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

[SueM in MN]

I'm glad you got to go to MNSSHP twice.
There is so much to see. It sounds like a lot of time, but all of a sudden, it's midnight and you have to leave.

 

[jillalvarez2003]

I love the update! Lauren looked great...as usual! And I'm jealous - MNSSHP twice in one visit. I love that party. The part of the song that goes... "It's really no so scary" keeps going through my head. And those gravce digger guys. They are cool, the sparks they make with their shovelsare neat... Love it!

Can't wait for the next installment!

 

[SueM in MN]

We also rode Peter Pan...now, for those of you guys who have never noticed...or forgot...or have no way of knowing...The loading for Peter Pan is REALLY not accessible.

In fact...this is the video I found that best shows it...I know...YouTube...can I post this??? If not, someone let me know...

Peter Pan's Flight Boarding!

So, as you can see...the Peter Pan ride boards quite fast. So, when Lauren drove up and told the CM she wanted to ride it, they thought we were crazy! But we just hoisted her up again, put her between Lisa and I, and off we went! I LOVE this ride...Have loved it a long time. And riding with Lauren the first time she rode it was so fun! We got to ride it twice in a row, which was neat...because I saw things the second time around that I didn't catch the first time around...I guess they did not want to watch us try to hoist Lauren up on that ride again, so they let us go twice!

Getting off was a little harder than getting on...but we made it! You should have seen us. With her little Tink dress on...trying NOT to flash the world... It was pretty funny...

At this point you guys are probably thinking...it is TIME for them to go HOME! It's late...and it is just their first day...

But there is more...in fact...one of the BEST moments of our WHOLE trip is coming up...but I can't post it tonight...sorry, guys...but hopefully tomorrow!!

When I posted before, you only had one of these updates posted!!

You are right about Peter Pan.
WE no longer do Peter Pan since my DH almost ran out of room while getting DD off the last time we rode (he narrowly missed walking/being propelled by the moving walkway into a wall

That is a very good view of boarding for Peter Pan - people post youtube links all the time, so it should be just fine. In fact, I kept the link because I may use it for the MK FAQs thread I'm (eventually) going to do for the disABILITIES Board.

 

[jamal]

I'm first!

Maroo, I was at MNSSHP a month ago and you've taken me right back. I keep thinking what an honor it would have been to see all of you there that night.
Lauren was right. You made her hair look pixie-perfect.

Look! You got some great pictures, too!

 

[maroo]

I'm glad you got to go to MNSSHP twice.
There is so much to see. It sounds like a lot of time, but all of a sudden, it's midnight and you have to leave.

I know...believe it or not, we are not done yet! I just ran out of time to post the last part of it... But...don't get too excited yet...we have not actually MADE it to MNSSHP for the second time yet!!

I love the update! Lauren looked great...as usual! And I'm jealous - MNSSHP twice in one visit. I love that party. The part of the song that goes... "It's really no so scary" keeps going through my head. And those gravce digger guys. They are cool, the sparks they make with their shovelsare neat... Love it!

Can't wait for the next installment!

Yes, Lauren did look good, didn't she! Maybe SHE should be a FGIT!
Don't be jealous yet...The PLAN is to go to MNSSHP again...Did we make it?
The songs were great...the party was awesome! And like I told Sue, it isn't over for us yet!!! Another installment tomorrow...with MORE MNSSHP!!

When I posted before, you only had one of these updates posted!!

You are right about Peter Pan.
WE no longer do Peter Pan since my DH almost ran out of room while getting DD off the last time we rode (he narrowly missed walking/being propelled by the moving walkway into a wall

That is a very good view of boarding for Peter Pan - people post youtube links all the time, so it should be just fine. In fact, I kept the link because I may use it for the MK FAQs thread I'm (eventually) going to do for the disABILITIES Board.

Yeah...I had one ready to go and finished the other one tonight. I went ahead and posted both...I can't believe we are only on Day 2 of our trip...goodness!

Peter Pan was a great ride...and Lauren enjoyed it...we would probably do it again...but not in a dress!

