Wish Trippers...Unite!! Volume One

[twinmum]

Queenie: Hooray ! I am SO happy that Bella is well and you are heading off for a wonderful time as a fmaily. We'll look froward to hearing all about it!

Mskanga: Another hooray for 7 days! I can't remember the details about your wish child...but I'll just mention that we went to DL last December with our twin boys, one of whom has cerebral palsy and uses a walker/wheelchair. Please let me know if you have any questions you think I might be able to answer. When do you find out where you are staying?

I was welcomed to this thread so kindly last week when I told you our son has been accepted into a wish granting program...and since then I've been swamped. As soon as I can, I'll be abck with answers on walking with quad canes etc. (I have to go back and find the questions!)

Be back as soon as I can!

Twinmum

 

[bex271]

Queenie: i'm glad that bella is feeling better and healing. Hooray on no tubes in the ears. I know y'all are going to have a wonderful time

MsKanga: that's great about the 7 days




becca

 

[Mskanga]

Mskanga: Another hooray for 7 days! I can't remember the details about your wish child...but I'll just mention that we went to DL last December with our twin boys, one of whom has cerebral palsy and uses a walker/wheelchair. Please let me know if you have any questions you think I might be able to answer. When do you find out where you are staying?

My daughter was granted her wish back in November but they didn't start booking things until just March because we wanted to be done with her chemo for a while before we went , she also had a knee replacement which made her be wheelchair bound for months and just now she is starting to walk with a walker. I expect by the time we go to DLR that she will still be using the wheelchair at times because she will get tired but I also know that she will be much stronger then .
I don't know where we are staying other than on property , that was my daughter's only request because disney is her "comfort zone" and they said they would know which hotel two weeks before the trip , I truly don't care , wherever they put us I am sure we will have a great time.
If you have any suggestions for me I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

 

[lotferg]

Queenie, I am SO happy that Bella's well enough to go! Yipee! That is wonderful news...

We just got a phone call today from MAW, and are getting more than we expected, too! I've been saving money to cover extra expenses. Maybe I can use that to pay for the $3.89 gas here in Michigan!

 

[5dwarves]

Maybe I can use that to pay for the $3.89 gas here in Michigan!

Ouch...I was whining over $3.48, but then again I have five kids and need a large vehicle (Suburban) and had to put 30 gallons in the other day...more than $100 for one tank...woe is me

Glad to hear that everyone is pleased with the way their trips are coming together. I know I was surprised with the amount I received as well. It really does make it a much more pleasant experience when you have a little jingle in your pocket!

Elisa

 

[5dwarves]

Downtown Disney is like a boardwalk with tons of stores , restaurants and play areas , my kids LOVE going there.
We also got a message today that our MAW trip to California is for seven days !!!!!!!! YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY. We are staying on property for six nights , I don't care about the rest ......it is going to be a wonderful trip after the year from hell.....I just know it !

I am so glad to hear that your trip is coming together. I used to work in Anaheim, back in the dark ages when I just got out of college. We would go to Mrs. Knott's, a restaurant just outside the park, for breakfast meetings all the time. YUM! That was the best thing about Knott's Berry Farm though...kind of a dull park compared to their neighbors down the street. If you have a rental car, and you tire of DLR (if that is possible) then you can always hop onto the Freeway and head to Legoland in San Diego. There is a lot to do in that general vicinity. Hope you have a great trip!

Elisa

 

[Queenie122]

Thanks Ladies! We're really really excited! Mostly packed - mostly, lol. Bella is so excited, it's all awesome right now. Two days!

