Wish Trippers...Unite!! Volume One

[lotferg]

Thank you so much for your words of welcome, encouragement and suggestions! I did find Wendygrace's TR, and could not put it down! The thread ended kind of abruptly...how is her little Michael doing?

As far as questions go, Wendy's TR answered so many of them! Hopefully I'll try to do something after we return. The more information, the better, right?

Questions that hasn't been answered, though... The GKTW WDW passes are for three days. Can we purchase an upgrade to four? The wish child is 10, he has a twin sister and another brother who is 12 that will also go. I am also a bit concerned about sleeping arrangements in the villa. My uncle is a single parent (widower), I am going as the second adult, and there are three kids...not your traditional family trip, I suppose.

Thanks again!

 

[Camster0307]

Thank you so much for your words of welcome, encouragement and suggestions! I did find Wendygrace's TR, and could not put it down! The thread ended kind of abruptly...how is her little Michael doing?

As far as questions go, Wendy's TR answered so many of them! Hopefully I'll try to do something after we return. The more information, the better, right?

Questions that hasn't been answered, though... The GKTW WDW passes are for three days. Can we purchase an upgrade to four? The wish child is 10, he has a twin sister and another brother who is 12 that will also go. I am also a bit concerned about sleeping arrangements in the villa. My uncle is a single parent (widower), I am going as the second adult, and there are three kids...not your traditional family trip, I suppose.

Thanks again!

Hi! My daughter had her wish trip this past Nov. We wound up staying on Disney property (The Boardwalk) but during our initial planning, we were looking at the GKTW village. I, too, didn't have the traditional family: I'm a single mom with 2 daughters, one being the wish child; had my SIL (who I pay as my DD's PCA) and my brother came as our second adult. They were going to put us into two separate villas, but right next to each other.

As for the tix, you can't upgrade, or add-on, to the three day passes you get from GKTW. Those are special "comp" tix, so you can't do it. But you should talk to your wish org. about them buying additional tix for you. For our trip, we just wanted to go to Disney, so we didn't even take the tix to SW or US. Instead, my wish org. figured into my expenses money to cover additional 3-day park hoppers for us. Again - if there's something you think would work better for your family, don't be afraid to ask. Afterall, this trip is about what the Wish child wants. Good luck!

 

[5dwarves]

Hi! My daughter had her wish trip this past Nov. We wound up staying on Disney property (The Boardwalk) but during our initial planning, we were looking at the GKTW village. I, too, didn't have the traditional family: I'm a single mom with 2 daughters, one being the wish child; had my SIL (who I pay as my DD's PCA) and my brother came as our second adult. They were going to put us into two separate villas, but right next to each other.

As for the tix, you can't upgrade, or add-on, to the three day passes you get from GKTW. Those are special "comp" tix, so you can't do it. But you should talk to your wish org. about them buying additional tix for you. For our trip, we just wanted to go to Disney, so we didn't even take the tix to SW or US. Instead, my wish org. figured into my expenses money to cover additional 3-day park hoppers for us. Again - if there's something you think would work better for your family, don't be afraid to ask. Afterall, this trip is about what the Wish child wants. Good luck!

I have to reiterate what Camster said...we wanted to add days (and waterparks) to our tickets, but were unable to. I called WDW ahead of time and spoke with a CM who said we could, then got there and was told that the type of comp tickets I had could not be altered or added to at all. Go ahead and speak with your wish agency and see if they will help out. If not, your expense check may cover the addition.

 

[Queenie122]

I didn't even think to ask our MAW for tickets to MP&PP and I asked my Mom to buy them for us. I wonder if my MAW could still get them and we could return them? Ugh! I wish I thought of it earlier.

 

[wendygrace]

Hi all. Sorry I have not been around much. I actually have been reading but I don't have time to reply. We are still at the RMH and my MIL is here so I never have a moment to myself. I really need to be in bed right now.

Anyways, its good to see all the new faces and I hope you all get the help you want for your trips! I can't wait to see trip reports for all you new people...especially the cruises!