I can't wait for an MK thread! I saw your Epcot one and I think it is a great idea! That stuff is just so hard to come by...all of the pics and links...I do have a few more that helped me, I think...that I can send to you. But that was my best one...I actually studied that thing. Someone is probably wondering why so many people are watching their parents get on Peter Pan...in fact...why is that video even ON YouTube? Strange.

I'm first!

Maroo, I was at MNSSHP a month ago and you've taken me right back. I keep thinking what an honor it would have been to see all of you there that night.
Lauren was right. You made her hair look pixie-perfect.

Look! You got some great pictures, too!

I think you are fourth...

Were we there at the same time? I am still reading your TR from 07, I think!! (In my free time from writing this one.)

You are so sweet...we are a TRIP...but I am not sure how honored you should be to meet us. But we would have some FUN! Never a dull moment hanging out with this gang!

I had help with the hair...in fact...I am not sure that her mom didn't do it? I can't remember...actually...I think I did that night...because I can still SMELL that goop I put in it. In fact, later in the week Lauren and I smell that hair stuff again...and we both looked at each other and said, "Gross! That hair stuff! and ran away from it!" It took many bobbie pins...in fact...I have a picture to show you later that will CRACK you up...I should come up in my next post...it is Lauren AFTER I took her hair down...or tried to... makes me laugh just thinking about it. I will try to post it tomorrow with the end of the MNSSHP stuff...

 

[teresajoy]

Oh goodness, I was forgetting to take notes!!!
Ok, I love the pictures on Buzz! William and Lisa are too cute!

The proposal in front of the castle!!!!!! AHHHAAHHAAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!! How romantic!!!

YEAH SUSAN!!! She is fabulous!
I hope you had better luck with Sandra than we did!

Can't let her leave with bobie pins? I'm confused. Lydia had 25 bobbi pins in her hair when I took out her bun. Seriously, I just kept pulling them out and pulling them out and pulling them out...

Wow, Sandra was nice.shocker..ok, that's all I'll say, because I'm nice too.... I'm not forgiving her for being mean to Arminda though! EVERYONE loves Arminda, seriously, they do, and she was just meh with her!

I'm sorry Lauren wasn't feeling it. Poor kid. She looks GOOOORGEEEEOUS though! Cutest Tink I've ever seen! (I've gotta ask though, wasn't that costume scratchy?)

WHAT!!!???!!???!! You left them NO camera AND didn't explain how the Photopass works??? Oh Mary Mary Mary!!! I guess you will just all have to go back!

So sorry about your hottub misadventure! Ick!


I love the way Lauren fixed her makeup! It looks much better! And, I see you answered my question about the costume!

I like your Cat in the Hat costume!

And, I have to mention again how pretty Lauren is!

YES Tarzan is married! Fess up Mary, have you seen ANY Disney cartoons??? I'm jealous though, I've never seen Tarzan in the parks! Well, except for the now gone Tarzan show. *sniff*

I love the Small World pictures!!

You got to ride Peter Pan twice!! We completely missed it our last trip and it's one of our favorites! How does that happen when you have 10 day park hoppers????

I'm glad no flashing was going on getting off the Peter Pan ride!


WHAT???!!??!!! A cliffhanger??? No fair!!

I'm sorry Lauren didn't have as much fun at BBB as you thought she would!

But, she got smiles and a really kind gesture out of Sandra!! I am in shock!! I guess I can now forgive her for being so grumpy with poor Arminda....maybe...?

You are WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY more forgiving than me! I guess that's because I'm her Mommy!


Mary, I am anxiously awaiting your next update!!

 

[jessica52877]

Well, after being gone for the week I LOVED all the updates! I don't like waiting so maybe I'll just go another week before checking back! Come on, you gotta update faster!!!!

Lauren looks so pretty and I love all the costumes for MNSSHP! That parade is one of my favorites!

 

[DisneyNutMary]

Cliffhanger NOOOOO!!!!!

Mary, post more please. I am really enjoying reliving Lauren's trip with you. Disney is wonderful with special needs kids.
Even though my brother is not a kid anymore (he's 43) he has the mental age of 8, due to his CP. I am finding myself wishing that UCP will finally do the WDW trip they have been wanting to do for the past few years.

