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

[eyor44]

I forgot to say "Way to go Lauren on presenting the Bill. What a great exprience."

 

[teresajoy]

Oh my gosh! They actually told Lauren to lie down on the BATHROOM floor???!!?? What??!! and they had a nice VIP room?? You guys ALL should have eaten the shrimp! Well,maybe not Lauren since she was so sick.

I'm so glad you got some pixie dust back at the Contemporary!
Poor Lauren! Poor Maroo!

I'm not laughing at you, really, I'm sure you've been told alerady that Celebration is a town.. ok,I'm a LITTLE bit laughing at you!...

Aww, the bear was very cute!

Ok, I see now that you have been told that hospital was in Celebration! The first time we went through that town, it was a little freaky, like something out of Leave it to Beaver!


Lisa's favorite meal was McDonald's?? too funny!

Lauren looks so pretty at the Beauty and the Beast show!

I don't like Fantasmic either. It is VERY dark, and way to spiritistic for my taste. I wish we would have left before it was done! None of us were comfortable with it at all!

Ok, I think I'm all caught up again! Goondenss, I need to update MY trip report soon! I only have two days left to write about! You are putting me to shame Mary!

 

[Yzma and Kronk]

WTG Lauren on the Legislature!!!

It sound like to you really enjoyed B&theB (Have you seen the movie, Maroo?? )

I'm so surprised the CM's didn't catch those people sitting in the wheelchair area before they sat down. Oh well, I'm glad it worked out for your without any fights.....

I've seen Fantasmic a couple of times and find it's just OK.

Too bad about Toy Story - what a fun ride!!

Another cliffhanger.......do you go to MNSSHP or not???

 

[maroo]

I didn't like Fantasmic either. Nor did my DH or DS (4). I didn't know what the fuse was about. We liked the parade there better.

We don't hit every ride. If the line is too long, we pass. We still have a very fun time. I have yet to go on every ride at WDW nor do I aspire to either. We are very laid back when we go.

I am hoping that our next trip will be laid back...even more than this one. Hoping for a long stay so that we can take it easy. And next time we will know that we don't care for Fantasmic and will be able to catch some rides or something during the show - or leave before the big crowd lets out!

Not good about Fantasmic. I have been kind of wanting to see it and DH really has. I realize everyone has a different opinion and likes, but your "dark" comment is one thing I have been thinking from the descriptions I have read. I will go with an open mind though. Gram loves the shows and I got the Fantasmic package so she wouldn't have to wait in line.

Lots of people really love Fantasmic...it just wasn't for us. You guys might really like it. We didn't do a Fantasmic package and I was glad because we would not have been able to get to those seats because Lauren had to sit in the back with the wheelchair seating.

more! I bet you went!

He he!!

I have to admit - I haven't seen Fantasmic yet and I really don't have any desire to. I've been to Disney a few times since Fantasmic's been there and we just weren't interested. Now talk to me about Illuminations or Wishes and I'm all over it.

It was last on our list of the shows that I wanted to see...but it worked out that we could see it. Would you belive we didn't really get to see either Illuminations OR Wishes?? Crazy trip!!

It's so funny how opinions vary...I love it! That's part of what is great about Disney..something for everyone's taste's.

Of all the evening shows we like Fantasmic best In fact on Sebastian's wish trip we plan to skip Illuminations and Wishes. I thought that those two shows were too short for the LONG waits on the pavement to get a good view. Plus they started late. During our trip Fantasmic starts at 7:00 p.m. as opposed to Illuminations at 9:00. We love that it's choc-full of Disney characters, especially on the boats at the end. We booked the Fantasmic package again to avoid the wait for seats.

We vowed to never again be a part of the mass exodus leaving the MK after Wishes. Last time we had to get a cab back to our hotel at 10:30 p.m. sleeping toddlers in tow. I think if we ever do that again we'll try seeing it from the rail road platform at the park entrance and thus ahead of the crowds or maybe from the California Grill when the kids are all old enough to enjoy fine dining....Ooo now there's a thought.

Anyway, I'm rambling again!

