Make A Wish Sends Lauren to Disney World! * IT IS FINISHED...* *Updated 1/28/09*

[maroo]

I'm glad all of your plans are finally getting worked out. What a special friend you are-I hope your drive with the chair isn't too far! While GKTW is supposed to be wonderful ( at least I hope it is since we're staying there!) I think Lauren ( and all of you) will love staying on property.

I can't wait to hear all of your plans.

Also, what is Wish Flight ( I think that is what you called it)?

Carol

Carol,

Wish Flight has a website...

http://www.somethingmaagic.org/index.html

basically it is put on by American Airlines each year and about 25 or so Wish Kids and their families are all put on the same flight from Dallas to Orlando. It is sort of a party in the sky. They have a party at the airport and make a big deal out of everything. It would have been really cool to participate!!! But they were concerned about the fact that Lauren can't hold herself up in a plane seat and American Airlines eventually said she couldn't fly American at all. So much for that.

I think there were some safety concerns...like how does she get out in an emergency. ??? Hello?? [Side note: First, how many people walk away from those plane crashes?? Second, if anyone thinks Lauren wouldn't get out, they are crazy! She would be tossed out first! ]

But, after talking to Southwest and explaining that she can stay in a car seat (she is only 65 lbs), they agreed that she can fly! First time for both Lauren and William (her little bro) to fly.

But there is concern that her particular wheelchair could be damaged in a plane. (She has an elevator feature that raises her up and a recline feature...so with both, her chair is very tall, heavy and fragile.)

We will be hanging out at GKTW...but not staying there. We would love the villa... and will miss that! But we did get two hotel rooms and one has a roll in shower, which will help us, too!

When are you guys going??

 

[maroo]

Hi, my b/f has CP, is in a power wheelchair, and he has been to WDW 9 times, I have been with him on 4 of those trips. Everyone must be so excited.

May I ask which airline told you that they treat the weelchair "like luggage"? We have flown Southwest each time and they treat his chair with complete and total respect. They allow us to get on the plane first, I transfer him, then they take the wheelchair down on the tarmac. I actually watch them load it on the plane. I have taken pictures each time while they are loading it. That just baffles me that someone would tell you that about the chair. It is an extension of Lauren's body.

It is so great that you get to go and help out.

WOW!! I really wish we had talked to you before we planned on me driving!!! But, Lauren's Mom is really anxious about her chair. Lauren's chair has an elevator feature (goes up several feet) and a recline feature...so her "wheelchair guy" said that it would not be safe at all for it to ride on its side. And both airlines told me that it would have to ride on its side because it is too tall.

To answer your question though...it was American that told me the luggage thing. She quickly transfered me to a specialist, though, when I said we definitely would NOT be flying if they treat her chair like luggage! Southwest is who we are flying with...so hopefully that will work out!

And I can't wait to read your trip report!! Sounds like we all have something in common!

 

[maroo]

GUESS WHAT!! I experienced my first bit of Disney Magic! Pixie Dust!

Lauren said something tonight about wanting to have a nice meal with just her mom...so I thought...it would be SOOO cool if I could get her a meal somewhere really nice and fun! BUT...we are leaving in less than 1 month..........

SO>>>> *drumroll*


I called the ADR line. And told them that I wanted a cool place for Lauren and her Mom to eat on the day we will be at MK... and they said....

HOW ABOUT A LUNCH AT CINDERELLA'S CASTLE!!!!!

Oh My GOSH! Someone had just canceled. A table for 2. So, Lauren is going to get have an awesome meal with just Lauren and her mom! How cool is that??? In Cinderella's Castle! WOW!


I just had to tell you guys!!!!!!!!

 

[mrsksomeday]

That is wonderful about the lunch at Cinderella's Castle!! You are so sweet to think of that.

Bill has taught me so much about doing Disney with disabilities. He loves it there. There are links to previous trip reports in my signature. I took pictures of Bill's chair being loaded on the plane, pictures of him getting on the Magical Express, people are amazed at how high he is up there, pictures of him getting on and off Disney busses, pics of the wheelchair on the rides etc. I would be happy to try to help if you have any questions.