 

[Yzma and Kronk]

Maroo - wow 4 more chapters!

Lauren looks great in her Tink outfit - and I love the picture with her and the Little Tink!

BTW - the big bear is Baloo from Jungle Book. You need to update yourself on Disney charaters...

The CR hottub

Great reporting - can't wait to hear more!

 

[mom_2a_sept_princess]

Lauren is too cute!

She looks so happy.

Her wheels are awesome. My Emma has purple wheels. They are much smaller, she just turned 5.

We LOVE Disney World. We are going again on Thanksgiving but we are staying off site this time.

If you or Lauren would like to check out her website, here it is:

www.emmahopeworld.net

There are tons of pictures from our trip to DW this past Jan/Feb.

Amy

 

[bex271]

Mary,
Lauren looked so cute in her tink outfit. I can't wait for more HURRY UP!!!!
you can't just leave us hanging like that
becca

 

[maroo]

Oh goodness, I was forgetting to take notes!!!
Ok, I love the pictures on Buzz! William and Lisa are too cute!

The proposal in front of the castle!!!!!! AHHHAAHHAAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!! How romantic!!!

YEAH SUSAN!!! She is fabulous!
I hope you had better luck with Sandra than we did!

Can't let her leave with bobie pins? I'm confused. Lydia had 25 bobbi pins in her hair when I took out her bun. Seriously, I just kept pulling them out and pulling them out and pulling them out...

Wow, Sandra was nice.shocker..ok, that's all I'll say, because I'm nice too.... I'm not forgiving her for being mean to Arminda though! EVERYONE loves Arminda, seriously, they do, and she was just meh with her!

I'm sorry Lauren wasn't feeling it. Poor kid. She looks GOOOORGEEEEOUS though! Cutest Tink I've ever seen! (I've gotta ask though, wasn't that costume scratchy?)

WHAT!!!???!!???!! You left them NO camera AND didn't explain how the Photopass works??? Oh Mary Mary Mary!!! I guess you will just all have to go back!

So sorry about your hottub misadventure! Ick!


I love the way Lauren fixed her makeup! It looks much better! And, I see you answered my question about the costume!

I like your Cat in the Hat costume!

And, I have to mention again how pretty Lauren is!

YES Tarzan is married! Fess up Mary, have you seen ANY Disney cartoons??? I'm jealous though, I've never seen Tarzan in the parks! Well, except for the now gone Tarzan show. *sniff*

I love the Small World pictures!!

You got to ride Peter Pan twice!! We completely missed it our last trip and it's one of our favorites! How does that happen when you have 10 day park hoppers????

I'm glad no flashing was going on getting off the Peter Pan ride!


WHAT???!!??!!! A cliffhanger??? No fair!!




You are WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY more forgiving than me! I guess that's because I'm her Mommy!


Mary, I am anxiously awaiting your next update!!

Thank you so much for all of your comments...

First of all...I am SOOOO sorry that Arminda had such a hard time at BBB...there is just no excuse for that...especially to sweet Arminda!!!! I wonder if Sandra was just having a bad day or what...but still...no excuse to make a child feel bad, anytime or anywhere...but especially at Disney World and even MORE at BBB...I mean, you are paying for them to be nice, ya know!!

I think Susan was ok with the bobbie pins...but not "showing"... like in the back of Lauren's head...But the hair back there was bothering Lauren...so we (well, Sandra) put it up. I definitely pulled a LOT of pins out of her hair after the MNSSHP!

You nailed the costume!! Definitely scratchy...but Lauren is wearing it again Friday...so it must have been ok with the tank top. The shoes, though, will never be worn again...

Yeah...the camera deal...yeah...that was a BIG error. I wish that Lisa had called me in a panic because she didn't have it...and I could have told her about the photopass thing. But I didn't know till it was all over. I had told Lisa about the photopass thing...but she has a LOT on her brain at all times...so she doesn't store details like that, especially since I was sort of "in charge" of the photopass deal...oh well. And I wish I could say we were going back to CRT...but I sorta doubt it...in fact...I am positive of it...

Lauren is beautiful...I can't stress enough that her beauty starts inside and goes out! And that girl can put on some makeup!!!! Which is good therapy for her, too!