 

[GoofyDoo]

Hello, all. My eight-year-old son, a twin with mild CP and a seizure disorder, just got his wish granted and we are going to GKTW/Disney/Universal/SeaWorld in July. We are booked with GKTW from a Tuesday through a Monday. Does anyone know if this means we will actually fly in and out on these days, or would this most likely mean that we would probably fly home on the Tuesday after that last Monday? Am I making any sense whatsoever? It seems with all I've read during my recent lurking that most have gotten seven full days at the Village, and I was a little surprised when I was told we were booked on Tuesday through Monday. However, I didn't want to say anything because the last thing I want to do is sound ungrateful in any way whatsoever. I am absolutely overwhelmed with the generosity and already know that I won't stop crying all week long the whole time we're there. I'm just concerned about fitting everything in. Thoughts?

 

[Queenie122]

Congrats on your trip!

We're booked Sat - Fri for GKTW.

And yes, it's not enough time! On our own dime we are extending our trip to 10 days and we still can't fit everything in!

 

[bex271]

goofydoo- congrats on your trip

queenie-i hope you and your family have a safe trip



becca

 

[Iluvmickeymouse!]

Hello, all. My eight-year-old son, a twin with mild CP and a seizure disorder, just got his wish granted and we are going to GKTW/Disney/Universal/SeaWorld in July. We are booked with GKTW from a Tuesday through a Monday. Does anyone know if this means we will actually fly in and out on these days, or would this most likely mean that we would probably fly home on the Tuesday after that last Monday? Am I making any sense whatsoever? It seems with all I've read during my recent lurking that most have gotten seven full days at the Village, and I was a little surprised when I was told we were booked on Tuesday through Monday. However, I didn't want to say anything because the last thing I want to do is sound ungrateful in any way whatsoever. I am absolutely overwhelmed with the generosity and already know that I won't stop crying all week long the whole time we're there. I'm just concerned about fitting everything in. Thoughts?

so glad that you found us!!! a Wish trip to GKTW is 7 days, that is including your travel dates. So, you fly in on Tuesday...that is day 1. You fly out on Monday, that is day 7. Queenie mentioned that they are extending their trip, we did that also. You will never be able to fit every thing in. I've been to WDW 4 times (3 w/o kids) and still have A LOT to do and see!!!! Just schedule what you can and enjoy the time that you have there. You may not get to do everything but there will be the unexpected moments that you didn't plan that will make the trip even more special. Feel free to ask any questions that you may have as we love to help out!!!!!!!! Oh, and happy planning!!

 

[5dwarves]

Hello, all. My eight-year-old son, a twin with mild CP and a seizure disorder, just got his wish granted and we are going to GKTW/Disney/Universal/SeaWorld in July. We are booked with GKTW from a Tuesday through a Monday. Does anyone know if this means we will actually fly in and out on these days, or would this most likely mean that we would probably fly home on the Tuesday after that last Monday? Am I making any sense whatsoever? It seems with all I've read during my recent lurking that most have gotten seven full days at the Village, and I was a little surprised when I was told we were booked on Tuesday through Monday. However, I didn't want to say anything because the last thing I want to do is sound ungrateful in any way whatsoever. I am absolutely overwhelmed with the generosity and already know that I won't stop crying all week long the whole time we're there. I'm just concerned about fitting everything in. Thoughts?

No, you won't be able to fit everything in, but you will have a tremendous amount of fun while you are there. We arrived on a Saturday at around noon and had to check out on Friday by 11:00. Seven days, six nights. If you don't extend and purchase extra tickets, you will have to do the 4 disney parks in 3 days. We combined AK and the park formerly known as MGM . GKTW will give you an orientation packet that has a GAC in it (Guest Assitance Card). This will make your visit easier and in some instances quicker, when it comes to boarding attractions and getting seating at shows. Does your son have mobility issues? You may want to visit www.allears.net and look at the theme park section and then the special needs section. They also have ride vehicle photos on the site. If your son can transfer, that will be info you will need to give the CM when you arrive, and if not, there are some rides that are equipped for wheelchairs (pooh, small world). All ears has a pretty comprehesive list.