 

[mom2lilnick]

Sounds like things are falling into place!

 

[HeatherN]

Ok...we had some flight changes and have talked with the whole family and have a new agenda!
Some questions for you guys: Lauren's little brother has some issues with chronic pain, etc, from his stomach ulcers, as well as GI difficulty and headaches... Lauren (uses a wheelchair full time and has CP) will get a GAC from GKTW and shouldn't have any trouble...but there may be some rides that William can ride with his parents and Lauren can't...so do we get William a GAC, too? Would he qualify for one? Our fear is that he will end up in a long line and have to run to the restroom...but we can save his spot? Or not?

Also...Dinner Shows...I think we have settled on the Pirates after talking to friends, this board and researching the options... so does anyone know how GKTW deals with Pirates Dinner Show? I think they have a discount or something for the family, but not sure if it is always available? Should we make reservations anyway?

Thank you all for your help!! We are SOOOO excited.

Also..how do I post a picture? I was going to try to post a picture of the "cast"...

Sory it took me so long to get over here, just finishing up my trip report nad now I have more time on my hands.
As far as he guest assistance pass.....when you go to orientation at GKTW you will recieve all your park passes and one Guest assistance pass.This has the number of people in your party(look at this carefully and make sure you all are included-if not speek to the orientation person and they will change it)You will also recieve one badge that the wish girl wears.When you go to the lines for rides usually they will see the badge and let you all right into through the wheelchair entrance.Sometimes they ask to see the GAP.This will allow you all to go in.Now if you decide to seperate and Lauren's brother wished to go on a ride, have him take the GAP with him.They should give him no problem ,even if the wish girl is not with him.My husband did this a few times for the rollercoasters and they never once questioned him about it.I don't think we ever waited more than 15 minutes for any ride and most of them we walked right on or waited for maybe 5 minutes.You can also go to guest relations at any park and request a guest assistance pass for her brother , but I really don't think you will need to.Lauren's should take care of you all.Also remember that at Magic Kingdom and Epcot there are air conditioned wish lounges were you all can take a break and rest.
Congrats on scoring lunch at Cindrella's castle for Lauren and her Mom.If it's the Cinderella's royal table-we did that and it was fabulous.I know whatever it is, they will have a great time.I can't wait to read about all of your adventures!

 

[Tanyann]

I am sooooo ExCiTeD to meet someone that is going to be there the same time we are.

We still dont have our itenerary. The call we got last week from Wisconsin MAW office said that our granter would meet with us 2 weeks befor we leave to give us everything we need. Did you have to ask for MNSSH tickets or did they just set it up? If they dont, Im going to get them. My oldest 19 and my 14 yr old are dressing up as the blues brothers and my youngest son is going to be a prince. (if I ever get the costume done)

We are going to have to figure out something to do together so we can meet. Funny thing is we were supposed to go 5th through 11th but there was a flight change and this was the next best thing. We are not going on wish flight.. wasnt even offered. Matter of fact we are going to have to leave our house by 3am to make our flight at 7:20.

Did I mention how excited I am you guys are going at the same time!!!!!!

YAY ALL OF US

 

[teresajoy]

Hi Mary, I just found your PTR! I have to say, I find it sad that you are skipping AK and Epcot! I love them both. Of course, I love all the parks, so I may not be the best authority on that!

Can't wait to read some more!

 

[Lynn5700]

Hi!!! just found this and love it!!! You guys are going to have so much fun!

YAY for lucnh at CRT!!!!!

 

[maroo]

Hi Mary, I just found your PTR! I have to say, I find it sad that you are skipping AK and Epcot! I love them both. Of course, I love all the parks, so I may not be the best authority on that!

Can't wait to read some more!