Another wonderful installment Maroo!!!

That makes sense...if it starts so late that you guys can't enjoy it, then it isn't worth it. We survived and didn't see either. We will try to make it to both this next time, though!!

California Grill sounds AWESOME!!!!! You can also see it from the 4th floor of the Contemporary on the outside porch...they pipe in the music and if you get there early enough, you can actually get one of the "seats" they have there. And the kids can shop while they wait for it... One of the best kept secrets, I think...oops... The secret is out!

Hope someday the real world does work that way.

My DD is not capable of employment where income would be an issue, but I know people who are dealing with this problem.
In many cases, even if they had a good job with a good rate of pay, their paycheck would not cover all the care that they need. So, they have no choice. It is a cruel position to put someone into.




Those First Aid folks there are not just nice. They are really, really nice.

We've seen a number of CMs with wheelchairs over the years and we probably saw this same CM at Beauty and the Beast when we were there in October.

Lucky you remembered it. We usually remember we need a bag after it has started to rain.

We did ride it (several times) with DD, but it is jerky. That's the part she liked best (my wild child!). I was a bit concerned on one ride because her wheelchair tipped back against the anti-tip bars during one of the jerky parts. She was OK with that (as long as the velcro straps don't come off her feet, she's OK with jerking. If the velcro comes loose, you would think her whole body was in danger of falling out of her chair - even on flat ground in the house.)

In a way, I am glad that it is an issue for Lauren, since it does mean that she could work. I have another friend in the same boat...but she is older...so she is actually IN that boat already. She just can't work for fear of losing her benefits. She does other stuff...like selling crafts and such that she enjoys and can make a little money, but not enough to lose her benefits. But she could be out there working a "regular" job, she is too smart to just stay at home. Plus, the person that stays at home with her could also work...so that is two people that could be gainfully employed that are at home (and not choosing to...I have nothing against SAHMs!)

The system is broken. Someone needs to fix it. Lauren mentioned being a lobbyist for disability rights...maybe she could do that...but she would have to volunteer. I digress...

Oh yeah...there is NO way Lauren could pay for her own stuff...her wheelchair is over $22,000 alone. Not to mention meds, dr visits, other equipment. Car...around $90,000 for a conversion...possibly more depending on her equipment. And they expect her to be "financially independent"... whatever. And both of those things have not been "approved" by her "regular" insurace...so that is no help.

Yeah, this topic gets me going...



You are right...the First Aid folks are REALLY nice!!! At all of the parks, really...although we only tested MK and DHS!

Yeah...I am kinda neurotic about packing EVERYTHING...as I am sure you can tell by the back of Lauren's chair...she has a TON of stuff on there.

The jerkiness really bothers Lauren because she has rods in her back that are fairly new...so she can feel them sort of moving and it drives her crazy. Her back will pop and it is uncomfortable. In fact, hindsight is 20/20, but Lauren probably won't do "It's a Small World" anymore either...(and we probably need to add this to the ride description)...that beginning where it is really bumpy...we think that Lauren pinched a nerve on that ride...her back has hurt ever since and she is still having some trouble with it. (nerve pain going to her hand so she can't drive...)

I forgot to say "Way to go Lauren on presenting the Bill. What a great exprience."

Thanks!!! She really enjoyed it and will be doing it again next year. She does lots of cool stuff...she is on Student Council, so she has to speak for them sometimes, too. She is pretty good at that stuff.

Oh my gosh! They actually told Lauren to lie down on the BATHROOM floor???!!?? What??!! and they had a nice VIP room?? You guys ALL should have eaten the shrimp! Well,maybe not Lauren since she was so sick.

I'm so glad you got some pixie dust back at the Contemporary!
Poor Lauren! Poor Maroo!

I'm not laughing at you, really, I'm sure you've been told alerady that Celebration is a town.. ok,I'm a LITTLE bit laughing at you!...

Aww, the bear was very cute!

Ok, I see now that you have been told that hospital was in Celebration! The first time we went through that town, it was a little freaky, like something out of Leave it to Beaver!


