My son got a Make-A-Wish....Now what?

[Schmeck]

Hello!
I have no idea what to expect on this trip.....being a Make-A-Wish and Give Kids the World....and given his delays....we should qualify for the Handicap tickets.

First of all, have a wonderful trip!

But, for future reference, there is no such thing as a 'handicap ticket' at WDW. For future trips to WDW, you could get a Guest Assistance Card at one of the guest service areas in the parks. There are posts 'stickied' to the top of this forum with lots of great info about GACs. For a MAW trip, you don't need a GAC, as the MAW button/papers will get you what you need.

Again, I hope you all have a wonderful trip!

 

[Nicks Wish]

I am going to try and reply to them all this weekend! It has been a busy week at work!
Thank you again so much!
Hugs!

 

[HMeyers]

you said your son will like the water parks but not the water rides. Right at GKTW there is Wacky Water Works. He should love this. It's a bunch of pipes and tubes and fountains and you can control the water by turning knobs and wheels. The floor is a soft rubber texture. My son loved this spot!! Have an amazing trip!

 

[scratchboat]

It's been a few years - we did my daughter's wish trip in 2001 when she was 3-1/2. If you want to keep your son from being overwhelmed until you can gauge what he's up to I have some advice I can pass along ...

1) GKTW will likely provide you tickets to the four Disney Theme Parks, the two Universal Parks and to Sea World. Also, as other posters have mentioned, some of the characters will come to the Wish Village to meet your son, too!

2) There is a merry-go-round and a ride-on train in the Wish Village itself. Don't be surprised if your son wants to ride these over-and-over again day at breakfast & dinner time. These may build his confidence for other rides at the theme parks.

3) The World Showcase in Epcot is a great place to meet characters - maybe not Mickey, but Winnie the Pooh is often in England, Mulan in Japan, etc. In general I found that Epcot was the least hectic place to do character greetings - it also is the most "open" park so doesn't seem as crowded. It's easy to find Mickey in his "Judge's Tent" in Mickey's Toon Town Fair at the Magic Kingdom. As others have mentioned, find a way to let the cast members know that your son wants to meet Mickey. One of the cast members might escort him in through the "exit" and he'll have a relaxed, private session with Mickey!

4) Sea World is also a great place to go! There are lots of non-threatening experiences - dolphin & seal shows, penguin exhibit, etc. I would strongly recommend a day at Sea World. It is even more relaxed than Epcot's World Showcase.

5) Time your visits to the Disney parks to catch the afternoon parade at each park - nothing too scary or in-your-face at these events, either. It always seemed that the Disney CM's in the parades spotted my daughters Make-A-Wish button and waived, winked or smiled at her!

6) We didn't find much to do at the Universal parks - seemed geared for older boys, not 3-1/2 year-old girls. I understand their rides are more "thrilling" than Disney's so I wouldn't visit their until you know your Son's limits.

Have a wonderful trip - it will truly be a special experience!

 

[Bill_Lin]

We will be going in the fall for my DD's Make a Wish Trip . We are so thrilled . Although she is in remission, she has been through so much in her 5 + years. When we review postings on the boards here, we still see mixed stories on whether Wish Kids get the same "front of the line" perks at Disney Parks as they do at Universal Parks and Sea World . When you all come back from your trips, perhaps you can update us .

Thanks for your help .