Aw man on the Tarzan thing...gee...

Disney characters...well...I have to admit, I know I watched some...and I have seen some movies (Lion King, Aladdin...I even decorated my dorm hall when I was a resident assistant in Aladdin characters)...the more recent ones...and I am sure I have seen Cinderella at some point...but I don't watch much Disney...I don't have kids and Lauren and William don't watch much TV at all (life is just busy at their house). Most of the kids I hang around don't watch much Disney either? But, I DO plan to Netflix (is that a VERB?) some more movies...since it looks like we will be able to go back to Disney World...and I LIKE Disney stuff...I just like 24, NCIS, Alias, and The Unit better, I guess... *** OK, now I am REALLY going to get kicked off the island! ***

We did enjoy It's a Small World and Peter Pan!

and...sorry about the Cliffhanger...not intentional...I just HAVE to sleep sometime!! And I can't post at work...

Thank you for all of your comments!

 

[maroo]

Well, after being gone for the week I LOVED all the updates! I don't like waiting so maybe I'll just go another week before checking back! Come on, you gotta update faster!!!!

Lauren looks so pretty and I love all the costumes for MNSSHP! That parade is one of my favorites!

Thank you for reading!! Sorry for the cliffhanger! It takes so much longer than I think to post this stuff...but I SHOULD have MNSSHP all posted before I go to sleep tonight!! I promise!!

Thanks for the comments on the costumes! I made the ones for Rick and Lisa...sort of last minute...but it seemed to work.

Cliffhanger NOOOOO!!!!!

Mary, post more please. I am really enjoying reliving Lauren's trip with you. Disney is wonderful with special needs kids.
Even though my brother is not a kid anymore (he's 43) he has the mental age of 8, due to his CP. I am finding myself wishing that UCP will finally do the WDW trip they have been wanting to do for the past few years.

Sorry for the cliffhanger!! I promise I will post more tonight...and hopefully no cliffhangers tonight!!

It would be awesome for UCP to do some sort of event/trip in WDW...it is just the most accessible friendly place that I have ever been! And Lauren said the same thing!

Maroo - wow 4 more chapters!

Lauren looks great in her Tink outfit - and I love the picture with her and the Little Tink!

BTW - the big bear is Baloo from Jungle Book. You need to update yourself on Disney charaters...

The CR hottub

Great reporting - can't wait to hear more!

YEAH! You noticed I did 4 more chapters!!

Oh...now wait...I DID know who Baloo is! Did I not say his name? I will have to check on that... I know...I know...I need to Netflix some Disney movies..>I will, I promise!!

Thanks for the encouragement!!!

Lauren is too cute!

She looks so happy.

Her wheels are awesome. My Emma has purple wheels. They are much smaller, she just turned 5.

We LOVE Disney World. We are going again on Thanksgiving but we are staying off site this time.

If you or Lauren would like to check out her website, here it is:

www.emmahopeworld.net

There are tons of pictures from our trip to DW this past Jan/Feb.

Amy

First of all...Emma is SOOOO cute! And you are doing a great job keeping all of those pictures updated, etc. I know that is not easy at all when you have a disabled child to take care of...Kudos to you!

Emma does remind me a LOT of the pictures and video I have seen of Lauren at that age. Full of life and so stinking cute in her little bitty wheelchair! Lauren was the youngest child (at the time) to get a power wheelchair in Mississippi. They had to submit a video to show that she knew how to cross the street and load up in the van, etc to get her insurance to pay for it. She was about 3 and a half, I think...and that was 12 years ago.

Has Emma done a Wish Trip yet? It is a wonderful experience! She could do Disney and stay at GKTW...or she could do whatever she wants!!

Where are you guys staying at Thanksgiving (you can PM me this info, if you want)...we are probably going to stay off site next time we go and are looking for something that is accessible (we do need a roll in shower, though) and fairly inexpensive.

And how did Emma get to be on Good Morning America? That is so cool!!