I have updated the first page. If I have missed you, please let me know.

Oh, and I've updated our trip report. Sorry.

 

[5dwarves]

I didn't even think to ask our MAW for tickets to MP&PP and I asked my Mom to buy them for us. I wonder if my MAW could still get them and we could return them? Ugh! I wish I thought of it earlier.

Someone else had the same situation happen (I believe it was iluvmickeymouse!) She spoke with Disney and explained what happened and they refunded the money to them. You have plenty of time to work it out right now (if your wish agency will purchase tickets for you) and that gives Disney plenty of time to sell the tickets to someone else...hope it all works out for you!

~Elisa

 

[5dwarves]

Hi all. Sorry I have not been around much. I actually have been reading but I don't have time to reply. We are still at the RMH and my MIL is here so I never have a moment to myself. I really need to be in bed right now.

Anyways, its good to see all the new faces and I hope you all get the help you want for your trips! I can't wait to see trip reports for all you new people...especially the cruises!

I have updated the first page. If I have missed you, please let me know.

Oh, and I've updated our trip report. Sorry.

Wendy,

I am so glad to hear that you have help from your MIL in St. Louis. How much longer are you doing "hard time" off site from the hospital? Hope you and the family get to go home soon.

~Elisa

 

[jhlrose98]

Hi all. We leave in 20 days (4/28) for my dd's MAW trip. We are staying at Give Kids the World. Someone told us that staying there gives us the same "privileges" as a disney resort guest. Is that true? Just curious if we'll be able to do the EMH at the parks like a resort guest.

Please let me know, if you know. And thanks so much for all of the info on this thread. It's been awesome to read everything and get so many tips and tricks!!! You guys are FAB!!!

Heather

 

[Eeyore's Mom]

Hi all. We leave in 20 days (4/28) for my dd's MAW trip. We are staying at Give Kids the World. Someone told us that staying there gives us the same "privileges" as a disney resort guest. Is that true? Just curious if we'll be able to do the EMH at the parks like a resort guest.

Please let me know, if you know. And thanks so much for all of the info on this thread. It's been awesome to read everything and get so many tips and tricks!!! You guys are FAB!!!

Heather

I haven't been on here in ages but we had our wish trip in Jan. and although GKTW was fantastic, you are not considered a disney resort guest and are not able to take advantage of the EMH (unless things have changed in the past few months). We found that we still had plenty of time at the parks, especially since you don't have to wait in the long lines. Have a great trip!!

 

[5dwarves]

Hi all. We leave in 20 days (4/28) for my dd's MAW trip. We are staying at Give Kids the World. Someone told us that staying there gives us the same "privileges" as a disney resort guest. Is that true? Just curious if we'll be able to do the EMH at the parks like a resort guest.

Please let me know, if you know. And thanks so much for all of the info on this thread. It's been awesome to read everything and get so many tips and tricks!!! You guys are FAB!!!

Heather

I haven't been on here in ages but we had our wish trip in Jan. and although GKTW was fantastic, you are not considered a disney resort guest and are not able to take advantage of the EMH (unless things have changed in the past few months). We found that we still had plenty of time at the parks, especially since you don't have to wait in the long lines. Have a great trip!!

jlhrose98,

I have to echo Eeyore's mom. You don't get the EMH, but you do get other "privelages" like the wish lounge at MK and access to the VIP lounges. You will also get the GAC which will provide you with extra assistance getting on and off the attractions (which is a big help and sometimes a huge timesaver). The people at the MK wish lounge can help you with parade seating (if you get there early enough and ask them to). You also get free parking at the parks and your GKTW button and GAC when shown to the parking attendant will get you medical overflow parking. Have a wonderful time!

~Elisa

 

[Queenie122]

Someone else had the same situation happen (I believe it was iluvmickeymouse!) She spoke with Disney and explained what happened and they refunded the money to them. You have plenty of time to work it out right now (if your wish agency will purchase tickets for you) and that gives Disney plenty of time to sell the tickets to someone else...hope it all works out for you!

