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

[sacall]

Well, we returned Sunday from our Disney/Universal MAW trip for Emma. We had a GREAT TIME I do not have time to do a trip report, but I will report back on some things that helped us.

1. Be sure to wear your MAW T-shirts to the airport. When we flew out - our airport was great! I had already paid for our bags, but they would have let them go for free. Plus, we did not have to wait in the regular security line, but went through the 1st Class line. Did not have the same treatment at MCO, but it was nice at our airport.

2. GKTW - I mentioned before that we had reservations that evening at Crystal Palace but we still needed to check in at the Poly. Didn't know how that was going to happen if we had to be back at GKTW around 7:00 pm for orientation. When we checked in, I told them our situation and they did a private orientation for us So, that worked out great!

About GKTW, it was nice, we had lunch there on our first day, but we never made it back. If you are staying there, I would give yourself at least 45 minutes to 1 hour if you are driving to and from any of the Disney parks.

3. Poly - Was great, loved, loved, loved the location. It was really nice going back for a break during the day when it was really hot (and I mean it was really hot last week!). We did drive to Disney Studios and Animal Kindgom since we didn't want to wait for the bus since they seemed to be really crowded.

Just an FYI - we do not have a handicapped sticker for Emma but we wanted to find out if we could park close to the entrance since when she has to get out of the heat, she really needs to be out of the heat immediately. They told us we could show our GAC and ask for the Medical parking lot which is right with the handicapped parking lot. That worked out really well, the parking was really close to the park entrance.

4. GAC and Universal Guest Card - They worked great All though it was super crowded last week (a lot of people from Europe), we never had to wait in line or worry about fastpasses. We used all of the fastpass entrances or handicap entrance at Disney. We also did the same at Universal (did the Harry Potter ride in 5 minutes when the line was around 45 minutes). It really allowed us to see the park in the morning, take a break in the afternoon and then come back in the evening.

The Disney GAC also worked for seeing the Characters. We just had to show the CM at the front of the line. It really worked great at EPCOT where they have Mickey, Pluto, Minnie, Donald and Goofey. That wait was over 2 hours, but with the GAC and MAW button, we got right in to see them.

5. Disney Photopass. When we checked in at GKTW, we received a free Disney Photopass CD - so don't order it like I did before you leave. Now, I have to see how to get a refund.

6. Tickets - we did have to buy two additional days, but that was fine with me.

7. Switching cars - we were able to end our MAW car reservation at the Disney Car Care Center. National was even nice enough to let us keep our same car so we didn't have to move our luggage. They didn't even charge us extra since we had an SUV and we had rented a full size car.

If you have any other questions, just let me know.

We had a great time - all of the people we meet both at Disney and Universal were wonderful It truly is a once in a lifetime trip for Emma and our family

Stacy

 

[Haybuggsmom]

It's 1:15am. We got the Disney Vacation DVD in the mail today and watched it twice before dinner. My enthusiasm ebbs and flows, and just now it's WAY ebbed! In 2 weeks we will have finished our first full day at GKTW. Only one weekend left for buying the things my wife thinks we need. Packing will start in earnest by 1 Sept and I'm sure the kids will consider the job done in about 10 minutes with a random selection of textiles stuffed in a grocery bag.

I guess I'll work on a packing list.

Yea!!! 2 weeks left. I know the excitement is running crazy in your house!!

 

[brookerene]

I am glad your trip went well. Sounds like everything worked out niceley. I'll be checkin out your PTR!

 

[rcq925]

Well, we returned Sunday from our Disney/Universal MAW trip for Emma. We had a GREAT TIME I do not have time to do a trip report, but I will report back on some things that helped us.

1. Be sure to wear your MAW T-shirts to the airport. When we flew out - our airport was great! I had already paid for our bags, but they would have let them go for free. Plus, we did not have to wait in the regular security line, but went through the 1st Class line. Did not have the same treatment at MCO, but it was nice at our airport.

2. GKTW - I mentioned before that we had reservations that evening at Crystal Palace but we still needed to check in at the Poly. Didn't know how that was going to happen if we had to be back at GKTW around 7:00 pm for orientation. When we checked in, I told them our situation and they did a private orientation for us So, that worked out great!

