Not happy with how Disney has treated my wish child

[mittensmommy]

My son was granted a wish to Disney through kids wish and we have been having an awesome time except that he is supposed to be able to use the kids wish button to skip to the head of the line because it's his wish trip. Universal studios allowed that with no issues and were wonderful. Only some of the cast members have allowed him front of the lone access and one member was rather rude about it and made sure we knew he was basically soon us a favor and this would never happen again. They have said since were not maw we don't count which is not fair at all their are many other wish organizations besides maw and I believe that all wish children deserve this courteousy it just bothers me for my son that they behave like this yes we do have the das but had to show a drs note to get it because they weren't going to grant it until they found out his condition is life threatening

 

[OurBigTrip]

If the Kids Wish button were meant to be front of the line, he wouldn't have received a DAS.

If I recall correctly, you posted here sometime back about being concerned about going through Kids Wish Network, and it was confirmed that many don't view it as a reputable wish organization.

It could be (don't know, just speculating) that with the Kids Wish Network's poor reputation, Disney doesn't recognize it as a valid wish granting organization, and thus doesn't offer the same privileges as it does for MAW.

As for having to show medical documentation to get the DAS, I'm surprised, as it's my understanding that Disney isn't permitted to look at it.

 

[Gracie09]

If I recall correctly, there is a genie pin or lanyard that gktw or the organization gives the wish kids. That is what is used for special access. Was that not provided by the wish organization?

 

[2tinkerbell]

If the Kids Wish button were meant to be front of the line, he wouldn't have received a DAS.

If I recall correctly, you posted here sometime back about being concerned about going through Kids Wish Network, and it was confirmed that many don't view it as a reputable wish organization.

It could be (don't know, just speculating) that with the Kids Wish Network's poor reputation, Disney doesn't recognize it as a valid wish granting organization, and thus doesn't offer the same privileges as it does for MAW.

As for having to show medical documentation to get the DAS, I'm surprised, as it's my understanding that Disney isn't permitted to look at it.

I agree with the PP. I do know that MAW has a special relationship with Disney and that MAW kids get their FOTL pass from MAW.

I am sorry that you are having this experience. It has to be frustrating and a let down. I think I would revamp my expectations and learn to use the DAS card and FP+ even though you may receive FOTL access. I would do this in an effort to rescue my child's wish trip.

 

[livndisney]

My son was granted a wish to Disney through kids wish and we have been having an awesome time except that he is supposed to be able to use the kids wish button to skip to the head of the line because it's his wish trip. Universal studios allowed that with no issues and were wonderful. Only some of the cast members have allowed him front of the lone access and one member was rather rude about it and made sure we knew he was basically soon us a favor and this would never happen again. They have said since were not maw we don't count which is not fair at all their are many other wish organizations besides maw and I believe that all wish children deserve this courteousy it just bothers me for my son that they behave like this yes we do have the das but had to show a drs note to get it because they weren't going to grant it until they found out his condition is life threatening

Are you staying at GKTW?

 

[birdmom]

If the Kids Wish button were meant to be front of the line, he wouldn't have received a DAS.

If I recall correctly, you posted here sometime back about being concerned about going through Kids Wish Network, and it was confirmed that many don't view it as a reputable wish organization.

It could be (don't know, just speculating) that with the Kids Wish Network's poor reputation, Disney doesn't recognize it as a valid wish granting organization, and thus doesn't offer the same privileges as it does for MAW.

As for having to show medical documentation to get the DAS, I'm surprised, as it's my understanding that Disney isn't permitted to look at it.

They made me bring in Dr notes in June, kinda pissed me off....I did not know the system had changed. Went for my honeymoon in Oct and was denied because i did not have documentation. Brought it all in June and got my pass but I was not happy dragging medical records to the happiest place on earth

 

[aaarcher86]

You don't have to bring documentation, but you do need to explain your needs. Disney doesn't, and can't, require you to prove anything. It may have felt that way, and if you didn't know the system had changed it's possible you didn't qualify under the new system.

Disney partners with Make A Wish and GKTW, but it doesn't sound like you went through them. Unfortunately, while there are other wish organizations Disney does not offer the same benefits for those. It's a shame you're going through a rough time, but it sounds like you didn't have the proper expectations going in.

I can understand the frustration, but it doesn't sound like they're doing anything wrong. If you're still there hopefully you can make the best of the rest of your trip using FP and the DAS.

 

[OurBigTrip]

I agree with the PP. I do know that MAW has a special relationship with Disney and that MAW kids get their FOTL pass from MAW.

I am sorry that you are having this experience. It has to be frustrating and a let down. I think I would revamp my expectations and learn to use the DAS card and FP+ even though you may receive FOTL access. I would do this in an effort to rescue my child's wish trip.

This. I hope the OP comes back after their trip to fill us in on some of the details.

