Princess Peanut's WISH Trip CWF/GKTW Pre-Trip Report! *We're HOME - Pg.37*

[tinytreasures]

glad she is doing so well
I hate when the steri-strips start to fall of because they are just asking to be picked
I hate dr appointments too, No they don't get easier *sorry* I wish they did. I hate when you go and think it is going to be no big deal. Of course that is the time they find something new

 

[Mom2Miracles]

I spoke with our wish co-ordinator today, and we gave her the dates we wanted. We needed to give 3 seperate dates, so in order of preference, we chose April 1st-April 8th, April 29th-May 6th & May 20th-May 27th. She told us that they will go ahead and book BBB for our daughter, and the knights package for our son - heehee. They will arrange for a double stroller for us, and an IV poll for Peanut for her feeds in the room (her pump is portable and we have a backpack for it, but it would be nice to use the IV poll in our room). They are also going to see if they can order her formula and have it waiting at GKTW for us, so we don't need to worry about travelling with it (other then what we will bring in our carry on). If we chose, they will arrange for car seats for the rental, though i'm not sure if i'm comfortable with that - what did others do? We might just bring our own. Um...I can't remember what else we talked about. We sent off all of our paperwork (we just e-mailed it to her), and she said she is going to look in travel arrangements now. Oh and she said, if the airlines don't cover the cost of bags, they include the costs of those with the expense cheque (apparently they get the fees from the travel agent). She also said that if they can't have our formula ordered and sent to GKTW, that they will pay the addional bag fee since the formula alone will need its own suitcase because of weight.

It feels incredibly real right now, WOW!!! I can't wait to get our official dates!!

 

[jwallaceent]

So exciting that you have dates! I know once we were given our dates it all felt real! My kids talk about Disney non-stop now! MAW is such a great organization! I wish you the very best and can not wait to hear your trip plans!

 

[Mom2Miracles]

So exciting that you have dates! I know once we were given our dates it all felt real! My kids talk about Disney non-stop now! MAW is such a great organization! I wish you the very best and can not wait to hear your trip plans!

We don't have the official dates, but the 3 sets of dates that we would like (in order of preference) have been given. Our wish co-ordinator said that she is going to put the request in today and will be in touch when they have a proposed itinerary. Peanut's wish isn't through MAW, its through Children's Wish Foundation, which is essentially the same thing as MAW. We haven't told our kids yet about the wish trip, or Disney. We want to wait until we have solid dates so we have something to look forward to specifically, rather then just knowing there IS going to be a trip, but not knowing when.

 

[casper_jj11]

I spoke with our wish co-ordinator today, and we gave her the dates we wanted. We needed to give 3 seperate dates, so in order of preference, we chose April 1st-April 8th, April 29th-May 6th & May 20th-May 27th. She told us that they will go ahead and book BBB for our daughter, and the knights package for our son - heehee. They will arrange for a double stroller for us, and an IV poll for Peanut for her feeds in the room (her pump is portable and we have a backpack for it, but it would be nice to use the IV poll in our room). They are also going to see if they can order her formula and have it waiting at GKTW for us, so we don't need to worry about travelling with it (other then what we will bring in our carry on). If we chose, they will arrange for car seats for the rental, though i'm not sure if i'm comfortable with that - what did others do? We might just bring our own. Um...I can't remember what else we talked about. We sent off all of our paperwork (we just e-mailed it to her), and she said she is going to look in travel arrangements now. Oh and she said, if the airlines don't cover the cost of bags, they include the costs of those with the expense cheque (apparently they get the fees from the travel agent). She also said that if they can't have our formula ordered and sent to GKTW, that they will pay the addional bag fee since the formula alone will need its own suitcase because of weight.

It feels incredibly real right now, WOW!!! I can't wait to get our official dates!!

