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

[mjarecki]

We're supposed to be going out to eat with our wish granters tonight. They were going to give Michael a gift and give us the check and paperwork. Unfortunately he woke up at 4:30 this morning with a bad cough, fever and throwing up. Ugh!! We had kept the dinner a secret and he overheard Eric and I saying that maybe we should cancel. He figured out what we were talking about and was so upset! I think I'll wait until later this morning and see how he feels before I cancel. I hope we take care of this before we leave in 4 days!

 

[Happy Dreams1]

Prayers for Lauren and her wonderful family. Also, thinking and praying for Michael! I hope you won't have to re-scheduele the dinnerand that whatever is going on with him will resolve before his wish trip.



I still haven't recieved any news from MAW. It's been 3 weeks since MAW confirmed that they recieved the papers from my Doc. I mean, it shouldn't take this long just to confirm eligibility..but, oh well. And today is Veteran's Day so they're not even working today. BTW, Happy Veteran's Day!
If we don't get any news, let's say, by next week, should we call?

 

[Erin1700]

Sorry to hijack your thread...my friend is going on a MAW/GKTW trip with her family. The wish is for her DD9. They leave in less than 2 weeks, staying at AKL.
Her questions are mostly about dining. The MAW keeps pushing the free meals at GKTW but mentioned they will get money for meals too. My friend doesnt want to come out and say "well how much?" but wants to plan a nice character dinner or 2 for her family.

Does anyone know how much they might get? (2 adults, 3 kids). The people from MAW are kind of like "your resort is paid, plane paid, tickets for 3 days at disney, 2 universal and 1 sea world and you will get a little money."
Nothing really seems special for them especially since the daughter did not wish to go to Disney. Dont get me wrong, they are not greedy, just would like to know some more of the plans.

 

[maroo]

Sorry to hijack your thread...my friend is going on a MAW/GKTW trip with her family. The wish is for her DD9. They leave in less than 2 weeks, staying at AKL.
Her questions are mostly about dining. The MAW keeps pushing the free meals at GKTW but mentioned they will get money for meals too. My friend doesnt want to come out and say "well how much?" but wants to plan a nice character dinner or 2 for her family.

Does anyone know how much they might get? (2 adults, 3 kids). The people from MAW are kind of like "your resort is paid, plane paid, tickets for 3 days at disney, 2 universal and 1 sea world and you will get a little money."
Nothing really seems special for them especially since the daughter did not wish to go to Disney. Dont get me wrong, they are not greedy, just would like to know some more of the plans.

to the wish trippers thread!

I am a little bit confused.... She didn't wish for Disney? But got Disney anyway?

It honestly sounds like they are just going to do a "little" spending money and will expect them to eat meals at GKTW.

Each chapter is very different in how they determine how much spending money a family gets...so I don't really know what to tell you.

We had three budgets - "very tight" with just the essentials we would need like gas, tips, cheapest food, no snacks, no souveniers, etc...

"tight" - no extras, but enough to do a few meals, etc

and "go for it!" which was everything we wanted to do...

That is how we handled it, because we just didn't know what they would have money to do. ??

 

[maroo]

prayers for Lauren and her family

Thank you!

Hey Maroo - praying for all you guys, that is some MAJOR surgery for sure. Hugs!!

Thank you!

Hello! I popped in, just couldn't believe that 2 years ago we were returning from Mark's magical Wish Trip. What wonderful memories.

Mary, I am so sorry to hear that Lauren is facing major surgery again. I will keep all her family and you in my prayers...I know how much you worry about her. Keep us posted...

All is well with us, just very busy. The boys have a long weekend, so we're making a trip to see your nation's capital, leaving tomorrow afternoon. Should be fun!

Alison

Thank you so much for touching base with us!!! Have fun in D.C.!

And thanks so much for your prayers!

Mary...you are missed, but we understand. We thank you for all you do.

Lauren is in my daily thoughts and prayers. Please keep us updated.

Thank you so much for praying!!!!

