Wish Trippers...Unite!! Volume One

[Eeyores Butterfly]

There are busses that run between every park, but I would recommend taking yoru car with you to DHS, you really don't want to deal with busses at the end of the night unless it is going straight to your resort.

Liberty Tree is a great place to meet characters, it was one of my favorites to work when I was in entertainment. The costumes are very unique, and it has a nice laid back atmosphere.

As for going between MK and Epcot, the monorail will take you so it's pretty easy. MK can be a bear if you leave right after the fireworks, but they keep the shops on Main Street open. Just take your time on the way out and you will be fine.

 

[Robin+5]

We had reservations a LTT in June 07 and what a wonderful meal. The food was like having a Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixens. It was all you can eat family style. They gave you big plates of turkey and roast beef and mashed potatos, yum, yum. The characters came to the tables and we got some great pictures.

This is one of my favorite picture of my kids at LLT. It is the background for my computer

 

[GoofyDoo]

There are busses that run between every park, but I would recommend taking yoru car with you to DHS, you really don't want to deal with busses at the end of the night unless it is going straight to your resort.

Liberty Tree is a great place to meet characters, it was one of my favorites to work when I was in entertainment. The costumes are very unique, and it has a nice laid back atmosphere.

As for going between MK and Epcot, the monorail will take you so it's pretty easy. MK can be a bear if you leave right after the fireworks, but they keep the shops on Main Street open. Just take your time on the way out and you will be fine.

Thank you both so much for the great information!! Also, Denise (bigdisgrandma), thank you for the info you shared about LTT over on my PTR. I am very excited now about both the ADRs I was able to get. And now we know just what to do about transportation. Thank you Eeyore'sButterfly! Robin, I love your pic. I hope to come back and show you one very similar.

 

[SallyfromDE]

I have some questions about transportation between parks. If we parked at AK one morning, how would we get to DHS that afternoon? How horrible would it be getting back to our vehicle at AK after Fantasmic?

If we were to do EPCOT one morning, how would we get to MK that afternoon? I've heard it's horrible getting out of MK after the fireworks, correct? Is there anything to do while the crowds dissolve? Are shops open?

Here's another question: What is Liberty Tree Tavern like? Is it worth it? How does it compare to other character dining? I posted this on my trip report, but I am so excited that we got ressies at CRT for next Wednesday for lunch and LTT for dinner on Sunday, our last day before we fly home. I was just wondering if we'll still want to do LTT by the end of the week. (Right now I'm thinking that we will!)

Well, I think AK usually closes about 5. So I would probably move my car. Or park at HS, then use the bus. Other then that, If you park at Epcot, want to go to MK, use the monorail and vs. verses. If you are at HS, and want to go to Epcot, there is an awesome boat ride between the 2. Shops are usually open for about an hour after the park closes.

We like LTT. It's one of our favorites. I think we've had our best meals there. It's family style. Thanksgiving dinner in a way. I love the interior, very colonial. The last few times we've been, the characters had seem to be more fun then the other meals. They play around with the waitstaff and each other. It was just fun. But then, as in all things, someone will probably tell you otherwise.

 

[alizesmom]

Hi guys, finally got time to check in and it took forever to catch up with all of you. Welcome to all the new trippers. Bill do you ever sleep? I can't wait to hear how much fun you all will have. We've had a couple hospitalizations and new conditions to learn about, our daughter moved in with us, our son and his wife moved into our MIL apartment and another daughter gave us our 3rd granchild (7lb 9oz Vincent) on July 9th. Alize is peacefully sleeping (started on sleeping pills) with his nurse in attendance and Ciara is happily playing in her crib. Her bedtime has moved to something after 6am. Her nurse is sick tonight so I get the watch. The best thing is the adoption is moving forward and will hopefully be finalized by fall. See ya all on the board. Karen

 

[LindaBabe]

Hi guys, finally got time to check in and it took forever to catch up with all of you. Welcome to all the new trippers. Bill do you ever sleep? I can't wait to hear how much fun you all will have. We've had a couple hospitalizations and new conditions to learn about, our daughter moved in with us, our son and his wife moved into our MIL apartment and another daughter gave us our 3rd granchild (7lb 9oz Vincent) on July 9th. Alize is peacefully sleeping (started on sleeping pills) with his nurse in attendance and Ciara is happily playing in her crib. Her bedtime has moved to something after 6am. Her nurse is sick tonight so I get the watch. The best thing is the adoption is moving forward and will hopefully be finalized by fall. See ya all on the board. Karen

My gosh! The fun just never ends for you, girl! Hope all will be well - new conditions and old, and with the boomerang kids! Congrats on the newest grandbaby.

