Make a Wish (and other organizations) ~ Wish Trippers UNITE! Volume FIVE!!

maroo · Sep 27, 2011

This is Volume FIVE of the Wish Trippers Community Thread!

First, Welcome to the WISH TRIPPERS thread!!

This thread is devoted to families that are planning and going on Wish Trips! This thread is designed to be a place where you can ask questions about your wish trips, get some information about wish trips and gain general support from some Mom's and Dad's that really understand what life with a special needs child is like.

If you are new to the DISboards - Welcome!!

If you are new, scroll down to post #2 on this thread (just below on this page) and you will find lots of information designed just for our new friends!

Frequently Asked Questions are answered below in POST 2!

We also welcome anyone else to the thread, too! Even you lurkers out there.

The original thread can be found here: Wish Trippers...Unite! VOLUME ONE

And Volume TWO can be found here:
Wish Trippers ...Unite! VOLUME TWO

And Volume THREE can be found here:
Wish Trippers...Unite! Volume THREE

And Volume FOUR can be found here:
Wish Trippers...Unite! Volume FOUR

Wendygrace started this thread concept in 2007 to serve as a place where families planning Make-A-Wish trips could come and share stories, pictures, information, and just life! Thank you so much, Wendygrace, because many of us have become friends through your original thread!

So...let's keep the thread going...

Many of these families have chosen to write a trip report and you can find the links to ALL of the Wish Trip Reports right here: (This list includes many of the trips linked in Volume One!)

WE are HOME! Trip Reports!!

2004
Amazing Grace's Wish Trip (links)-MAW/GKTW-Late June 04

2007
Wendygrace's Wish Trip - MAW/GKTW - Late June 07 Great pictures, magical moments! The founder of this thread wrote this one!

5dwarves' Wish Trip - Magic Moments/GKTW-August 07 Uber planner! Live report from Disney! Followed by a day by day report with pictures!

LeeLee2U's Wish Trip - Texas Wishing Well/Beach Club - September 07 Note they stayed at the Beach Club (Texas Wishing Well Funded Trip). This trip report includes hints for wheelchairs (manual push chair)

Bill Lin's Wish Trip - MAW/GKTW - September 07 Good index! Has a wealth of advice for Wish Trippers that has been linked on this Wish Trippers Unite thread!

Who'syourMickey's Wish Trip-Dream Factory/GKTW - September 07 Dream Factory trip. Good index! Great allergies information! Good info re: GKTW villas. TR is unfinished, though.

iluvmickeymouse!'s Wish Trip-MAW/GKTW-Oct.23-31, 2007 Great TR! Lots of pics. Very detailed. Lots of character interaction. Complete with Photopass pics!

**** Update - I have been off the DIS for a while and am now actively looking for someone to pass this thread on to...Maybe a wish parent out there...or a Moderator on this board...or someone else that is interested in Wish Trips and has some time to organize these trips. If you are interested, please PM me! Thanks!!

2008
Eeyore's Mom's Wish Trip - MAW/GKTW - Jan 18-25, 2008 Completed Trip Report to Day 3

Queenie122's Wish Trip-MAW/GKTW-May10-20, 2008 Done through first day

lotferg's Wish Trip-MAW/GKTW-May 19-24, 2008 About half finished

GoofyDoo's Wish Trip MAW/GKTW July 29-Aug 4, 08 ** FINISHED!

PatMcDuck's Wish Trip - DISNEYLAND - Aug 08 ** FINISHED!

HeatherN's Wish Trip August 2-8, 2008 ** FINISHED!

Robin+5's Wish Trip August 16-23 ** FINISHED!

laurenmama's Wish Trip Aug 19-25, 08 Pre-Trip Report, but no trip report

mistymouse5001's Trip Report MAW/GKTW Sept 5-11, 08 ** FINISHED

bigdisgrandma's Grandparent Trip Report Sept 10-16, 08 MAW/GKTW Extended Family Sept 10-16 Pre-Trip report, TR through day 2 (includes Christmas at GKTW)

NicoleDisneyFan's Wish Trip Sept. 22-27, 08 Done through Day 1

Maroo (Lauren) Wish Trip Report! Oct 3-9, 08 MAW/Contemporary Resort ** FINISHED!

hogansteph (Keyan) Wish Trip - Oct 15 - 20, 08 MAW/GKTW (Disboards thread) (See BLOG link below for Trip Report!)
hogansteph (Keyan) Wish Trip BLOG! Trip Starts Posting in October! ** FINISHED! TR is on their BLOG

duquette (Ethan) Wish Trip - Nov 1 - 7, 08 MAW/GKTW ** FINISHED!