Mary,
Lauren looked so cute in her tink outfit. I can't wait for more HURRY UP!!!!
you can't just leave us hanging like that
becca

Ok, Ok, I am off to work on some more now... Thanks for reading and for posting!!!!! *runs to work on MORE UPDATES!*

 

[HeatherSue]

I got a really sweet card in the mail today. Thank you!

You are churning out these updates like lightning! I love it! These rabid fans of yours will never be satisfied!

You're right, Lauren did her makeup better than the FGITs! She looks so beautiful!!

William is adorable in his karate outfit, too. Quite a kick that kid has!

I love the salt and pepper costumes!! How clever!

You make a very cute Cat in the Hat!

I always assumed there was some secret handicap loading area on Peter Pan (and every other ride, for that matter). I can't believe they expect you to load up on a moving walkway!! It upsets me to think that if you couldn't have carried Lauren, she couldn't have rode it!

Tarzan was looking a little orange! A cute orange, though!

Teresa, I said "maybe" which really means I don't forgive Sandra for being "meh" with Arminda. I mean, really! That child is positively exhuberant! How could anyone not even smile at her?

 

[maroo]

So...it was getting late...and it was probably time to go back to the room. But William, Lisa and Rick all wanted to ride the Pooh Ride while there was barely a line...especially Lisa...she loves Pooh! Lauren, though, was feeling a little dizzy from all of the rides and wanted to sit this one out.

So, they headed to Pooh and Lauren and I headed for the dance party that was going on right there in Fantasyland. We decided to wait there for Rick, Lisa and William.

This was a FANTASTIC party! The characters (Donald, Pluto, Chip and Dale) all came out and danced with everyone. This was so much fun. This was such great interaction. The characters are fun to take pics with and interact with in the park when you wait for them...but dancing with them just can't be beat! The music was great...perfect dance music. This was a blast!

Honestly...I did get some good video and pics...but I missed some of the BEST video moments...like when Lauren joined the "train" and everyone danced around in a circle with her ...I mean...I was DANCING...not filming....Good times, good times!



Here are some pics of Lauren with the characters...


Lauren with Donald...Donald was the first to notice Lauren and come dance with her!

Lauren jamming with Dale!

And Pluto joined the fun, too!

And some VIDEO...this was so fun!!

This little girl was JAMMING! Lauren watched her dance for a while that night! She was quite entertaining...and then Pluto saw Lauren...and this was so sweet...

VIDEO - Lauren and Pluto at the Dance Party!


Some SWEET interaction with Dale...(sorry it is so short...I think I pushed the wrong button!)

VIDEO - Lauren dancing with Dale



But...if you thought that was fun...This party is just getting started!! Because in come Rick, Lisa and William...and they join the fun...

Some pics...


William gets put in a headlock by Dale. And LOVED it!

Dale was dancing with the whole family...(Is Rick tired? Or is he enjoying this? I think he is enjoying this!)

And this...was so fun...

Now, while that last picture sure looks like fun...check it out on VIDEO...


VIDEO - The WHOLE family joins in!


Was that not a BLAST! Can you feel it?!?! I hope you can...Because we had so much fun. This hour was worth the price of admission. It was fun! Probably one of the highlights of the whole trip for me personally. It was fun to watch the characters love on Lauren...and when the rest of the gang showed up...to watch them all dance together. I wish I could bottle that up and spread it around all year long! What a great time we had!

But...it had to end eventually...Midnight rolled around and we headed out. We were pretty slow leaving and I needed to find a restroom...so I left ahead of the gang and we decided to meet by the monorail entrance.

I distinctly remember sitting on a bench just outside of the MK gates...looking above my head at the monorail and thinking about how tired I was...but that it was a GOOD tired. I didn't remember being that happy in a long, long time. I sat on that bench and watched the monorails pass by and really enjoyed these moments of just quiet reflection. I prayed and thanked God for a wonderful day...a wonderful two days. Can it get any better than this? Life is good...


Well...God is still good...but we are in for A VERY, VERY LONG NIGHT!! (Click Here to read about it)

 

[maroo]

I got a really sweet card in the mail today. Thank you!

You are churning out these updates like lightning! I love it! These rabid fans of yours will never be satisfied!

You're right, Lauren did her makeup better than the FGITs! She looks so beautiful!!