 

[AmberGreenawalt]

Upcoming Wish Trippers please PM me your address….

I think this "Big Give" project done by the Disboutiquers for the Wish Trip families is just about the neatest most thoughtful thing I have ever come across! I was telling one of the Disboutique gals the other day that ever since entering the world of "parents of sick children" I have been utterly astounded by the generosity and support of perfect strangers. While on the one hand we've had to face the somber ugliness of disease we've also had the blessed opportunity to see the best of humanity.

When we first found out that Sebastian was sick (in March) and we had a long road ahead of us we wanted to have something positive to focus on. We started a Relay for Life team. Our family and friends rallied to help us raise over $7,000 for the American Cancer Society. It was an incredible experience. That was back in May before Sebastian’s second surgery. When we found out Sebastian was going to have a wish granted by the Make A Wish Foundation I was again completely amazed by the forces of good in this world of ours. After coming across this Big Give concept and finding out that it is an on-going project, I wanted to help. Trouble is I don’t really know how to sew. (I’m actually signed up take a class that starts today.)

Then we received a Buzz Lightyear pin, stickers and wonderful drawing in the mail from Carol (Oklamomof4boys) and her wish boy Nathan. THANK YOU CAROL! I plan to do a whole post with pictures about it on my PT report tomorrow morning.

Anyway, it struck me that pixie dust doesn’t just have to be clothes or autograph books. I started brainstorming….At 4:00 a.m. I woke up remembering that a few pages back on this thread some of the wish trip families were talking about how they wanted to put together packets with fun things to do for their kids on the plane or while traveling. That’s it! We can help with those packets. So we’ve picked up all sorts of fun Disney goodies to share.

Will the following upcoming Wish Trippers please send me you address so we can pay forward the pixie dust to you and your family:

Please check to make sure that I have your info correct and send me any additions/corrections.

Amy, alias GoofyDoo
July 29-August 4
Clay 8 (wish boy)
Shay Lynn 8
Madison
Ty

Heather, alias HeaterN
August 2-8
Hannah 9 (wish girl)
Logan 5

Angie, alias angie1445
August 10-16
Justin (wish child) age?

Pat, alias PatMcDuck
August 11-18
Bridget 16 (wish teen)

Robin, alias Robin+5
August 16-23
Ralph
Kim 18
Courtney 16
Morgan 10
Katelyn 9
Nathan 14 (wish child)

Lauren, alias Laurenmama
August 19-25
Dad Bryan
Skyler 4
Evie 7
Robert 8 (wish child)

Misty, alias mistymouse5001
September 5-11
Dylan 5 (wish child)
Robbie 2 (staying home)
Six month old (staying home)

Denise, alias Bigdisgrandma
September 10-16
Grandpa
Aunt Mandy
Uncle Tim
Uncle Jason
Dad Bryan
Mom Lindsey
Brother Brody 10
Sister Karlyn 8 (wish child)
Sister Gabby 7

Nicole, alias NicoleDisneyFan
September 22-27
Marat
Sasha 6
Victor 4 (wish child)

Alison, alias twinmum
November 1-10
Peter
Douglas 10
Mark 10 (Wish child)

Carols, alias Oklamomof4boys
November 16-22
Dad David
Nathan 10 in October (wish child)
Tucker 16
William 13
Samuel 12

Becca, alias bex271
November 20-26
Jonah 4 ½ (wish child)

Misty, alias Hotmamac
December 13-19
Dad Vaughn
Ali almost 4 (wish child)
Wil (age 6 1/2)
Aunt Casey
Grandma Julie

THANK YOU!!!

 

[hotmamac]

You are a genius!!
When I found out that the DisBoutiquers were going to do a Big Give for my family, my first thought was I would love to participate in one for someone else. But I can't sew either...I bake and make candy, but I'm not sure how to package them for shipping. I LOVE your idea! Alot of times we can find Disney things at the dollar store or on ebay that aren't too expensive!
Sign me up!!!

Thanks Amber...your story should inspire us all!!!