Lambflock's Wish Trip - Nov. 6-12 MAW/GKTW

oklamomof4boys' Wish Trip MAW Nov. 16-22, 08 ** FINISHED!

bex271 (Jonah) MAW/GKTW Nov 20-26, 08

Jonah Passed away March 13, 2009

zeppy68 (Ian) Wish Trip Nov 23-29, 08 MAW/GKTW

twinmum's (Mark) Trip Report Starlight Starbright Foundation of CANADA/GKTW Nov 08

khalana (Lydia) Wish Trip - Dec 5 - 12, 08 Rainbow Society of Canada/GKTW

AmberGreenawalt (Sebastian) Wish Trip - Dec 6-14, 08 MAW/GKTW

hotmamac's Wish Trip MAW/GKTW Dec.13-19,08

LuvGoing2Disney7's Wish Trip - Dec.17-23,08 MAW/GKTW ** FINISHED!

OneBlessedFamily (Samuel) Wish Trip - Dec 17 - Jan 3 (08-09) MAW/GKTW

2009

munch704 (Morgan) Wish Trip Jan 1 - 7, 09 Starlight/Embassy Suites!

iu97alum (Emily) Wish Trip - Jan 18 - 22, 09 MAW/CRUISE!

mom2lilnick (Nick) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW Jan 19-25, 09

llurgy (Becca) Wish Trip Jan 21 - 27, 09 MAW/GKTW

camarks1234 (AJ) Wish Trip - Feb 1 - 5, 09 MAW/CRUISE!

mindymouse1 (Clint) Wish Trip Feb 9 - Feb 15, 2009 MAW/GKTW

macntosh (Mya) Wish Trip - Feb 21 - 28, 09 MAW/GKTW
Link to Trip Report: Mya Wish Trip Report ** FINISHED!

tinytreasures (Jason) Wish Trip - Feb 22 - 28, 09 MAW/GKTW
Trip Report Link: Jason's Wish Trip - the Trip Report! ** FINISHED!

LoveTheseKids (Kate) Wish Trip - Last week in Feb MAW/GKTW

ndloewen (Noah) Wish Trip End Feb - early March, 2009 Children's Wish Foundation

Noah Passed away on July 29, 2009
Noah's Blog for Updates on Noah: http://www.noahgrantjohn.blogspot.com/
Noah's Blog for the TRIP REPORT! http://noahswishtrip.blogspot.com/

Muttshouse (Elsa) Wish Trip March 24 - 29 MAW/GKTW

dmbfan (Jakob) Wish Trip March 28 - April 3, 2009 MAW/GKTW (This is the pre-trip report)
Jake's Wish Trip - This is the TRIP REPORT! ** FINISHED!

Tamraj (Jessica) Wish Trip March 31 - April 5, 2009

BeckySob (Piper) Wish PRETrip April 9 - 15, 2009 MAW/GKTW
BeckySob (Piper) POST Trip Report! ** FINISHED! (but pictures are "inactive" - so no pictures)

queengonzo (Matthew) Wish Trip - April 18 - 24, 2009 MAW/GKTW
Matthew's Wish Trip Report - On their BLOG - GO TO APRIL 18, 2009 to see it.

** FINISHED on blog!

LittleWarriorsMom (Marenna) Wish Trip - April 23 - April 29, 2009 MAW/GKTW
LittleWarriorsMom (Marenna) Wish Trip REPORT! It started!!! ** FINISHED!

tbelfonti (Olivia) Wish Trip - April 27 - May 2 ** FINISHED!

