Wish Trippers...Unite!! Volume One

[Bill_Lin]

I'm Back........

Merry Christmas to all! We had a great Make a Wish Christmas Party for Wish Trippers. It was held at our local Children's Hospital. There were crafts, Panda Express food, Santa and gifts. The most amazing gift was a limited edition Barbie made just for Make a Wish. She even has a Make a Wish tee shirt.

We have lots of snow here in N.E. Washington. It is a beautiful White Christmas to be sure. Things are going very well for our family.

We are still hoping for a Wish Trippers reunion next winter at WDW.

Any one planning a Wish Trip soon?

 

[LindaBabe]

Good Morning, Everybody! Happy Day after Christmas!

Wendy, THANK YOU so much for the beautiful card with the photo of the family - I will cherish it!

Yes, Bill, Jill and family are going in the next few weeks.

I get to volunteer January 19th and 20th. Can't WAIT!

Happy Day, All!

 

[wendygrace]

Glad you liked it Linda! And enjoy your voluteering! That's so awesome!

welcome back Bill! We missed ya! I wish we had those kinda of wish events. Most of them are in the city and that's a big, long drive for us.

 

[alizesmom]

Nice to see you again Bill. Hope all of you had a great day yesterday. Karen

 

[Eeyore's Mom]

Jill.......26 days....wow!!! That is going to go by in a hurry!!! Isn't it exciting to be in the "days" count instead of the "months"!!!!

I am so excited that I can think of almost nothing else! Everything I do, I'm thinking about how it applies to our trip. I told the kids that we were taking down the Christmas decorations tomorrow to get ready for the trip Of course they think that means we must be leaving in 2 days. I would be taking the decorations down anyways I'm not sure why I am compelled to add the part about getting ready for the trip

Good Morning, Everybody! Happy Day after Christmas!

Wendy, THANK YOU so much for the beautiful card with the photo of the family - I will cherish it!

Yes, Bill, Jill and family are going in the next few weeks.

I get to volunteer January 19th and 20th. Can't WAIT!

Happy Day, All!

OMG -so does this mean we get to meet you?!! I sure hope so! That would be very cool. I was just thinking how fun it would be if someone else was going on their wish trip at the same time as us but meeting you would be just as exciting or maybe even more . What will your job be?


Bill was sweet enough to check up on my TR and ask if I had any questions but I thought I would throw them out here in case others (future wish trippers) might have some of the same questions.

1. Do you think it is overwhelming to try and do pin trading and autographs on this trip? This is our first trip (I hope not only, but could be) and with 3 boys I am starting to think I will have my hands full and maybe I shouldn't bother with the "extras". I did buy some cool Alaska lanyards and have several pins from Ebay- but the kids aren't even sure if they want to trade them because they like them so much- so I think they would be OK with not trading. And then the autograph thing. I don't have books yet but if you encourage me I will definately do it. So Yae or Nay?


2. How did you handle 4 WDW parks with passes for 3 days? I have read TR's from those that have done it but would still love to know your recommendations after the fact. I am thinking of skipping MGM... any thoughts???

3. Would you recommend 1 or 2 days at Universal? I am thinking 1 and trading the other as a rest/shopping day. Should we plan on 2 - we have a 10 yr old, 4 yr old and almost 3 year old (all boys). They LOVE nickelodean and Dr Seuss (OK, I love Dr Seuss ) and some of the other charcters at US but I am not sure if they will love the park???

4. Did you keep the same stroller the whole time you were in a park or do you just get whatever stroller is available after a ride/show??? We are germ freaks ( we have to be) and I wasn't sure how that worked.

5. I am really nervous about "asking" for special attention... my DH would sooner crawl in a hole or in this case stand in long lines before asking for a favor. Did you have to ask for special assistance or was it usually just offered? And I don't mean assistance as in mobility issues but more for cutting lines.

6. Did you map out your tour around the parks or just go wherever you felt like it? If you did map it, did you really stick to it?