Actually, we have a "free" last day where we are going to either go back to MK or MGM or go to Epcot. We dont have anything planned that day, in case we miss something and want to go back. I don't think we will do AK, because Lauren gets hot easily and she can't sit up on a long safari ride. And the kids are not very interested in the animals.

We probably are going to go to Epcot that last day. We are on the monorail system now, so it won't be hard to get there. And they want to ride Soarin, although I am not sure Lauren can really ride it? I need to check some more on that. Lauren is interested in the countries, too. Epcot was one of my favorite parks, too.

We are going to go to AK Lodge, though, so we will get to see them from a distance! They have never been to Disney! So maybe they will be able to go back at some point and catch AK.

I am also feeling better about the lines...since she probably won't wait much, it may be that we can fit more in. Just depends on the endurance she has.

Anyway!! We are SOOOOOO excited!!!

 

[maroo]

Hi!!! just found this and love it!!! You guys are going to have so much fun!

YAY for lucnh at CRT!!!!!

Thanks, we are SOOO excited!! 23 more days!

 

[maroo]

I am sooooo ExCiTeD to meet someone that is going to be there the same time we are.

We still dont have our itenerary. The call we got last week from Wisconsin MAW office said that our granter would meet with us 2 weeks befor we leave to give us everything we need. Did you have to ask for MNSSH tickets or did they just set it up? If they dont, Im going to get them. My oldest 19 and my 14 yr old are dressing up as the blues brothers and my youngest son is going to be a prince. (if I ever get the costume done)

We are going to have to figure out something to do together so we can meet. Funny thing is we were supposed to go 5th through 11th but there was a flight change and this was the next best thing. We are not going on wish flight.. wasnt even offered. Matter of fact we are going to have to leave our house by 3am to make our flight at 7:20.

Did I mention how excited I am you guys are going at the same time!!!!!!

YAY ALL OF US

Hi there! I can't wait to meet you guys! Since we arrive on the same day, hopefully we will get to see you at GKTW. I know that we are supposed to arrive around 1:00 on Friday and go to GKTW until dinner time. Then we have orientation and head to the Contemporary. So we will be at GKTW most of that day. Hopefully we can meet up!

I am sooo excited!

 

[jessica52877]

I am so glad I was directed over here! What a sweet family and wonderful trip you'll will have. Seems as if you are part of their family, which makes it even better that you can go along!

 

[maroo]

I am so glad I was directed over here! What a sweet family and wonderful trip you'll will have. Seems as if you are part of their family, which makes it even better that you can go along!

You are so sweet! I definitely feel like I am a part of their family. We are going to have a blast!

 

[maroo]

I am so glad I was directed over here! What a sweet family and wonderful trip you'll will have. Seems as if you are part of their family, which makes it even better that you can go along!

Hey!! THE BIG GIVE!! Thank you so much for blessing Lauren and her family. (They are the BEST!)

You guys are AWESOME! I can't wait to see what you guys have in store for Lauren and her family. I appreciate you guys more than you know!

I want to join the BIG GIVE after our trip...I want to make jewelry for you guys. But, I can't join yet...I would cheat and read our thread! (Isn't that horrible! )

So...for now...I am just going to have to read the trip reports and contribute that way.

Thanks a MILLION!

 

[HeatherSue]

We'd love to have you help out with the big give after the trip! It's always great to have more volunteers! My sister (teresajoy) found your TR and she said she wanted to squeeze you guys in because you just seemed so sweet!

Anyway, I just wanted to drop in and tell you I'm reading and I'm excited for your trip!

 

[maroo]

We'd love to have you help out with the big give after the trip! It's always great to have more volunteers! My sister (teresajoy) found your TR and she said she wanted to squeeze you guys in because you just seemed so sweet!

Anyway, I just wanted to drop in and tell you I'm reading and I'm excited for your trip!

I am so glad you found the TR! We are SOOO excited! Less than 3 weeks and I will be on the road.

