Wish Trippers...Unite!! Volume One

[LindaBabe]

Happy Mother's day to this group of VERY SPECIAL MOMS!

 

[GoofyDoo]

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.

I can't wait to hear all about your trip!! I read your PTR, and your family is so deserving and for so many reasons. Evan sounds like such a sweetie.

I'm trying to figure out how to combine our passes. Has anyone used a pass on the same day they flew in? I pretty much counted on that being impossible. It sounds like we only have five true full days at GKTW, so I'm thinking of combining our passes to the seven parks this way (in no particular order):

Magic Kingdom
MGM Studios (or whatever it's called now)
Epcot / Animal Kingdom
Islands of Adventure
Universal Studios / Sea World

Does that sound doable? Would someone recommend a different combination? Which day would be the best day to do on Thursday for us to plan on getting back in time for Christmas at GKTW? One of the US days? Thanks for all your advice!!

 

[lotferg]

I can't wait to hear all about your trip!! I read your PTR, and your family is so deserving and for so many reasons. Evan sounds like such a sweetie.

I'm trying to figure out how to combine our passes. Has anyone used a pass on the same day they flew in? I pretty much counted on that being impossible. It sounds like we only have five true full days at GKTW, so I'm thinking of combining our passes to the seven parks this way (in no particular order):

Magic Kingdom
MGM Studios (or whatever it's called now)
Epcot / Animal Kingdom
Islands of Adventure
Universal Studios / Sea World

Does that sound doable? Would someone recommend a different combination? Which day would be the best day to do on Thursday for us to plan on getting back in time for Christmas at GKTW? One of the US days? Thanks for all your advice!!

From what I hear, the first day is pretty much out of the question for park hopping. Orientation at GKTW isn't until the evening. Our plane lands at 9:30 am; we're spending the day in Downtown Disney until orientation, and will hit the parks the next day.

 

[5dwarves]

I can't wait to hear all about your trip!! I read your PTR, and your family is so deserving and for so many reasons. Evan sounds like such a sweetie.

I'm trying to figure out how to combine our passes. Has anyone used a pass on the same day they flew in? I pretty much counted on that being impossible. It sounds like we only have five true full days at GKTW, so I'm thinking of combining our passes to the seven parks this way (in no particular order):

Magic Kingdom
MGM Studios (or whatever it's called now)
Epcot / Animal Kingdom
Islands of Adventure
Universal Studios / Sea World

Does that sound doable? Would someone recommend a different combination? Which day would be the best day to do on Thursday for us to plan on getting back in time for Christmas at GKTW? One of the US days? Thanks for all your advice!!

This does sound doable. We got to Universal Studios at about 9:30 and were more than done by 1:30 or so. It is close to Sea World. We had torrential rain, so we headed back to GKTW.

We left Islands of Adventure at about 4:00. That was more fun for us than US. There was plenty of time to get ready for Christmas events.

The hardest part was doubling up a Disney park. We doubled AK and MGM. We missed shows at both places as a result lion king, the car show...still I think those two are probably the best two to double up. There was just so much for us to do at Epcot. In the touring guides from all the experts, they all say that AK can be done (all of it) by 4:00 pm. None of the other parks can be completed that quickly. I would think that AK might be the one to double up with something. The big thing about MGM is that the shows have certain times. I believe the last show for Indiana Jones, Beauty and the Beast, Lights Cars Action...are all at about 5:00 pm. AK has early times as well (especially for the safari). We had to resign ourselves to our inability to do it all, and just hit the highlights. Figure out what you REALLY want to do, then make those a priority. The rest will just be the icing.

 

[5dwarves]

Happy Mother's day to this group of VERY SPECIAL MOMS!

How very thoughtful of you! Right back at you

~Elisa

 

[lotferg]

Questions...

Does anyone know if GKTW has IV poles available? We'll need one for Evan's nightly nutritional supplements delivered through his g-tube. If they do not, how have others handled this? Anyone have trouble getting medical supplies on the plane?

NW Airlines only allows one checked bag per passenger, and is charging for every additional piece. How have you packed all medical needs for your wish child without having to incur this extra cost? Will we really need an empty suitcase to bring back all the goodies?