7. Did you stick to a daily schedule that was planned before the trip?

8. How about shows? I know that crocs are the way to go but just can't do it- maybe because I live in Alaska and they seem like the craziest show or perhaps it's because they are just not, well just not my thing . I am thinking about a good pair of tennis shoes to wear with jeans and then some Teva walking sandals (so a great deal on some) to wear if it's warm enough. Any other great recommendations?

9. What kind of bag did you use to carry kid stuff (change of clothes) in at the parks? Was a back pack OK? What are you really glad that you took in the park with you?

OK I'm sorry- I'll quit. But I won't promise that there won't be more ridiculous questions to come .

You guys are the experts! I have read so much in the Passporter and Unofficial guide but a lot of that info is so different than our situations but you guys really know. THANK YOU!!!

 

[LeeLee2U]

I am so excited that I can think of almost nothing else! Everything I do, I'm thinking about how it applies to our trip. I told the kids that we were taking down the Christmas decorations tomorrow to get ready for the trip Of course they think that means we must be leaving in 2 days. I would be taking the decorations down anyways I'm not sure why I am compelled to add the part about getting ready for the trip

OMG -so does this mean we get to meet you?!! I sure hope so! That would be very cool. I was just thinking how fun it would be if someone else was going on their wish trip at the same time as us but meeting you would be just as exciting or maybe even more . What will your job be?


Bill was sweet enough to check up on my TR and ask if I had any questions but I thought I would throw them out here in case others (future wish trippers) might have some of the same questions.

1. Do you think it is overwhelming to try and do pin trading and autographs on this trip? This is our first trip (I hope not only, but could be) and with 3 boys I am starting to think I will have my hands full and maybe I shouldn't bother with the "extras". I did buy some cool Alaska lanyards and have several pins from Ebay- but the kids aren't even sure if they want to trade them because they like them so much- so I think they would be OK with not trading. And then the autograph thing. I don't have books yet but if you encourage me I will definately do it. So Yae or Nay?


2. How did you handle 4 WDW parks with passes for 3 days? I have read TR's from those that have done it but would still love to know your recommendations after the fact. I am thinking of skipping MGM... any thoughts???

3. Would you recommend 1 or 2 days at Universal? I am thinking 1 and trading the other as a rest/shopping day. Should we plan on 2 - we have a 10 yr old, 4 yr old and almost 3 year old (all boys). They LOVE nickelodean and Dr Seuss (OK, I love Dr Seuss ) and some of the other charcters at US but I am not sure if they will love the park???

4. Did you keep the same stroller the whole time you were in a park or do you just get whatever stroller is available after a ride/show??? We are germ freaks ( we have to be) and I wasn't sure how that worked.

5. I am really nervous about "asking" for special attention... my DH would sooner crawl in a hole or in this case stand in long lines before asking for a favor. Did you have to ask for special assistance or was it usually just offered? And I don't mean assistance as in mobility issues but more for cutting lines.

6. Did you map out your tour around the parks or just go wherever you felt like it? If you did map it, did you really stick to it?

7. Did you stick to a daily schedule that was planned before the trip?

8. How about shows? I know that crocs are the way to go but just can't do it- maybe because I live in Alaska and they seem like the craziest show or perhaps it's because they are just not, well just not my thing . I am thinking about a good pair of tennis shoes to wear with jeans and then some Teva walking sandals (so a great deal on some) to wear if it's warm enough. Any other great recommendations?

9. What kind of bag did you use to carry kid stuff (change of clothes) in at the parks? Was a back pack OK? What are you really glad that you took in the park with you?

OK I'm sorry- I'll quit. But I won't promise that there won't be more ridiculous questions to come .

You guys are the experts! I have read so much in the Passporter and Unofficial guide but a lot of that info is so different than our situations but you guys really know. THANK YOU!!!

