Hi all.....
I'm finally ready to start posting about David's Wish Trip. This post will contain the "details" of the first day of the trip ..... Monday. There is just too much to post about Monday to combine it with any other days.
First, let me give a big THANK YOU! to the Rainbow Connection, a "wish" organization based in Oakland County, MI.
Now, for the details.... and it is going to be very detailed, so please bear with me.
Monday, the day we had looked forward to for months. At 8:30a.m. we were picked up by Luxury Limo. I don't remember the driver's name, but he was very friendly. He also drove quite, shall we say, quickly, as we arrived at the airport (DTW) around 9:45a.m. We checked in at the Spirit Airlines counter, then zipped through Security. Well, everyone but DW. For some reason, she has been frequently on the "random" exams. The flight to MCO was fine and we arrived around 1:50p.m.
At MCO, DW wanted us to wait until everyone else de-planed, as we had gate-checked our double stroller. We took the monorail to the main terminal. We were told to look for someone holding a GKTW sign with David's name. It was unbelievable! There were 3 women, all holding LARGE signs for "Wish" kids. Our representative was holding David's sign and he just ran to her. Again, I don't remember her name, but she was friendly and wonderful. She had a luggage cart with her, on which the DS's dumped their carry-ons. She guided us through baggage claim, then over to the rental car (via National). We were given an Impala to drive. We walked in, I signed my name, and we were out the door. (Literally, it was THAT quick.) The woman helped us with our luggage to the car, turned it on (to let the A/C kick in). She flipped over David's greeting sign. On it were VERY specific directions to GKTW, including the Toll booth info. She wished us luck and we were on our way to GKTW. The drive to GKTW was fine and took about 25-30 minutes.
At GKTW, there is a booth with a number-type key pad, and an iron gate in front of the resort. We pushed the "call" button, a receptionist answered, and I announced our arrival. Immediately the gate opened and we parked underneath a big "arch" at the House of Hearts, where the Front Desk Operations takes place. Walking in with the DS's, we were just blown away! We were there 2 minutes, and already each DS had 2 t-shirts (1 was a GKTW shirt, the other a Panama Jack shirt with GKTW on the sleeve). David also received a large (about 20 inches) Mickey Mouse stuffed animal and Robert received a small Shamu. We were then briefly explained where everything is, and gave us a schedule for that day's events via the "Village Voice" and a copy of the following day's events. It lists everything going on at GKTW for that day.... from the menu, to everyday happenings (ie: Carousel open 8am-9pm), to special events such as character visits. This is a great tool to help you plan out your first 2 days at this blessed facility.
We were also given a "bunny book". This has a map of the facility, any nearby hospital info you may need, and directions/instructions to the parks (including free parking at the parks). He also eplained about the mandatory orientation at 7:45p.m. at the House of Hearts (I decided to attend). Then, the gentleman (via a golf cart) escorted us to our villa. We were assigned villa # 169.
Once again, we were amazed! The villa was huge(!) for a family of 4. In the parents room .... a king-size bed (we only have a "full" at home), with large closets and a T.V. The children's room had 2 twin bed, with an attached bathroom. No words can explain their bathroom. For families who have children with mobility "issues", this bathroom is, in all likelihood, big enough for them. It was almost too spacious for us. The villa also had a nice size living room and dining area/kitchen. The refrigerator was stocked with 3 cans each of Coke, Diet Coke and Sprite, along with a fresh half gallon of lowfat milk (it may have even been Skim milk). Also, 6 12-ounce bottles of water were stocked. On the kitchen table, in a beautful basket were quite a few treats (M&M's, Combos, packaged cookies) and a couple of nice children's activity books. Also in the basket was a book, actually an autobiography, by the founder of GKTW, Mr. Henri Landwirth. This book is, at the least, inspiring. (Frankly, it brought tears to my eyes.)
After this, the gentleman left, and we were left just simply speechless. DW and I were like children at Christmas. We sat down, and roughly planned out the rest of Monday, and where we were going and what we were seeing on Tuesday. We read all of the available info, rested, then went to eat at the Gingerbread House Restaurant.