We're supposed to be going out to eat with our wish granters tonight. They were going to give Michael a gift and give us the check and paperwork. Unfortunately he woke up at 4:30 this morning with a bad cough, fever and throwing up. Ugh!! We had kept the dinner a secret and he overheard Eric and I saying that maybe we should cancel. He figured out what we were talking about and was so upset! I think I'll wait until later this morning and see how he feels before I cancel. I hope we take care of this before we leave in 4 days!

Aw!!! Is he feeling any better?!? Lauren always asks for a shot if she needs to get better fast! And that tends to work?

Prayers for Lauren and her wonderful family. Also, thinking and praying for Michael! I hope you won't have to re-scheduele the dinnerand that whatever is going on with him will resolve before his wish trip.



I still haven't recieved any news from MAW. It's been 3 weeks since MAW confirmed that they recieved the papers from my Doc. I mean, it shouldn't take this long just to confirm eligibility..but, oh well. And today is Veteran's Day so they're not even working today. BTW, Happy Veteran's Day!
If we don't get any news, let's say, by next week, should we call?

I would give them 6 weeks to get the paperwork back and such...then call them. With the holidays...it may take a little longer than usual for them to process it, etc. They told us 4-6 weeks and it was closer to 6.

I know you must be so excited and anxious to have it approved and start to planning!!

 

[Happy Dreams1]

I would give them 6 weeks to get the paperwork back and such...then call them. With the holidays...it may take a little longer than usual for them to process it, etc. They told us 4-6 weeks and it was closer to 6.

I know you must be so excited and anxious to have it approved and start to planning!!

Thanks maroo! You are soo helpful! Well, got the holidays to keep me busy. So excited for Thanksgiving and Christmas!

 

[teresajoy]

Sorry guys...



I have been MIA.

Job...life...just stuff...is keeping me from having time to really pay close attention to the DIS and follow everything that is going on.

I get a few min here and a few there, but no major chunks of time to really keep up...

I am committed to keeping this thread going and posting the TR's to the first page, etc, etc! I just don't know how closely I can watch each individual TR...if that makes sense.

PLEASE feel free to PM me anytime! Any time!!! And post questions here...as I try to at least read this thread every single day and make sure someone has answered each of you guys.


Please keep praying for Lauren and her family. They are looking at surgery dates now and are planning to fuse her neck clear down to her pelvic bones - which is going to be a massive surgery. She almost died after the last surgery, but at least they know it happened and will hopefully make SURE that doesn't happen again. I will keep you guys posted on her, too.

I was just wondering how you were doing. I'll be praying for Lauren and the rest of the family.

 

[teresajoy]

Sorry to hijack your thread...my friend is going on a MAW/GKTW trip with her family. The wish is for her DD9. They leave in less than 2 weeks, staying at AKL.
Her questions are mostly about dining. The MAW keeps pushing the free meals at GKTW but mentioned they will get money for meals too. My friend doesnt want to come out and say "well how much?" but wants to plan a nice character dinner or 2 for her family.

Does anyone know how much they might get? (2 adults, 3 kids). The people from MAW are kind of like "your resort is paid, plane paid, tickets for 3 days at disney, 2 universal and 1 sea world and you will get a little money."
Nothing really seems special for them especially since the daughter did not wish to go to Disney. Dont get me wrong, they are not greedy, just would like to know some more of the plans.

I'm kind of with Maroo and am confused why they are going to Disney if that wasn't her wish???? What did she wish for?

 

[mjarecki]

Well, Michael is still not feeling well, but I felt bad cancelling on the wish granters so we're still going out tonight with them. It's been a heck of a day. My dad stayed home with Michael today and took him to the pediatrician. Our pediatrician wasn't there so we had to see the guy who misdiagnosed us back in the spring and so he didn't want anything to do with Michael today and said it was all up to his pulmonologist (who we've been told not to run to with every little cold, they're just too busy). So on top of that our pulm is out so the one on call sent Michael for a chest X ray and blood work when all we needed was a Z pac if you ask me and usually I'm right (mother's gut feeling, always go with it). Then our home health company called to tell us they didn't have an oxygen concentrator for us to take on the trip like they had planned. For some reason Make A Wish told us we had to arrange the oxygen on our own, so I relecutantly did and the home health company was making us bring a portable concentrator because it was cheaper for them. Today (4 days before we leave) they call and say they now don't have oen for us to take. They wanted to call Make A Wish and tell them they had to pay for it and arrange it, so I gave them MAW's #. MAW agreed to pay for it so at least he'll have his oxygen. What a frustrating day! Sorry for venting!

