Make A Wish Disney cruise Questions? UPDATED POST 1 WOOT

[Bugdozer]

Hi All,

Wanted to give you all an update. I knew you Disers would pull through and help me out. I am so glad I listened to you. Received a call from not our son's wish granters but from the lady that runs the chapter in our state. We are BOOKED!!!! Yay! Just a little excited as you can tell. The great news came as we arrived home from our son's "simulation" getting him ready for radiation starting Monday. Here are the detail we were told:

First off my son got exactly what he wished for-
a 7 night western carribean cruise on the magic for the week he asked for(april 21-28).

We will be picked up and brought to our local airport. We were worried they may send us to 1 that is 1 1/2 hours away as it is larger but we are flying out the airport 20 minutes from our house. We appear to have decent flights. We leave at 8:15 AM with a sop in Baltimore then on to Orlando. They paid for all flights.

We will be provided with transportation to the ship.

The rooms- OMG! so excited. They booked me, my husband and our son in a cat. 6 room with a veranda! Never dreamed we would get a room with a veranda. My son was so excited. His best friend and friend's mom who is traveling with us as part of the wish have been booked a cat 9 ocean view room. She was thrilled as she expected a cat 12.

The cost of the cruise is coveredand all gratuties she told me have been taken care of. We will be given a check with our documents-$100 per person to use for shore excursion. She said cash it and bring it to pay for the activities.

Then they Fly us home with a leaving time of 2:30 pm.

More then I ever could have hoped for.
Now we know what we need. We will save for spending money and pictures and other excursions. I get to book the excursions myself which helps take care of the part of me that loves to plan. Sounds like it will be a trip of a lifetime!!

***Quick question- when we board should I seek out the wish coordinator or do we let them approach us?***

Thanks,
Bug







Hi Everyone,

We have never been on a Disney Cruise. My 13 yo son was diagnosed with cancer this past summer. He has just finished his Chemo and is now facing his radiation.

He has been granted his wish of a Disney Cruise through Make A Wish. We are suppose to be going in April on a Western Carribean cruise on Magic. We have been to WDW many times and I am the compulsive planner. This is out of my hands and I am not sure what I am suppose to do.

Do any of you have any experience with a MAW cruise. I know they will get us to the airport and fly us there and the cruise. What do I need to do? Do they do the shore excursions or do I plan them and make them. Can we request a dining time? There are 5 of us going me, husband and son and son's best friend and his mother. What will they do for rooms? Any thoughts? Will they put us in 2 rooms or 1 of the larger rooms? What type of rooms do they usually book for MAW?

Sorry so many question just trying to get started in knowing something before we go on this trip. By the way if any one is interested to know the MAW foundation would not even book the trip without first having copies off all our passports in their office. So we had to do a rush to get them since he had only found out 2 weeks prior that he was granted his wish.

Any help or thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I am hoping the cruise gives him the motivation to get through the rest of his treatment.

Thanks,
Bugdozer

 

[VAgal76]

I'm sorry about your son and hope he is doing well. We just had a radio-a-thon here in Richmond for MAW. Oh my goodness what an awesome job they do for you. You won't have to do anything but show up. They take care of all the arrangements. They want your child and family to live that wish so they don't want you to worry. You might want to contact them to see if you need to do anything at all.

I'm not too sure anyone has actually posted what kind of stateroom MAW will put the family in. Your attendees are a bit mixed so I'm not sure how they will handle it but it will depend on availability. I'd just leave it in God's hands and MAW workers.

For dining times I'm sure they'll request first seating for you. If you arrive and you see 2nd seating you can always request the change onboard. I have a sneaky feeling it will be 1st seating though.

The passports are necessary now. They didn't want to book your trip then you not to be able to go so I can see why they would want this up front. They'll need to have it for checking in purposes as well. I know it was an expense and a hassle. I had waited to the last minute to do mine before my October trip.

I'm so excited for your son and family. Enjoy!

 

[Verandah Man]

I've never been on a MAW cruise, but I know someone who has, and I just sent them an e-mail with a link to this thread. Hopefully, you will hear from them soon, with some helpful information.

 

[aprilgail2]

We were on a make a wish cruise (not Magic or Wonder) but they did not book us any excursions and they rented us a car at MCO since we were going to Disney after the cruise. They did give us plenty of spending money though to pay for excursions and also to use at Disney after the cruise, and a limo to and from our home airport. While we were still in the talking stage with MAW they asked us which dining time we would prefer and they booked us that one. They also booked us a flight home 4 days after our wish part ended since I wanted to pay for a few more days at Disney for him.

