The TRIP of all Trips... Ana's MAW PTR... *TR STARTED* Link- Post #1901 Pg. 127

[that's nice]

I was behind but now am caught up.

First, a HUGE CONGRSTULATIONS on the BABY news!!! I am so happy for all of you. Even got a little choked up. Makes me so happy when good parents have more kiddos

Thank you!!! Hopefully just 1 more kid for now! LOL

Yay for dates!! How exciting!!

I know!!! Getting the dates have made this trip more real.

Your plans look great.

Thanks! Just trying to get planning.

Hurray for confirmed flights! At least the "later" flight isn't really late. You should be able to make the 3pm orientation. I think I remember others have switched their "paid" reservations, but not sure if it was a meal or BB or both. Once you get the info, and call, I can't imagine them saying no to switching it for a wish child, if they have an acceptable time available.

I really hope to make it to GKTW for 3.

I am hoping to make some kind of switch with her appointment if their time or day doesn't fit.

Woo Hoo on flights! That means the dates are real and you guys are GOING!!!!

I know!!! It is very exciting!!!!

I agree that it will be good for Juliana to get a full nights sleep that night before. Even if you miss the 3 PM orientation (but I do think you guys will make it! You are familiar with the Orlando airport and should be good!) - you can still do the 7ish one.

I really hope to do the 3pm one. That way we can either relax in the evening, explore GKTW as a family or try to get to a park. I'm thinking getting to a park isn't such a smart idea considering we won't have much time.

As far as BBB...this is how it worked for us. I am not sure if it will work for you this way or not...

They reserved a time (and place) for Lauren to get it, but they put the actual funds to pay for it in her expense check.

I ended up having to move the appointment twice for her BBB stuff because of our schedule - and that was fine with MAW, as long as I canceled the first one so that they would not be charged any cancel fee on their credit card.

If you know when and where you want it - go ahead and tell them, I am sure they won't mind trying to get it then. And...honestly...I would make my own reservation now, too - just in case theirs totally messes up another scheduled event for you guys.

I am so excited for you!

Thanks for the info Mary! I'm not sure how the payment for BBB works from MAW. I really hope to be able to switch the appointment if the day or time doesn't work for us.

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

just found this, thanks for sharing your story and it is awesome that everything is working out for her and you...almost to that 5 year mark, very cool news.

the trip coming up sounds like a lot of fun, if you havent been during the holidays it is alot of fun, the osborn lights were by far the best christmas display we saw when we went.

and congrats on the new baby news.

 

[that's nice]

just found this, thanks for sharing your story and it is awesome that everything is working out for her and you...almost to that 5 year mark, very cool news.

Thanks for stopping in!

We are getting to that 5 year mark.... 2 more years to go. I think we are going to have a huge party for her when she does get there.

the trip coming up sounds like a lot of fun, if you havent been during the holidays it is alot of fun, the osborn lights were by far the best christmas display we saw when we went.

We haven't been to WDW during Christmas time... We've seen pics and it looks amazing!

and congrats on the new baby news.

Thank you!

 

[that's nice]

I have some trip news....


First off I booked an ADR at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for Juliana on Monday December 5th in MK at 2:25. This was the earliest they had available. I could get anytime I wanted in DTD starting at 9am. I going to talk about it with Melody tonight as I might change it to DTD and take the earlier time. That way when we arrive in MK she will already be decked out.

I asked about a lunch ADR at CRT but there was nothing available all day there... I can't say I was shocked though.

Melody spoke with her cousin's wife(CW) (they live just outside Orlando) and I think they are going to come to Sea World with us. Her (CWs) friend works at Sea World and trains the sealions. CW told Mel that there is a chance that we could go behind the scenes.... at least where the sea lions are. If we did do SW on Sunday and went back to GKTW, there is a possibility Mel's cousin's family would come back with us for dinner, to check out GKTW, and play in the Candyland game.

Does anyone know.... if her cousin's family did come to SW with us, would they be included in any GAC (or whatever SW calls it) that we had? It wouldn't be fun for them if we got to get to the front of some lines and they didn't.

Also.... in my 1st set of plans, I thought we would try to see the Osbourn lights on Wednesday(our arrival day). The more I think about this the more I think it is a bad idea. DHS is only open till 8. So after our 3pm orientation, driving, and having to fit dinner in somewhere, we would only have around 2 hours at the park. That doesn't seem like a good use of a park day. So what do you think we should do? Maybe do a character dinner somewhere? Explore some resorts? Hang at GKTW?

 

[Haybuggsmom]

I have some trip news....


