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

[maroo]

Hi Maroo,
Can you add my little Haylie's ptr report? TIA!

Lisa Howe

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2590837

Sure!! Done!

Hi! My name is Amy. My daughter is a wish kid with an upcoming trip to Disney. I am new to these boards and have been lurking for a few days before signing up last night. I did the magic "10" posts, and decided to take a leap and post here!!

I am not sure where to begin or what to do from here. Any help would be great.

Looks like you have figured all of this stuff out!! Awesome job! And !!

Well, didn't get any letter from MAW today..BUT got my report card. All A's Now I just have to keep that up until the semester ends.

Way to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She will be back eventually. I may try to write her later and see what's happening in the great north!

For your link, go and click your user cp thingy up to the top left of your screen I believe, then click edit signature, then copy paste..... something along that line... I know that so didn't help.... I think I even confused myself. But there are directions on the wish thread somewhere.... try clicking something in Maroo's signature... I know it will eventually lead to the directions!

Yeah...I guess my signature eventually leads just about anywhere.

I'm new to the disboards and still trying to figure this out. I have started a pretrip report and it is linked on this thread thanks to maroo. I have been updating there. Should I be updating here? Or introduce myself here?

Just in case I am Heather and I am the mom of 5. My youngest is Lhea 4 and she has LCH (currently in remission). We were recently granted a wish trip and are anxiously awaiting dates.

Please let me know what I should be posting and where.

Hello!! to the DISboards and the wish trippers thread!

You can really post either place. Many of us try really hard to keep up with all of the pre-trip reports and you should have some folks from over here that will come over there and post - most of us put pictures of our kids, trip plans...really whatever you want...on the pre-trip report and then also post over here whenever you have a question or just want to post...you can really post either place.

More people probably read/lurk on here (someone is making the view count on this thread go up. )...but lots of times people will just sit and read pre-trip reports, too....so post in both spots.


If you need me for anything, post here...because I really try to read this every day...but I can't keep up with the pre-trip reports at this point in my world - things are a bit crazy.

 

[maroo]

Lauren update -

We finally "sent" Lauren's parents away for a few days...so I am playing "Momma" to Lauren....which is a barrel of fun for us both. It is so quiet here in their house without all of the people...Lauren is doing her homework, so I finally had a short time to get on here and say hello to you guys!

Lauren's big doctor's appointment for her wheelchair fitting is next Tuesday. We are hoping that by then we will have a much better idea of what they may be able to do for her that won't be surgical - which will give us a good idea of when and how much they will have to do for the surgery. They are already booked through December and they have to have two specific surgeons that can book her for an OR - they both will work on her at the same time - so it looks like it may be January or even the Spring before they can do anything surgical - but we are hoping for sooner rather than later. This is going to mess up her senior year...but life comes first, I suppose.

Anyway...I just wanted to touch base and let you know that I am still here!!

If I have missed any trip reports, please let me know! I am trying so hard to keep up with them all!

 

[HeatherSP]

I think asking questions in both places will allow more people to read it and you will get a quicker answer. There are many people that check this thread on a daily basis.

Thanks!

 

[4monkeys]

I have read some posts mentioning that medical supplies don't count against you for carry-ons. I understand that the bag must contain only medical supplies.... If it's just medications in a seperate bag is that ok??? Would Pediasure count as medical supplies??

Between my daughter and husband they have quite a bit of medications. If it can all be in one bag that would be great. I don't plan to take a weeks worth of the pediasure, but enough to get us there and through the day.

Thanks for any info!!

 

[fulseasmama]

Hello Disney planning experts...I have few planning Q's I would love some your thoughts on!

If you had a choice between spending 2 days at AK and 1 day at DHS or 2 Days at DHS and 1 day at AK what would you choose? Our kids are 3 and 5 if that sways your decision in any way.

At DHS I really want to try and see if my son can do the Jedi Training academy if possible...any tips on how best to try and make that happen or what worked for you if your kids tried it.

Has anyone had a son that has done the knights package at BBB and if so was it a hit? My son loves everything knight related right now so I was thinking they both might have fun at BBB.

Along those same lines our daughter will be 3 (almost 4) on the trip and I am not sure about BBB for her. About how long does it take to just do the hair part? We are going to the castle for lunch and I was thinking it might be fun to do that earlier in the morning but don't want to use up too much of our day at Magic Kingdom.