About GKTW, it was nice, we had lunch there on our first day, but we never made it back. If you are staying there, I would give yourself at least 45 minutes to 1 hour if you are driving to and from any of the Disney parks.

3. Poly - Was great, loved, loved, loved the location. It was really nice going back for a break during the day when it was really hot (and I mean it was really hot last week!). We did drive to Disney Studios and Animal Kindgom since we didn't want to wait for the bus since they seemed to be really crowded.

Just an FYI - we do not have a handicapped sticker for Emma but we wanted to find out if we could park close to the entrance since when she has to get out of the heat, she really needs to be out of the heat immediately. They told us we could show our GAC and ask for the Medical parking lot which is right with the handicapped parking lot. That worked out really well, the parking was really close to the park entrance.

4. GAC and Universal Guest Card - They worked great All though it was super crowded last week (a lot of people from Europe), we never had to wait in line or worry about fastpasses. We used all of the fastpass entrances or handicap entrance at Disney. We also did the same at Universal (did the Harry Potter ride in 5 minutes when the line was around 45 minutes). It really allowed us to see the park in the morning, take a break in the afternoon and then come back in the evening.

The Disney GAC also worked for seeing the Characters. We just had to show the CM at the front of the line. It really worked great at EPCOT where they have Mickey, Pluto, Minnie, Donald and Goofey. That wait was over 2 hours, but with the GAC and MAW button, we got right in to see them.

5. Disney Photopass. When we checked in at GKTW, we received a free Disney Photopass CD - so don't order it like I did before you leave. Now, I have to see how to get a refund.

6. Tickets - we did have to buy two additional days, but that was fine with me.

7. Switching cars - we were able to end our MAW car reservation at the Disney Car Care Center. National was even nice enough to let us keep our same car so we didn't have to move our luggage. They didn't even charge us extra since we had an SUV and we had rented a full size car.

If you have any other questions, just let me know.

We had a great time - all of the people we meet both at Disney and Universal were wonderful It truly is a once in a lifetime trip for Emma and our family

Stacy

So glad you had such a wonderful time! Even in the HOT weather!!

 

[maroo]

Well, we returned Sunday from our Disney/Universal MAW trip for Emma. We had a GREAT TIME I do not have time to do a trip report, but I will report back on some things that helped us.

1. Be sure to wear your MAW T-shirts to the airport. When we flew out - our airport was great! I had already paid for our bags, but they would have let them go for free. Plus, we did not have to wait in the regular security line, but went through the 1st Class line. Did not have the same treatment at MCO, but it was nice at our airport.

2. GKTW - I mentioned before that we had reservations that evening at Crystal Palace but we still needed to check in at the Poly. Didn't know how that was going to happen if we had to be back at GKTW around 7:00 pm for orientation. When we checked in, I told them our situation and they did a private orientation for us So, that worked out great!

About GKTW, it was nice, we had lunch there on our first day, but we never made it back. If you are staying there, I would give yourself at least 45 minutes to 1 hour if you are driving to and from any of the Disney parks.

3. Poly - Was great, loved, loved, loved the location. It was really nice going back for a break during the day when it was really hot (and I mean it was really hot last week!). We did drive to Disney Studios and Animal Kindgom since we didn't want to wait for the bus since they seemed to be really crowded.

Just an FYI - we do not have a handicapped sticker for Emma but we wanted to find out if we could park close to the entrance since when she has to get out of the heat, she really needs to be out of the heat immediately. They told us we could show our GAC and ask for the Medical parking lot which is right with the handicapped parking lot. That worked out really well, the parking was really close to the park entrance.

4. GAC and Universal Guest Card - They worked great All though it was super crowded last week (a lot of people from Europe), we never had to wait in line or worry about fastpasses. We used all of the fastpass entrances or handicap entrance at Disney. We also did the same at Universal (did the Harry Potter ride in 5 minutes when the line was around 45 minutes). It really allowed us to see the park in the morning, take a break in the afternoon and then come back in the evening.

The Disney GAC also worked for seeing the Characters. We just had to show the CM at the front of the line. It really worked great at EPCOT where they have Mickey, Pluto, Minnie, Donald and Goofey. That wait was over 2 hours, but with the GAC and MAW button, we got right in to see them.