WishMom09 (Caleb) Wish Trip - May 9 - May 15, 2009 ** FINISHED!

daddyto8 (Micah) Wish Trip - May 15-21 MAW/GKTW ** FINISHED!

mlbarbian (Luke) Wish Trip - May 16-22, 2009 MAW/GKTW

josabbimommy (Joseph) Wish Trip - May 22-28th, 2009 MAW/GKTW ** FINISHED!

kmparrish5 (Bailee) Wish Trip - May 23 - 29, 2009 MAW/GKTW ** FINISHED!

Andreaswish (Andrea) Wish Trip - June 8 - 13, 2009 MAW/GKTW ** FINISHED!

keetmommy (Emma) Wish Trip - June 15 - 21, 2009
Trip Report: Emma Wish Trip Report ** FINISHED!

bellaririsa (Malia) Wish Trip - June 15 - 21, 2009 MAW/GKTW

Lisarh (Kali) Wish Trip - June 17 - 21, 2009

sammie girl (Lexi) Wish Trip - June 18 - 24, 2009 Dream Factory/GKTW ** FINISHED!

merneric (Sam) Wish Trip - June 22 - 28, 2009 MAW/GKTW ** FINISHED!

AJ's Magical Wish Trip - A Post-Trip Report - June 30-July 5, 2009 MAW/GKTW

myasma (Mya) Wish Trip - July 17 - 23, 2009 MAW/GKTW ** FINISHED!

Mya passed away on April 8, 2010

tastycollector Wish Trip DisneyLAND July 18 - 28, 2009
Trip Report: Wish Trip REPORT! DisneyLAND! ** FINISHED!

Matt1056 (Lucas) Wish Trip - MAW/GKTW September 5-11, 2009
GUEST Trip Report: Lucas - One Magical Morning - Written by Maroo ** FINISHED! (partial TR - covers one morning)

Corrine 1973 (Liam) Wish Trip - Sept 13 - 19, 2009 MAW/GKTW
Trip Report: Liam Wish Trip Report

terry (Richard) Make a Wish Trip - Sept 26 - Oct 2, 2009 MAW/GKTW

Hurwitzfamily04 (Jayden) Make a Wish Trip Sept 26 - October 2, 2009 MAW/GKTW

Somer (Jozlynn) Wish Trip - October 2-8, 2009 *WISH FLIGHT!*

Mickydees (Collin) Wish Trip - October 10 - 16, 2009 MAW/GKTW ** FINISHED!

wkualum (Mikaela) Wish Trip - October 10-16, 2009 MAW/GKTW
Trip Report BLOG: http://mikaelamadeawish.blogspot.com/ ** FINISHED!

ahkeela (Azaria) Wish Trip - MAW/GKTW October 20 - 28, 2009

MomTo4+More (Deyki) Wish Trip November 1-7, 2009 MAW/GKTW

2specialkids (Nikolas "Boo") Wish Trip November 2-8, 2009 MAW/GKTW

CrystalSnow (Melia) Wish Trip November 10-16, 2009 MAW/GKTW

kdzbear (Tyler) Wish Trip - November 20-25, 2009 Dream Factory/All Star Sports (ASSp) ** FINISHED!

cleostar09 (Saundria) Wish Trip Coming VERY soon!!

Soon2B4 (Aidan) Wish Trip - November 29-December 5, 2009 MAW/GKTW

thatkid (Alyssa) Wish Trip - December 2-9, 2009 MAW/GKTW
Alyssa's TRIP REPORT! ** FINISHED!

StefaniLyn (Bella) Wish Trip December 3-12, 2009 MAW/GKTW
Trip Report: Bella's Trip Report!

Savannah's Mami (Savannah) Wish Trip December 8-14, 2009 MAW/GKTW
Savannah's Trip Report - LINK TO BLOG You will need to go back to January 2010 to get the Wish Trip Report.

