Wesley's Wish Trip - October 6 - 12 - Hyatt Regency

[Rowlf]

I haven't been very active on the DIS recently, but I've been a member for years, contributing where I can and getting all kinds of good information for our trips over the years. My now-six-year-old son, Wesley, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Wilms' Tumor in January of this year; that meant that he had a 5 1/2" tumor that had taken over his left kidney and that the cancer had spread to his lungs. He had a nephrectomy to remove his kidney, and has endured over six months of chemo. His last CT scan showed no return of the tumor, though, so his doctors decided he was ready for his wish trip!

The nice women from MAW came to visit us, and Wes was unwavering in his wish to swim with stingrays. Luckily for me, MAW decided the best place to do that was in Discovery Cove in Orlando! I'm a bit sad that we aren't booked at GKTW, but rather at the Hyatt Regency, but I'm looking forward to a carefree vacation with my sweet boy! Will keep the thread updated as we get more information...

 

[kdzbear]

I posted on the main boards, but I am joining your thread too! Our family loved the Halloween party. My son's Wish is in November, but we had planned last January for our September family trip. Then in April we were told my son was approved for his Wish Trip for November. So went went to Disney in September and we are going back in November. I think that Wes's Wish for swimming with Stingrays sounds amazing! I love going in the fall for the Food and Wine Festival. They were setting up for it when we were there and I was sad that it did not start while we were there. You picked the perfect time to go crowd and weather wise. I am sorry that you can't stay at GKTW. We had the same issue, but then free dining extended to the fall and our Wish group book us on property at All Star Sports. I can't wait to hear more about your trip!

 

[Rowlf]

Thanks for posting, kdzbear!

Here is our schedule:

Tuesday, October 6: limo picks us up at 7 AM and we fly on Southwest to Orlando. Check into Hyatt Regency.

Wednesday, October 7: Wish Day at Discovery Cove! We are all booked for the dolphin swim in addition to Wes getting his BIG wish of swimming with stingrays. I can't wait!

Thursday, October 8: The sea creature experience continues with a VIP tour at SeaWorld.

Friday, October 9: We have hopper passes to AK, continuing the animal theme. And tickets for MNSSHP that night!

Saturday, October 10: Possibly going to Universal Studios

Sunday, October 11: Food and Wine Festival! Both DH and Wes are going to love this.

Monday, October 12: Heading home.

I'm going to see if I can get ADRs for Yak and Yeti, but, other than that, I'm not going to worry about it as we aren't going to be spending that much time in the parks. I'm really looking forward to MNSSHP - Wes is going to love that!

 

[kdzbear]

Friday, October 9: We have hopper passes to AK, continuing the animal theme. And tickets for MNSSHP that night!

Sunday, October 11: Food and Wine Festival! Both DH and Wes are going to love this.

I'm going to see if I can get ADRs for Yak and Yeti, but, other than that, I'm not going to worry about it as we aren't going to be spending that much time in the parks. I'm really looking forward to MNSSHP - Wes is going to love that!

You will love MNSSHP. Have you looked at the map and times of the events on this site? It is a busy night and it good to have a game plan in mind for what you want to do. Make sure you see the parade and have the kids' candy bags open and ready near the end of the parade. The villain's show is fun and not too scary. The dance parties are fun. The princes are with their princesses at the Toon Town Hall of Fame. Then Hallowishes is amazing to watch. They also sell special shirts, pins and other Halloween items that are only available the night of the party.

As for Yak and Yeti, I would think that you would be able to get a reservation here. We are trying it out in November. It is owned by Landry's that owns T-Rex, Rainforest Cafe and a bunch of other restaurants.

I think your plans look awesome. I am assuming that Wes loves to swim. Take lots of pictures!

Let me know if I can answer any questions!

 

[maroo]

How did I miss this pre-trip report?!?!?!

Your dates are almost exactly our dates from last year! We had a great time!

MNSSHP was one of my favorite things about our trip.

I am so excited about hearing about your trip to Discovery Cove, too! I have always wanted to go there!

 

[pipersmom]

Only a few more days for you guys! Sounds like you have everything lined up and planned out, I hope you have a wonderful time....

 

[Rowlf]

We can't wait! I'll probably post live and then do a full trip report - I can't wait to tell everyone about Discovery Cove!