Lisa's favorite meal was McDonald's?? too funny!

Lauren looks so pretty at the Beauty and the Beast show!

I don't like Fantasmic either. It is VERY dark, and way to spiritistic for my taste. I wish we would have left before it was done! None of us were comfortable with it at all!

Ok, I think I'm all caught up again! Goondenss, I need to update MY trip report soon! I only have two days left to write about! You are putting me to shame Mary!

I always love reading your comments!!!

First of all...thanks for making me feel better about letting the TR sort of rest a little while...although, you guys need to get on it!!!!!!! I want MORE!

Ha ha...you are right...we should have all had shrimp! It was going to waste anyway...no one else was eating it! And the bathroom floor instead of VIP room...not a good moment for them! And I guess several people have read about it here...

I am definitely going to have to visit Celebration the next time we are there!! We will have to drive by there on the way to or from GKTW...

"...way to spiritistic for my taste."

What a great way to describe it!! spiritistic...that is a word that does describe it well! Yeah...we won't go back.

Alright...so...go update yours!!

 

[maroo]

I need you guys to help me with something...if you don't mind...

Do any of you guys know the best way to create a video? I want to make a video of this trip to use to promote MAW with Lauren's school...

I have pics in Photobucket...and I am sure I can use Photobucket to make one. I have pictures AND video that I want to compile in a video. I would need to be able to save the video for myself (not just have it online)...

What is the best way to do this?? Anyone done this before?

 

[Khalana]

If you want to save it on your computer and not just watch it online (like you can with onetruemedia.com) you'd need some kind of software, I think. We like to use Pinnacle, it's not too expensive and you can add to it to get more stuff. If you have a Mac, the Final Cut Express is good, but it does cost $250 or so. If you have a DVD burner on your computer you can make your own DVDs this way.

 

[Erin1700]

Loving your report!! I just found it and can't wait to share it with my DD7. We leave in 22 days!!

 

[maroo]

WTG Lauren on the Legislature!!!

It sound like to you really enjoyed B&theB (Have you seen the movie, Maroo?? )

I'm so surprised the CM's didn't catch those people sitting in the wheelchair area before they sat down. Oh well, I'm glad it worked out for your without any fights.....

I've seen Fantasmic a couple of times and find it's just OK.

Too bad about Toy Story - what a fun ride!!

Another cliffhanger.......do you go to MNSSHP or not???

Now you KNOW that I HAVE to have gone to tease you guys like that!!! But I will update again before this week is out...

Thank you so much for reading and keeping up with us!!!

If you want to save it on your computer and not just watch it online (like you can with onetruemedia.com) you'd need some kind of software, I think. We like to use Pinnacle, it's not too expensive and you can add to it to get more stuff. If you have a Mac, the Final Cut Express is good, but it does cost $250 or so. If you have a DVD burner on your computer you can make your own DVDs this way.

Thank you so mch for the info!! I can't wait to get some time to try it out!!

Loving your report!! I just found it and can't wait to share it with my DD7. We leave in 22 days!!

Aww...thank you for posting!!!

I am just curious, though, is your DD7 a wish child or disabled? I was just wondering? Because we have some awesome folks around here that help cheer on Wish Trips!!

You guys are going to have a wonderful time!!!! And I will SURELY be DONE with this TR before you guys leave.

 

[zeppy68]

You can also put it on you tube.

They have some great maw vidoes there are put to music that makes ya want
to cry.

Joe

 

[LuvGoing2Disney7]

I need you guys to help me with something...if you don't mind...

Do any of you guys know the best way to create a video? I want to make a video of this trip to use to promote MAW with Lauren's school...

I have pics in Photobucket...and I am sure I can use Photobucket to make one. I have pictures AND video that I want to compile in a video. I would need to be able to save the video for myself (not just have it online)...

What is the best way to do this?? Anyone done this before?

Hi Maroo
Stopping by to catch up again. Had to de-lurk to comment on this. I have used PhotoStory3(free internet download) to make videos like that. You can even add music to them

 

[Plantlady]

I need you guys to help me with something...if you don't mind...