 

[Deb T.]

I'm a Wish Granter for the MAW Foundation of Eastern North Carolina. Please don't hesitate to direct all your questions/concerns to your Wish Granters. If you don't have their personal phone numbers, then call your local MAW office since they are the ones who are setting this up for your son. He can be as involved in the planning as he wants. Let them know your preferences for staterooms, excursions, and dining times & rotation. Not only does MAW welcome your input, they will be surprised at how much you know (from the DIS boards, of course!) MAW will do their best to set everything up the way you want.

Have a wonderful time!!!!

 

[The Adams Family]

hello

we did a maw cruise in 2004. there were 6 of us. we had 2 cat 10's which worked great. we planned our own excursions and booked them ourselves. maw did give us a certain about to spend on them. i will say that this was one of the best trips of our lives, our best was the cruise we just returned from ( our 2nd). Autumn loves to cruise, both times she never complained about her pain at all. A disney cruise is truly magical. if you have any questions please message me and i will answer the best i can.

Hugs
Jill

 

[WelcomeHome]

While Make-A-Wish Foundation has many "standard procedures" for granting a Disney or Disney Cruise wish, there are also many variables. Each local chapter works with it own unique team of "Wish Granters," budgets and resources.

Here are the important points I think you should understand. Once your child meets the qualifications of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and is granted a wish, 2 "Wish Granters" are assigned to isolate and execute that wish. Their only intention and sole purpose at that point is to do the absolute best job they can, and that's for both the wish child and also the wish child's family. Since the family "shares" in the child's "dis-ease," your Wish Granters are hopeful that the family can share in a reversal of that "dis-ease" by granting the child's wish.

If you child can wish for anything, and Make-A-Wish Foundation can grant it, then anything is possible. If anything is possible, then remission is possible, then a cure is possible, the a complete reversal of any dis-ease is also completely possible. This is the mission of a Wish Granter - this is the truth they want your child to understand.

As a result, you should know that the more you response to your wish granters, the better they will be able to help you. In other words, jump right in and discuss EVERYTHING & ANYTHING you want with your Wish Granters. If you're a compulsive planner, than just let them know and I'm confident they will respond with equal compulsivness. I'm positive they'll be DELIGHTED & THRILLED to address every concern you have! They will arrange as much or as little as you desire - and don't forget that spending money for anything they don't arrange!

Have a BLAST on your cruise. I wish your son and all your family all the health and happiness in this abundant and generous world.

Best wishes,
Dave
Wish Granter, Make-A-Wish Foundation
Suffolk County Chapter, New York

 

[SeaSpray]

Hey bugdozer!

I see that you and your DS Slinkyman are also on VMK. I don't really read the VMK boards anymore (just no time! lol) but if he is still on VMK and he has any "wish" on there, I'd love to see if I have the item and give it to him! I know it's not much..actually it's nothing in the grand scheme of things... but if I can make him smile even just for a moment, then I'd love the chance to do that.

HUGE HUGS to you and him and your family!

P.S. I am CL_CapeGirl on VMK. Either send me a message on there...or send me a PM here, or send me an email! Actually, send me an email or a PM, it'll be much easier to communicate that way, than through VMK messages. lol

 

[kimerinc]

Jill,

I am so glad you responded! I was going to PM you. I wanted to add, as an outside observer, that my "WOW" DCL Moment, was watching, from afar, the things they did for Jill's daughter, and other MAW children. It really is special and very well deserved.

I hope you and your family have the most wonderful vacation, and trust Jill's advice, she is a pro!

Kim

 

[Bugdozer]

While Make-A-Wish Foundation has many "standard procedures" for granting a Disney or Disney Cruise wish, there are also many variables. Each local chapter works with it own unique team of "Wish Granters," budgets and resources.

Here are the important points I think you should understand. Once your child meets the qualifications of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and is granted a wish, 2 "Wish Granters" are assigned to isolate and execute that wish. Their only intention and sole purpose at that point is to do the absolute best job they can, and that's for both the wish child and also the wish child's family. Since the family "shares" in the child's "dis-ease," your Wish Granters are hopeful that the family can share in a reversal of that "dis-ease" by granting the child's wish.

