Wish Trippers...Unite!! Volume One

[Iluvmickeymouse!]

I know this is a little late but.....alylee777.....I hope you are having a great trip and we can't wait to hear all about it!!!!!

 

[twinmum]

Good morning! We were at a fundraiser for the local children's rehab centre whjere our son is a client (he has cerebral palsy). One of the other moms was talking about ehr upcoming trip to WDW (not a wish trip and she was amazed to hear that her son will probably qualify for a wish with the same organization as us).

Anyway...all that WDW chitchat has me all excited again...and I have a burning need to read more wish trip reports! Anyone got any updates out there?!? I should channel my energy into writing a pre=trip for our family, but I know my time is limited today and I want to do it justice.

So, I am trolling the DIS, looking for more info and feeling very happy. I don't even care that a major "thunder boomer" is imminent!

But I do have 2 questions for those of you who had rental cars:

1. Is it really easy to arrange for a booster seat or two from the rental company? Our twins are just at the limit here which is quite austere (any child <80 lbs must be in a booster; one of our guys is almost too tall for the booster but is still light)

2. Has anyone ever returned a rental car to someplace other than the airport, like Downtown Disney? We're staying an extra few days, but as we are staying on property, we'd like to ditch the van.

Hoping to hear,
Alison

 

[twinmum]

OK, so now I am on a roll. I did find a trip report that I never finished (thanks, Ilovemickeymouse, your girls are such cuties!) and it sparked another question about GAC's.

Some of you have said that the package you received at Orientation included your GAC. Do you mean that the GAC was already completed for you based on the info you had already provided or was it some kind of standard GAC?

We've been to WDW once before and received a GAC that allowed use of alternate entrances. This was based on my description of his needs - as well as needing a w/c for the parks, Mark has other medical issues. The only problem was that we faced a big line up to get the GAC a Guest Relations.

Having a GAC all ready in advance would be wonderful and save time if the parks are crowded. Do you think the GKTW people could give us a GAC that would cover the length of our full stay - i.e. including the add-on we are arranging ourselves? Not such a big deal, but we do think it's going to be a little crowded for that portion of our trip. Of course, if the GKTW GAC is special, we won't be eligible for it during our add-on.

Any thoughts?
Alison

 

[Bill_Lin]

Dear Alison,

To find new TRs check the first page in this thread. Wendygrace updates it from time to time with new TRs. There are a bunch their already.

As for GKTW orientation, we received our GAC already filled out at orientation. We also received our WDW tickets, our Sea World Tickets, Our Universal Tickets and our Universal parking pass (which I mistook for a ticket). Universal is the only place that will make you show a parking ticket to get in. Everyone else just sees the GKTW button and flags you on in. Make sure to count all of your tickets and keep them in a special place in your villa so you can find them each day. We only took that days tickets with us each day, to minimize the risk of losing any.

Our GAC/ Universal GAP was in a plastic sleeve. I would recommend using scotch tape to seal this shut, as water rides can cause ink to run (not to mention rain showers).

I have heard of folks dropping off a rental car somewhere near Downtown Disney. You might call that office to be sure they know how to deal with Wish Trip rentals. If you drop it off at the airport, I believe WDW has a special bus service just to take folks from the airport to their resort and back.

We asked out Wish Trip Coordinator to reserve a booster seat for us. We did this for both safety and comfort. Our state has very strict booster seat laws; not so in Florida.

I don't know if GKTW can make your GAC last beyond your Wish Trip dates.

Bill

 

[Robin+5]

I have spent hours reading all about your different trips. What wonderful stories There are a few thing that I have questions about. 1st what is a GAP and how does it work?
2nd- Bill, you mentioned a MAW lounge in MK. Where is that? I know we will need that for Nathan.

Thanks for all you wonderful reports. I felt like I was there with you

 

[mistymouse5001]

I love you gu ys

 

[hotmamac]

Hey guys ~
I saw the amazing offer to have post cards sent from Disney and I would love to have a couple sent to my kids...but I don't know how to PM.
Can anyone give me a hint?
Thanks!!