Any thoughts very much appreciated and thanks so much!

 

[maroo]

I have read some posts mentioning that medical supplies don't count against you for carry-ons. I understand that the bag must contain only medical supplies.... If it's just medications in a seperate bag is that ok??? Would Pediasure count as medical supplies??

Between my daughter and husband they have quite a bit of medications. If it can all be in one bag that would be great. I don't plan to take a weeks worth of the pediasure, but enough to get us there and through the day.

Thanks for any info!!

You *should* be able to either bring a carry on full of medical supplies or check a bag full (but it has to be ONLY medical supplies) and they should let you do that. But you might want to double check with your airline...as I think they have some differences depending on who you are flying with.

Honestly...make sure they know you are on a wish trip - lots of families have gotten pixie dust and not had to pay any baggage fees once the person checking them in realized they were on a make a wish trip.

And you might want to take 2 times as much pediasure as you think you will need...just in case something happens to your bags or something...??

Hello Disney planning experts...I have few planning Q's I would love some your thoughts on!

If you had a choice between spending 2 days at AK and 1 day at DHS or 2 Days at DHS and 1 day at AK what would you choose? Our kids are 3 and 5 if that sways your decision in any way.

This would totally depend on who was traveling and how much at each park they wanted to do...

For me personally...definitely more time at AK - it is a little hard to get in all of the shows I want to watch there...Nemo and Lion King are both AWESOME...so it may take two days...

But...it also took us two days to get through DHS, too. We did Beauty and the Beast, Toy Story (which should not take long), Indiana Jones, ... but we also spent a lot of time with characters at the animation studio, too. They also have Little Mermaid...and Muppets...so lots to do at both parks, really...I think it is just a matter of trying to determine what things they want to do at each and planning around that??

Have you checked Steve's website??

It has the schedules for each park...and that may help...

http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/

At DHS I really want to try and see if my son can do the Jedi Training academy if possible...any tips on how best to try and make that happen or what worked for you if your kids tried it.

When you get to the park - go to Guest Services - it is on your Left as you are going into the park - and let them know that you are on a wish trip and want to see if your son can do Jedi Training and they should help make that happen!

Has anyone had a son that has done the knights package at BBB and if so was it a hit? My son loves everything knight related right now so I was thinking they both might have fun at BBB.

Nope...but it sounds like fun!!

Along those same lines our daughter will be 3 (almost 4) on the trip and I am not sure about BBB for her. About how long does it take to just do the hair part? We are going to the castle for lunch and I was thinking it might be fun to do that earlier in the morning but don't want to use up too much of our day at Magic Kingdom.

This depends a lot on who is doing it...you could do the Barber Shop...if you want...on Main Street and they will put glitter in her hair and make a big deal about it...it is cheaper and doesn't take as long, from what I understand. But BBB won't be terribly long either...if it is just the hair...and they definitely do more to it (put it in a bun that will stay for days!).

It did take a lot of time for us...but we did the whole thing and getting Lauren changed in that little room back there took forever.

Any thoughts very much appreciated and thanks so much!

Hope that helps some!

 

[4monkeys]

I think I read somewhere on this thread that those staying at GKTW are entitled to the extended Disney hours?? I am not able to locate it again. Did I read that correctly?

Also, in the villa does anyone know if they have highchairs?

And the crib/pack n'play~ do they provide sheets or do I need to bring them? People on other threads said to bring them for hotels, so I wasn't sure about GKTW.

We have never flown with the kids. So it's new to us. What is essential to pack?? Probably ok with the older kids, but the baby.. I have no clue. Is there anything that we MUST remember??

Sorry for all the questions, this is so new, and approaching quickly.
Thanks in advance!!!

 

[that's nice]

Hello Disney planning experts...I have few planning Q's I would love some your thoughts on!

If you had a choice between spending 2 days at AK and 1 day at DHS or 2 Days at DHS and 1 day at AK what would you choose? Our kids are 3 and 5 if that sways your decision in any way.

Wow.. this is a tough question. I think you can see everything you want to in 1 day at DHS. You can probably spend 2 days in AK walking the trails and seeing the shows. AK is usually only open till 5 (I forgot when you are going) so the day there is usually a little shorter.