Misty

 

[bigdisgrandma]

Misty and Amber, you ladies are incredible. I can sew but I am not really creative or crafty in most things. What great ideas. Amber, I did PM you my address so hopefully you got it. If not, let me know and I can send it again.

I am so proud to be associated with such wonderful people as the Wish Trippers. Thanks to those early Trippers who got this going for us and have kept it going. The group of Pediatricians that I work for have sponsored 5 wishes for Utah kids in the last 2 years 4 of them to Disney World and I have been so excited to be involved with that but from now on, we will be much more involved with MAW and with the Wish Trippers.

Denise

 

[Robin+5]

Misty and Amber, you ladies are incredible. I can sew but I am not really creative or crafty in most things. What great ideas. Amber, I did PM you my address so hopefully you got it. If not, let me know and I can send it again.

I am so proud to be associated with such wonderful people as the Wish Trippers. Thanks to those early Trippers who got this going for us and have kept it going. The group of Pediatricians that I work for have sponsored 5 wishes for Utah kids in the last 2 years 4 of them to Disney World and I have been so excited to be involved with that but from now on, we will be much more involved with MAW and with the Wish Trippers.

Denise

Denise,

I am with you 110%. The people here are wonderful and just angels I agree, I want to stay involved even after we get back. I am a sewer but not a great one, but I could always send little things just to add pixie dust.

Robin

 

[oklamomof4boys]

Amber, what a wonderful idea! Like others have said, I can't sew very well( I occassionally make a Halloween costume but nobody really looks at those very closely). I am always seeing little Disney things that are perfect for little girls or are too young for my boys. I am always so tempted to buy them because "they would be perfect for someone!" Would it be okay if when I buy some, I mail them to you to add to your packets? I am notoriously bad about getting things mailed- I was so proud of myself getting Sebastian's little package mailed in a timely manner!

I agree, it is horrible having a child with a life threatening illness- but I have witnessed some incredible things that I otherwise would have missed.

 

[AmberGreenawalt]

Amber, what a wonderful idea! Like others have said, I can't sew very well( I occassionally make a Halloween costume but nobody really looks at those very closely). I am always seeing little Disney things that are perfect for little girls or are too young for my boys. I am always so tempted to buy them because "they would be perfect for someone!" Would it be okay if when I buy some, I mail them to you to add to your packets? I am notoriously bad about getting things mailed- I was so proud of myself getting Sebastian's little package mailed in a timely manner!

I agree, it is horrible having a child with a life threatening illness- but I have witnessed some incredible things that I otherwise would have missed.

Carol,

That would be wonderful! I will gladly add any items to the packages. I made up a little chart with the dates of the trips the kids and ages. (If you've read my PTR then you've glimpsed my planning insanity.) I am going to try and send them out in the order that the families are going. July and August trips first followed by September and so forth. I hope to get everything in the mail in time...two "small" caveats are that I'm having baby #3 any day now and Sebastian has another round of tests and surgery coming up at the end of August. So I apologize in advance if we get behind.

Anyone have any ideas for goodies for the pre-teens and teenagers? I found great stuff for the younger ones but the older set is more challenging--especially for finding specifically "disney" stuff. I'm headed back to the Dollar Store and Target tomorrow (the 28th)

Thanks!
Amber

 

[LindaBabe]

Amber, you ARE a genius! I'll be pm-ing you!

Ideas for older kids - pins, lanyards, journals or notebooks, puzzle books/magazines . . . hmm. I guess it's been too long since I had preteens in the house

 

[oklamomof4boys]

Older kids are difficult- I know because I have 3 of them! Santa and the Easter Bunny have always kept with the Disney theme of our family and MIckey Mouse always leaves little gifts for them every morning when we are at Disneyland and it certainly has gotten more difficult to find things! They still love when I can find Disney themed candy-even Pez dispensers or gummies. I know the girls they are friends with still like fun socks ( especially those fuzzy socks) and pens. I think boys are harder. We have resorted to giving ours either edibles or Disney Dollars ( they spend those on their own snacks on our vacations).

 

[Eeyore's Mom]

I have been away for a very long time but have had a real irge to come back and try to catch up and get in the swing again.

First- a quick who am I for the new folks- We were MAW wish trippers back in Jan. when we took our 4 yr old son and other boys to WDW. We had a great time but just (days before) the trip we found out we were expecting (unexpectedly ) and it made the trip a strange experience for me. I also found myself reliving a lot of why we were on the trip and had a tough time with it a bit.