** FINISHED!

chrissid7 (Alyssa) Wish Trip December 10-16, 2009 MAW/GKTW

pacrosby (Matty) Wish Trip December 10-16, 2009 MAW/GKTW
Trip Report: Matty's Trip Report
Mini Report: Maroo's version of Matty's Night with the Gingerbread Men

2010

momma mouse (Sloan) Wish Trip Jan 23-30, 2010 Dream Factory/GKTW

pipersmom (Piper) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW March 2-8, 2010
Piper's Trip Report: I'm Not Riding THAT! A Trip With Character! Piper's Wish Trip 3/2-8

Thumper321 (Aidan) Wish Trip MAW March 1-7, 2010
Aidan's TRIP REPORT!

Momofwishkid (Gavin) Wish Trip March 3-9, 2010 MAW/GKTW
Gavin's TRIP REPORT!

alaskanabbott (James) Wish Trip March 16, 2010 Wish Upon a North Star/GKTW
The Trip Report:James's Trip Report!

maryrn11168 (Brian) Wish Trip MAW/CRUISE March 27-April 3, 2010

noahsketomom (Noah) Wish Trip April 7-13, 2010 MAW/GKTW
Trip Report: Noah's Wish Trip - Trip Report

kellyw8863 (Ali) Wish Trip April 19 - 26, 2010 MAW/GKTW
Ali TRIP REPORT!

yinyanggirls (Phoebe) Wish Trip April 17-30, 2010 MAW/GKTW
The Trip Report!:Phoebe Trip Report

pnutallergymom (Brigitte) Wish Trip April 23-May 5, 2010 MAW/Animal Kingdom Lodge

Mtopher3 (Ashley) Wish Trip MAW/CRUISE May 9 - 13, 2010

NVDadof3 (Seth) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW May 19-25, 2010

wishin'_on_a_star (Catherine) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW May 17-23, 2010
Trip Report!: Catherine's Trip Report!

TTomlinson (Tyler) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW End of May, 2010

momto4greatkids (Keith) Wish Trip MAW June 12-18, 2010 MAW/GKTW

wish_upon_a_star35 (Chase) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW June 23-29, 2010
Trip Report!: Chase TRIP REPORT!

The3DsMommy (Derek) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW June 30 - July 6, 2010

cantwaittoseemickey (Ty) Wish Trip July 10-16, 2010 MAW/GKTW
Trip Report: Ty's Trip Report!

Laurensmom2004 (Lauren) Wish Trip July 11 - 17, 2010 MAW/GKTW
Trip Report: Lauren's Trip Report!

Adrismommy (Adri) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW July 17-23, 2010

casper_jj11 (Sydney) Wish Trip Children's Wish Foundation of Canada/GF August 7-17, 2010
Trip Report: Sydney's Trip Report!

balloondoggie (Kayla) TRIP REPORT - This was live on their blog - LIVE starting 9/5/2010!

Haybuggsmom (Haylee) Wish Trip Toby's Dream Foundation/GKTW Dates Sept 18-25, 2010

pouty_tink (Kaylin) Wish Trip Dream Come True/GKTW September 20-26, 2010

kayrasen333 (Jackson) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW Sept 26-Oct 2, 2010

kissesbykim (Tyler) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW TRIP REPORT!!!!

J'sMum (J) Wish Trip Dream Factory/GKTW October 2010

Love_Monkey (Rachael) Whis Trip MAW/GKTW October 1-7, 2010 **Wish Flight!!**

ktcwinmommy (Kira) Wish Trip GKTW October 3-9, 2010

jen-y (Nicky) Wish Trip Dreams Come True/GKTW Oct 6-17, 2010

kissesbykim (Tyler) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW Oct 6-12, 2010

syammt (Madison) Wish Trip Special Wish Foundation/GKTW Oct 26 - Nov 1, 2010

rcq925 (Hayley) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW November 14-20, 2010

LydRos (Madison) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW November 14-20, 2010

mjarecki (Michael) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW November 15-21, 2010

masonbsc (Haden) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW November 27-December 4, 2010

icecreamforbreakfast (Joey) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW November 28-December 5, 2010
TRIP REPORT!! **FINISHED

that's nice (Juliana (aka: Ana)) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW December 1-7, 2010
TRIP REPORT!!

owensdad (Owen) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW December 6-13, 2010

Bearshouse (Alexander) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW December 11-17, 2010

4monkeys (Allison) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW (Harry Potter focus!

