Wish Trippers...Unite!! Volume One

[LindaBabe]

I know it is hard to accept help sometimes. It is much easier for me to cocoon my family and myself and just deal with our setbacks as best I can, rather than accept someone else's assistance. ..... Let the Wish organization and GKTW take care of you...don't feel guilty. The people with the wish granting organizations and at GKTW are either volunteers or staff, and I am sure that the staff is not paid a huge salary. They are in this because making a difference is important to them. Reward them for their kindness with your willingness to accept their generosity enthusiastically. Enjoy yourselves while you are there and enjoy your daughter's delight in all the wonder that is ahead! It is going to be spectacular!

Speaking as a volunteer - I get no END of thrills and satisfaction when I can help someone have a great time! Please, let us serve you! (HELP ME get my kicks

Speaking as a curmudgeonly old lady who never asked any one for any thing (in years past) I've learned that it's as important to learn to be a gracious recipient as it is to be a giver. People love to help - especially if you ask for something specific that will meet your need. Most people feel helpless to help, without direction.

Hugs to all you ladies

You ROCK!

 

[5dwarves]

I am excited to hear about the cruises as well. I would love to do one when my oldest graduates (3 years from now).

 

[Queenie122]

I just found this thread, so I haven't even introduced myself over here, but I wanted to respond to this.

Welcome! I'm also glad that you're doing a trip report, I just LOVE to read them and would definitely like to hear about the cruise. I feel like I should do one to "pay it forward" so to speak, I just never get around to doing the pre trip report! lol

I hope all goes well for you and your family, as I do for everyone in this thread!

 

[bex271]

we have are dates we are going november 20-26 we'll be there for his birthday as you can tell we're excited. We just have to get over his infection he got after his surgery and we'll be good.

becca

 

[5dwarves]

we have are dates we are going november 20-26 we'll be there for his birthday as you can tell we're excited. We just have to get over his infection he got after his surgery and we'll be good.

becca

GREAT NEWS! How exciting and what a WONDERFUL time to go....small crowd levels and all the Christmas decorations will be up. The Osborne Lights will be going in full force and all the festivities will be happening...you might want to check with WDW and your wish organization about getting reservations/tickets for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. It is never too early to start obsessively planning

~Elisa

 

[alizesmom]

GREAT NEWS! How exciting and what a WONDERFUL time to go....small crowd levels and all the Christmas decorations will be up. The Osborne Lights will be going in full force and all the festivities will be happening...you might want to check with WDW and your wish organization about getting reservations/tickets for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. It is never too early to start obsessively planning

~Elisa

Unless I'm mistaken Christmas doesn't happen at WDW until Thanksgiving night. Can anyone verify this? Karen

 

[Camster0307]

Actually, the first MVMCP is Nov.10th - so MK will be all decked out. The Osbourne Lights usually start around the same time as MVMCP. I think the only park that holds off on Christmas festivities is Epcot - traditionally they light the tree the weekend right after Thanksgiving and then also start the Candlelight Processional.

We were there one year during Veteran's Day week - the Yacht & Beach Club was already decorated!

 

[alizesmom]

Thanks, now next time I plan I can go earlier and still see Christmas. Karen

 

[Iluvmickeymouse!]

we have are dates we are going november 20-26 we'll be there for his birthday as you can tell we're excited. We just have to get over his infection he got after his surgery and we'll be good.

becca

YAY How Fun!!!! Now you can start (how'd Elisa put that....oh yeah) obsessively planning!!! We don't do that, do we? To answer the other question....yes there are some things already going on for xmas...check out this link
Browse around there for awhile...you can find other xmas info too! Definitely ask your MAW org about tix for MVMCP if you want to go. We didn't (for MNSSHP), got them on our own, and then MAW got us some too. Luckily when I explained it to WDW they accepted them back and refunded them.

Happy Planning!!!!

 

[5dwarves]

Unless I'm mistaken Christmas doesn't happen at WDW until Thanksgiving night. Can anyone verify this? Karen

Hey Karen:

I just checked Allears.net and then saw Camster's response...I saw something on the travel chanel that said Disney started right after Halloween. Whew...glad to see it was good info. I am with you Karen...I would love to see the parks decked out for Christmas.

~Elisa

 

[Queenie122]

we have are dates we are going november 20-26 we'll be there for his birthday as you can tell we're excited. We just have to get over his infection he got after his surgery and we'll be good.

becca

That's great! And now you have *lots* of time to plan out what you want to do! I found it kinda tough to plan only three months out but because we had only a short amount of time I just didn't get my heart set on anything specific.

Have fun with the planning! And hope your son is feeling better soon too!

 

[Queenie122]

Hey everyone - I started my pre trip report

I have a blog full of posts so over the next bunch of days I will post more info in that thread. I'm so nervous about it!!

Here it is if anyone wants to read it!

TinkerBella's Wish Trip Pre Report!

Egads, wish me luck!

 

[lotferg]

Hey everyone - I started my pre trip report

I have a blog full of posts so over the next bunch of days I will post more info in that thread. I'm so nervous about it!!