 

[bex271]

click on the person's name who you want to send a pm to and then click on send a private message to ______ and then another page comes up for you type you message and then click on send.

becca

 

[Bill_Lin]

Dear Robin,

You are very welcome to my help and, I am sure, to everyone else's help here. We love doing this.

A G.A.P. (Guest Assistance Pass)is the Universal Studios/ Islands of Adventure version of Disney's G.A.C. (Guest Assistance Card). They both function in similar ways and are provided to you be GKTW at orientation. They are to allow for special access and special treatment for guests with disabilities. In the case of those from GKTW, they are for special treatment for Wish Trip Kids.

Wish Trip Lounge-
The Wish Trip Lounge is at the Magic Kingdom. From the entrance, go down Main Street to the end and turn left toward Adventure Land. It is located in the First Aid (by the Baby Care Center) building between Casey's Corner and the Crystal Palace and is not clearly marked until you get into the hall. I had to open a few doors to find it. Once in the hall you will see the sign.

The Wish Trip Lounge is there for YOUR family to use. If you don't use it, then it won't serve any purpose. Inside giant floor pillows and comfortable chairs, a televlision, bottled water and the helpful help of the CMs there. I hope you get to meet Alex and maybe even Matt. They are all great. Ask for advice, help with meal reservations and help with any Magic you need to fulfill the WISH. By the way, IT IS AIR CONDITIONED.

Bill

 

[hotmamac]

Hey gang -
I've started a pre-trip report. There's not much there yet, but here's the link.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=25958812#post25958812

Becca - thanks for the help with PM'ing.

take care all.
Misty

 

[Bill_Lin]

Isn't it great how this thread is growing? It would be great to have some of the early posters come and check this out! Recent additions include a CM from DHS who want to send postcards in advance to Wish Trip Kids, and a former Wish Trip Kid who wants to share her experiences.

Here are some recent TR additions for y'all.
Karlyn’s Wish Is Coming True -posted by her Grandma
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=25959050#post25959050

Our warrior princess wishes for the World - from Misty
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=25958812#post25958812

When you wish upon a star..Hannah's make a wish trip -from Heather
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1852434

Nathan's Wish Trip Aug. 2008-from Robin
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1870286

Nathan's Magical Wish Trip- Pre-trip report -from Carol
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1866940

MAW upon a star "Florida, here we come" -from Nicole
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1867709


Enjoy,

Bill

 

[Bill_Lin]

For those going on trips soon, let me re-post this information from Bucket o' Butter.

"I am new to DISboards and I came across the Paying It Forward thread. I think this is such a wonderful idea and I especially love the idea to sending them to children who are going on Wish Trips. My family will be at Disney on July 20 -27 and would love to send postcards to as many children as we can. If you are interested, please PM me your information."

This is so your child can get a pre-Trip welcome card from their favorite WDW character, postmarked at WDW.

Along with Smatterchu, you should have this covered for your kids. Get the excitement building and add to the magic.

Bill

 

[GoofyDoo]

I am enjoying all the action on the board as well! I'm loving all the new trip/pre-trip reports!!! Maybe I'll be inspired to do one of my own!!! (I'll definitely report when we get back, at the very least).

I have a question about autograph books for those of you who have already been on your trips. Would you think we would want to mess with more than one autograph book, even though we have four kids? (I'm thinking more than one would be a hassle). Where do you get these books? WDW? Does GKTW give them to you? I was thinking of purchasing one (or some) off of Ebay--there surely are some cute ones!!--but I don't want to if we will be receiving them from somewhere. On the other hand, I don't want to pay a fortune for them once we get there, either. Also, where do you get the "fat" pens everyone advises you to have?

[Please note that our counter is now below the one-month mark!!!]

 

[Bill_Lin]

We bought our Tink Autograph book at MK, but it was too small. We did get out thick pens there. The characters find it easier to hold the big pens.