Dinner is served each day from 6-8pm. That day's dinner menu was as follows....
Salad Bar .... the salad bar had about 4 or 5 kinds of dressing, along with Croutons, Bacon Bits, and shredded cheese.
Main Course consisting of the following ...
Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, French Fries, Corn, Baked Beans, Sauced Mushrooms and Onions, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, Cottage Cheese, Peaches, and Watermelon.
Dessert .... we, frankly never had dessert while at GKTW, so I can't explain what it was. I do know they had soft-serve ice-cream.
The drink area is wonderful. They have low-fat milk, orange juice, and about 5 different types of "Coke" soft drinks, including lemonade.
The tables and chairs are smallish for adults, but absolutely PERFECT for children.
My children ate pretty well and, as you know, satisfied children = happy parents.
After dinner, the children rode the carousel (I think) twice. Then, off to the mandatory orientation I went, while DW took the children to the "Pool & Wacky Water Works", which is open from 9am-9pm.
Orientation was great. It was also long and detailed. Suffice it to say that I was given all of the info I would need to know for the following 6 nights, including info on free parking at the parks and the use of the GAC. We, at that time, were also given our park tickets. We were even instructed to count them on-the-spot. (That way, if someone was missing some, arrangements could be made right away for the appropriate tickets.) At the end of orientation, we were suggested to take advantage of Parent's Night Out, which was to be held Wednesday evening. We were advised to sign up for it immediately, which I did. (I'll explain more about it on the Wednesday edition.) The orientation lasted about 1 hour.
Leaving oriention, I visited the Ice Cream Palace. This is open every day from 7:30am - 9:30pm, and is simple in decor, but beautiful in the attitude of the volunteers. I had, I think, strawberry ice cream and a Coke. (DW and the children visited this about 15 minutes prior to my visit.)
We went back to the villa and passed out, content and overwhelmed.....
Sorry for the long post. I just do not want to miss anything in my report to you. Some of you may be visiting GKTW soon and may want the info.
I'll post Tuesday's report some time tonight, after I get the DS's to bed.
Until next time.....
Dave
I'm finally ready to start posting about David's Wish Trip. This post will contain the "details" of the first day of the trip ..... Monday. There is just too much to post about Monday to combine it with any other days.
First, let me give a big THANK YOU! to the Rainbow Connection, a "wish" organization based in Oakland County, MI.
Now, for the details.... and it is going to be very detailed, so please bear with me.
Monday, the day we had looked forward to for months. At 8:30a.m. we were picked up by Luxury Limo. I don't remember the driver's name, but he was very friendly. He also drove quite, shall we say, quickly, as we arrived at the airport (DTW) around 9:45a.m. We checked in at the Spirit Airlines counter, then zipped through Security. Well, everyone but DW. For some reason, she has been frequently on the "random" exams. The flight to MCO was fine and we arrived around 1:50p.m.
At MCO, DW wanted us to wait until everyone else de-planed, as we had gate-checked our double stroller. We took the monorail to the main terminal. We were told to look for someone holding a GKTW sign with David's name. It was unbelievable! There were 3 women, all holding LARGE signs for "Wish" kids. Our representative was holding David's sign and he just ran to her. Again, I don't remember her name, but she was friendly and wonderful. She had a luggage cart with her, on which the DS's dumped their carry-ons. She guided us through baggage claim, then over to the rental car (via National). We were given an Impala to drive. We walked in, I signed my name, and we were out the door. (Literally, it was THAT quick.) The woman helped us with our luggage to the car, turned it on (to let the A/C kick in). She flipped over David's greeting sign. On it were VERY specific directions to GKTW, including the Toll booth info. She wished us luck and we were on our way to GKTW. The drive to GKTW was fine and took about 25-30 minutes.