We brought our own car seats.... I don't trust the ones provided by the rental agency and there's no guarantee that they'll be there. Another option though is contact a baby equipment rental place in Orlando. We actually used to own one here in Ottawa before life became crazy and we closed it. Most are very reputable and truly care for the equipment they provide. They will also meet you at the airport or ensure that the car seats are there at the time of your arrival. Even better, they are generally less expensive than the car rental locations. There's also a place that rents really nice strollers. They're cheaper than the Disney ones and much more comfortable than the ones disney provides. I'm not sure if Peanut needs a special stroller but it may be worth checking out their site. Its owned by a couple. We met them in the park just as they were opening their business and they're very nice. They were asking about the stroller we were using and once they realized we owned a rental agency as well, we got to talking. Their site is www.orlandostrollerrentals.com

 

[Mom2Miracles]

We brought our own car seats.... I don't trust the ones provided by the rental agency and there's no guarantee that they'll be there. Another option though is contact a baby equipment rental place in Orlando. We actually used to own one here in Ottawa before life became crazy and we closed it. Most are very reputable and truly care for the equipment they provide. They will also meet you at the airport or ensure that the car seats are there at the time of your arrival. Even better, they are generally less expensive than the car rental locations. There's also a place that rents really nice strollers. They're cheaper than the Disney ones and much more comfortable than the ones disney provides. I'm not sure if Peanut needs a special stroller but it may be worth checking out their site. Its owned by a couple. We met them in the park just as they were opening their business and they're very nice. They were asking about the stroller we were using and once they realized we owned a rental agency as well, we got to talking. Their site is www.orlandostrollerrentals.com

I'm iffy on using the rental company's car seats, so i'm leaning towards bringing our own (even if it a PITA). I will also look in to what you suggested, as maybe that is a good option too. As for the stroller rental, we were going to rent from a company I found on here (magicstrollers.com), but our wish co-ordinator said they had a company they rented them through. So she was going to organize that as well. I'm not sure what kind they are, but I requsted a side by side double, so if they can't get that for us then i'll look in to getting one from the site you mentioned or the one I had looked in to. Peanut doesn't need a special stroller, we are only getting one because she tires easily and there would be no way that either of them could walk any of the parks without needing to rest. I'd rather have one so we have the option for them to rest, without having to leave the parks.

 

[casper_jj11]

I'm iffy on using the rental company's car seats, so i'm leaning towards bringing our own (even if it a PITA). I will also look in to what you suggested, as maybe that is a good option too. As for the stroller rental, we were going to rent from a company I found on here (magicstrollers.com), but our wish co-ordinator said they had a company they rented them through. So she was going to organize that as well. I'm not sure what kind they are, but I requsted a side by side double, so if they can't get that for us then i'll look in to getting one from the site you mentioned or the one I had looked in to. Peanut doesn't need a special stroller, we are only getting one because she tires easily and there would be no way that either of them could walk any of the parks without needing to rest. I'd rather have one so we have the option for them to rest, without having to leave the parks.

Its a great idea ot have a stroller. Last year was actually the first trip that Lucas wasn't using one. Its a huge amount of walking. We used our own City Series double side by side stroller (called a Classic rented by Orlando Stroller Rentals ... the red one). They're wonderful. Very comfortable, Nice storage, they recline in case the kids get tired and have a huge canopy to protect from the sun. They're built so that bigger kids can ride them so they don't feel like the typical baby like strollers (you know, Graco kind). I've heard great things about the city mini as well which Magic and Orlando strollers rents so the kiddos would be happy with either company I"m sure.

 

[Mom2Miracles]

I am going to ask our co-ordinator at some point about what kind of stroller they are about to rent for us. I want to make sure it will fit our needs - not too bulky and be comfortable enough for the kids, i'd like them to be able to recline a bit too (like the ones i've seen on the rental websites).

 

[tinytreasures]

I am going to ask our co-ordinator at some point about what kind of stroller they are about to rent for us. I want to make sure it will fit our needs - not too bulky and be comfortable enough for the kids, i'd like them to be able to recline a bit too (like the ones i've seen on the rental websites).