5. Disney Photopass. When we checked in at GKTW, we received a free Disney Photopass CD - so don't order it like I did before you leave. Now, I have to see how to get a refund.

6. Tickets - we did have to buy two additional days, but that was fine with me.

7. Switching cars - we were able to end our MAW car reservation at the Disney Car Care Center. National was even nice enough to let us keep our same car so we didn't have to move our luggage. They didn't even charge us extra since we had an SUV and we had rented a full size car.

If you have any other questions, just let me know.

We had a great time - all of the people we meet both at Disney and Universal were wonderful It truly is a once in a lifetime trip for Emma and our family

Stacy

This is so good to hear!!! I am so glad you had a good time! Thank you so very much for coming back and sharing your tips!!!

Yes - Any Lurker families out there.... you get a FREE PHOTOPASS CD from Disney when you get to GKTW! That is important to note!

And shirts at the airport are a great suggestion!

 

[yinyanggirls]

This is so good to hear!!! I am so glad you had a good time! Thank you so very much for coming back and sharing your tips!!!

Yes - Any Lurker families out there.... you get a FREE PHOTOPASS CD from Disney when you get to GKTW! That is important to note!

And shirts at the airport are a great suggestion!

One more not about the Photopass - our picture with Cinderella at CRT lunch could have been included on it had I noticed it in time. There is a Photopass id number on the print that you can add to your account before you order the free cd. I'm guessing BBB and others would do the same.

 

[LindaBabe]

Quote:
Originally Posted by LindaBabe
One month until our family visit to WDW - if any of you would like postcards for your wish kids from "Fairy Grandma Linda" Please pm your wish child's name, snail addy, favorite character(s) and is your trip past or future (also is there anything special you want in the message.)


Maroo - someone may want you to vouch for the safety of this - if you wouldn't mind?

Quote:
Originally Posted by maroo
This is completely safe!


Thanks for doing this, Linda!

Just a reminder - in case you didn't see the first message

 

[casper_jj11]

One more not about the Photopass - our picture with Cinderella at CRT lunch could have been included on it had I noticed it in time. There is a Photopass id number on the print that you can add to your account before you order the free cd. I'm guessing BBB and others would do the same.

At BBB they add the pics to your photopass as they do it. At other places, they don't. You're right about CRT. You can also add Ohana's pics, 1900 Park Fare pics and Akershus pics to the photopass then you have all the pics they take so you can choose the ones you want to print and the sizes ... I mean, how many 8x10 pics can you have around the house

 

[balloondoggle]

Well, we returned Sunday from our Disney/Universal MAW trip for Emma. We had a GREAT TIME I do not have time to do a trip report, but I will report back on some things that helped us.

1. Be sure to wear your MAW T-shirts to the airport. When we flew out - our airport was great! I had already paid for our bags, but they would have let them go for free. Plus, we did not have to wait in the regular security line, but went through the 1st Class line. Did not have the same treatment at MCO, but it was nice at our airport.

About GKTW, it was nice, we had lunch there on our first day, but we never made it back. If you are staying there, I would give yourself at least 45 minutes to 1 hour if you are driving to and from any of the Disney parks.

4. GAC and Universal Guest Card - They worked great All though it was super crowded last week (a lot of people from Europe), we never had to wait in line or worry about fastpasses. We used all of the fastpass entrances or handicap entrance at Disney. We also did the same at Universal (did the Harry Potter ride in 5 minutes when the line was around 45 minutes). It really allowed us to see the park in the morning, take a break in the afternoon and then come back in the evening.

The Disney GAC also worked for seeing the Characters. We just had to show the CM at the front of the line. It really worked great at EPCOT where they have Mickey, Pluto, Minnie, Donald and Goofey. That wait was over 2 hours, but with the GAC and MAW button, we got right in to see them.

5. Disney Photopass. When we checked in at GKTW, we received a free Disney Photopass CD - so don't order it like I did before you leave. Now, I have to see how to get a refund.




Stacy

Thanks for these tips. I don't know if we'll have MAW t's or not, but if so we'll be sure to follow your advice. And the travel time from WDW to GKTW is an important consideration.

