Wish Trippers...Unite!! Volume One

[Eeyore's Mom]

I know this is not very important to you guys but I just had to share since I brought it up as an issue. I have shoes! I just went and bought a comfy pair of tennis shoes and I won't worry about how they look with my capris (Thanks Linda). I am NOT a fashion aware person so I don't know why I got so obsessed with that I did find some cute sandals to wear when were not at the parks or doing a lot of walking
My kids are all sick and just as I thought they were getting better my oldest got really sick last night So my dh is at the dr. with him and I told him to stress that we are leaving in 2 weeks and he has to be well! My big concern is Eeyore (Marek) of course. He is one 2 different immunosuppresents and can't seem to avoid much... if the my oldest has strep and passes it on, well... I just hope that doesn't happen. It can have a pretty profound impact on the liver and well... we don't need that. So a little prayer that the oldest will get well quickly and my youngest won't get whatever it is! I keep reminding myself that we do have 15 days and SHOULD be able to get everyone well by then.
Even the sickness hasn't kept the boys spirits down. They are ALL so excited!

 

[LindaBabe]

OOh! Sending a bushel of get well quick and no germy transfer dust! And you, missy, take your vitamins!

 

[wendygrace]

I'm gonna second the vitamins and the OJ! I hope you all get well quick!

 

[alizesmom]

Saying a prayer for health espicially for Marek. Karen

 

[scrappin]

Count me in too - extra prayer for Marek and the health of family. The trip is getting so close. Don't stress over details while getting everyone well....Once you get there it will all go smooth!

 

[Bill_Lin]

In regards to "front of the line" access at Universal Parks, we found that some team members required us to have a staff escort to the front of the line. Others just sent us down the exit line. There was no fast pass lane at U.S. parks when we were there.

Be sure to ask the staff at each attraction what you need to do and show your pass. The only troubles we had were at Men in Black and at Ripsaw Falls.

The guy manning the entrance at MIB was great, but a lady on the inside was really put out that we had come in without an escort. At Ripsaw Falls, we showed the pass at the line then handed it over to my DD who was the Wish Child and too scared for the ride. We got all the way in and were sent back for the pass. When we returned, a senior staff person politely escorted us and apologized.

Is everyone in Florida wonderful or what?

 

[Eeyore's Mom]

Thanks for additional info Bill.

Well, my oldest does have strep throat but the good news is, it isn't a big deal with the liver. It was on a list of illnesses to be concerned with but I have now learned that's just because they are more likely to get it. The other good news is that SO FAR, neither of the little guys are showing any signs of it. Marek has had plenty of isssue the past 2 1/2 weeks with other health things so I'm hoping we are done and just need the next two weeks to get completely healthy. Marek should go back to pre-school next Tues but after being sick we have decided to keep him home until after the trip. It is pre-school after all and could make the difference of going on the trip healthy or maybe not going at all. My oldest would love that same privelage but it's a little different when your older Instead he will be armed with his antibiotics and germ x bottle. I am not a big vitamin fan BUT I have been taking my vitamin C and to all of you that really rely on vitamins I think you may be on to something. I had a small cold and it went a way quickly and every time my throat tingles I double up on it and so far it's working. I have also been giving them to the boys and my husband could open a store with his vitamin supply so I know he is getting plenty.
I just got an email from our wish coordinator and was glad to see it in my inbox. No mention of a pre-trip party since our only gathering with the wish granters in Sept. so I was bold enough to ask. Marek knows they said there would be one and has asked me about it several times. I'm waiting to hear back on the plan. I know the Chuck E Cheese thing was mentioned before but I asked to just have it at the house to elimanate germ exposure. I'll let you know if there is a plan. I need to get on and update my pre-tr but it's more fun posting here!

 

[Iluvmickeymouse!]

So much has gone on while I was gone. Those Holidays sure did throw a wrench into my Dis'ing time!!