If you child can wish for anything, and Make-A-Wish Foundation can grant it, then anything is possible. If anything is possible, then remission is possible, then a cure is possible, the a complete reversal of any dis-ease is also completely possible. This is the mission of a Wish Granter - this is the truth they want your child to understand.

As a result, you should know that the more you response to your wish granters, the better they will be able to help you. In other words, jump right in and discuss EVERYTHING & ANYTHING you want with your Wish Granters. If you're a compulsive planner, than just let them know and I'm confident they will respond with equal compulsivness. I'm positive they'll be DELIGHTED & THRILLED to address every concern you have! They will arrange as much or as little as you desire - and don't forget that spending money for anything they don't arrange!

Have a BLAST on your cruise. I wish your son and all your family all the health and happiness in this abundant and generous world.

Best wishes,
Dave
Wish Granter, Make-A-Wish Foundation
Suffolk County Chapter, New York

Hi,

Thanks for the well wishes and wow you sound like an awesome wish granter! Per everyone's advice I called 1 of my son's wish granters today. I kind of think I threw him for a loop with all my questions. He says it has been years since he was involved in a Disney Cruise as a wish and just did not have answers for me He said he would call his wish office tomorrow and see if he can find out anything. I figure it would at least be nice to know if he got the week he wanted.

I know it is not my job to worry about the trip but he has wanted this cruise for years and years and I want it to be perfect for him- he has been through so much. I am hoping the planning and excitement of this trip will help him get through his radiation starting in a week. I hope our wish granters are willing to communicate with us as we are with them.

Thanks for all your input as I knew I could count on disers for help- as always you are all so wonderful,

Bug

 

[Bugdozer]

Hey bugdozer!

I see that you and your DS Slinkyman are also on VMK. I don't really read the VMK boards anymore (just no time! lol) but if he is still on VMK and he has any "wish" on there, I'd love to see if I have the item and give it to him! I know it's not much..actually it's nothing in the grand scheme of things... but if I can make him smile even just for a moment, then I'd love the chance to do that.

HUGE HUGS to you and him and your family!

P.S. I am CL_CapeGirl on VMK. Either send me a message on there...or send me a PM here, or send me an email! Actually, send me an email or a PM, it'll be much easier to communicate that way, than through VMK messages. lol

Hi,

I remember you VMK has been Slink's saving grace as they say. He just loves it. We took the laptop with us for every Chemo treatment and he would sit in the bed and play the game never complaining. Not sure how he would have gotten by without VMK. The staff have been so nice coming to wish him well-yes they read these boards and knew of his cancer. We have so many wonderful friends here on the Dis boards who pulled together to make this more bearable. Thank you to all of you

Bug

 

[WelcomeHome]

Dear Bugdozer,

I'm so happy you called your wish granter! Don't worry, I'm sure you didn't "throw him for a loop."

He was just being honest by letting you know he's a bit rusty in the "Disney Cruise" arena & I'm sure he'll be delighted to research your answers early in the week. Now that you were kind enough to share your concerns and offer him some direction, I'm sure he will reply with vivid enthusiasm.

The magic is coming - you'll see!

Best wishes,
Dave

 

[Laurabearz]

Good friend subsribing....

 

[Bugdozer]

Good friend subsribing....

Awe bears you are not a good friend you are the best friend!

Bug

 

[scrapperjill]

Bugdozer.... I can totally understand your need to know what to expect. I was in the same boat a few years ago.... My daughter was granted a wish from The Wishing Star foundation and I wanted to know everything I could. I had a VERY hard time giving the planning control away. Her wish was to go to WDW....but because of one thing and another (hurricanes and the fact that they closed GKTW for a short period of time) her wish was bumped from WDW to DCL at the last moment.

Anyhow...from what I learned with wish foundations is ...they all vary. From one foundation to the next and from one chapter to the next. Like others have already posted what one wish granter may be able to do for one family may not be what the next one is able to do. So if I can suggest....take everything you learn about wishes as information...but not for hard facts (or what you should expect).

For my daughters wish...we were given our air fare to and from Orlando along with the cruise fare (booked into a cat 12gty...but upgraded to a cat 7 ).... But we were given no additional money for excrusions, souviners OR transportation from MCO to the port and back. From what I've heard from MANY wish families is totally diffrent. Needless to say we had a magical time and will never forget all the memories we made during our trip.

I'm sure no matter what plans you know about ahead of time you and your family will have a wonderful time. Try and relax....take some deep breaths and enjoy the anticipation of the trip comming up.