First off I booked an ADR at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for Juliana on Monday December 5th in MK at 2:25. This was the earliest they had available. I could get anytime I wanted in DTD starting at 9am. I going to talk about it with Melody tonight as I might change it to DTD and take the earlier time. That way when we arrive in MK she will already be decked out.

I asked about a lunch ADR at CRT but there was nothing available all day there... I can't say I was shocked though.

Melody spoke with her cousin's wife(CW) (they live just outside Orlando) and I think they are going to come to Sea World with us. Her (CWs) friend works at Sea World and trains the sealions. CW told Mel that there is a chance that we could go behind the scenes.... at least where the sea lions are. If we did do SW on Sunday and went back to GKTW, there is a possibility Mel's cousin's family would come back with us for dinner, to check out GKTW, and play in the Candyland game.

Does anyone know.... if her cousin's family did come to SW with us, would they be included in any GAC (or whatever SW calls it) that we had? It wouldn't be fun for them if we got to get to the front of some lines and they didn't.

Also.... in my 1st set of plans, I thought we would try to see the Osbourn lights on Wednesday(our arrival day). The more I think about this the more I think it is a bad idea. DHS is only open till 8. So after our 3pm orientation, driving, and having to fit dinner in somewhere, we would only have around 2 hours at the park. That doesn't seem like a good use of a park day. So what do you think we should do? Maybe do a character dinner somewhere? Explore some resorts? Hang at GKTW?

FOr the ADRs I would just keep "stalking" online reservations. That's how I got what we wanted. Just keep checking.

About the GAC. When I talked to GKTW yesterday, I was asking about my parents spending a couple of nights, they said that in order to be on the GAC they had to be added as staying at the villa on the Wish.

YEA FOR DATES!!!!

 

[KatMark]

I have some trip news....


First off I booked an ADR at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for Juliana on Monday December 5th in MK at 2:25. This was the earliest they had available. I could get anytime I wanted in DTD starting at 9am. I going to talk about it with Melody tonight as I might change it to DTD and take the earlier time. That way when we arrive in MK she will already be decked out.

I asked about a lunch ADR at CRT but there was nothing available all day there... I can't say I was shocked though.

Melody spoke with her cousin's wife(CW) (they live just outside Orlando) and I think they are going to come to Sea World with us. Her (CWs) friend works at Sea World and trains the sealions. CW told Mel that there is a chance that we could go behind the scenes.... at least where the sea lions are. If we did do SW on Sunday and went back to GKTW, there is a possibility Mel's cousin's family would come back with us for dinner, to check out GKTW, and play in the Candyland game.

Does anyone know.... if her cousin's family did come to SW with us, would they be included in any GAC (or whatever SW calls it) that we had? It wouldn't be fun for them if we got to get to the front of some lines and they didn't.

Also.... in my 1st set of plans, I thought we would try to see the Osbourn lights on Wednesday(our arrival day). The more I think about this the more I think it is a bad idea. DHS is only open till 8. So after our 3pm orientation, driving, and having to fit dinner in somewhere, we would only have around 2 hours at the park. That doesn't seem like a good use of a park day. So what do you think we should do? Maybe do a character dinner somewhere? Explore some resorts? Hang at GKTW?

Glad you made the BBB. Hopefully, you can switch it to the morning at DTD and she'll have the whole day being a "special" princess (she's already a princess every day).

I agree. That is a waste of a park day for only two hours. I would go and have dinner at one of the resorts and maybe explore the resorts for the holiday decorations. I know you guys enjoyed 1900 Park Fare. Why don't you do that as I understand GF is beautifully decorated at Christmas and they have the gingerbread house, etc., and then maybe go see the WL (also great at the holidays from what I understand).

 

[that's nice]

FOr the ADRs I would just keep "stalking" online reservations. That's how I got what we wanted. Just keep checking.

CRT was just going to be luck.. but I will keep my eye on it!

About the GAC. When I talked to GKTW yesterday, I was asking about my parents spending a couple of nights, they said that in order to be on the GAC they had to be added as staying at the villa on the Wish.

So does GKTW add them or do they need to be added by MAW (or whichever granter you have?)

YEA FOR DATES!!!!

Thank you!!!!!! It feels so much more real now!

Glad you made the BBB. Hopefully, you can switch it to the morning at DTD and she'll have the whole day being a "special" princess (she's already a princess every day).

I'm thinking the DTD BBB will be better. Mel is on her way home now. I'll be discussing it with her before she goes to bed. She said she is beat.