Yea!!! 2 weeks left. I know the excitement is running crazy in your house!!

My son (8yo) is now scared to death actually. He's afraid of Halloween decorations to the point that we can't get him anywhere near that part of a store in the fall. The Disney DVD included about 5 seconds of video from the Haunted Mansion and I commented that I remembered that ride from when I was there some 30 years ago and looked forward to seeing it again. He started crying because he didn't want to ride it. Calmed him down and put him to bed. Next day he's all smiles, goes off to school no problem. Yesterday afternoon the principal calls me - he had gone to tears again at school thinking about it!!!! This kid didn't used to know what fear is and now he breaks down thinking about the possibility that a ride may scare him. We found some videos of the ride on YouTube and I made him sit through those. He's a little less nervous, but I don't see us riding it as a family now. I'm not going to skip it since everyone else is fine with it, but we can't just leave him sitting somewhere while we ride.

 

[alaskanabbott]

Hi friends! Well we are finally decided and it looks like we are going back to WDW in January! We were going to do a cruise, but with the uncertainty of James health, we decided a land trip is better suited for now. My question is about going back to GKTW. We heard we can return to see his star as guests. Do we call them first and request to do so? Also while we are at GKTW do we get to do all the "stuff" there? James really wants to spend one day of the trip at the village, riding the merry-go-round, eating ice cream...but I wasn't sure that was part of our "guest" status. Remember we had to miss almost of of the special "nights" at GKTW b/c they closed the village due to the roto-virus, so it would be really neat to be able to stay for the Pirates and Princess party, or Candy-land, or something! Also I am realistic and realize this isn't his wish trip, and those things may not be possible to do again.
Finally, how hard is it to get a GAC? I have his medical info from his doctor, but we're wondering if we should have anything specific, and again do we call in advance to request a GAC or just show up at Town Hall? (also understanding his GAC will not be a "wish" GAC)

 

[maroo]

Hi friends! Well we are finally decided and it looks like we are going back to WDW in January! We were going to do a cruise, but with the uncertainty of James health, we decided a land trip is better suited for now.

So sorry James isn't doing good enough to do a sea voyage.

My question is about going back to GKTW. We heard we can return to see his star as guests. Do we call them first and request to do so?

You don't have to call ahead - but you certainly can!

Also while we are at GKTW do we get to do all the "stuff" there?

Yes - you can do anything but sleep there. Each family gets a meal ticket and an ice cream ticket and has freedom to go around the resort as you want to participate in things. You get a welcome back sticker to wear.

James really wants to spend one day of the trip at the village, riding the merry-go-round, eating ice cream...but I wasn't sure that was part of our "guest" status.

This is definitely ok!

Remember we had to miss almost of of the special "nights" at GKTW b/c they closed the village due to the roto-virus, so it would be really neat to be able to stay for the Pirates and Princess party, or Candy-land, or something! Also I am realistic and realize this isn't his wish trip, and those things may not be possible to do again.

You can do it all "again" - or in your case for the first time. Make sure you tell them when you "check in" that you guys had all of that stuff cancel on ya and they will make sure you have the most up to date schedule of events.

I am going for Christmas next week - next Thursday night - with Noah's family and they will be returning, obviously. I know how it is when I return, but I am curious to see if there is anything different for them (with their kids visiting Santa, etc). So I will report on that when I get back.


Finally, how hard is it to get a GAC? I have his medical info from his doctor, but we're wondering if we should have anything specific, and again do we call in advance to request a GAC or just show up at Town Hall? (also understanding his GAC will not be a "wish" GAC)

It is not hard at all! Just go to Guest Services at the first park and let them know what your needs are. You can show them the old one, but basically you just need to tell them what his needs are so that they can put the right stamp on there.

We can't discuss specific stamps, but I will PM you.

Hello! Good to see ya!


I will answer above in pink.

 

[alaskanabbott]

Thanks for the point by point! He is going to be so excited to go back to GKTW! We are not counting the cruise out forever, just for now From what I hear we are going in a very quiet time at WDW so it should be fairly relaxing. I can't wait to hear about Noah's family's return trip...I'm sure it will be emotional, I hope it brings some joy too.