O.k. Here is my opinion on your questions
#1 We didn't do na pin trading but wish we would have. DEFINATLY YES on the autograph books. We bought the boys 1 each when we got there because we wanted them to pick them out. They got the ones with a picture slip on one side and the blank page on the other. The cost @9 I think. They ended up with 2 each, but we were there for 6 days. This was one of the boys favorite things to do and you will find if they even here wish trip the characters really go all out!

#2 We had straight Disney passes so that I can't answer but I wouldn't skip MGM Maybe half it with either AK or EPCOT.

#3 can't answer

#4 We used our W/C but I can answer this one. You keep your same stroller, just bring something to mark it with. so people know it's not theirs. Tie a ribbon around the handle or a LGMH with your DIS name on it, then not only do people know it's not theirs but you might find another DISser!!! Bring lots of wetwipes and Germ X!!! We used ours lots!!!

#5 You should get your GAC at GKTW we got ours from WDW ourselves, but carry that in your hands when going into the rides and just pass it to the CM, We never really had to say anything. Also make sure that someone has your GKTW button on and/or your WISH button it makes the difference. This trip is once in a lifetime and my husbad didn't want to say anything either, but even he got into thanking CMs saying its his WISH trip and boy that really made some things happen. For us just the trip was a dream come true, but our kids don't get fun stuff like this every day. The CMs are set up to recognize the buttons and shirts to do that little extra thing for our kids to help make them have a few days that are extra special so they don't have to remember all the yucky stuff they have to go through at least while they are at Disney!

#6 I mapped them out but we didn't always stick to it. We tried to stick to the plan as much as possible but when we got deterred we just went with it and then tried to go back to the plan. On our 1st MK day we got there so much later than planned and then we had all that neat stuff happen to us that we didn't follow the ride schedule but we just followed our land schedule and hit what we could in each land that was important to us.

#7 We did as far as what park we were going to each day. We would start out on the scedule any way.

#8 I didn't do Crocs. I stuck with my flopflops and sandals because that is what I wear every day and am comfortable in. I wore my old worn out ones that I can wear for hours and hours and be o.k. in. DH wore the same pair of tnnis shoes every day and his feet killed him. He really needed the Crocs. He wanted a pair but couldn't find the ones he wanted in his size before he left. I think the key is to just make sure you are wearing shoes you have broken in before the trip so no one gets blisters and bring along another pair to change into in the evenings when you are back at your Villa.

#9 We used a backpack it had room for extra clothes, autograph books, a ziplock full of germ x, chapstick etc., Sunblock, wetwipes and I usually carried a bottle of water and then a little room for a few tiny extras.

 

[Momof2wCF]

Jill, just wanted to throw out my opinion.. MGM is a lot of shows. It was really fun for us, but I don't know if it would be to your boys. I would not try to double up on Epcot, I didn't even get to really see the World Showcase and we were there ALL day! I think your boys will love AK, DD (9) did, and we closed it down.
I do agree with LeeLee on the autographs. It isn't something we did, but we've been to DL and done it many times, and it IS very cool. The pintrading is fun, but I wouldn't go out of my way to do it. You have so very little time, and there is so much to see!
On Universal, we loved it. I thought we would be disappointed after WDW, but it was really great. We got there early, and were able to do all the rides we wanted to do at Universal, and then go to IoA. I personally LOVED Seuss Landing. It reminded me so much of reading to the kids when they were little and cute. *sigh* So I think it can be done in one day, but keep your options open just in case you like it more than you thought you would.
Mostly, USE the GKTW BUTTON!! It will not be the trip of your DS's dream if he only gets to ride a few rides a day. No-one I saw made an issue of it, I just let them see the button, and they let us go through the fastpass line or another way. I was very grateful for it, as my kids just don't have the stamina they need to do everything.
Wow! Only 21 days! That is so close! Guess I better catch up on your TR and see what new shirts you have made!