I agree. That is a waste of a park day for only two hours. I would go and have dinner at one of the resorts and maybe explore the resorts for the holiday decorations. I know you guys enjoyed 1900 Park Fare. Why don't you do that as I understand GF is beautifully decorated at Christmas and they have the gingerbread house, etc., and then maybe go see the WL (also great at the holidays from what I understand).

1900PF might be a good option. That would really get us into the Disney & holiday spirit! There are so many decisions.... man this is hard!

 

[billwendy]

HI!

They would absolutely not include Bill and I on Daniels pass BUT - not once did anyone ever look to see how many people there were. We were usually in coordinating tshirts or something so you could tell we were a group. We always were ushered right in with Daniel - very typically Billy was pushing Dan's wheelchair and I was holding his brother's hand - so they could really tell we were part of the group.

I wouldnt waste a park day either...unless since you have 2 days at universal, is there anything Christmassy there to see? our crew didnt like Universal for some reason (Bill and I didnt go with them) but LOVED sea world! It would be so totally awesome if you got to go behind the scenes!! I also hope they get to come to GKTW with you - its an experience for sure!!! So much fun - the arcade, the mini golf, the choo choo train, the little remote control boats, the train display, carousel and play area inside Castle of Miracles (is that what its called?),,,,and the ice cream is YUMMY!!!!!

I dont think it would be a big deal to stop quickly at the Disney Village, do the BBB and then go to a park - you want her to enjoy being dressed up all day! Also, when you called for any of your ressies, did you tell the story of Ana - that she was on her MAW trip and that she is a cancer survivor? Disney is really very wonderful at treating these MAW kiddos awesomely - Daniel even got sun to at dinner one day!!!

On our first day, they got all checked in (which took a while) and our villa wasnt quite ready. So, they went and ate lunch (bill and I had to go off property for lunch) and when we came back the villa was ready and it was after 3pm (their flight had gotten in around 12). So we did swimming, then dinner then bill and Dan's dad went to the 8pm orientation while the kids and their mom and I got them unpacked and relaxed for an early am wake up - PLUS there were a lot of fun goodies that the kids wanted to play with that were left in the villa for them!!!

 

[maroo]

I have some trip news....


First off I booked an ADR at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for Juliana on Monday December 5th in MK at 2:25. This was the earliest they had available. I could get anytime I wanted in DTD starting at 9am. I going to talk about it with Melody tonight as I might change it to DTD and take the earlier time. That way when we arrive in MK she will already be decked out.

I asked about a lunch ADR at CRT but there was nothing available all day there... I can't say I was shocked though.

Melody spoke with her cousin's wife(CW) (they live just outside Orlando) and I think they are going to come to Sea World with us. Her (CWs) friend works at Sea World and trains the sealions. CW told Mel that there is a chance that we could go behind the scenes.... at least where the sea lions are. If we did do SW on Sunday and went back to GKTW, there is a possibility Mel's cousin's family would come back with us for dinner, to check out GKTW, and play in the Candyland game.

Does anyone know.... if her cousin's family did come to SW with us, would they be included in any GAC (or whatever SW calls it) that we had? It wouldn't be fun for them if we got to get to the front of some lines and they didn't.

Also.... in my 1st set of plans, I thought we would try to see the Osbourn lights on Wednesday(our arrival day). The more I think about this the more I think it is a bad idea. DHS is only open till 8. So after our 3pm orientation, driving, and having to fit dinner in somewhere, we would only have around 2 hours at the park. That doesn't seem like a good use of a park day. So what do you think we should do? Maybe do a character dinner somewhere? Explore some resorts? Hang at GKTW?

I think play that first night by ear...

Maybe get a dining reservation somewhere - but not somewhere that is a "must do" - I really think that you guys are going to have plenty that you will want to do at GKTW - honestly.

We were just planning to see the place, do Lauren's star, do orientation and head out of there...and we were there for hours longer than we planned - and Lauren was 15 at the time. GKTW is like a child's dream place - so much to do, no cost for anything, that I really think you guys could just hang out there and enjoy the experience and get just as much out of that as a character meal. Especially since you will definitely be back to Disney.

I could be wrong...It may rain? Or Juliana may really want to get to "Disney" - so maybe have two plans in place. One if you want to head toward Disney and one if you happen to decide to stay at GKTW.

I think it is so difficult to describe GKTW to people - it is something you just have to get there and experience. Something about the music. And the people. It is really a magical place.

 

[billwendy]

Maroo is so right - lol...when we first got there, the kids were THRILLED (yes all of them even 12 year old Dan) to ride the 25cent rides over and over and over and over.... lol

It really is such a fun place to be - you could spend a vacation just there!!!