 

[jen-y]

I think I might have asked this before, but I forgot.
Nicholas only has 3 meds that I have to bring, but 1 of them is liquid. I am debating about whether to pack them in the checked luggage or carry on. Probably carry on (incase luggage gets lost) but will I have a hard time with the liquid? Also, 1 of his pills I have to crush, so I mix it in Hershey syrup (to mask the bitterness) and the other pill is small, so he swallows it whole, but mixed in with some applesauce. Should I bring Hershey syrup and applesauce from home, or just find a store when we get there?

 

[balloondoggle]

I think I might have asked this before, but I forgot.
Nicholas only has 3 meds that I have to bring, but 1 of them is liquid. I am debating about whether to pack them in the checked luggage or carry on. Probably carry on (incase luggage gets lost) but will I have a hard time with the liquid? Also, 1 of his pills I have to crush, so I mix it in Hershey syrup (to mask the bitterness) and the other pill is small, so he swallows it whole, but mixed in with some applesauce. Should I bring Hershey syrup and applesauce from home, or just find a store when we get there?

I've been debating the drug issue myself and decided that since it's all in the prescription bottles TSA should be okay with it. If they have a real problem, I can put it in a bag that is attached to Kayla's wheelchair and then it will be last on-first off in the cargo area. Freezing temps could be a concern so I don't want to risk checking it.

The syrup and applesauce I would buy locally. No point in carrying something so easily and cheaply obtained there. The less you have to carry on a flight, the better.

 

[Wee Annie]

I think I might have asked this before, but I forgot.
Nicholas only has 3 meds that I have to bring, but 1 of them is liquid. I am debating about whether to pack them in the checked luggage or carry on. Probably carry on (incase luggage gets lost) but will I have a hard time with the liquid? Also, 1 of his pills I have to crush, so I mix it in Hershey syrup (to mask the bitterness) and the other pill is small, so he swallows it whole, but mixed in with some applesauce. Should I bring Hershey syrup and applesauce from home, or just find a store when we get there?

We've flown with Elke three times since her ALL diagnosis (including her wish trip last April) and have never had a problem traveling with a large number of her liquid medications and ice packs to keep them cool. At last count, Elke had 12 liquid medications, four of which have to be kept cool. We put them all in a cooler bag, and declared them to TSA before placing them on the conveyor belt. They obviously have to do a personal inspection of them, and some airports will even, supposedly, "test" the liquid, but we've never had them do the latter. Once they "tested" one of our cooler packs, but that was it.

TSA requirements specifically allow for liquid meds in carry-ons in sizes greater than 3 oz. I came prepared each time with a drs' note stating Elke's diagnosis, listing all of her liquid meds, and asking for them to allow her to travel on the plane with them, but no one really ever needed to read the letter. Only TSA in Orlando, on the way home, had any issue, and that was because they told me that the cooler packs I was using were not the ones they usually allowed. But they let me through (what were they going to do? Toss them and let her chemo go bad?). And every other airport has allowed those very cooler packs through without comment.

I would never check any necessary meds in your luggage -- can you imagine the problem if the luggage was lost? We also traveled with an extra g-tube and the supplies necessary for its insertion (sterile water and surgilube) "just in case" her Mic-Key button came out during the flight (per her GI dr's request). Never have had a problem with any of these.

 

[Haybuggsmom]

I've been debating the drug issue myself and decided that since it's all in the prescription bottles TSA should be okay with it. If they have a real problem, I can put it in a bag that is attached to Kayla's wheelchair and then it will be last on-first off in the cargo area. Freezing temps could be a concern so I don't want to risk checking it.

.

We took Haylee with us in April for Amber's comp. We took all her meds in her carry on. We had 1 powder, 1 liquid, 1 pills, then apple juice(we use for the crushed) water and pediasure. They did make up open the water so they could test it. Other than that they just looked at it. They did tell us it all needed to be in the origional bottles. I am scared to check her liquid bottles because they are glass

 

[rcq925]

Hello! Good to see ya!


I will answer above in pink.

That is so cool that you can always go back and visit!

So glad that James and the whole gang will be able to go back to WDW and GKTW! I feel really bad that the rotovirus hit while you guys were there and shut everything down!

Hope you have much better luck in January!!