 

[alizesmom]

Off subject but Alize's little sister arrived last Friday. It has been rather busy here, we don't quite have total nursing coverage here and I've been up several nights with one or the other child. Our little one is 2, developementally delayed, some visual problems and has a trach and a g-tube. She is the most beautiful thing around and definitely strong willed! I can't give out her name or picture but trust me on this one. Karen

 

[wendygrace]

1. Do you think it is overwhelming to try and do pin trading and autographs on this trip? This is our first trip (I hope not only, but could be) and with 3 boys I am starting to think I will have my hands full and maybe I shouldn't bother with the "extras". I did buy some cool Alaska lanyards and have several pins from Ebay- but the kids aren't even sure if they want to trade them because they like them so much- so I think they would be OK with not trading. And then the autograph thing. I don't have books yet but if you encourage me I will definately do it. So Yae or Nay? We did not. If one of your kids would need something to encourage him to go up to a character, an autograph book may help but I wouldn't worry about it, if not. I would personally not do it with the two younger kids but your 10 yr old may be able to since he wouldn't need assistance. Pin trading was just not my thing. *shrug*

2. How did you handle 4 WDW parks with passes for 3 days? I have read TR's from those that have done it but would still love to know your recommendations after the fact. I am thinking of skipping MGM... any thoughts??? We skipped Epcot and tried to do AK and MGM in one day. If I were to go again, we'd probably stay at MK all three days but my kids were just turned five and three. You have a 10 yr old though so I'd recommend getting the "Guide for Kids" (I can't remember who does it...popular guidebook peoples) and having him have some input. The guide describes every ride with a kids perspective in mind. Then see where his interests lies.

3. Would you recommend 1 or 2 days at Universal? I am thinking 1 and trading the other as a rest/shopping day. Should we plan on 2 - we have a 10 yr old, 4 yr old and almost 3 year old (all boys). They LOVE nickelodean and Dr Seuss (OK, I love Dr Seuss ) and some of the other charcters at US but I am not sure if they will love the park??? We did one day. Although we loved it and would go again if were were staying, say, 10 days, I would have traded a Universal day with a MK day in a heartbeat. We will go to Universal again but wait until my kids are a little older. However, your ten yr old will probably love it. Not that there isn't stuff to do with the younger kids. There is and my kids really enjoyed themselves (and Michael's favourite ride was there) but MK was much more "magical".

4. Did you keep the same stroller the whole time you were in a park or do you just get whatever stroller is available after a ride/show??? We are germ freaks ( we have to be) and I wasn't sure how that worked. You keep your stroller. You will be given a card to put your name on that will go in a handy dandy little sleeve on the stroller to mark it as yours. I'd also recommend a LGMH or other noticeable tag just to make it easier to spot. You can also request a "wheelchair as a stroller" tag if your kid would tire easy with all that walking. Then you can often take the stroller up the wheelchair ramp and do a transfer. This can also be done on the MK train. Loved that sticker (you get it at guest services).

5. I am really nervous about "asking" for special attention... my DH would sooner crawl in a hole or in this case stand in long lines before asking for a favor. Did you have to ask for special assistance or was it usually just offered? And I don't mean assistance as in mobility issues but more for cutting lines. Usually offered but please remember that this is for your child's dream trip (pay attention "dh") and if you don't take advantage of the special perks, your child may be missing out on some special things. Saying that, we had people coming out of the woodwork to help us or give the kids special treats and many were definetly in response to the button Michael wore. Make sure he wears it if at all possible and if he won't, then you should wear it (although when I wore it, we didn't get as good as a response).

6. Did you map out your tour around the parks or just go wherever you felt like it? If you did map it, did you really stick to it? Map! Get a good general idea of where you are going at what time and which rides. Of course, leave room for spontaneity...there will be plenty things that will just happen but have a plan in hand!

7. Did you stick to a daily schedule that was planned before the trip? We did mostly but definetly made changes on the fly. We were going to do both Universal parks in one day but decided to just do one of the parks and skip the other based on what was happening with the kids (they were getting tired).