Hope you get a nice stroller. We brought our own seats and strollers with. I am not sure what to do this time since I am thinking the kids will be fine in boosters this time. I will bring Ella's seat for sure on the plane.
So glad things are all falling into place for you

 

[Mom2Miracles]

We got our DATES, I can't believe it!!!

We are going from April 29th - May 6th and we got our top flight choices as well!!! OMG, its happening, WE ARE GOING TO DISNEY!!!

My Peanuts going to get her wish, I am so emotional for her. She SO deserves this, and it will be so amazing for our family. An entire week of no Drs, not tests, no procedures, nothing. I'm not sure I even remember what that is like. Peanut and Monkey will get to be kids, with no worries or fears. WOW!!!

On a side note, Peanut had her weekly appt today, and shes lost weight. 500 grams - in only a week. Which I know to most isn't a big deal, but to Peanut its HUGE, and not good, and scary. They are changing her formula a bit, she will be now taking a mix of 1 cal and 1.5 cal Peptamen Jr. And hopefully this will help her gain some weight. She is so so tiny, shes a little over 25lbs now. We know that some of the loss had to do with the fact that she was backed up and with the increase in her bowel meds she cleaned herself out, but some of it was real weight. I'm scared that TPN might become more of a reality (again), but in the end she needs to start gaining and maintaining, which she isn't able to do now. Fingers crossed the formula combo does the trick, and we can avoid TPN (for now, at least). I know the worrying never ends when you have children, but does it ever ease up? Or is this just par for the course when you have a sick child? I'm so scared for her.

 

[blessedmom4]

We got our DATES, I can't believe it!!!

We are going from April 29th - May 6th and we got our top flight choices as well!!! OMG, its happening, WE ARE GOING TO DISNEY!!!

My Peanuts going to get her wish, I am so emotional for her. She SO deserves this, and it will be so amazing for our family. An entire week of no Drs, not tests, no procedures, nothing. I'm not sure I even remember what that is like. Peanut and Monkey will get to be kids, with no worries or fears. WOW!!!

On a side note, Peanut had her weekly appt today, and shes lost weight. 500 grams. Which I know to most isn't a big deal, but to Peanut its HUGE, and not good, and scary. They are changing her formula a bit, she will be now taking a mix of 1 cal and 1.5 cal Peptamen Jr. And hopefully this will help her gain some weight. She is so so tiny, a little under 25.5lbs now. We know that some of the loss had to do with the fact that she was backed up and with the increase in her bowel meds she cleaned herself out, but some of it was real weight. I'm scared that TPN might become more of a reality (again), but in the end she needs to start gaining and maintaining, which she isn't able to do now. Fingers crossed the formula combo does the trick, and we can avoid TPN (for now, at least). I know the worrying never ends when you have children, but does it ever ease up? Or is this just par for the course when you have a sick child? I'm so scared for her.

I am so incredibly happy for you! (That is near the time we were planning on going. It will be wonderful).

I am praying for Peanut AND for Mommy. This is hard! I am happy you have something to look forward to!

Our oldest is twenty and I STILL worry! Medical worry IS different though...

 

[CeraMomof3]

500 grams would make me crazy for weight loss.

I hope everything is okay!

 

[tinytreasures]

for dates

Bummer about the 500 grams that is a lot. That amount would take Avy months to gain back

 

[Mom2Miracles]

Bummer about the 500 grams that is a lot. That amount would take Avy months to gain back

Peanut too, if she does at all. So hopefully the new formula combo will work some magic.

Thanks girls, we are so excited.

 

[brookerene]

Alright! those sounds like GREAT dates!

 

[jj0plin]

Sounds like a perfect time to be at Disney World!! I hope the formula adjustment helps and you can avoid TPN.

 

[Mom2Miracles]

So uuum, now what? lol! The trip is booked - YAY, but I haven't decided on Character meals. Should we do one or two, and if so where and how do I book? I'm not sure where to start on figuring out what to do, and when. I just have no idea where to start. I know there are certain things we have to do, otherwise, uuuh...HELP! lol!!