I suggest making or buying your own before hand; one for each kid. If you think how many characters you will see, plan for a lot of pages, one per signature (they tend to be BIG). At GKTW we met Mayor Clayton, Miss Merry, Barney, Baby Bop, BJ, Pluto, Goofy, Mickey, Minnie, Shamu, Dolly the Dolphin (plus 2 others), Santa and elves. At parks it was Donkey, Shrek, Spongebob, Spiderman, Cinderella, Jasmine, Belle, Fairy Godmother, Snow White, 2 characters from Pinnochio, Captain Jack, Genie, Woody Woodpecker and his Significant Other, Scooby Doo, Shaggy, Curious George and Man in the Yellow Hat, Donald, King Looie and Baloo; at Sea World we met the Polor Bear. Those are only the ones I remember. Get LOTS of pages.

You could get a plain book and decorate it with Disney Stickers from the Dollar Tree or online. Try to get a book that fits in a pocket for convenience. Figure out some sort of water-proof pouch for rain and water rides. We used the pouches our ponchos came in.

Have fun..... it is sure good to hear from you again,

Bill

 

[GoofyDoo]

We bought our Tink Autograph book at MK, but it was too small. We did get out thick pens there. The characters find it easier to hold the big pens.

I suggest making or buying your own before hand; one for each kid. If you think how many characters you will see, plan for a lot of pages, one per signature (they tend to be BIG). At GKTW we met Mayor Clayton, Miss Merry, Barney, Baby Bop, BJ, Pluto, Goofy, Mickey, Minnie, Shamu, Dolly the Dolphin (plus 2 others), Santa and elves. At parks it was Donkey, Shrek, Spongebob, Spiderman, Cinderella, Jasmine, Belle, Fairy Godmother, Snow White, 2 characters from Pinnochio, Captain Jack, Genie, Woody Woodpecker and his Significant Other, Scooby Doo, Shaggy, Curious George and Man in the Yellow Hat, Donald, King Looie and Baloo; at Sea World we met the Polor Bear. Those are only the ones I remember. Get LOTS of pages.

You could get a plain book and decorate it with Disney Stickers from the Dollar Tree or online. Try to get a book that fits in a pocket for convenience. Figure out some sort of water-proof pouch for rain and water rides. We used the pouches our ponchos came in.

Have fun..... it is sure good to hear from you again,

Bill

Thank you, Bill!! Good gracious, I never thought about there being so many characters until I saw your list... never thought about how many pages we would actually need. WOW!! Thank you so much for the tips!!!

~Amy

 

[Bill_Lin]

Uh DUH!!! I am guessing it is okay to use your real name here since that is how you signed the last post. You can disregard my previous question.

When you look at my list of characters, realize that the number is actually relatively smaller than many due to 2 factors: My limited number of brain cells to remember and the fact that we did not make much of an effort to find character greets.

Bill

 

[HeatherN]

[Please note that our counter is now below the one-month mark!!!] [/QUOTE]

Wow Amy!! I just realized that we will be at Disney at the same time! We arrive on August 2.Are you staying at GKTW??

 

[Bill_Lin]

Heather,

I believe Amy is staying at GKTW. You two will have to meet up at a meal or such. Take lots of pictures of the families together to post here. That is a really neat thing about these boards, that we can sometimes meet our board friends on our trips. We did that and loved it. It really added to the trip and the post-trip experience of sharing here. We got to see LeeLee2U at 2 Parks, AK and DHS.

By the way Amy (hint, hint) this is a good reason for Pre-Trip Reports so folks can network.

Bill

 

[GoofyDoo]

Wow Amy!! I just realized that we will be at Disney at the same time! We arrive on August 2.Are you staying at GKTW??

YES!! We leave August 4!! So we'll see you there, hopefully!!! How exciting!!


Bill, I think y'all saw a ton of characters--especially for not even trying, really. We plan to try (somewhat), so I'm thinking we may need more than one book, or at least a really big book!!! It seems to me that just the characters at GKTW will take up quite a few pages.

I am seriously getting so excited!!!

~Amy

 

[Bill_Lin]

EXCITEMENT FOR HEATHER AND AMY AND THEIR CREWS!!!!!