8. How about shows? I know that crocs are the way to go but just can't do it- maybe because I live in Alaska and they seem like the craziest show or perhaps it's because they are just not, well just not my thing . I am thinking about a good pair of tennis shoes to wear with jeans and then some Teva walking sandals (so a great deal on some) to wear if it's warm enough. Any other great recommendations? The kids and I wore Lands End sandals (we got them on clearance) and they were wonderful. Dh wore tennis shoes that he wears all day, every day and he was fine but he's on his feet at work all the time so was used to them and they were broken in.

9. What kind of bag did you use to carry kid stuff (change of clothes) in at the parks? Was a back pack OK? What are you really glad that you took in the park with you? We carried a fanny pack and a backpack. Don't forget the $1 ponchos just in case. Snacks were good and little games for the kids for those downtimes. Your 10 year old might like a hidden mickey book to spot those hidden mickeys. I'm glad we took our camera!

Three weeks to your trip. You'll have to let me know what the weather's like. Still planning that trip for January 2009!

 

[LindaBabe]

Kirsten,
I hope you *WILL* finish your trip report! People who are planning trips are hungry for every little detail - and every family notices something different.

Wendy,
Some day I may take you up on that 'loud, Italian Christmas'. I wrap for food,

Jill, I'd love to meet you all too, but my 'job' will be in the warehouse. I'm a little shy in person and was too nervous to let them put me on the carousel first thing. I mean what would happen if I did something wrong and somebody fell off? So, I'm going to stuff pillows and wrap packages.

Shoes. Yeah, Crocs are in style but the old lady's advice is to wear something you already own and know is comfortable. You will be walking more than you EVER imagined possible. Take TWO pair, just in case.

Assistance. ASK! Use your GKTW button. You can get a Guest Assistance card at GKTW too, I think. This vacation will tax your every strength, Jill. Please be willing to accept anything that's offered!
3 days/4 parks - Pick the things you think your kids will like to see most. Make those the priority. It *is* probably possible to see the high points of both AK and MGM in one day *if* you think there are a couple things the kids would enjoy (the stunt show comes to mind as a boy thing). Otherwise, I'd skip MGM without hesitation. AK is my personal favorite park. Disabled parking is convenient at both parks.

You are not going to see everything. Even if you were all able bodied and eighteen with unlimited stamina you wouldn't see everything. Make a list and do the high priority attractions first. That way, if you have to bail, you will have hit your high points.


Good luck and HAVE FUN!

 

[wendygrace]

You're so awesome! Glad she has a good home now! Hope you get that nursing care!

Off subject but Alize's little sister arrived last Friday. It has been rather busy here, we don't quite have total nursing coverage here and I've been up several nights with one or the other child. Our little one is 2, developementally delayed, some visual problems and has a trach and a g-tube. She is the most beautiful thing around and definitely strong willed! I can't give out her name or picture but trust me on this one. Karen

 

[wendygrace]

Linda, you are welcome in our home any time. *hugs*

 

[scrappin]

We just got back from our wish trip from the dream factory - it was so awesome - I will answer based on what we did - both my kids can get around fairly well and love to ride - so that was an emphasis for us.

1. Do you think it is overwhelming to try and do pin trading and autographs on this trip? This is our first trip (I hope not only, but could be) and with 3 boys I am starting to think I will have my hands full and maybe I shouldn't bother with the "extras". I did buy some cool Alaska lanyards and have several pins from Ebay- but the kids aren't even sure if they want to trade them because they like them so much- so I think they would be OK with not trading. And then the autograph thing. I don't have books yet but if you encourage me I will definately do it. So Yae or Nay?

We did not do the pin trading - it was more costly than we wanted to deal with. We did do the autograph books and used the crayola twistable markers as someone on the disboards suggested - the characters really liked them. The other thing we did was penny smooshing - the kids really liked this and they have a book to keep them in for around $6-8.

2. How did you handle 4 WDW parks with passes for 3 days? I have read TR's from those that have done it but would still love to know your recommendations after the fact. I am thinking of skipping MGM... any thoughts??? We did the parks like this - Day One was acutally our first full day to go to the parks: Day One - Magic Kingdom - Day two - Seaworld - Day Three - MGM - Day Four - Animal Kingdom/Epcot - Day Five - Both Universal parks.