Do any of you guys know the best way to create a video? I want to make a video of this trip to use to promote MAW with Lauren's school...

I have pics in Photobucket...and I am sure I can use Photobucket to make one. I have pictures AND video that I want to compile in a video. I would need to be able to save the video for myself (not just have it online)...

What is the best way to do this?? Anyone done this before?

What a wonderful trip report!

If you run Windows on a PC, it automatically comes with "Windows Movie Maker". You can drag your photos and videos right in. Although, if your videos are *.mov files it doesn't work with those. You can download free software to change those files to a windows friendly type.

If you have a Mac, I believe imovie does the same thing (Or something like that).

Thanks for sharing this report. I've really enjoyed it.

 

[zeppy68]

I cant wait to here more..............

 

[eyor44]

Waiting to hear about the party.......did you or didn't you.....that is the question

 

[mom_2a_sept_princess]

I am anxious to read the rest of your report.

I hope Lauren is doing well.

Amy

mom to Emma Hope

www.emmahopeworld.net

Only 12 more days until our family goes back to the World!!

 

[maroo]

You can also put it on you tube.

They have some great maw vidoes there are put to music that makes ya want
to cry.

Joe

Hi Maroo
Stopping by to catch up again. Had to de-lurk to comment on this. I have used PhotoStory3(free internet download) to make videos like that. You can even add music to them

Nice wave!!

I ended up using the Windows version of this...and it has worked so far...but I have to get the music to play!! So still working on that! Thanks for "de-lurking"...I hope to see ya on here again, too!!

What a wonderful trip report!

If you run Windows on a PC, it automatically comes with "Windows Movie Maker". You can drag your photos and videos right in. Although, if your videos are *.mov files it doesn't work with those. You can download free software to change those files to a windows friendly type.

If you have a Mac, I believe imovie does the same thing (Or something like that).

Thanks for sharing this report. I've really enjoyed it.

Thanks for the info! I did end up using the Windows software. Now I just have to figure out how to get the music I want to use on there and ready to play!

Thanks for reading! I will be updating tonight!

I cant wait to here more..............

It is coming!! I promise!!

Waiting to hear about the party.......did you or didn't you.....that is the question

It is, isn't it!!!! I will update by the end of tonight!

I am anxious to read the rest of your report.

I hope Lauren is doing well.

Amy

mom to Emma Hope

www.emmahopeworld.net

Only 12 more days until our family goes back to the World!!

Aww...thanks for asking!! Lauren is doing fine! Doing lots of homework, but doing well!
I know you guys are going to have a blast! I hope this report is done before you leave!!!!!!

 

[mom2lilnick]

Waiting, waiting. I get so excited to read an update on your TR.

 

[maroo]

Of course we went!!!

But it did take a little work to get there...

We drove back to the hotel, got the kids unloaded and they went up to the fourth floor to look at MORE PINS! Now, I am not sure how many of you guys got to see their pin collection...after ONE day...but they didn't need any more pins! See...

But they did want to get some because they planned to trade on our last day at the parks. I think the goal was to find some cheap ones (not to be found in Disney, I know! eBay, people! eBay!) that they could used to trade with the CMs.

Lauren had decided she wanted to stay in the room with her parents, which worked out well, because Lisa and I wanted to go to MNSSHP! So, the deal was...Lisa and I go to MNSSHP tonight...and then Rick can hang out with Lisa tomorrow night (since Rick didn't really care to go back to the MNSSHP). So Rick went to get the kids in bed and Lisa and I left at about 9:00.

Did we dress up? Uh...no... We didn't have time...

But weren't we cute last time...

And remember this...what a BLAST!

So, Lisa and I set out on our own. To save a little time we just walked to the Magic Kingdom. This was about a 5 minute walk and saved the time on the monorail, which went all the way around the loop to get TO the Magic Kingdom (the ride home, though, was very short! When it counts!).

Lisa kept her eyes peeled for anyone that looked like they were going to buy tickets...so she could sell them the three extra that we had! But we didn't see anyone.