 

[Corrine 1973]

So uuum, now what? lol! The trip is booked - YAY, but I haven't decided on Character meals. Should we do one or two, and if so where and how do I book? I'm not sure where to start on figuring out what to do, and when. I just have no idea where to start. I know there are certain things we have to do, otherwise, uuuh...HELP! lol!!

When we went I had each of the kids pick a character meal. That way they didn't feel that Liam was getting all the attention. We ended up doing Sci-Fi Dine In for Liam, Chef Mickey's for Aidan, and Akershas Story book dining for Mia. Both character meals were great.

Congrats about the dates!!!!
Now let the planning begin!

 

[casper_jj11]

So uuum, now what? lol! The trip is booked - YAY, but I haven't decided on Character meals. Should we do one or two, and if so where and how do I book? I'm not sure where to start on figuring out what to do, and when. I just have no idea where to start. I know there are certain things we have to do, otherwise, uuuh...HELP! lol!!

Ok, first things first. You have dates so now decide where you want to be each day ie: stay at GKTW, Universal, Seaworld or one of the Disney parks.

Once you do that, decide which character meals you'd like to do. If its not in a park, you can do it any day but you dont want to rush leaving one place to travel to a location too far away. If its in a park, book it for the day you plan to be there (although you have hoppers, it can waste a lot of time going from one park to another so its best to book things in the same park to save time on travelling from point A to point B).

If you're not sure how many you'd like to book, book several. For most, there's no charge to book the reservation (cinderella's castle is the only character meal exception I can think of). You can always cancel the day of or day before once you decide for sure what you plan to do.

You can see the menus at http://allears.net/menu/menus.htm

You can book online at http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/reservations/dining/ (or you could phone them).

I'm not sure if you talkeda about BBB before, if its something Peanut would enjoy, you need to book that asap as well. The number to call to book that is here: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/tours-and-experiences/bibbidi-bobbidi-boutique/

HTH!

 

[Mom2Miracles]

When we went I had each of the kids pick a character meal. That way they didn't feel that Liam was getting all the attention. We ended up doing Sci-Fi Dine In for Liam, Chef Mickey's for Aidan, and Akershas Story book dining for Mia. Both character meals were great.

Congrats about the dates!!!!
Now let the planning begin!

Thanks, we are SO excited. I can't believe how real it feels now that we have dates. I wanted to do the same for the character meals, do one for each of them. I know they would like each others, but I like the idea making a big deal that each specific meal was FOR a specific child. You know?

Ok, first things first. You have dates so now decide where you want to be each day ie: stay at GKTW, Universal, Seaworld or one of the Disney parks.

Once you do that, decide which character meals you'd like to do. If its not in a park, you can do it any day but you dont want to rush leaving one place to travel to a location too far away. If its in a park, book it for the day you plan to be there (although you have hoppers, it can waste a lot of time going from one park to another so its best to book things in the same park to save time on travelling from point A to point B).

If you're not sure how many you'd like to book, book several. For most, there's no charge to book the reservation (cinderella's castle is the only character meal exception I can think of). You can always cancel the day of or day before once you decide for sure what you plan to do.

You can see the menus at http://allears.net/menu/menus.htm

You can book online at http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/reservations/dining/ (or you could phone them).

I'm not sure if you talkeda about BBB before, if its something Peanut would enjoy, you need to book that asap as well. The number to call to book that is here: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/tours-and-experiences/bibbidi-bobbidi-boutique/

HTH!

CWF is booking BBB for Peanut and the Knights package for Monkey (so cute), so I don't have to worry about that. I e-mailed our co-ordinator to ask her to let me know when she had a date/time about that so I could plan around it. I like the idea of planning where we want to go each day, and then being able to figure out what to do at each specific park. It will probably mak it less overwhelming to do that. Thanks for the tips, and links.