 

[Erin1700]

I'm kind of with Maroo and am confused why they are going to Disney if that wasn't her wish???? What did she wish for?

She wanted to do something with animals. Like take care of them or even swim with the dolphins.
MAW said she could go to AKL. They have already been to disney and have a younger child with some sensory issues. The mom is freaking out that this is going to be a nightmare but they will just make the best of it and be happy.

She did ask MAW if there was something special for her daughter to do at AK or AKL and they said "no but we booked you a savannah view!"

See why she is getting stressed about how much money they will get?? They wanted to do Garden Grove since the daughter loves the Lion King and Rain Forest Cafe and they are afraid they wont be able to afford both.

 

[Happy Dreams1]

She wanted to do something with animals. Like take care of them or even swim with the dolphins.
MAW said she could go to AKL. They have already been to disney and have a younger child with some sensory issues. The mom is freaking out that this is going to be a nightmare but they will just make the best of it and be happy.

She did ask MAW if there was something special for her daughter to do at AK or AKL and they said "no but we booked you a savannah view!"

See why she is getting stressed about how much money they will get?? They wanted to do Garden Grove since the daughter loves the Lion King and Rain Forest Cafe and they are afraid they wont be able to afford both.

The family should definitely speak with MAW about this.

 

[tinytreasures]

Thanks maroo! You are soo helpful! Well, got the holidays to keep me busy. So excited for Thanksgiving and Christmas!

We applied a week before you did and we have not heard back either. It feels like forever but once the ball starts rolling it will be a cool ride


Erin1700 I am sorry they are not really getting what they want. I think MAW really wants people to stay at GKTW. It is a magical place and I hope your friends will take the time to go spend some time there. As for money we didn't find out till the week before how much we were getting but it was not enough to do a lot of eating out we eat 2 meals a day at GKTW.

 

[wishin' on a star]

She wanted to do something with animals. Like take care of them or even swim with the dolphins.
MAW said she could go to AKL. They have already been to disney and have a younger child with some sensory issues. The mom is freaking out that this is going to be a nightmare but they will just make the best of it and be happy.

She did ask MAW if there was something special for her daughter to do at AK or AKL and they said "no but we booked you a savannah view!"

See why she is getting stressed about how much money they will get?? They wanted to do Garden Grove since the daughter loves the Lion King and Rain Forest Cafe and they are afraid they wont be able to afford both.

I'm sad that MAW couldn't help define the wish better and come up with something that they would enjoy more. Regarding money, we had more than enough money for our family of five to do at least a couple of character meals. I felt like our expense money was very generous, and pretty much allowed us to really do things that we wouldn't normally have in the budget. I know it differs from chapter to chapter though, so this info may mean absolutely nothing to them. So really, they are staying at AKL, but MAW is encouraging them to go over to GKTW for their meals? That sounds really inconvenient. It's not like it's right around the corner. I've sent you a PM.

 

[Erin1700]

I'm sad that MAW couldn't help define the wish better and come up with something that they would enjoy more. Regarding money, we had more than enough money for our family of five to do at least a couple of character meals. I felt like our expense money was very generous, and pretty much allowed us to really do things that we wouldn't normally have in the budget. I know it differs from chapter to chapter though, so this info may mean absolutely nothing to them. So really, they are staying at AKL, but MAW is encouraging them to go over to GKTW for their meals? That sounds really inconvenient. It's not like it's right around the corner. I've sent you a PM.

Thanks for all your replies!! I have set up a couple options for them based on how much money they get.
Unless the MAW people are saving the surprise for right before they leave, it really isnt much of a wish for the little girl, just a vacation. Plus they will be there over Thanksgiving! So I am worried about crowds.

A family of 5 in Disney for 6 days seems like they will need more than $1000, right?? Plus some of you PMd me and I hadnt thought of money they would need for driving back and forth to US, SW, GKTW. Are there any tolls on these roads?