I just did a quick Google on her son's illness, Kids Wish Network and Disney, and there is a similar story on their webpage, and they are still asking for money to make this wish come true.

Seems like a shady "charity".

 

[OurBigTrip]

You don't have to bring documentation, but you do need to explain your needs. Disney doesn't, and can't, require you to prove anything. It may have felt that way, and if you didn't know the system had changed it's possible you didn't qualify under the new system.

Disney partners with Make A Wish and GKTW, but it doesn't sound like you went through them. Unfortunately, while there are other wish organizations Disney does not offer the same benefits for those. It's a shame you're going through a rough time, but it sounds like you didn't have the proper expectations going in.

I can understand the frustration, but it doesn't sound like they're doing anything wrong. If you're still there hopefully you can make the best of the rest of your trip using FP and the DAS.

I agree. Disney has every right to restrict which organizations are provided FOTL access. It stinks for the families, but I don't really blame Disney.

 

[aaarcher86]

I agree. Disney has every right to restrict which organizations are provided FOTL access. It stinks for the families, but I don't really blame Disney.

OP knew this was a shady organization going in from a previous thread, so I'm honestly not sure why it's that big of a surprise.

 

[livndisney]

They made me bring in Dr notes in June, kinda pissed me off....I did not know the system had changed. Went for my honeymoon in Oct and was denied because i did not have documentation. Brought it all in June and got my pass but I was not happy dragging medical records to the happiest place on earth

Please pardon my confusion-I do understand you had an issue. But are you talking about DL or WDW? I think you are speaking about your non wish related trip to DL?

 

[birdmom]

The fact here is that EVERYTHING depends on what cast member you get. I was TOLD I had to have a Dr. note because my disability was not something they could see. When I went back the second time will all my papers the girl barley glanced at them. Some cast members are kids working a fast summer and don't care and others are lifers who truly care about Disney and what they stand for, and that is the sad truth

 

[aaarcher86]

The fact here is that EVERYTHING depends on what cast member you get. I was TOLD I had to have a Dr. note because my disability was not something they could see. When I went back the second time will all my papers the girl barley glanced at them. Some cast members are kids working a fast summer and don't care and others are lifers who truly care about Disney and what they stand for, and that is the sad truth

Ok. Well, unfortunately there can be misinformation from the CMs. It's a big company. That's the way it goes, and sometimes it sucks. There was a lot of confusion in the beginning. But since autism is one of the biggest DAS user groups, and you can't see that, requiring documentation doesn't make sense, nor is it required. If someone tells you documentation is required, know your rights and request a supervisor.

We will disagree in GR CMs being college kids who don't care. They don't stick any Joe Shmoe in that position.

 

[Gracie09]

OP knew this was a shady organization going in from a previous thread, so I'm honestly not sure why it's that big of a surprise.

I agree. Back in January she said she was applying to make a wish because she was nervous about everything she read. Unfortunately for her and her family it looks like it was true.
Op I hope you can salvage your trip with fp+ and das

 

[OurBigTrip]

I agree. Back in January she said she was applying to make a wish because she was nervous about everything she read. Unfortunately for her and her family it looks like it was true.
Op I hope you can salvage your trip with fp+ and das

But note her post title and post - she's blaming Disney.

She made plans with a "charity" with a bad reputation, but the present problems are somehow Disney's fault.

 

[Gracie09]

But note her post title and post - she's blaming Disney. She made plans with a "charity" with a bad reputation, but the present problems are somehow Disney's fault.

I know but she had warning that this "charity" was not all it's cracked up to be

 

[birdmom]

Ok. Well, unfortunately there can be misinformation from the CMs. It's a big company. That's the way it goes, and sometimes it sucks. There was a lot of confusion in the beginning. But since autism is one of the biggest DAS user groups, and you can't see that, requiring documentation doesn't make sense, nor is it required. If someone tells you documentation is required, know your rights and request a supervisor.

We will disagree in GR CMs being college kids who don't care. They don't stick any Joe Shmoe in that position.

I was talking about the kids that are at the entrance to the rides, that's exactly who they put in those position, and I assume those are the ones who turned there nose up to a kid with a life threatening illness.

 

[OurBigTrip]

I was talking about the kids that are at the entrance to the rides, that's exactly who they put in those position, and I assume those are the ones who turned there nose up to a kid with a life threatening illness.

The OP worked with a known shady "charity". If that "charity" didn't coordinate with Disney to provide FOTL access, then the CMs "...who turned there nose up to a kid with a life threatening illness" did EXACTLY the right thing.

You can't just slap on a pin and expect to go to FOTL - it has to be coordinated with Disney.

 

[OurBigTrip]

I know but she had warning that this "charity" was not all it's cracked up to be

Oh, I totally agree - I'm confused as to why she's upset with Disney over this.

 

[birdmom]

I am gonna go ahead and walk away from this post... once the trolls are out there is no stopping them.