Along those same lines our daughter will be 3 (almost 4) on the trip and I am not sure about BBB for her. About how long does it take to just do the hair part? We are going to the castle for lunch and I was thinking it might be fun to do that earlier in the morning but don't want to use up too much of our day at Magic Kingdom.

If I remember correctly, the whole process from check-in till walking out took about 45 minutes. My DD did the hair, makeup, and nails. She brought her own dress and changed into it while waiting to be called in to meet her 'fairy godmother'.

 

[Mom2mitokids]

I have read some posts mentioning that medical supplies don't count against you for carry-ons. I understand that the bag must contain only medical supplies.... If it's just medications in a seperate bag is that ok??? Would Pediasure count as medical supplies??

Between my daughter and husband they have quite a bit of medications. If it can all be in one bag that would be great. I don't plan to take a weeks worth of the pediasure, but enough to get us there and through the day.

Thanks for any info!!

Can you see if your HHC can ship some Pediasure to GKTW? This is what I'm going to do.

 

[Haybuggsmom]

I have read some posts mentioning that medical supplies don't count against you for carry-ons. I understand that the bag must contain only medical supplies.... If it's just medications in a seperate bag is that ok??? Would Pediasure count as medical supplies??

Between my daughter and husband they have quite a bit of medications. If it can all be in one bag that would be great. I don't plan to take a weeks worth of the pediasure, but enough to get us there and through the day.

Thanks for any info!!

I took all Haylee's Pediasure on as a carry on. I had her extra feeding tubes and meds in a small suitcase. I just let them know it was for her feedings and there was no problem carring it on. I took over 40 cans with us.

 

[visitingapril09]

We usually fly Alaska and end up with about 4 extra carry on bags of medical supplies. They DO NOT count as your personal carry on. They are 'extra'.

 

[kissesbykim]

I think I read somewhere on this thread that those staying at GKTW are entitled to the extended Disney hours?? I am not able to locate it again. Did I read that correctly?

Also, in the villa does anyone know if they have highchairs?

And the crib/pack n'play~ do they provide sheets or do I need to bring them? People on other threads said to bring them for hotels, so I wasn't sure about GKTW.

We have never flown with the kids. So it's new to us. What is essential to pack?? Probably ok with the older kids, but the baby.. I have no clue. Is there anything that we MUST remember??

Sorry for all the questions, this is so new, and approaching quickly.
Thanks in advance!!!

As far as the extra magic hours, we didn't try the morning but no one ever tried to kick us out in the evening...we even asked a cast member at Hollywood Studios and they told us just not to leave...but staying at GKTW doesn't guarantee that you will get EMH like if you were staying at a resort hotel.

The Villa doesn't have any high chairs but I'm sure you can request one. My little one is 19 months old so the times we actually ate in the villa, he just sat in the chair (first time ever). They do everything they can to accommodate your family so I'm sure if you called them or your MAW coordinator, they could make sure you have a high chair when you arrive. GKTW does provide sheets for the crib, which isn't a full sized crib, more like a wooden pack n play. They even gave us a little blanket too!

So flying with kids is no walk in the park! We flew from Northern California with a layover in Dallas. Our wish kid (6) who also has a sensory disorder did fantastic..but for him the plane was half the fun! The baby on the other hand was quite a handful. He's an active little guy and sitting for so long was difficult for him. I see your baby is 6 months old so I would make sure to have a couple bottles for him and his pacifier if he uses one. I would check with your airline to find out about bringing already made bottles on the plane. If anything, bring formula and buy a water after you get through security. Take off is hard on their ears and sucking helps. We also brought lots of snacks they love, maybe things they wouldn't normally get at home as a treat. DS loves his Nintendo DS so he played that and slept. Good luck with the flight. How long is it from Virginia to Orlando?

You will have an AMAZING time at GKTW. There is so much to do there! Hope you have a great time!

 

[maroo]

I think I read somewhere on this thread that those staying at GKTW are entitled to the extended Disney hours?? I am not able to locate it again. Did I read that correctly?

Also, in the villa does anyone know if they have highchairs?

And the crib/pack n'play~ do they provide sheets or do I need to bring them? People on other threads said to bring them for hotels, so I wasn't sure about GKTW.