Thanks!

 

[5dwarves]

From what I hear, the first day is pretty much out of the question for park hopping. Orientation at GKTW isn't until the evening. Our plane lands at 9:30 am; we're spending the day in Downtown Disney until orientation, and will hit the parks the next day.

There is usually more than one orientation during a day. We did ours at about 2:00 pm and there was another at 7:00. I think they schedule them based on the arrival times of the guests that day. You may want to double check. When we were going we originally thought we were going to be there at 7:00 am. They said we could come by and pick up our ticket packet and go to a park and then do orientation later that evening. You might want to call them and ask them if you can do that. If you are going to be landing in Orlando by 9:30 you could be at GKTW by 10:30, and you could easily do something like Sea World or one of the Universal parks....just a thought.

I don't think they have IV poles but they do have names of local medical supply companies that will deliver while you are there. Your wish agency should be able to help you with that, but a call to GKTW might not hurt. There is a thread that talks about getting nutritional supplements on the plane for a special needs child. Those people let the airlines know that the luggage was carring medical supplies and the suitcase did not "count against them" in their bag count. Talk to your airlines and let them know what you need. When you check in, I woudl reiterate the importance of that piece of luggage and ask for special care to make sure it gets there when you do.

~Elisa

 

[special-angel]

Questions...

Does anyone know if GKTW has IV poles available? We'll need one for Evan's nightly nutritional supplements delivered through his g-tube. If they do not, how have others handled this? Anyone have trouble getting medical supplies on the plane?

NW Airlines only allows one checked bag per passenger, and is charging for every additional piece. How have you packed all medical needs for your wish child without having to incur this extra cost? Will we really need an empty suitcase to bring back all the goodies?

Thanks!

We stayed at gktw in March for my daughters' wish trip.They did have an IV pole available for her . Maybe you can call gktw and reserve one .Also ,i called her medical supply co. and they sent down enough formula for the week .I packed feeding pump,bags, 5 cans of formula, & all her meds in carryon with no problems .
Have a great time !

 

[GoofyDoo]

This does sound doable. We got to Universal Studios at about 9:30 and were more than done by 1:30 or so. It is close to Sea World. We had torrential rain, so we headed back to GKTW.

We left Islands of Adventure at about 4:00. That was more fun for us than US. There was plenty of time to get ready for Christmas events.

The hardest part was doubling up a Disney park. We doubled AK and MGM. We missed shows at both places as a result lion king, the car show...still I think those two are probably the best two to double up. There was just so much for us to do at Epcot. In the touring guides from all the experts, they all say that AK can be done (all of it) by 4:00 pm. None of the other parks can be completed that quickly. I would think that AK might be the one to double up with something. The big thing about MGM is that the shows have certain times. I believe the last show for Indiana Jones, Beauty and the Beast, Lights Cars Action...are all at about 5:00 pm. AK has early times as well (especially for the safari). We had to resign ourselves to our inability to do it all, and just hit the highlights. Figure out what you REALLY want to do, then make those a priority. The rest will just be the icing.

Thank you yet again for more this very helpful information. I read your excellent trip report over the weekend, and it really shed so much light on what to expect at US/IOA. Maybe we should do what your family did and plan for IOA on Thursday, leaving time to get back for Christmas.

As far as Disney, I really appreciate your advice there as well. My husband isn't crazy about the idea of Epcot, but I disagree with him and want to go to all four parks while we have the chance--even if it means just doing the highlights. I've been to WDW twice in my lifetime, but I never got out of MK!!

 

[5dwarves]

Thank you yet again for more this very helpful information. I read your excellent trip report over the weekend, and it really shed so much light on what to expect at US/IOA. Maybe we should do what your family did and plan for IOA on Thursday, leaving time to get back for Christmas.

As far as Disney, I really appreciate your advice there as well. My husband isn't crazy about the idea of Epcot, but I disagree with him and want to go to all four parks while we have the chance--even if it means just doing the highlights. I've been to WDW twice in my lifetime, but I never got out of MK!!