Eeyore's mom...I love getting autographs so I really wanted Koryn to do it also. It took her a little while to warm up...but then she loved it!!! I would definitely suggest doing it. One thing I noticed with the lines for characters is that sometimes there was just the one CM at the front of the line. So, I would take Koryn and go up to that CM so that they knew we were there. We were able to get the autpgraphs, no problem. I never had anyone make a rude comment to us. But then we were wearing out make-a-wish buttons on our lanyard so that all could see them!! At AK...at the greeting areas for Mickey, Minnie etc....same thing....only one CM....we walked up the exit and made sure the CM noticed us. It was uncomfortable seeing all the people waiting in line and having them think...what do they think they are doing...BUT this was our only trip that we will use the GAC and I wanted Koryn to get the most out of her trip!!

Strollers...we used colored hankerchiefs tied on to the handles....made it a lot easier to find!

I can't think of your other questions.....should've quoted them...oh well

Still trying to figure out if we can do the get together next Jan. I would like to, but financially, I don't know if it will happen.

Kirsten....YES you need to finish your TR....some of us are waiting patiently for it!!!

Happy New Year everyone!!

 

[LindaBabe]

HI everybody! I leave tomorrow at 6:15 am. This weekend we assembled page kits for 125 scrapbook pages for the GKTW project. I'll make them up in Florida and hand them over to a volunteer before I come home. My days to work are the 19th and 20th. Can't WAIT.

JIll, if you decide you want autograph books or ANYTHING else waiting for you, CALL ME! I can shop and make up a basket or whatever you need. I know you're going to be exhausted after that flight.

Everybody else, pleasepleaseplease stay healthy! See you in 3 weeks!

 

[wendygrace]

I have update the first post. If there are any trip reports I am missing, please PM me. Linda, please enjoy yourself! (like that would be difficult!).

Update on us. Back in hospital with a skin infection. Michael is fine though. We're just up and about and playing. He's got an IV antibiotic going. Three more days and then we go to the RMH until surgery, hopefully sometime this year. Really, it should be no more than two months if all goes well. I have both kids with me and Michael is doing great spending the night by himself. Our room at RMH is nice and large and I love it. I love this hospital!

I'll try and update when I'm able but with both kids...well, you can imagine.

 

[Eeyore's Mom]

HI everybody! I leave tomorrow at 6:15 am. This weekend we assembled page kits for 125 scrapbook pages for the GKTW project. I'll make them up in Florida and hand them over to a volunteer before I come home. My days to work are the 19th and 20th. Can't WAIT.

JIll, if you decide you want autograph books or ANYTHING else waiting for you, CALL ME! I can shop and make up a basket or whatever you need. I know you're going to be exhausted after that flight.

Everybody else, pleasepleaseplease stay healthy! See you in 3 weeks!

THANK YOU! You are so awesome and I can't wait to meet you. I am all set with the Autograph book. I spent HOURS making them today and the whole time I kept thinking for a few dollars I can just buy them but in the end I am glad they will each have their own personailized book. I will post pictures on the Pre-TR tomorrow. I will be calling you when we get there and setting a time we can meet! If I think of anything before that I will call you too, Thanks.

I have update the first post. If there are any trip reports I am missing, please PM me. Linda, please enjoy yourself! (like that would be difficult!).

Update on us. Back in hospital with a skin infection. Michael is fine though. We're just up and about and playing. He's got an IV antibiotic going. Three more days and then we go to the RMH until surgery, hopefully sometime this year. Really, it should be no more than two months if all goes well. I have both kids with me and Michael is doing great spending the night by himself. Our room at RMH is nice and large and I love it. I love this hospital!

I'll try and update when I'm able but with both kids...well, you can imagine.

I'm sorry that Michael has a skin infection, that is actually one of the things we have been dealing with, with Marek this week too. Fortunately we were able to stay out patient but the "admitting" word was being used . Glad he is doing OK though. It must be tough having two with you. I have done that for short periods of time but it can get pretty tricky sometimes. Prayers that it will be a short stay and the surgery can be scheduled soon. So glad you have RMH and a good hospital!!

 

[alizesmom]

LindaBabe, I'm late but hope you have the time of your life. Wendy, praying that Michael gets over that infection quickly. Karen

 

[patticake3]

Happy New Year to everyone! I've been away from the boards for a bit and have been trying to catch up!