 

[cajunfan]

Hi friends! Well we are finally decided and it looks like we are going back to WDW in January! We were going to do a cruise, but with the uncertainty of James health, we decided a land trip is better suited for now. My question is about going back to GKTW. We heard we can return to see his star as guests. Do we call them first and request to do so? Also while we are at GKTW do we get to do all the "stuff" there? James really wants to spend one day of the trip at the village, riding the merry-go-round, eating ice cream...but I wasn't sure that was part of our "guest" status. Remember we had to miss almost of of the special "nights" at GKTW b/c they closed the village due to the roto-virus, so it would be really neat to be able to stay for the Pirates and Princess party, or Candy-land, or something! Also I am realistic and realize this isn't his wish trip, and those things may not be possible to do again.
Finally, how hard is it to get a GAC? I have his medical info from his doctor, but we're wondering if we should have anything specific, and again do we call in advance to request a GAC or just show up at Town Hall? (also understanding his GAC will not be a "wish" GAC)

How is Dakota? I have been meaning to go back to your Trip report and find out!

Lynn

 

[SueM in MN]

I think I might have asked this before, but I forgot.
Nicholas only has 3 meds that I have to bring, but 1 of them is liquid. I am debating about whether to pack them in the checked luggage or carry on. Probably carry on (incase luggage gets lost) but will I have a hard time with the liquid? Also, 1 of his pills I have to crush, so I mix it in Hershey syrup (to mask the bitterness) and the other pill is small, so he swallows it whole, but mixed in with some applesauce. Should I bring Hershey syrup and applesauce from home, or just find a store when we get there?

As was already mentioned, don't pack anything in the checked luggage unless you are able to manage without it.
Liquid medications are allowed and don't have to be in 3 ounce bottles in the quart bag with your other liquids.
You do need to separate out the 'medical liquids' and mention them to the screeners. Some airports have a line which is labeled 'medical liquids' where the screeners are prepared to deal with things like that.
Post # 15 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread has more information about air travel, including links to the TSA site's information about travel with medication and medical liquids.

Hi friends! Well we are finally decided and it looks like we are going back to WDW in January! We were going to do a cruise, but with the uncertainty of James health, we decided a land trip is better suited for now. My question is about going back to GKTW. We heard we can return to see his star as guests. Do we call them first and request to do so? Also while we are at GKTW do we get to do all the "stuff" there? James really wants to spend one day of the trip at the village, riding the merry-go-round, eating ice cream...but I wasn't sure that was part of our "guest" status. Remember we had to miss almost of of the special "nights" at GKTW b/c they closed the village due to the roto-virus, so it would be really neat to be able to stay for the Pirates and Princess party, or Candy-land, or something! Also I am realistic and realize this isn't his wish trip, and those things may not be possible to do again.
Finally, how hard is it to get a GAC? I have his medical info from his doctor, but we're wondering if we should have anything specific, and again do we call in advance to request a GAC or just show up at Town Hall? (also understanding his GAC will not be a "wish" GAC)

You don't call in advance and you don't need anything from the doctor (although some people feel more comfortable asking for one with a letter, the CMs will usually not want to see it).
You need to go with your child to Guest Relations (Town Hall at MK) and explain his needs.
There is more information in post #15 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread.
You can find that thread near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature to get there.

 

[balloondoggle]

[...] At last count, Elke had 12 liquid medications, four of which have to be kept cool. We put them all in a cooler bag, and declared them to TSA before placing them on the conveyor belt. They obviously have to do a personal inspection of them, and some airports will even, supposedly, "test" the liquid, but we've never had them do the latter. Once they "tested" one of our cooler packs, but that was it. [...]

Good point about the cooler packs - never thought of that. We only have one med to keep cool and I wasn't thinking of it. Thanks for that reminder!

We carry extra G-tubes and supplies in her chair backpack. That's our "emergency" supply pack. We seldom need anything else for her in our day-to-day ramblings, but if we do there's some basics in the van. The only time a G-tube has come out without us wanting it to it was because her little brother pulled it out from curiosity. Darn toddlers. Then there was the time the little plug broke off inside the valve and I had to take her to ER because we didn't have a spare on hand. I got to teach a resident how to change it!