3. Would you recommend 1 or 2 days at Universal? I am thinking 1 and trading the other as a rest/shopping day. Should we plan on 2 - we have a 10 yr old, 4 yr old and almost 3 year old (all boys). They LOVE nickelodean and Dr Seuss (OK, I love Dr Seuss ) and some of the other charcters at US but I am not sure if they will love the park??? We did it one day - we liked the rides at Islands of Adventure better than Universal - invest in a poncho's from Walmart for $.89 each - it was well worth it for water rides. We picked out what we wanted to ride at both parks and did most everything.

4. Did you keep the same stroller the whole time you were in a park or do you just get whatever stroller is available after a ride/show??? We are germ freaks ( we have to be) and I wasn't sure how that worked. We didn't rent a stroller.

5. I am really nervous about "asking" for special attention... my DH would sooner crawl in a hole or in this case stand in long lines before asking for a favor. Did you have to ask for special assistance or was it usually just offered? And I don't mean assistance as in mobility issues but more for cutting lines. We felt the same way, especially since ds disability isn't obvious to the onlooker - You quickly realize that it really doesn't matter - it makes such a difference by using the pass as to how much your child gets to do and how much less effort it takes out of them that you soon get over that situation. We only had one person make an issue at a character line at Universal. She was just rude and I think she would have been that way no matter what.

6. Did you map out your tour around the parks or just go wherever you felt like it? If you did map it, did you really stick to it? This is something I stressed over because I really wanted to make sure they got to see what they wanted. Again, with the pass from GKTW and the button - it really didn't matter - the only thing to focus on is when the parades or shows are so you are in the right place at the right time. Other than that - you can just go from place to place - it is truly unbelieveable.

7. Did you stick to a daily schedule that was planned before the trip? I did stick to what parks we did when. They through a wrinkle in my plans because they changed when they planned to have Christmas at GKTW but we made it work and got back in time to attend.

8. How about shoes? I know that crocs are the way to go but just can't do it- maybe because I live in Alaska and they seem like the craziest show or perhaps it's because they are just not, well just not my thing . I am thinking about a good pair of tennis shoes to wear with jeans and then some Teva walking sandals (so a great deal on some) to wear if it's warm enough. Any other great recommendations? Kids wore tennis shoes and I wore my crocs - I love my crocs and liked that they dried very quickly. I did scotchguard my backpack and brought ziplock bags for anything I didn't want to get wet.

9. What kind of bag did you use to carry kid stuff (change of clothes) in at the parks? Was a back pack OK? What are you really glad that you took in the park with you? I took a huge backpack and had no trouble on most of the rides - only a few that my dd wanted to ride that went upside down and the rockin rollar coaster - those rides we did the babyswap thing and took turns staying with the stuff. Also, each kid carried a fanny pack that had their autograph books and passports and a couple of snacks for the day. I kept the autograph books/passports in plastic baggies so they wouldn't get ruined.



OK I'm sorry- I'll quit. But I won't promise that there won't be more ridiculous questions to come .

You guys are the experts! I have read so much in the Passporter and Unofficial guide but a lot of that info is so different than our situations but you guys really know. THANK YOU!!! [/QUOTE]


The other thing we did was by the passports to the world for Epcot. I think they were $10. They look like a real passport with stickers for each country - the kids then look for the "kidcot" stations and get their passports signed in each country - this was a huge incentive for my kids to walk around the world.

Don't stress - it will truly be amazing. You can't go wrong with whatever you decide to do in whatever order. We only had two months to plan our trip becuase it came up so soon. We didn't do any character meals but we saw so many characters that I don't think the kids cared one bit. Goofy, Pluto, Minnie and Mickey all come to GKTW along with another character - one day it was Belle and another day it was Mary Poppins.

Hope this helps - feel free to PM me if you have any other questions. You will have such a good time - tell your hubby that it is only once and even though he doesn't like to get the extra attention - it is worth it for the kids - after all that is what it is all about - right?