 

[that's nice]

HI!

They would absolutely not include Bill and I on Daniels pass BUT - not once did anyone ever look to see how many people there were. We were usually in coordinating tshirts or something so you could tell we were a group. We always were ushered right in with Daniel - very typically Billy was pushing Dan's wheelchair and I was holding his brother's hand - so they could really tell we were part of the group.

Hummmm I can't see everyone wearing coordinating shirts. Maybe we will just get lucky? Or maybe I can ask Juliana's Wish granters about this. I need to make a list of questions for them and keep them handy for the next time I talk to them.

I wouldnt waste a park day either...unless since you have 2 days at universal, is there anything Christmassy there to see?

I haven't researched US yet... I have no idea if there is any Christmas decorations there.

our crew didnt like Universal for some reason (Bill and I didnt go with them) but LOVED sea world! It would be so totally awesome if you got to go behind the scenes!! I also hope they get to come to GKTW with you - its an experience for sure!!! So much fun - the arcade, the mini golf, the choo choo train, the little remote control boats, the train display, carousel and play area inside Castle of Miracles (is that what its called?),,,,and the ice cream is YUMMY!!!!!

Did you say remote controlled boats? I might not want to leave GKTW!

I hope that they do come back to GKTW with us... even if for just a few hours.

I dont think it would be a big deal to stop quickly at the Disney Village, do the BBB and then go to a park - you want her to enjoy being dressed up all day! Also, when you called for any of your ressies, did you tell the story of Ana - that she was on her MAW trip and that she is a cancer survivor? Disney is really very wonderful at treating these MAW kiddos awesomely - Daniel even got sun to at dinner one day!!!

I did mention when I was booking that Juliana would be on her Wish trip but that was the extent of it. I think the DTD BBB might be the better. If I booked it for 9:30 she would be done by 10:45 we could be in MK by 11:30 I guess. Seems kinda late but better than the 2:25 appointment.

On our first day, they got all checked in (which took a while) and our villa wasnt quite ready. So, they went and ate lunch (bill and I had to go off property for lunch) and when we came back the villa was ready and it was after 3pm (their flight had gotten in around 12). So we did swimming, then dinner then bill and Dan's dad went to the 8pm orientation while the kids and their mom and I got them unpacked and relaxed for an early am wake up - PLUS there were a lot of fun goodies that the kids wanted to play with that were left in the villa for them!!!

It seems like the check in process/orientation is going to take a while.

I think play that first night by ear...

Maybe get a dining reservation somewhere - but not somewhere that is a "must do" - I really think that you guys are going to have plenty that you will want to do at GKTW - honestly.

I wish GKTW was a little closer to WDW.... I'm going to have to revamp my plans. Maybe we can take bets to how many times my plans change between now and December?

We were just planning to see the place, do Lauren's star, do orientation and head out of there...and we were there for hours longer than we planned - and Lauren was 15 at the time. GKTW is like a child's dream place - so much to do, no cost for anything, that I really think you guys could just hang out there and enjoy the experience and get just as much out of that as a character meal. Especially since you will definitely be back to Disney.

There does seem like there is so much to do. I know once Juliana sees that carousel, she will want to ride it over & over.

I could be wrong...It may rain? Or Juliana may really want to get to "Disney" - so maybe have two plans in place. One if you want to head toward Disney and one if you happen to decide to stay at GKTW.

RAIN????? That will never happen to us!

2 plans... that is a good idea!

I think it is so difficult to describe GKTW to people - it is something you just have to get there and experience. Something about the music. And the people. It is really a magical place.

I'm sure the pictures don't do it justice. I really am looking forward to seeing it with my own eyes.

I was getting excited.... now I'm getting stressed!

Maroo is so right - lol...when we first got there, the kids were THRILLED (yes all of them even 12 year old Dan) to ride the 25cent rides over and over and over and over.... lol

It really is such a fun place to be - you could spend a vacation just there!!!

OH boy... not those rides!!!!!!!

Every time we are out, Juliana wants to ride those rides. I can see us fighting to get her off of them!

The kids look like they were loving those rides!

 

[yinyanggirls]

For arrival night you could easily spend the evening exploring GKTW. Tessa immediately jumped on those little rides too. We never even got to the remote boats and some of the other stuff they have. If you really want to get out and explore, US is not a bad idea. Those seemed easily doable in short time blocks for us. Pamela (Matty the gingerbread boy) spent a lot of time there and they were at Cmas time so I'd look up her report. I do remember a special Grinch play going on. I'm sure there were decorations also. The only thing I would vote against is explore the resorts, as you can do that anytime, but I forgot that some have really nice holiday decor, so it's up to you and what you guys will enjoy.