 

[lotferg]

Hello, all. My eight-year-old son, a twin with mild CP and a seizure disorder, just got his wish granted and we are going to GKTW/Disney/Universal/SeaWorld in July. We are booked with GKTW from a Tuesday through a Monday. Does anyone know if this means we will actually fly in and out on these days, or would this most likely mean that we would probably fly home on the Tuesday after that last Monday? Am I making any sense whatsoever? It seems with all I've read during my recent lurking that most have gotten seven full days at the Village, and I was a little surprised when I was told we were booked on Tuesday through Monday. However, I didn't want to say anything because the last thing I want to do is sound ungrateful in any way whatsoever. I am absolutely overwhelmed with the generosity and already know that I won't stop crying all week long the whole time we're there. I'm just concerned about fitting everything in. Thoughts?

Congratulations on your son's wish trip!

I learned tons reading trip reports...get some tissues and start reading! The links are posted at the very top of this thread.

 

[GoofyDoo]

Thank you to everyone for all the great information. You've all been so helpful. I love this forum!! I could lose a very drastic amount of sleep reading these trip reports!!! Again, I appreciate you. I am sure I'll be thinking of tons of questions in the near future. For those of you leaving soon, have FUN!!! Bon voyage!!! xoxoxo

 

[Iluvmickeymouse!]

Queenie and Momof4ngls......only one more day......HAVE FUN on your trips!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait to hear all about them!!!!!!!!!!

 

[GoofyDoo]

I have been reading trip reports. It's addicting! I appreciate you all for taking the time to post all this information. I am seriously sleep deprived now that I've found this forum....

I'm gleaning tons, but I was wondering about something fairly specific. Most non-WishTrippers advise us to "stay until the parks close", and I tend to want to do that if the kids can handle it (they are 14, 11, 8, and 8, and most likely one or both the twins (8-yr.-olds) will be hopping in the stroller(s) at some point). Which nights at GKTW are not to be missed, according to my kids' ages? It sounds like such a neat place, and I know this is our one and only chance to be there. How will our kids feel about it? Do we stay late at Disney and Universal, or will we want to come back early for the events at GKTW? I really don't know what to expect.

More info on CJ: he is completely mobile but wears an AFO, limps slightly, and walks slowly. He will tire long before we will (as will his twin sister just because she is younger)...so I think the stroller will totally take care of any issues of tiredness with both of them. I think I read somewhere that we can get a double stroller for free (??). As long as their long legs will fit in it, they won't feel too old to hop in after a lot of walking.

Thoughts about GKTW vs. late nights at the parks? Y'all are awesome!! I mean it -- you rock!!

 

[5dwarves]

I have been reading trip reports. It's addicting! I appreciate you all for taking the time to post all this information. I am seriously sleep deprived now that I've found this forum....

I'm gleaning tons, but I was wondering about something fairly specific. Most non-WishTrippers advise us to "stay until the parks close", and I tend to want to do that if the kids can handle it (they are 14, 11, 8, and 8, and most likely one or both the twins (8-yr.-olds) will be hopping in the stroller(s) at some point). Which nights at GKTW are not to be missed, according to my kids' ages? It sounds like such a neat place, and I know this is our one and only chance to be there. How will our kids feel about it? Do we stay late at Disney and Universal, or will we want to come back early for the events at GKTW? I really don't know what to expect.

More info on CJ: he is completely mobile but wears an AFO, limps slightly, and walks slowly. He will tire long before we will (as will his twin sister just because she is younger)...so I think the stroller will totally take care of any issues of tiredness with both of them. I think I read somewhere that we can get a double stroller for free (??). As long as their long legs will fit in it, they won't feel too old to hop in after a lot of walking.

Thoughts about GKTW vs. late nights at the parks? Y'all are awesome!! I mean it -- you rock!!