Here it is if anyone wants to read it!

Egads, wish me luck!

Hi! I'm new to the board, and I have a cousin I will be accompanying on a wish trip the same time you will be there! (arrival, May 19) I'm a Disney fanatic, so I know what to expect with WDW, but the whole idea of traveling with a Wish child has me feeling like I've never been to WDW before. Any tips? This thread is MUCH to long to read all of its posts.

 

[5dwarves]

Hi! I'm new to the board, and I have a cousin I will be accompanying on a wish trip the same time you will be there! (arrival, May 19) I'm a Disney fanatic, so I know what to expect with WDW, but the whole idea of traveling with a Wish child has me feeling like I've never been to WDW before. Any tips? This thread is MUCH to long to read all of its posts.

I recommend the GKTW website. They will give your cousin a "bunny book" that lists various details he/she will receive as a wish kid. The GKTW button will get you free parking. If she/he has mobility issues, but doesn't have a blue placard, make sure the handicapped parking attendent sees the GKTW credentials and let them know you are medical overflow. There are two maybe three lounges for wish families. One is just for wish families at MK and I believe it is by the first aid station. Wendygrace's TR talks about that facility. Another is at Epcot and is a VIP lounge in the Test Track area that wish families can also access. Just in case you need to rest out of the heat. GKTW will give your cousin a GAC (Guest Assistance Card). When you arrive at an attraction, show it to the CM and they will direct you to the entrance you should use. Sometimes it is a FP entrance, sometimes it is a back entrance, sometimes they have you wait in a different area for a special ride vehicle....just remember it is not a front of the line pass, but an extra assistance pass. It was very helpful for us! Enjoy all that GKTW has to offer. There are free movies every night, nice pool areas that aren't crowded, horseback rides, wagon rides, mini golf, an arcade, a free ice cream parlor and so on. Their web site has a schedule of events on it. It is a nice place and it is a little more low key than WDW so it is more restful if your cousin needs that...

 

[Iluvmickeymouse!]

Hi! I'm new to the board, and I have a cousin I will be accompanying on a wish trip the same time you will be there! (arrival, May 19) I'm a Disney fanatic, so I know what to expect with WDW, but the whole idea of traveling with a Wish child has me feeling like I've never been to WDW before. Any tips? This thread is MUCH to long to read all of its posts.

Elisa gave you a good start. Tell us what your planning on doing or come up with questions....we're very good at answering them. I think that way would be easier...at least for me! I wouldn't know where to start on just tips...there are so many!

Oh..and

 

[Queenie122]

Hi! I'm new to the board, and I have a cousin I will be accompanying on a wish trip the same time you will be there! (arrival, May 19) I'm a Disney fanatic, so I know what to expect with WDW, but the whole idea of traveling with a Wish child has me feeling like I've never been to WDW before. Any tips? This thread is MUCH to long to read all of its posts.

Hi and !! And congrats on your wish trip!

I'm fairly new here myself. What I did to start was head to the front page of this thread and read the Wish Trip Reports. There are links there - that is the most informative thing you will find! 5dwarves is right too - the GKTW website is chock full of info for you. It's a little difficult to navigate but poke around there you can find out a lot.

I believe you'll be able to do much more than you normally would on a regular trip but it's certainly good to have all the Disney knowledge ahead of time. I am preparing myself to be - well, how do I put it - pushy? Not pushy. Just ready to speak up and let everyone know that it's my daughter's Wish Trip. I think that's the best way to get special treatment for your special kid!

 

[5dwarves]

I believe you'll be able to do much more than you normally would on a regular trip but it's certainly good to have all the Disney knowledge ahead of time. I am preparing myself to be - well, how do I put it - pushy? Not pushy. Just ready to speak up and let everyone know that it's my daughter's Wish Trip. I think that's the best way to get special treatment for your special kid!

Queenie:

You won't have to be as pushy as you think. One of my biggest fears was that other park guests would be resentful of any special attention we received as a result of the GAC. We didn't have any issues at all. My son is high functioning autstic, and I knew that there was no way he would leave his GKTW button or his lanyard with the GAC alone or intact. I wore all the buttons and the GAC. The CM's at Disney spotted it right away. When we were entering Test Track one CM took us around to the exit where we were to enter the ride...as we were walking through multiple CM's stopped us to let us know about the VIP lounge for wish families. They were all bubbly and excited to see us. You figure that right now GKTW can house 95 families (until the new villas are done). Everyone has 3 days at Disney and 2 and Universal and 1 at Sea World...not everyone is in the same park at the same time. We didn't see any other wish families on any of our days. The CM's are pumped to see you and are anxious to help out. We had a CM at a counter service restaurant see the button, and later he came up to me quietly and asked if he could bring us all a free desert. Another CM saw us after Star Tours and told us about the free photo where they put your face in a Star Wars scene. They are normally about $30! I didn't know about that...the came to me when they saw the button, and told me. The stroller CM's insisited that I take 2 strollers for free and they were both doubles (one for Adam and the other for my other two younger sons). I intended to pay for the second one, but they wouldn't let me. They will take good care of you!