You guys are awesome to do this for Lauren and her family. They are awesome and really need this trip. Sweet Lauren is at home doing homework as I type this. She is so conscientious (I am sure I spelled THAT wrong), working hard to make great grades. Her little brother puts up with a lot. And her parents are awesome.

I am starting to look for jewelry ideas. I would love to make stuff for the Big Give. Do you know if they named it after the Oprah Big Give? Just curious.

I am actually leaving town for the weekend...but I will be checking back on Sunday night.

 

[teresajoy]

I am so glad you found the TR! We are SOOO excited! Less than 3 weeks and I will be on the road.

You guys are awesome to do this for Lauren and her family. They are awesome and really need this trip. Sweet Lauren is at home doing homework as I type this. She is so conscientious (I am sure I spelled THAT wrong), working hard to make great grades. Her little brother puts up with a lot. And her parents are awesome.

I am starting to look for jewelry ideas. I would love to make stuff for the Big Give. Do you know if they named it after the Oprah Big Give? Just curious.

I am actually leaving town for the weekend...but I will be checking back on Sunday night.

Yep, it is after Oprah's Big Give. Beth, AKA: MouseTriper, was inspired by the Oprah Big Give. She had read about our fellow Diser, Alicia, AKsunshine, who's little boy Levi, was killed in a car accident just a week after their return from Disney. They were planning another trip with their daughter, Isabelle, and Beth wanted to make it extra special for them. So she asked the Disboutiquers if we would like to make things for Isabelle. That went so well that Heather and I wanted to keep it going, so Heather posted on the Disboutique thread suggesting we keep doing this for other Disboard families. It was suggested we do MAW families, and there you go!

We are really excited that you want to join too!! We are always looking for new recruits!!! We need all sorts of craty folks to help out. So, if anyone is worried to join because they can't sew, that's ok!!

 

[maroo]

Yep, it is after Oprah's Big Give. Beth, AKA: MouseTriper, was inspired by the Oprah Big Give. She had read about our fellow Diser, Alicia, AKsunshine, who's little boy Levi, was killed in a car accident just a week after their return from Disney. They were planning another trip with their daughter, Isabelle, and Beth wanted to make it extra special for them. So she asked the Disboutiquers if we would like to make things for Isabelle. That went so well that Heather and I wanted to keep it going, so Heather posted on the Disboutique thread suggesting we keep doing this for other Disboard families. It was suggested we do MAW families, and there you go!

We are really excited that you want to join too!! We are always looking for new recruits!!! We need all sorts of craty folks to help out. So, if anyone is worried to join because they can't sew, that's ok!!

Wow... I read AKsunshines story after I saw this post. That was so sad! I cried! Thank you so much for sharing that with me...anyone else reading this.

I can't wait to see what The Big Give has in store for the Compere family!


AND...We only have 16 days before we leave!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (can you tell i am a little excited!)

 

[maroo]

What's Up guys!! Can I just say......... 12 days till our trip!!! WOO HOO!!



I have noted a flaw in our plan...You see, all of you guys doing TRs actually live with the kids going on the trip...so when you get packages, etc... you are there to see the kids open them...well...not so with me. I am at Lauren's a couple of evenings a week and sometimes on Saturdays. So, u will have to bear with me on pictures!

Update..for one, we got the shirts we ordered from Zazzle in the mail on Thursday night. (Yes, I did take pictures...but, with Lauren's camera...and Lauren's camera does not like my computer. So...I will have to get pictures this week when I go back to her house.) We did love the shirts. In fact, William , who was not wild about the idea of ordering shirts at all...begged to wear his to school on Friday! His mom , being the nice person she is, said yes! And I missed it! I didn't even see him in it, much less take a picture. Oh well. I promise, I will post a picture soon!

We have gotten some fun postcards from "The Fairy Godmother"... and we are not quite sure who that is. But we were glad to get some mail.

We also... (drumroll please)...got our first package from the DisBoutiquers. How much fun! We got shirts and loved them. ** Thank you, Jessica! ** Again...pictures to come, I promise!!

Anyway...we are getting so excited!

More to come....