Glad you enjoyed the TR. I see you are a fellow Texan. We are transplanted in Alabama now. We could have combined US/IOA in one day if we had more info on those parks before we went. They weren't the best fit for my family, until we got to IOA, and the boys loved all the superhero action. The Seuss area is fun too, if you have younger kids. There is an info desk on the parks in the Gingerbread House (dining hall) at GKTW. They have a volunteer who sits there and helps you with your questions about the parks and they have hand outs from the parks (souvenir style maps and schedules for Disney events). I had done a lot of Disney research before I went, and still found literature there that I could use.

Even if you only do 1/2 day in Epcot, I HIGHLY recommend Soaring and Turtle Talk. Those were the Epcot highlights for us. That and the food!

~Elisa

 

[twinmum]

Hello! I'm back, but just for a minute. I'm from Canada, and our personal tax deadline is April 30th. Well, I got all the family/friends returns done (I'm an accountant), but now I'm still digging out from being so behind on the rest of my work etc!

Our son also has a g-tube to supplement his nutrition. I have another suggestion, although it sounds like GKTW might be able to provide a pole. First, we used to have a portable IV pole - made of cardboard tubes and think rods. You can assemble/reassemble it quite quickly. It took up space (never quite got it back in the case the same way - just like dirty clothes seem to take up more space than clean ones! Remember, this would be medical supplies, so wouldn't count for baggage limit. I don't think they're terribly expensive, so you might even decide to leave it behind.

We have also hung tubing from the top of headboards, etc, but from the pictures I have seen, it doesn't look like that works at GKTW.

Hope this helps,
Twinmum

 

[GoofyDoo]

Glad you enjoyed the TR. I see you are a fellow Texan. We are transplanted in Alabama now. We could have combined US/IOA in one day if we had more info on those parks before we went. They weren't the best fit for my family, until we got to IOA, and the boys loved all the superhero action. The Seuss area is fun too, if you have younger kids. There is an info desk on the parks in the Gingerbread House (dining hall) at GKTW. They have a volunteer who sits there and helps you with your questions about the parks and they have hand outs from the parks (souvenir style maps and schedules for Disney events). I had done a lot of Disney research before I went, and still found literature there that I could use.

Even if you only do 1/2 day in Epcot, I HIGHLY recommend Soaring and Turtle Talk. Those were the Epcot highlights for us. That and the food!

~Elisa

Texas rules!! You know, I hadn't thought about just not using both US days. Would you recommend spending one day at both US parks and a full day at Sea World? Or did you not do Sea World? We loved Sea World, and my kids love water parks. I'm assuming SW Orlando is like SW in San Antonio in that it has the water park area. Still, my head tells me to do Orlando-only parks while in Orlando. I wonder...could we bring the SW pass back to Texas and use it?

Another Disney question: can you park hop with the passes from GKTW? Example:
Day 1 -- MK
Day 2 -- Epcot / AK
Day 3 -- Epcot / MGM

 

[Camster0307]

Questions...

Does anyone know if GKTW has IV poles available? We'll need one for Evan's nightly nutritional supplements delivered through his g-tube. If they do not, how have others handled this? Anyone have trouble getting medical supplies on the plane?

NW Airlines only allows one checked bag per passenger, and is charging for every additional piece. How have you packed all medical needs for your wish child without having to incur this extra cost? Will we really need an empty suitcase to bring back all the goodies?

Thanks!

My daughter had her wish trip this past November. She travels with alot of medical supplies and my wish agency handled getting everything down there that I needed. They worked with my equipment company to ship these down for me; and if there was something I needed that my company didn't provide - like a bath seat and bed wedges - the wish agency contacted a local company in Fl. to deliver it to our hotel. Items that were provided for me were: IV pole, diapers, formula, O2, supplies, bath seat, and bed wedges. I also could have requested a hospital bed if I wanted it. I know they provide that also at GKTW.

As far as my carry-ons for the plane, like a pp mentioned, medical supplies do not count against your carry-on limit. Thank goodness - with what I need to take on the plane: a ventilator, suction machine, feeding pump, O2 sat. monitor, meds, and a days worth of diapers and formula. Everytime we have flown, the airline has allowed us to board first, so I was always able to store my carry-ons right above my seat - within reach at all times. Hope this info helps.