William is adorable in his karate outfit, too. Quite a kick that kid has!

I love the salt and pepper costumes!! How clever!

You make a very cute Cat in the Hat!

I always assumed there was some secret handicap loading area on Peter Pan (and every other ride, for that matter). I can't believe they expect you to load up on a moving walkway!! It upsets me to think that if you couldn't have carried Lauren, she couldn't have rode it!

Tarzan was looking a little orange! A cute orange, though!

Teresa, I said "maybe" which really means I don't forgive Sandra for being "meh" with Arminda. I mean, really! That child is positively exhuberant! How could anyone not even smile at her?

Thank you for all of your comments! YW for the card...you guys...your kindness can never be repaid with a card...but I wanted you to know that we did appreciate what you guys did! Your pillowcases are a hit!

Bless Arminda's heart ...she needs to go back and you guys get Susan or someone that will show her a special time!

You are right...I can't do this fast enough! It is a slow process...as I know you know!! I did purposely NOT put some sort of cliffhanger on this one, though!

I love William's outfit, too! And he does have a pretty good kick on him! I think he could take Baloo... William got a silver medal at the World Taekwondo Competition this year... he is GOOD at that stuff!

The idea for the Salt and Pepper constumes came from Lisa...but I actually made them. Nevermind the spray paint that I got all over me that would not come off for a couple of days.

And I loved being Cat in the Hat...one of the fun things was all of the kids reaction to me. I think some of them thought I was a "real" character. One even asked his Mom if he could take a picture with me.

Tarzan does look really orange in those pics...but I don't remember thinking that when I saw him...he was just...a FINE looking man! Trust me!!!!!

And there are several rides that really are not accessible...Peter Pan was one of them.

But Disney has done such a great job of making all of the new rides accessible...I guess when they made Peter Pan and other rides, they just were not as aware of disabilities...but they are definitely aware now! Most amusement parks could really care less...

Although, I have to say that historically, we don't care if it is "accessible" or not. Before Lauren's surgeries, we would take her to the big water park in our area and she would ride the BIG slides...We would carry her up the stairs and then go down the slide with her! The funny thing...they let her in FREE because she is in a wheelchair... And she had more fun than any of us!! (And we got a FREE workout!) She still goes to the water parks, but can't do the big slides because of her baclofen pump and the rods in her back. We still do the lazy river, lay out, and the big wave pool! (And she still gets in FREE!)

thank you so much for reading...and posting...and for everything you have done for us!

 

[jessica52877]

Mary, you are so sweet! What a blessing to be able to have gone on Lauren's wish trip! I bet it was so much more enjoyable for Rick and Lisa with you along to help out!

I also have loved the details you have shared about access for disabilities as I am sure it helps a ton to know what to expect when going to such a large place!

 

[llurgy]

I distinctly remember sitting on a bench just outside of the MK gates...looking above my head at the monorail and thinking about how tired I was...but that it was a GOOD tired. I didn't remember being that happy in a long, long time. I sat on that bench and watched the monorails pass by and really enjoyed these moments of just quiet reflection. I prayed and thanked God for a wonderful day...a wonderful two days. Can it get any better than this? Life is good... [/SIZE]

It sounds like you had a fantastic time Magical moments like that are so good arent they?
I am so pleased that such a good time was had by all and especially Lauren. Her enjoying the Jammin' so much and being loved on by all the characters must have made up some for her not being so enthused about her BBB experience?

I am really loving your wish trip report....want more......give me MORE

Mandy

 

[jillalvarez2003]

William, Lisa and Richard dancing with Dale.... Priceless Fun!

 

[AmberGreenawalt]

So it's midnight...and I SHOULD be sleeping since I'll be up again to nurse Savannah in a couple hours. Why am I not off in the land of nod?...Because I'm addicted to your trip report! I guess I qualify as one of those "rabid fans" mantioned earlier

I love all your pictures and video. It's getting me so excited for Sebastian's trip in 39 (just 39 more!) days. One thing is for sure...my trip report won't be "funny." You have a great way of writing that makes me laugh and smile.

I'll check back again tomorrow.

Okay, now I really should go to bed.