The "official" info from GKTW is that you get a single stroller for free, but Disney and Universal both gave me doubles without even blinking. I was preparing to pay for a second stroller (I have 3 young boys and 2 older children) but Disney wouldn't let me...they said both were free and both were doubles. My DS Jake (then 7) is tall and he fit, my other two DS's (8 and 6) shared a double and they fit. You should be good.

For us the priority night at GKTW was Thursday for Christmas celebrations. There are wagon rides, snow blowers, toy gifts to every child in the family (even my 14 year old).

 

[alizesmom]

I agree, Thursday is THE night at GKTW. Karen

 

[lotferg]

I have been reading trip reports. It's addicting! I appreciate you all for taking the time to post all this information. I am seriously sleep deprived now that I've found this forum....

I'm gleaning tons, but I was wondering about something fairly specific. Most non-WishTrippers advise us to "stay until the parks close", and I tend to want to do that if the kids can handle it (they are 14, 11, 8, and 8, and most likely one or both the twins (8-yr.-olds) will be hopping in the stroller(s) at some point). Which nights at GKTW are not to be missed, according to my kids' ages? It sounds like such a neat place, and I know this is our one and only chance to be there. How will our kids feel about it? Do we stay late at Disney and Universal, or will we want to come back early for the events at GKTW? I really don't know what to expect.

More info on CJ: he is completely mobile but wears an AFO, limps slightly, and walks slowly. He will tire long before we will (as will his twin sister just because she is younger)...so I think the stroller will totally take care of any issues of tiredness with both of them. I think I read somewhere that we can get a double stroller for free (??). As long as their long legs will fit in it, they won't feel too old to hop in after a lot of walking.

Thoughts about GKTW vs. late nights at the parks? Y'all are awesome!! I mean it -- you rock!!

We leave in about a week. I am also traveling with twins...a boy and girl. Their older brother isn't too thrilled about GKTW from the pictures he saw, but understands that the trip isn't for him and is willing to keep his complaining to a minimum. He's really big (age 12...5'11") so he doesn't think he will be able to participate in the "kid" activities there...that happens to him a lot. I am writing a TR and have already promised a couple of people that I'd make sure to pay attention to how older kids like GKTW and include those observations.

We have NO plans to miss Thursday night. I too hear that it is awesome. Other than Thursday, we plan on staying at the parks till they close.

 

[5dwarves]

We leave in about a week. I am also traveling with twins...a boy and girl. Their older brother isn't too thrilled about GKTW from the pictures he saw, but understands that the trip isn't for him and is willing to keep his complaining to a minimum. He's really big (age 12...5'11") so he doesn't think he will be able to participate in the "kid" activities there...that happens to him a lot. I am writing a TR and have already promised a couple of people that I'd make sure to pay attention to how older kids like GKTW and include those observations.

We have NO plans to miss Thursday night. I too hear that it is awesome. Other than Thursday, we plan on staying at the parks till they close.

My 14 year old was a little withdrawn from the activities at GKTW too. We didn't do much there, just the horseback rides, which he skipped, and the pool (which he did not skip ) and Christmas. When we came out of the dining hall all the kids were given a teddy bear. He chose to opt out of that. We saw Santa and he did pose for the pic with his siblings, and then Hasbro had a huge table of toys. He got a board game; I think it was Clue, but I can't remember. It was a nice set that is in a wood box with a higher quality of tokens and all that. He did enjoy calling Mama Merries for Pizza at GKTW, and the snacks from the ice cream parlor and the theater. We did't have time to explore the other things there, like the mini golf. He is a pretty laid back kid though. The other older kids that were at GKTW at the same time enjoyed Universal Studios and the roller coasters at Disney. My DS loved Expedition Evererst. The only regret he has is that we didn't have the opportunity to do Disney Quest, which would have been on our own nickel, and wasn't part of the package. We had talked about doing it anyway, but we just didn't have the time to fit it all in. I imagine your son will be fine. GKTW Village isn't the main attraction on your trip, so there will be a lot for him to look forward to.

Elisa