 

[Hschlink]

Hi Everyone!

I'm new to this board and wanted to say HI! My son was just granted his MAW trip (Disney Cruise). I'm wondering if there is a separate thread for MAW Disney Cruise trips???

I'm a planner so I wanted to read about other's experiences =)

 

[don8life]

Hschlink,

Me too.
We don't have a date or anything yet.

Everyone else
I just sent in our passports. I wonder how long it takes to get a date?
I got to choose a set of 3 dates. How likely am I to get our first choice? My oldest starts college in Sept. So our first dates are 1/09 between college semesters.

I have been searching for this part of the boards and only came upon it by accident. Not easy to find.


Irene

 

[Iluvmickeymouse!]

Hi Everyone!

I'm new to this board and wanted to say HI! My son was just granted his MAW trip (Disney Cruise). I'm wondering if there is a separate thread for MAW Disney Cruise trips???

I'm a planner so I wanted to read about other's experiences =)

Hschlink,

Me too.
We don't have a date or anything yet.

Everyone else
I just sent in our passports. I wonder how long it takes to get a date?
I got to choose a set of 3 dates. How likely am I to get our first choice? My oldest starts college in Sept. So our first dates are 1/09 between college semesters.

I have been searching for this part of the boards and only came upon it by accident. Not easy to find.


Irene

Welcome to both of you!!!!!!!! Momof4ngls is on her wish cruise now, she has started a trip report. I can't wait to read it! There is not a seperate thread for you wishers on cruises.

We got our first set of dates, others may not have.

sorry so short.....dh is impatiently waiting for me to head out the door. (I wanted to reply to you guys first!)

Again welcome and hopefully when momof4ngls gets back she can answer somme questions for you!!

 

[Hschlink]

Thanks for the welcome Iluvmickeymouse!

don84life: we picked dates in Jan of 2009 as well! Wouldn't it be crazy if we were on the same cruise!

Holly

 

[5dwarves]

Texas rules!! You know, I hadn't thought about just not using both US days. Would you recommend spending one day at both US parks and a full day at Sea World? Or did you not do Sea World? We loved Sea World, and my kids love water parks. I'm assuming SW Orlando is like SW in San Antonio in that it has the water park area. Still, my head tells me to do Orlando-only parks while in Orlando. I wonder...could we bring the SW pass back to Texas and use it?

Another Disney question: can you park hop with the passes from GKTW? Example:
Day 1 -- MK
Day 2 -- Epcot / AK
Day 3 -- Epcot / MGM

Regrettably, we had to skip Sea World. I was disappointed, but there just wasn't enough time in the week for everything. The Sea World tickets are good through the end of the year but don't transfer from park to park. Something you will get when you check out of GKTW is what they call a world pass. The Association of Amusement Parks (or some name close to that) gives everyone who was on the wish trip a "world passport" to a list of participating amusement parks that are literally all over the world. I believe that Sea World San Antonio is one of them. Several Six Flags parks are on the list as well, and the passport is good for one year after your check out date. We did two days at Universal, mainly because of bad weather, and not wanting to "waste" one of our Disney days on a rainy, miserable day. Since most of my kids were not roller coaster kids, we could have done the things that we wanted to do at both Universal parks one day, but we didn't know that ahead of time. We had a dining reservation with Spiderman on Thursday, so that was a must do for us, but we could have easily combined the two. If you have roller coaster fans in your crew, the #1 rated steel coaster is at IOA, The Incredible Hulk. I love coasters, but had to skip it in favor of the family needs. Next time

If your crew loves Sea World, then I would try and make it a priority. As with the other parks, you will get a voucher for a free stroller from Sea World if you need it, and you will also get some free fish to feed the dolphins. When you check into GKTW they will give you a "Bunny Book" (bunny because their mascot is Mayor Clayton, a rabbit). The bunny book goes over some of the benefits that wish families get at the various parks, and the GKTW staff member at orientation goes over the rest. I truly wish we could have done Sea World....if I knew then what I knew now

As far as your Disney tickets go, they are 3 day park hopper tickets, so yes, you can park hop to your heart's content. You can't use the Disney Transportation System to do that though since you are not staying on property. You will have to drive there, but remember to let them see your GKTW button for free parking and if you have a blue placard for special needs parking, they will direct you to the front area of the lot. If you don't have a blue placard, and your wish child needs to be close for limited mobility reasons, you can show them your GKTW button, your GAC (that GKTW will give you) and let them know you need medical overflow parking.