I think the biggest issue you will have are parades. If you are at MK, then go to the wish lounge an hour or so before the parade and ask them to help you. I know I have read that they did that for others. I hope you will be pleasantly surprised when you find out just how little you do have to ask for. So many people are anxious to help! Oh, and when you do the Disney photo at GKTW, take your own camera and go a little early. There are characters besides Minnie and Mickey who are roaming the courtyard between the movie theater and the gingerbread house. They stop and talk and it is very much a one on one thing. Belle was there for Wendy; Mary Poppins was there for us. I didn't have my camera with us ....never again will I make that mistake!

~Elisa

 

[NicoleDisneyFan]

If you are going during a holiday event like Halloween, do you have to ask MAW for the event tickets if you want to go? I really hate to ask them and be greedy but I would like to go to the halloween event at the MK.

I am not sure if anyone else had this happen to them before the trip but I thought I would vent this out. I am really trying to be happy about our upcoming trip but it is really upsetting knowing that my ds is going because of a heart tumor that may never go away. I think it is really harder now for me to cope since we thought the tumor was at the outside part of his heart and when he went in for surgery to remove it, that they found it was in the inside and couldnt take it out unless he gets a transplant. I am trying to stay positive but it is so hard to think about this trip. I guess the best I can do now is hope for the best and just make it as fun as I can on the trip for him. Sorry, just needed to vent some of this emotion. Thanks

 

[5dwarves]

If you are going during a holiday event like Halloween, do you have to ask MAW for the event tickets if you want to go? I really hate to ask them and be greedy but I would like to go to the halloween event at the MK.

I am not sure if anyone else had this happen to them before the trip but I thought I would vent this out. I am really trying to be happy about our upcoming trip but it is really upsetting knowing that my ds is going because of a heart tumor that may never go away. I think it is really harder now for me to cope since we thought the tumor was at the outside part of his heart and when he went in for surgery to remove it, that they found it was in the inside and couldnt take it out unless he gets a transplant. I am trying to stay positive but it is so hard to think about this trip. I guess the best I can do now is hope for the best and just make it as fun as I can on the trip for him. Sorry, just needed to vent some of this emotion. Thanks

Yes you do have to ask your wish organization for the tickets. We weren't there over an event like that, but from what I have read, most organizations readily purchase them. Some parents have bought them not wanting to ask their wish agency, only to be given them by their wish agency right before they left. They end up having to talk with WDW to return them. It never hurts to ask your wish agency. You could always phrase it like "we would like to go to MMNSSHP. Do you furnish those tickets, or should I obtain them on my own..."

I am sorry you are in turmoil about your son right now. We have all been low before. It is a roller coaster ride that we are on and there are definitely highs and lows. My son is a transplant recipent. It is a scary thing to undergo, but thank heavens for the medical technology that saved his life. I have said before that had it been my brother who had DS's disease and not my son, my brother would have died. The technology that saved my son's life is fairly new and wouldn't have been available yet for one of my sibilings. Medicine takes leaps and bounds in its progression every year. I hope things will even out for your son and that you will experience some peace about it all. My son's transplant was a liver, and the floor we were on at the hospital was for liver and heart patients. We met children who had heart transplants and they were doing well. One girl in particular had a double transplant, heart and lungs.

You will find at GKTW that you are not alone in your situation. Everyone else there is going through or has gone through a battle. Some don't have it as bad as you do, other situations are far worse. All I can tell you is hold on because the emotions of today will pass and you will work it all out in your head and find some resolution.

~Elisa

 

[Iluvmickeymouse!]

If you are going during a holiday event like Halloween, do you have to ask MAW for the event tickets if you want to go? I really hate to ask them and be greedy but I would like to go to the halloween event at the MK.

I am not sure if anyone else had this happen to them before the trip but I thought I would vent this out. I am really trying to be happy about our upcoming trip but it is really upsetting knowing that my ds is going because of a heart tumor that may never go away. I think it is really harder now for me to cope since we thought the tumor was at the outside part of his heart and when he went in for surgery to remove it, that they found it was in the inside and couldnt take it out unless he gets a transplant. I am trying to stay positive but it is so hard to think about this trip. I guess the best I can do now is hope for the best and just make it as fun as I can on the trip for him. Sorry, just needed to vent some of this emotion. Thanks

ASK ASK ASK ASK ASK.... Just mention...I noticed that MNSSHP is going on while we will be there, is there any possible way we could go?

Oh and vent away, we are here for you.

Yes you do have to ask your wish organization for the tickets. We weren't there over an event like that, but from what I have read, most organizations readily purchase them. Some parents have bought them not wanting to ask their wish agency, only to be given them by their wish agency right before they left. They end up having to talk with WDW to return them. It never hurts to ask your wish agency. You could always phrase it like "we would like to go to MMNSSHP. Do you furnish those tickets, or should I obtain them on my own..."

that would be us!! We never asked, and they gave us tickets. That was also the night that we ate in Cinderella Castle.