We have never flown with the kids. So it's new to us. What is essential to pack?? Probably ok with the older kids, but the baby.. I have no clue. Is there anything that we MUST remember??

Sorry for all the questions, this is so new, and approaching quickly.
Thanks in advance!!!

Looks like all of these were answered below....But I just want to concur...You don't officially get EMH, but if you wanted to stay for the late EMH, I am about 99% sure no one will ask you leave...and if they do, go to Guest Services and talk to another CM and see if they will make an exception since you are on a wish trip - I would bet real money that they will let you stay as long as you want.

As far as the extra magic hours, we didn't try the morning but no one ever tried to kick us out in the evening...we even asked a cast member at Hollywood Studios and they told us just not to leave...but staying at GKTW doesn't guarantee that you will get EMH like if you were staying at a resort hotel.

The Villa doesn't have any high chairs but I'm sure you can request one. My little one is 19 months old so the times we actually ate in the villa, he just sat in the chair (first time ever). They do everything they can to accommodate your family so I'm sure if you called them or your MAW coordinator, they could make sure you have a high chair when you arrive. GKTW does provide sheets for the crib, which isn't a full sized crib, more like a wooden pack n play. They even gave us a little blanket too!

So flying with kids is no walk in the park! We flew from Northern California with a layover in Dallas. Our wish kid (6) who also has a sensory disorder did fantastic..but for him the plane was half the fun! The baby on the other hand was quite a handful. He's an active little guy and sitting for so long was difficult for him. I see your baby is 6 months old so I would make sure to have a couple bottles for him and his pacifier if he uses one. I would check with your airline to find out about bringing already made bottles on the plane. If anything, bring formula and buy a water after you get through security. Take off is hard on their ears and sucking helps. We also brought lots of snacks they love, maybe things they wouldn't normally get at home as a treat. DS loves his Nintendo DS so he played that and slept. Good luck with the flight. How long is it from Virginia to Orlando?

You will have an AMAZING time at GKTW. There is so much to do there! Hope you have a great time!

I agree with all of this!!! Great answer!!

 

[kailatilear]

I heard from MAW today!!! I have to fax them some paperwork in the am, birth certificates for the kids (they cannot find the copies I gave the volunteers) along with mine and hubby's driver's license and proof of insurance for the rental car. She asked if we wanted to go in Dec. which we would love to, however, right now, finances are making that impossible since hubby doesn't have anymore time from work. I asked if we could go in March, and that should not be a problem. Oh how I would love to go in Dec, but oh well, March will be just as fun. We are so excited, it is finally seeming real.

 

[4monkeys]

I heard from MAW today!!! I have to fax them some paperwork in the am, birth certificates for the kids (they cannot find the copies I gave the volunteers) along with mine and hubby's driver's license and proof of insurance for the rental car. She asked if we wanted to go in Dec. which we would love to, however, right now, finances are making that impossible since hubby doesn't have anymore time from work. I asked if we could go in March, and that should not be a problem. Oh how I would love to go in Dec, but oh well, March will be just as fun. We are so excited, it is finally seeming real.

YAYAYAYYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!! So happy for you! Fingers crossed for March!

 

[Mom2mitokids]

I heard from MAW today!!! I have to fax them some paperwork in the am, birth certificates for the kids (they cannot find the copies I gave the volunteers) along with mine and hubby's driver's license and proof of insurance for the rental car. She asked if we wanted to go in Dec. which we would love to, however, right now, finances are making that impossible since hubby doesn't have anymore time from work. I asked if we could go in March, and that should not be a problem. Oh how I would love to go in Dec, but oh well, March will be just as fun. We are so excited, it is finally seeming real.

March is a good time to go we can't wait to go.

 

[Mom2mitokids]

Kylee is in the hospital again for her tummy. Hopefully this won't be a long stay like last time.

 

[kissesbykim]

Kylee is in the hospital again for her tummy. Hopefully this won't be a long stay like last time.

Hang in there momma! Get well Kylee!

 

[fulseasmama]

Kylee is in the hospital again for her tummy. Hopefully this won't be a long stay like last time.

Get well Kylee...sorry for the hospital stay.

 

[fulseasmama]

Thanks Mary and Tim for the thoughts on my planning questions. I really appreciate it and am loving the Steve's page link. I really appreciate the BBB info too!