~Elisa

Thanks Elisa! I did call and ask them, they said we would have to take care of that ourselves. It's okay really, my Mom paid for the tickets already

I also asked about the situation with my daughter's ears - what happens if she can't fly. We saw the doc yesterday and her ears have not cleared up but he *thinks* she'll be okay to fly. We have to see him again the Monday before we leave to assess the situation. MAW they said they should be able to arrange Amtrack down even at that point should we need it. I'm going to be worrying about it from now until then and probably until we land and she's okay!

Hi all. We leave in 20 days (4/28) for my dd's MAW trip. We are staying at Give Kids the World. Someone told us that staying there gives us the same "privileges" as a disney resort guest. Is that true? Just curious if we'll be able to do the EMH at the parks like a resort guest.

Please let me know, if you know. And thanks so much for all of the info on this thread. It's been awesome to read everything and get so many tips and tricks!!! You guys are FAB!!!

Heather

Congrats on your trip Heather! We'll just miss you. I hope you'll write a trip report, it would be fun to read a new one right before we leave or compare when we get back!

 

[hotmamac]

My daughter's wish trip has officially been granted!!
We got the call the other day and we are going Dec 13 - 20th!!
We're only doing Disney, but they haven't figured out the accomodations yet. Originally, we had wanted to stay on property, but then I was worried that the kids would miss out on something by not staying at GKTW so now I am totally incapable of making the decision. I told our Wish volunteer whichever way they do it is fine with us. Let them make the decision for me!!! They are also going to try to get us an appointment at the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique! My little one loves to play dress up and put make up on and all that girly stuff so she'll love it! Oh, I am way too excited!!! December seems so far away!!!
Love to all!
Misty

 

[NicoleDisneyFan]

Our wish trip is at the end of September. When do you think our plans will arrive? Our maw helper said that it is to soon and that she has a lot of wishes to grant now. I hate to be to anxious but trying to find out when my mother should get her funds ready to pay for her way. thanks

 

[Iluvmickeymouse!]

My daughter's wish trip has officially been granted!!
We got the call the other day and we are going Dec 13 - 20th!!
We're only doing Disney, but they haven't figured out the accomodations yet. Originally, we had wanted to stay on property, but then I was worried that the kids would miss out on something by not staying at GKTW so now I am totally incapable of making the decision. I told our Wish volunteer whichever way they do it is fine with us. Let them make the decision for me!!! They are also going to try to get us an appointment at the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique! My little one loves to play dress up and put make up on and all that girly stuff so she'll love it! Oh, I am way too excited!!! December seems so far away!!!
Love to all!
Misty

YAY...what fun! and what a great time to go!!!!!! I LOVE all the christmas decorations that they have up. You will have to check out some sites that have info on all the activities going on around that time. It is also fun to see the resorts all decked out. When DH and I went in Dec. '05 we stopped at the monorail resorts just to walk around and see the decorations. Wait till you see the tree in the Grand Floridian. HUGE!!!! I'm glad the agreed to do just Disney for you. Wherever you stay, it will be magical. An appt at BBB!! Yay! Your little one will love it! I would love to do that with my two little ones! December will be here before you know it!!!

Our wish trip is at the end of September. When do you think our plans will arrive? Our maw helper said that it is to soon and that she has a lot of wishes to grant now. I hate to be to anxious but trying to find out when my mother should get her funds ready to pay for her way. thanks

What plans are specifically thinking? I know there are some families that didn't get any information until the week before they left. Are you talking plane tickets? or just your general plans/dates etc.? And, are you talking to the wish grantor that came to your house or directly to your wish coordinator?