Fast forward: The baby is due in a few weeks and I have now had a lot of time to reflect on our trip and it is filling me with great memories. So much so that we are beginning to plan another Disney adventure- perhaps to Disneyland or back to the "World".

I just decided I will go back and finish the trip report and journaled a lot while I was there so should be able to fill in many of the details that may have otherwise escaped my brain by now

On a side note: Marek has been doing very well until just a few weeks ago when he started having severe asthma again (it's been almost 2 years) and we have been doing a lot of ER/doctor visits since but happy to report I think we FINALLY have it under control for now. As for his other health issues he is doing fantastic!! My little man will be 5 on Friday and starting kindergarten in 1 month- Yikes

A special hello to all of those that have stuck around- it's good to see familiar faces here and thanks Bill for checking in on us.

I hope I can be of help in those of you planning your trip. Heaven knows I spent a LOT of time planning and would love to share the things that I have learned.

 

[bigdisgrandma]

I have been away for a very long time but have had a real irge to come back and try to catch up and get in the swing again.

First- a quick who am I for the new folks- We were MAW wish trippers back in Jan. when we took our 4 yr old son and other boys to WDW. We had a great time but just (days before) the trip we found out we were expecting (unexectedly ) and it made the trip a strange experience for me. I also found myself reliving a lot of why we were on the trip and had a tough time with it a bit.

Fast forward: The baby is due in a few weeks and I have now had a lot of time to reflect on our trip and it is filling me with great memories. So much so that we are beginning to plan another Disney adventure- perhaps to Disneyland or back to the "World".

I just decided I will go back and finish the trip report and journaled a lot while I was there so should be able to fill in many of the details that may have otherwise escaped my brain by now

On a side note: Marek has been doing very well until just a few weeks ago when he started having severe asthma again (it's been almost 2 years) and we have been doing a lot of ER/doctor visits since but happy to report I think we FINALLY have it under control for now. As for his other health issues he is doing fantastic!! My little man will be 5 on Friday and starting kindergarten in 1 month- Yikes

A special hello to all of those that have stuck around- it's good to see familiar faces here and thanks Bill for checking in on us.

I hope I can be of help in those of you planning your trip. Heaven knows I spent a LOT of time planning and would love to share the things that I have learned.

Jill,
I actually started reading your trip report a while back and it helped introduce me to the Wish Trippers. I am so glad you are going to finish it up. Congratulations on your new baby-to-be. I just love babies, but I'm glad that part of my life is over and now I can be a very happy Grandma!

Welcome back to you and thanks for being willing to share your experience with the rest of us.

Denise

 

[Bill_Lin]

Upcoming Wish Trippers please PM me your address….

I think this "Big Give" project done by the Disboutiquers for the Wish Trip families is just about the neatest most thoughtful thing I have ever come across! I was telling one of the Disboutique gals the other day that ever since entering the world of "parents of sick children" I have been utterly astounded by the generosity and support of perfect strangers. While on the one hand we've had to face the somber ugliness of disease we've also had the blessed opportunity to see the best of humanity.

When we first found out that Sebastian was sick (in March) and we had a long road ahead of us we wanted to have something positive to focus on. We started a Relay for Life team. Our family and friends rallied to help us raise over $7,000 for the American Cancer Society. It was an incredible experience. That was back in May before Sebastian’s second surgery. When we found out Sebastian was going to have a wish granted by the Make A Wish Foundation I was again completely amazed by the forces of good in this world of ours. After coming across this Big Give concept and finding out that it is an on-going project, I wanted to help. Trouble is I don’t really know how to sew. (I’m actually signed up take a class that starts today.)

Then we received a Buzz Lightyear pin, stickers and wonderful drawing in the mail from Carol (Oklamomof4boys) and her wish boy Nathan. THANK YOU CAROL! I plan to do a whole post with pictures about it on my PT report tomorrow morning.

Anyway, it struck me that pixie dust doesn’t just have to be clothes or autograph books. I started brainstorming….At 4:00 a.m. I woke up remembering that a few pages back on this thread some of the wish trip families were talking about how they wanted to put together packets with fun things to do for their kids on the plane or while traveling. That’s it! We can help with those packets. So we’ve picked up all sorts of fun Disney goodies to share.

