I donNt want to leave our car at the airport)

It's either a limo or shuttle. We were given a Shuttle.