Also, I don't remember anyone ever checking the pass to see number in the party or anything like that. Granted we were only four, but I doubt it would be a problem unless there are 20 of you.

 

[Flossbolna]

Hi Tim, it sounds like planning a Wish trip is even more difficult then a normal Disney trip. But you appear very much to be on top of it! Also: wonderful news about your newest family member!! I hope everything goes well!

 

[TarzansKat]

YES!!!! WOO HOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Congratulations, I am so happy for you all!

 

[Mommy2LittleVols]

Woohoo for concrete flight plans and booking BBB!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I really like the idea of the DTD BBB and her arriving all dressed up! Very cute. Sounds like GKTW might be a good plan for that night with all they have to do! It sounds like a child's wonderland!

 

[that's nice]

For arrival night you could easily spend the evening exploring GKTW. Tessa immediately jumped on those little rides too. We never even got to the remote boats and some of the other stuff they have. If you really want to get out and explore, US is not a bad idea. Those seemed easily doable in short time blocks for us. Pamela (Matty the gingerbread boy) spent a lot of time there and they were at Cmas time so I'd look up her report. I do remember a special Grinch play going on. I'm sure there were decorations also. The only thing I would vote against is explore the resorts, as you can do that anytime, but I forgot that some have really nice holiday decor, so it's up to you and what you guys will enjoy.

My head is starting to spin from all these decisions! Sometimes I wish Melody was the one obsessing over this and I was the one along for the ride!

I started looking for ADR last night and this morning.... OMGoodness FD has messed that up for me. There are no character meals and hardly and ADRs open for the times I need. This is going to be a long 3 months!

Also, I don't remember anyone ever checking the pass to see number in the party or anything like that. Granted we were only four, but I doubt it would be a problem unless there are 20 of you.

There would be 7 of us total for SW. Maybe they won't notice?

Hi Tim, it sounds like planning a Wish trip is even more difficult then a normal Disney trip. But you appear very much to be on top of it! Also: wonderful news about your newest family member!! I hope everything goes well!

So you are saying that my acting is very good?

Trying to fit everything in is really hard! I wish we had more time.

Thank you! Mel is due April 1st!

YES!!!! WOO HOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Congratulations, I am so happy for you all!

Thanks!!!!!!

Sorry to point you over here.... Just wanted to let you know!

Woohoo for concrete flight plans and booking BBB!!

Thanks! Now that I have 1 thing book it will be time to change it soon!

I really like the idea of the DTD BBB and her arriving all dressed up! Very cute. Sounds like GKTW might be a good plan for that night with all they have to do! It sounds like a child's wonderland!

BBB plans are going to change to DTD... i think?


There is so much to do at GKTW that you could probably just spend a week there. Back to planning!

 

[FreezinRafiki]

I did mention when I was booking that Juliana would be on her Wish trip but that was the extent of it. I think the DTD BBB might be the better. If I booked it for 9:30 she would be done by 10:45 we could be in MK by 11:30 I guess. Seems kinda late but better than the 2:25 appointment.

Allow me to exercise my power as your nemesis and throw another wrinkle into your plans. Perhaps it would be better to keep the MK 2:25 appointment. Rather than spending the entire morning at DTD, you can get to MK at rope drop (or whatever time you think rope drop is), enjoy the morning at the park, get a nice lunch somewhere and get to BBB. It could make for a nice mid-day break, and then she's all princessed up for the rest of the afternoon.
Just a thought.
(And don't let this affect your BBB decision at all, but if you keep the MK ressie, we'll just be walking out of CRT as you are arriving for BBB.)

 

[maroo]

One more thought...

Don't give up on CRT...On the day you get there (assuming you can't find any availability before then...go to Guest Services and see if there is any way they can add a Wish Family to CRT. Let them know the situation with the fact that you just got your dates, etc and they may make some magic happen.

You can also go to the CRT reservations desk and ask for the manager - I would not ask the CM's checking in - because they can't add anyone - but a manager could.

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Followed you over from Kathy's (KatMark) PTR. I've gotten to about page 4. What a beautiful family you have.

As I sit here during my lunch hour with tears in my eyes (imagine that...the staff will now know that the HR lady IS human) I want to hurry and rush through to catch up with everyone.

Guess what I'm doing as soon as I get home after work? Yep, right back here.