I was also going to add...that I noticed in a previous post someone said passports were needed now. Now I could be wrong...but I did NOT think you had to have a passport to take a cruise at this time. Only if you were flying to/from USA to another country. Of course with your son and health matters you may want to consider passports just incase.

 

[Bugdozer]

Bugdozer.... I can totally understand your need to know what to expect. I was in the same boat a few years ago.... My daughter was granted a wish from The Wishing Star foundation and I wanted to know everything I could. I had a VERY hard time giving the planning control away. Her wish was to go to WDW....but because of one thing and another (hurricanes and the fact that they closed GKTW for a short period of time) her wish was bumped from WDW to DCL at the last moment.

Anyhow...from what I learned with wish foundations is ...they all vary. From one foundation to the next and from one chapter to the next. Like others have already posted what one wish granter may be able to do for one family may not be what the next one is able to do. So if I can suggest....take everything you learn about wishes as information...but not for hard facts (or what you should expect).

For my daughters wish...we were given our air fare to and from Orlando along with the cruise fare (booked into a cat 12gty...but upgraded to a cat 7 ).... But we were given no additional money for excrusions, souviners OR transportation from MCO to the port and back. From what I've heard from MANY wish families is totally diffrent. Needless to say we had a magical time and will never forget all the memories we made during our trip.

I'm sure no matter what plans you know about ahead of time you and your family will have a wonderful time. Try and relax....take some deep breaths and enjoy the anticipation of the trip comming up.

I was also going to add...that I noticed in a previous post someone said passports were needed now. Now I could be wrong...but I did NOT think you had to have a passport to take a cruise at this time. Only if you were flying to/from USA to another country. Of course with your son and health matters you may want to consider passports just incase.

Hi,
Thanks for the info. Some of the things you mention is why I hope to know what will and will not be done. I need to crunch numbers now and save save if there is a lot for us to pay. With 4 hour commute stating next week for radiation we are looking at at least $100 in gas a week until radiation is done.
He has his heart set on swimming with the dolphins and has picked other excursions he would like to do. I guess I have to take that breath and wait and see. Not easy when for years I have been the vacation planner. You must have loved having a balcony with the cat. 7.

As far as passport goes we were told that it is the policy now of the National Chapter of Make A Wish that if cruising you must have a passport. They say due to the fact that many of the kids are dealing with medical issues if they had to be flown back into this country they have to have a passport to get in.

Thanks for all the info and help all,

Bug

 

[Tracey1974]

Friends of ours just sailed today on the Wonder for their daughter's MAW cruise- I'll try to get back to this thread when they return for their experiences. I know MAW is covering airfare, cruise, limos to and from the airport and spending $.

 

[aprilgail2]

For my daughters wish...we were given our air fare to and from Orlando along with the cruise fare (booked into a cat 12gty...but upgraded to a cat 7 ).... But we were given no additional money for excrusions, souviners OR transportation from MCO to the port and back. From what I've heard from MANY wish families is totally diffrent.

.

Wow ours was so totally different. We got a limo to the airport from home and back home. They rented us a car for the whole time since we were doing the cruise and WDW and we were shocked when they handed us 1500.00 spending money too! After the cruise they had us in the Contempory Hotel so it really was the trip of a lifetime for us and my godson! His wish was a cruise and since his father had died soon after my godson was diagnosed with cancer he was able to also wish that I went with them so they paid for his mom, sister, him and me. It was wonderful and even though he has passed away I will always remember that trip.

 

[Bugdozer]

Friends of ours just sailed today on the Wonder for their daughter's MAW cruise- I'll try to get back to this thread when they return for their experiences. I know MAW is covering airfare, cruise, limos to and from the airport and spending $.

Hi,

That would be awesome for you to update. Thanks for taking the time.

Bug

 

[Bugdozer]

Wow ours was so totally different. We got a limo to the airport from home and back home. They rented us a car for the whole time since we were doing the cruise and WDW and we were shocked when they handed us 1500.00 spending money too! After the cruise they had us in the Contempory Hotel so it really was the trip of a lifetime for us and my godson! His wish was a cruise and since his father had died soon after my godson was diagnosed with cancer he was able to also wish that I went with them so they paid for his mom, sister, him and me. It was wonderful and even though he has passed away I will always remember that trip.

Hi,
Wow does sound like a trip of a lifetime. It will be so nice for him to not have to think about doctors, pokes, meds and just be a normal young teen for the week!
I can't wait,

Bug