Will the following upcoming Wish Trippers please send me you address so we can pay forward the pixie dust to you and your family:

Please check to make sure that I have your info correct and send me any additions/corrections.

Amy, alias GoofyDoo
July 29-August 4
Clay 8 (wish boy)
Shay Lynn 8
Madison
Ty

Heather, alias HeaterN
August 2-8
Hannah 9 (wish girl)
Logan 5

Angie, alias angie1445
August 10-16
Justin (wish child) age?

Pat, alias PatMcDuck
August 11-18
Bridget 16 (wish teen)

Robin, alias Robin+5
August 16-23
Ralph
Kim 18
Courtney 16
Morgan 10
Katelyn 9
Nathan 14 (wish child)

Lauren, alias Laurenmama
August 19-25
Dad Bryan
Skyler 4
Evie 7
Robert 8 (wish child)

Misty, alias mistymouse5001
September 5-11
Dylan 5 (wish child)
Robbie 2 (staying home)
Six month old (staying home)

Denise, alias Bigdisgrandma
September 10-16
Grandpa
Aunt Mandy
Uncle Tim
Uncle Jason
Dad Bryan
Mom Lindsey
Brother Brody 10
Sister Karlyn 8 (wish child)
Sister Gabby 7

Nicole, alias NicoleDisneyFan
September 22-27
Marat
Sasha 6
Victor 4 (wish child)

Alison, alias twinmum
November 1-10
Peter
Douglas 10
Mark 10 (Wish child)

Carols, alias Oklamomof4boys
November 16-22
Dad David
Nathan 10 in October (wish child)
Tucker 16
William 13
Samuel 12

Becca, alias bex271
November 20-26
Jonah 4 ½ (wish child)

Misty, alias Hotmamac
December 13-19
Dad Vaughn
Ali almost 4 (wish child)
Wil (age 6 1/2)
Aunt Casey
Grandma Julie

THANK YOU!!!

WOW Amber that is a lot of work. You can always check the link in my signature for upcoming trips, but you have added to the information quite a bit. THANKS. I am so glad that you are here to help keep this magic spreading.

Bill

 

[AmberGreenawalt]

Thank you Wish Trippers for sending me your info!

I’ve put together 32 packets for all the children in the wish trip families on the “Wish Trippers Unite” list that are headed to Walt Disney World in 08'. The goodies include Disney themed coloring and activity books, crayons, card games, stamp and sticker sets and journals, pens and trivia books for the older set. I’m super excited for the kids to have some fun travel items for their journey to Orlando. Target and Dollar Tree had awesome stuff! And I was able to get a great deal on the bubble envelopes from Wal-Mart

I mailed the first package today to HeaterN (for Hannah & Logan). I was at the OB yesterday so I totally missed the boat on GoofyDoo’s (Clay, Shay Lynn, Madison & Ty’s) trip. I’ll have to mail it later as a “welcome back” surprise.

Some of ya’ll have asked how you can help with this project... Well…I’m a little daunted by the cost to ship all 13 packages. The first one I sent today was $5.95. It contained stuff for 2 kids. I had the woman at the post office weigh one of the “later” packages for a family with 4 kids and that one was over $10 to ship. Each package will have a varying shipping cost depending on the number of children in the family and the destination. I’m estimating that the total will be about $125.00

In my zest to spread “pixie dust” I didn’t think it all through well enough. I’m considering doing some kind of fundraiser. If you have any ideas on how I can affordably get these packages of Pixie Dust across the country please let me know I’ll probably start by posting on our family blog asking friends and family for donations or to "sponsor" a package.

The packages are done and non-returnable so I must figure it out

Here is a couple pics of my kids "coloring" pictures for the packages. Had to share...

 

[oklamomof4boys]

My goodness, Amber! Did you buy all of that? I have bought a few things- but in my small town, I can't find 32 of anything! Do you still need these things for these packages- or maybe I should send them as care packages for your kids! Oh, I will also send you a check to help with postage.

Carol

 

[bigdisgrandma]

Amber,
You are my hero. My goodness you have been busy. The packets look so fun. They really are amazing and so are you. If you will PM me your address, I will also send you a check to help with postage, etc. That is quite an undertaking. It must be like that nesting instinct that Moms sometimes have right before their babies are born.

Hope she comes soon.

Denise