We headed to Tomorrowland first! We rode Buzz again (my favorite ride in the whole park, by the way!) I didn't beat my highest score...

which was....

Not bad for someone that has ridden it exactly 3 times!


Then we headed to Space Mountain. Now, honestly, I did not think that Lisa would ride Space Mountain ...although I did beg her the whole way ...I really didn't think she would do it. But, she did walk in the queue with me. There was another middle-aged lady in line right in front of us...and maybe that is what convinced her it was ok...because SHE RODE IT!!! Can you believe that? Well, maybe you can. I can't!

I LOVED it...Lisa...well...who knows? I do know this...she SCREAMED my name...FIRST and LAST name...at the top of her lungs...more than once during the ride. Was that a good thing? Probably not. She didn't want to ride it again. And once was enough for me, too. Even though I was pretty sure it would be my last time. It is being "upgraded" ya know. They say that it is "outdated"...which is really to say that I am outdated...It was COOL when I was a kid. That's all I'm saying!

Next stop...Trick or Treat line...several times...through the same line...Yep. We did it. BUT we HAD paid more than anyone else to get in. We needed to get $250 worth of candy to make up for the lost tickets. We were taking it back for the kids. It was for the children! (Not really...we ate it!)

And then...we saw him...him...Buzz! And I was excited about this...before I got hooked on ZZUB's trip reports...really! I mean, I HAVE seen Toy Story! Lisa was very excited...because, well, I have not told you this yet...and you will need to know it later...so take notes!

William had gotten a list of ALL of his 26 classmates and ALL of their favorite characters. And William promised all of those kids that he would get them an autograph of their favorite character. "Aw...how sweet!" Well, yes, it was very sweet of him. BUT....how exactly are you supposed to get 6 signatures from Buzz Lightyear in one trip? Especially when you were SICK for 2 park days?

So, Lisa, being the kind, sweet, warm-hearted mother she is...waited in the Buzz Lightyear line. With the kids. Not her kids. Other kids. Like, she was ONE of the kids. While I went and got us some more CANDY!! (Now who's the kid?)

After she got 6 stamps from Buzz Lightyear (I bet he was glad it was a stamp!)...we were off again.

I was hungry...so I ate...at whatever that big, huge, counter service dinner place is in Tomorrowland...I COULD look it up. But then I wouldn't get so much "feedback" from you guys, would I? And it was ok. I was hungry enough to enjoy it!

We continued around the park. We rode the Pooh ride. I LOVE Pooh! And I loved the Pooh ride!! We also saw Pooh...from a distance...but that line was LONG! And no button...and no Lauren. So...we skipped Pooh!

But we DID see Woody! And Woody was on the list of coveted autographs from William's class...so...Lisa waited in line and got Woody to sign his name a few times. Funny...I was laughing at her...and totally upset that I did not have a camera with me! For shame!


We walked around a lot. Just hanging out with my best friend. It was fun. We went through LOTS of trick or treat lines. Even all the way down to Toonville...or Toonland...or what is it? (Go ahead...shoot me.) Sometimes, we went through the line more than once! And we got some CANDY! Two adults! And we weren't even dressed up!

We promised ourselves we would get back to the room at a decent hour...but I am pretty sure it was close to midnight before we left. But we had fun!


Another night to remember.

Another night to smile about when the world isn't treating us quite right.


Click Here to Continue: The Back, Boma and a Mickey Surprise!

 

[maroo]

Waiting, waiting. I get so excited to read an update on your TR.

I think I was posting my update while you were waiting on it!

Glad you are enjoying the TR!

Have an awesome weekend!

 

[jamal]

Another night to smile about when the world isn't treating us quite right.

Well said, my dear. I'm so glad you and Lisa had this night together. You all seem to respect each other's wishes and needs so well. Thanks for the great update!

 

[AmberGreenawalt]

LOVED the update!

You could just telll you two had a fabulous time together...So cool that Lisa got to see Buzz and Woody!..We're a little crazy for Toy Story characters over here.

and if it makes you feel any better, Brian and I have just about eaten our weight in our kid's Halloween candy.