Karen, congrats on the new, sweet addition to your family. You sound like an amazing person and an amazing mom!

Wendy, sorry you are dealing with the skin infection and hope it clears up asap! Sending tons of positive thoughts your way. I love the way you stay calm through it all and use humor as your guide!

LindaBabe, I'm sure I missed you, but hope you have a fabulous trip! Can't wait to hear all about it. Those photo pages sound fabulous!

Jill, I hope you have a great trip! I loved your shoe excitement, and it actually made me realize I need to get cracking with shoe choices!

We have less than 8 weeks to go and I have not planned one thing. We haven't been contacted by the person organizing our trip, so I'm not sure if we can make dinner reservations without anything specific from them. Does anyone know? I did just call our rep (not the person organizing our trip) and she called the organizer, who promised to contact us by the end of the week, so I think things will start falling into place. I bought the Unofficial Guide to WDW this weekend, so along with this website, I'm ready to go into planning mode!

Hope everyone is doing well!

 

[patticake3]

sorry for the double post!,

 

[Eeyore's Mom]

Hi Patticake3! Good to see you here again. I made our reservations on my own (are you working with Make a Wish?). MAW did not offer to plan those sorts of events and it was fun to do a little of the planning myself. I also used the unofficial guide and have since purchased the Passporter but honestly haven't looked at it much yet. Maybe today. Yes, get those shoes! Funny how something little becomes my obsession.
8 weeks are going to fly by!! I will be sure to post our details after the trip, as those are the things that have helped me the most of anything else I have read or people I have spoken with. It's so nice to have the experience of those that have gone before us .

 

[patticake3]

Jill, I was planning on making all my reservations, but didn't know if I needed some sort of proof that we're going from MAW that entitles us to make the advance reservations at Disney restaurants? We haven't been to Disney since 2000, so I don't remember all the ins and outs! Plus we're staying at the Hard Rock on Universal property (at least that's what we requested, but I'm sort of second guessing that request), so I'm not sure how that plays into this. I think it's going to call for some creative planning and going with the flow as opposed to 'doing it all' but my son really liked the idea of staying at the Hard Rock - teen appeal, I think.

 

[Camster0307]

Patticake3 - I must have missed the post about when you are going. Where are you staying?

 

[patticake3]

Camster, hopefully this will post okay - I've been having DIS trouble today!

We requested to go March 1-8, or possibly Feb 29 to be there for a full day on March 1. We're going for ESPN weekend as my son is a huge sports fan and listens to many of the radio personalities that will be there. ESPN weekend is Feb 29-Mar 2. We're not sure how ESPN weekend will be organized, but we're assuming that we'll want to spend time at MGM (can't remember the new name!) on March 1 and possibly part of March 2. We'll also fit in the other parks over the next few days and spend the last 2 or 3 days at Universal and maybe Sea World. My son requested to stay at the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal, which will mean some creative transportation during our Disney days so we make the most of the Disney parks without totally wearing ourselves out! Our MAW coordinator is supposedly working with Nat'l MAW because she wasn't familiar with ESPN weekend and how to work that all out (according to our MAW rep), so that's apparently been the holdup with her contacting us with info. We haven't talked much about the trip because we want to be sure that they're able to grant the wish, especially w/ the ESPN and Hard Rock twists.

 

[Eeyore's Mom]

Patticake- You don't need any special info to make your dining reservation. It's my understanding that Disney doesn't require a credit card for most of them (I think they do for the princess dining). We just had to pick our date, time and resturant and they give you a confirmation number. So you won't need any info. from MAW to do that. I did mention it was a Wish Trip but she didn't seem to interested. The spending money given at the time of departure will be what you use to cover those expenses. There is no credit or account with MAW for those types of things it's on your own. Now I understand your situation is a different since you will be staying at Hard Rock and I would imagine all of your food money will be given since you won't be expected to eat at GKTW. Perhaps someone else that has stayed some place besides GKTW with MAW would know those answers. I hope you hear something soon. It's not much fun until you KNOW it's going to happen.

 

[Eeyore's Mom]

Double Post