At GKTW, there is a booth with a number-type key pad, and an iron gate in front of the resort. We pushed the "call" button, a receptionist answered, and I announced our arrival. Immediately the gate opened and we parked underneath a big "arch" at the House of Hearts, where the Front Desk Operations takes place. Walking in with the DS's, we were just blown away! We were there 2 minutes, and already each DS had 2 t-shirts (1 was a GKTW shirt, the other a Panama Jack shirt with GKTW on the sleeve). David also received a large (about 20 inches) Mickey Mouse stuffed animal and Robert received a small Shamu. We were then briefly explained where everything is, and gave us a schedule for that day's events via the "Village Voice" and a copy of the following day's events. It lists everything going on at GKTW for that day.... from the menu, to everyday happenings (ie: Carousel open 8am-9pm), to special events such as character visits. This is a great tool to help you plan out your first 2 days at this blessed facility.
We were also given a "bunny book". This has a map of the facility, any nearby hospital info you may need, and directions/instructions to the parks (including free parking at the parks). He also eplained about the mandatory orientation at 7:45p.m. at the House of Hearts (I decided to attend). Then, the gentleman (via a golf cart) escorted us to our villa. We were assigned villa # 169.
Once again, we were amazed! The villa was huge(!) for a family of 4. In the parents room .... a king-size bed (we only have a "full" at home), with large closets and a T.V. The children's room had 2 twin bed, with an attached bathroom. No words can explain their bathroom. For families who have children with mobility "issues", this bathroom is, in all likelihood, big enough for them. It was almost too spacious for us. The villa also had a nice size living room and dining area/kitchen. The refrigerator was stocked with 3 cans each of Coke, Diet Coke and Sprite, along with a fresh half gallon of lowfat milk (it may have even been Skim milk). Also, 6 12-ounce bottles of water were stocked. On the kitchen table, in a beautful basket were quite a few treats (M&M's, Combos, packaged cookies) and a couple of nice children's activity books. Also in the basket was a book, actually an autobiography, by the founder of GKTW, Mr. Henri Landwirth. This book is, at the least, inspiring. (Frankly, it brought tears to my eyes.)
After this, the gentleman left, and we were left just simply speechless. DW and I were like children at Christmas. We sat down, and roughly planned out the rest of Monday, and where we were going and what we were seeing on Tuesday. We read all of the available info, rested, then went to eat at the Gingerbread House Restaurant.
Dinner is served each day from 6-8pm. That day's dinner menu was as follows....
Salad Bar .... the salad bar had about 4 or 5 kinds of dressing, along with Croutons, Bacon Bits, and shredded cheese.
Main Course consisting of the following ...
Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, French Fries, Corn, Baked Beans, Sauced Mushrooms and Onions, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, Cottage Cheese, Peaches, and Watermelon.
Dessert .... we, frankly never had dessert while at GKTW, so I can't explain what it was. I do know they had soft-serve ice-cream.
The drink area is wonderful. They have low-fat milk, orange juice, and about 5 different types of "Coke" soft drinks, including lemonade.
The tables and chairs are smallish for adults, but absolutely PERFECT for children.
My children ate pretty well and, as you know, satisfied children = happy parents.
After dinner, the children rode the carousel (I think) twice. Then, off to the mandatory orientation I went, while DW took the children to the "Pool & Wacky Water Works", which is open from 9am-9pm.
Orientation was great. It was also long and detailed. Suffice it to say that I was given all of the info I would need to know for the following 6 nights, including info on free parking at the parks and the use of the GAC. We, at that time, were also given our park tickets. We were even instructed to count them on-the-spot. (That way, if someone was missing some, arrangements could be made right away for the appropriate tickets.) At the end of orientation, we were suggested to take advantage of Parent's Night Out, which was to be held Wednesday evening. We were advised to sign up for it immediately, which I did. (I'll explain more about it on the Wednesday edition.) The orientation lasted about 1 hour.
Leaving oriention, I visited the Ice Cream Palace. This is open every day from 7:30am - 9:30pm, and is simple in decor, but beautiful in the attitude of the volunteers. I had, I think, strawberry ice cream and a Coke. (DW and the children visited this about 15 minutes prior to my visit.)
We went back to the villa and passed out, content and overwhelmed.....
Sorry for the long post. I just do not want to miss anything in my report to you. Some of you may be visiting GKTW soon and may want the info.
I'll post Tuesday's report some time tonight, after I get the DS's to bed.
Until next time.....
Dave