 

[Camster0307]

My daughter's wish trip has officially been granted!!
We got the call the other day and we are going Dec 13 - 20th!!
We're only doing Disney, but they haven't figured out the accomodations yet. Originally, we had wanted to stay on property, but then I was worried that the kids would miss out on something by not staying at GKTW so now I am totally incapable of making the decision. I told our Wish volunteer whichever way they do it is fine with us. Let them make the decision for me!!! They are also going to try to get us an appointment at the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique! My little one loves to play dress up and put make up on and all that girly stuff so she'll love it! Oh, I am way too excited!!! December seems so far away!!!
Love to all!
Misty

Yay! December is such a wonderful time to be at WDW - you'll love it. As far as where to stay, since we didn't stay at GKTW, I can't tell you about anything first-hand, though other people here have reported how magical this place is. I will say that one thing you should consider is how much time you will be spending at Disney. You say that's all you want to do; that's how we felt also. It was so much easier to stay on WDW property - those were the only parks we were going to and it was so convenient to take those mid-day breaks and go back to the hotel. I didn't want to be loading and unloading my daughter out of a car all day long whenever we wanted to go back and forth from the park to the room. At Disney, just hop on the bus, or walk (depending on where you stay) and you're back at your room in minutes. Like I said, this worked reallly well for us because we did not leave the Disney parks at all; it was so much easier to be able to stay on the property.

Our wish trip is at the end of September. When do you think our plans will arrive? Our maw helper said that it is to soon and that she has a lot of wishes to grant now. I hate to be to anxious but trying to find out when my mother should get her funds ready to pay for her way. thanks

In my experience, our flights were booked about 4 months in advance. We didn't get our expense money until 1 week before we left. That was a little frustrating. But I'm an obsessive planner, so I had booked my ADRs and bought my own tickets to MVMCP way ahead of time. I would imagine your mom would pay for her flight once they get yours settled; then would assume your mom should start saving money now, so she has it when it's needed.

Hope this helps!

 

[OneBlessedFamily]

Wow, you all are very lucky if your MAW person says that you can get extra days at Disney. They are adamant at our chapter that this is NOT allowed, unless we pay out of pocket. If I ask them a question, they answer..."That is something you need to ask when you get to Florida."

Grrrr....

Mary

 

[Queenie122]

Wow, you all are very lucky if your MAW person says that you can get extra days at Disney. They are adamant at our chapter that this is NOT allowed, unless we pay out of pocket. If I ask them a question, they answer..."That is something you need to ask when you get to Florida."

Grrrr....

Mary

Ours too. They said no to PPP also: "That's what the spending money is for" we were told. Really, they aren't wrong about that but it doesn't hurt to ask

 

[5dwarves]

My daughter's wish trip has officially been granted!!

Congratulations! You will have an awesome time! Can't wait to read the TR.

Our wish trip is at the end of September. When do you think our plans will arrive? Our maw helper said that it is to soon and that she has a lot of wishes to grant now. I hate to be to anxious but trying to find out when my mother should get her funds ready to pay for her way. thanks

We drove ourselves (about 13 hours from our home) and didn't have to worry about air travel. We didn't get our check until a week out. We did get a package from GKTW about 3 weeks out, giving us info we already knew because of the disboards and the GKTW website.

 

[bex271]

we are home finally. We had jonah's hearing aid surgery back on march 10 and then he got an awful skin infection that went to the bone on the right side and a small one on the left and was hospitalized for a week to be treated with iv antibiotics and vinegar and saline dressings and was sent home (went to my parents) with saline dressing changes 2 times a day and strong antibiotic for 14 days. He's doing better and has his hearing aid for the left side and have to go back in a couple of weeks to get the right side looked at again and hopefully get the right hearing aid. We are still doing saline dressing on the right side but at least we're home now been gone for a little over a month. Now the real planning can starte

becca

 

[Camster0307]

we are home finally. We had jonah's hearing aid surgery back on march 10 and then he got an awful skin infection that went to the bone on the right side and a small one on the left and was hospitalized for a week to be treated with iv antibiotics and vinegar and saline dressings and was sent home (went to my parents) with saline dressing changes 2 times a day and strong antibiotic for 14 days. He's doing better and has his hearing aid for the left side and have to go back in a couple of weeks to get the right side looked at again and hopefully get the right hearing aid. We are still doing saline dressing on the right side but at least we're home now been gone for a little over a month. Now the real planning can starte

becca

Hope Jonah is feeling better soon! Sending pixie dust your way!