 

[rcq925]

So the limo is picking us up at 1pm tomorrow and we will then drive 2 hours away to a hotel near our airport to spend the night. We have to be at the airport at 5am on Sunday. Our plane leaves at 7am and we are scheduled to land in Orlando at 9:15am!!

Just planning to spend Sunday hanging out and GKTW and soaking it all in! Monday will be our first park day at the Magic Kingdom and we are starting it off with breakfast at the Princess Castle at 9am!

We are SO EXCITED!!!

I want to thank all of you on this thread for all of the wonderful information and advice!!

I especially want to thank EVERYONE INVOLVED WITH THE BIG GIVE!!! Words can never express how truly greatful our family is to have been chosen to be a part of the BIG GIVE!

We are all going to look fantastic in all of our BIG GIVE clothes!!!

I promise to get on and do a full TR when we return with lots of pictures!!!

 

[teresajoy]

She wanted to do something with animals. Like take care of them or even swim with the dolphins.
MAW said she could go to AKL. They have already been to disney and have a younger child with some sensory issues. The mom is freaking out that this is going to be a nightmare but they will just make the best of it and be happy.

She did ask MAW if there was something special for her daughter to do at AK or AKL and they said "no but we booked you a savannah view!"

See why she is getting stressed about how much money they will get?? They wanted to do Garden Grove since the daughter loves the Lion King and Rain Forest Cafe and they are afraid they wont be able to afford both.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you, and it sounds like maybe I did! I was just confused. That really is too bad that MAW didn't actually try to fulfill her Wish. MAW is spending a fortune to send her on a trip that really isn't what she wanted. You would think they would have them stay at GKTW and then do more with Sea World (or the place with the dolphins that I cant' think of the name of!) I hope your friends have a great time, but I certainly understand their frustration.

 

[teresajoy]

So the limo is picking us up at 1pm tomorrow and we will then drive 2 hours away to a hotel near our airport to spend the night. We have to be at the airport at 5am on Sunday. Our plane leaves at 7am and we are scheduled to land in Orlando at 9:15am!!

Just planning to spend Sunday hanging out and GKTW and soaking it all in! Monday will be our first park day at the Magic Kingdom and we are starting it off with breakfast at the Princess Castle at 9am!

We are SO EXCITED!!!

I want to thank all of you on this thread for all of the wonderful information and advice!!

I especially want to thank EVERYONE INVOLVED WITH THE BIG GIVE!!! Words can never express how truly greatful our family is to have been chosen to be a part of the BIG GIVE!

We are all going to look fantastic in all of our BIG GIVE clothes!!!

I promise to get on and do a full TR when we return with lots of pictures!!!

Have a great trip!!!

 

[Erin1700]

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you, and it sounds like maybe I did! I was just confused. That really is too bad that MAW didn't actually try to fulfill her Wish. MAW is spending a fortune to send her on a trip that really isn't what she wanted. You would think they would have them stay at GKTW and then do more with Sea World (or the place with the dolphins that I cant' think of the name of!) I hope your friends have a great time, but I certainly understand their frustration.

You certainly did not offend me at all! Sorry if it came across that way! I appreciate your responses!
We too are wondering why she couldnt get her actual wish. It doesnt sound like they are getting anything special. I can not imagine them at the parks at Thanksgiving with the DD with medical issues, the middle DD with jealousy issues and the DS with sensory issues! I hope they at least get a few free fastpasses.

 

[Bearshouse]

We are SO EXCITED!!!

I promise to get on and do a full TR when we return with lots of pictures!!!

Have the best time EVER!!!

Bearshouse

 

[wishin' on a star]

You certainly did not offend me at all! Sorry if it came across that way! I appreciate your responses!
We too are wondering why she couldnt get her actual wish. It doesnt sound like they are getting anything special. I can not imagine them at the parks at Thanksgiving with the DD with medical issues, the middle DD with jealousy issues and the DS with sensory issues! I hope they at least get a few free fastpasses.

They'll get more than a few fastpasses! They'll get a "green light" GAC and a special button from GKTW that essentially directs the CM's to make whatever accomodations possible. For us, that meant bypassing the lines completely, or at the most we waited in the fastpass line. They also should be able to bypass lines for characters. There was plenty of magic to be had for a wish family...no matter where you stay!