We did AK and the park formerly known as MGM in one day. Just remember that AK shuts down at dusk (which is about 8:00 in the summer) and that most of the big shows at MGM have their last showing at 5:00, so if you go there late (say 3:00 or 4:00, you may not have time to see all the shows). There is a guy named Steve Soares who has a website and he updates it fairly regularly with the show times...here is the link.

http://pages.prodigy.net/stevesoares/

GKTW will have flyers from each park in the Gingerbread House and they have current show times on them. The GAC you have will, for the most part, speed up your ride waiting time. It isn't a front of the line pass though, and there were attractions (Pirates at MK, Harambi Safari at AK, for instance) where it took us longer than it would have if we were in the mainstream lines. It is very helpful to have a "plan of attack" (that is flexible) when you go to the parks. If you know ahead of time the things that everyone wants to do, you can put them in order, so to speak, and get those things checked off your list, and then the rest is gravy. If you don't have a plan, there is a lot of time wasted with "what are we doing now...what do you want to do...which way do we go." The Birnbaum guides have what they call touring plans, and TGM (tour guide mike) has a subscription service where you give him info on your dates of travel, the age of your group and their riding preference (thrill, medium, mild) and he gives you recommendations on which day to go to which park, which ride to go on first, second, etc....if you sign up for his site through the Disboards banner then you save $3 ($17 instead of $20). Something else you can get for free from Disney are souvenir maps of the park. If you go to the Disneyworld site, and click on the "My Vacation" link on the top right it will take you to a vacation planning site where you can request customized maps and they will mail them to you. The closer summer vacations get for families, the longer it takes to get these. It took two weeks for me to get mine, but I ordered them in April.

Lots of info, I know...hope it helps!

~Elisa

 

[5dwarves]

Hi Everyone!

I'm new to this board and wanted to say HI! My son was just granted his MAW trip (Disney Cruise). I'm wondering if there is a separate thread for MAW Disney Cruise trips???

I'm a planner so I wanted to read about other's experiences =)

Hschlink,

Me too.
We don't have a date or anything yet.

Everyone else
I just sent in our passports. I wonder how long it takes to get a date?
I got to choose a set of 3 dates. How likely am I to get our first choice? My oldest starts college in Sept. So our first dates are 1/09 between college semesters.

I have been searching for this part of the boards and only came upon it by accident. Not easy to find.


Irene

I am with IluvMickeyMouse...we would love to hear about your wish cruise. I have seen some other cruise TR's, and I have also seen info on the DisAbilibies section here about people (adults) with mobility issues, and how they were able to maneuver in the state rooms, but we haven't seen any TR's from wish families yet.

don8life, I am sorry it was hard for you to find us. I know some found the Dis by just googling wish trips and Disney. I am glad you found us, nonetheless. I also wanted to let you know that I like your Dis name....we just celebrated my son's 2 year transplant anniversary. Had it not been for another family who was willing to donate life in the midst of their great tragedy, my 9 year old son wouldn't still be here. He waited on the list for almost 18 months, and wasn't going to be able to wait much longer. I am thankful every day for the talented surgeons, compassionate nurses, and especially for the donor family who have allowed me to watch my DS grow up. Glad you are here, and looking forward to hearing about your trip experiences!

 

[alizesmom]

As far as your Disney tickets go, they are 3 day park hopper tickets, so yes, you can park hop to your heart's content. You can't use the Disney Transportation System to do that though since you are not staying on property. ~Elisa

I was told it was okay to use the Disney Transportation System even if we weren't staying on property. As to Sea World, we did do one day there and loved it. Alize got free fish to feed the dolphins and the stingrays, we got a free picture and found the whole place fun/relaxing. Karen