The only other thing I would suggest is to look into the photopass. I know some people have shared it with others. We just paid the $99 for the cd via the website. We came home with over 200 pictures from it. It was a great way to get the entire family in a picture because I am usually taking all the pics or hubby is video taping - also you can add some cool borders, signatures, etc. to it afterwords. I was not disappointed that we took advantage of it.

 

[LindaBabe]

Good Detail, Scrappin! SO glad you guys had a great time!

 

[Eeyore's Mom]

I know you guys would come through for me I really do appreciate each of you taking the time to share your thoughts with me. Each answer has helped me.
I think we will do the autographs with the older two and they can take their lanyards with the 4 or 5 pins they each have and if they want to trade OK and if not I won't push them. The lanyard will work really well to put Marek's GKTW and MAW pins on too.
We are going to plan 1 full day for each MK and Epcot (w/passport) and then the 3rd day for AK and with any time or energy left we will hit MGM for a few of the highlights that I know the kids would really like.
One day at Universal but keep the possibility of going on our last day (we have a late flight) for a 1/2 day.
I will plan on "personalizing" our stroller with something and will have plenty of wipes and sanitizer anyways.
I am going to be OK with any special treatment that comes are way (and very grateful) and I have already begun to prep my DH to do the same and his answer was "Hey, I don't know anyone down there anyways, so I don't care if they are rude that we get a little extra attention". That was a HUGE step for him
I will work on mapping our way through the park but will know it is just a plan and will more go by what the kids are enjoying and how they are feeling.
I already have our daily schedule- did it last night. Again, we'll make changes as needed but atleast it's a plan!
And I will be taking a packback because it sounds like there will be several things we will need and I think that's the best way for us. We will be taking turns on rides anways and will just take turns with the backpack
SO that leaves only one concern and that's my shoes! I wear hiking boots and LL Bean/Landsend mocs, I don't think they will look very nice with capri's . I guess I will try to find something in the next few days so I can get them worn a bit before the trip. Can you picture me wearing sandals to the grocery store in January here in Alaska It will be a good reason to get my butt on the treadmill.

So again, Thanks!! I also wanted to offer to send a post card or take a picture or get anything anyone wishes they had now. Just let me know. I know we will all be going back in Jan of 09, but if you can't wait that long just say the word .


Linda- You are too funny about being nervous operating the carousel but I know your help behind the scenes is going to be very appreciated too. I'll call you while we are there!


Karen- I am so happy for your family. I just know you have the biggest heart and are an amazing mom. to you and that sweet little girl.

 

[Eeyore's Mom]

Happy New Year to all of my Wish Trip friends. Hope this year brings much joy and most importantly good health for all of us and our families.

 

[wendygrace]

Happy New Year Everyone!

 

[LindaBabe]

Happy New Year, everyone!

Jill, babe, I'm sure you don't need boots, but WHO cares how your mocs look with capris? As long as your comfortable! Your feet aren't in most photos anyway, and uncomfortable footwear will give your FACE a pained expression that the photos *WILL* catch. lol

Wishing you all a new year filled with good health, peace and happiness.

 

[Camster0307]

Jill - I see you've gotten some great responses to your questions - I just want to add my two cents regarding question #5: do not be shy in showing your GAC pass. For rides, it can be discreet - just showing it to the cast member as you approach the entrance. But for character greets - the line can be VERY long, and the character handler is usually up front with the character - they may not see you at the end of the line. I would not hesitate to go right up to the front and show the handler your pass - you will then probably be moved right up - minimizing your wait time. I never felt bad about doing this - meeting characters was very important to my daughter and, being that she was on her vent and oxygen, waiting on multiple long lines would have limited how many we could have seen. The GAC card was invaluable in helping us do what she really wanted to do!

Good luck and have a great trip!

 

[Camster0307]

Also wanted to add: Happy New Year everyone!

And - congrats to Karen and her growing family!