) December 12-18, 2010
TRIP REPORT!!!!

Emilyswish (Emily) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW December 27 - January 1, 2011

2011

Manymosi (Wendy) Wish Trip MAW/Wilderness Lodge! January 22-28, 2011

lawblond7 (Jake) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW January 28 - Feb 3, 2011

katieswish (Katie) Wish Trip A Wish Come True/GKTW Jan 2011

fulseasmama (Chelsea) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW Feb 1-7, 2011
TRIP REPORT!!

hollie1974 (Lily) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW Feb 6-12, 2011

Redwavess (Mallory) Wish Trip ??MAW/GKTW Feb 19-25, 2011 **FINISHED (includes TR!)

Joshay2234 (Haylie) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW February 20-26, 2011

kailatilear (Abby) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW Feb 24-March 2, 2011

Glo's Wish (Gloria Joy) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW end of Feb 2011

luvmygrlz3 (Khelsey) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW March 3-9, 2011

CeraMomof3 (Mila) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW March 3 - 11, 2011

blessed03 (Carter) Wish Trip MAW/?? March 5-11, 2011

my2girlsrock (Taylor) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW March 13 - 19, 2011

Mom2mitokids (Korissa) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW March 13-23, 2011
TRIP REPORT!!

MitoDadMO (Kade) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW March 16-22, 2011

Kade Passed away on October 14, 2011.

jwallaceent (Brooke) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW March 23-29, 2011

jj0plin (Elliot) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW March 31 - April 8, 2011

HeatherSP (Lhea) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW April 15 - 21, 2011
TRIP REPORT!!

brookerene (Kaleb) Wish Trip MAW/GKTW April 18-24, 2011

Mom2Miracles ("Peanut") Wish Trip CWF/GKTW end of April/first part of May, 2011

LVMom23 (Hannah) Wish Trip! April 23-29, 2011 MAW/GKTW

mawmay2011 (Brooke) Wish Trip! May 2-9, 2011 MAW/GKTW

andys_wish (Andy) Wish Trip! May 6-12, 2011 MAW/GKTW

rosieari9197 (Ari) Wish Trip! May 9-15, 2011 MAW/GKTW

mommy2girlswv (January) Wish Trip May 6 - May 12, 2011 MAW/??
TRIP REPORT!!

tinytreasures (Avy) Wish Trip May 18-24, 2011 MAW/GKTW

evsmama30 (Evan) Wish Trip May 19 - 24, 2011 Sunshine Foundation/Dream Village

shruley "Gabriella" (name changed to protect privacy for the family) Wish Trip! MAW/GKTW Trip Report In Progress!!

SixunderSix (Jake) Wish Trip! MAW/GKTW Dates TBA!

Kktraylor (Ava) Wish Trip! MAW/GKTW Dates TBA

carebearkidney (Matthew) Wish Trip! Magic Moments/?? Dates TBA!!

EEs*Mommy (Noah) Wish Trip! Sunshine Foundation Dates TBA!!

MomOfAnAngel and indykjt (Braden) Wish Trip! MAW/?? Dates TBA!!

texastwinmom (Brandon) Wish Trip! MAW/?? Dates TBA!

Miamakesawish (Mia) Wish Trip! MAW/GKTW Dates TBA!

DelanaAndKyra (Kyra) Wish Trip! MAW/?? Dates TBA - Hoping for May 2013

yeti5353 (Molly) Wish Trip! MAW/?? Waiting on Dates!

For other links, hints, trip report information...check post 2!

.

maroo · Sep 27, 2011

The Wish Trip Resource Page!

Are you new to the DISboards? If so, you will probably need some information to get started!

First, you will probably want to "post" 10 times so that you can post pictures and send Private Messages (PMs) to people.
CLICK HERE to post 10 times!

Then feel free to post on this thread. Introduce yourself by including any information that you would like about your family, etc. And ask any questions you may have about Wish Trips! Welcome to the thread!

Where many families stay on a Wish Trip to Disney World!
Give Kids the World

GKTW on the Today Show!!
Click above to see the video!

Organizations that grant WISH TRIPS!
Make A Wish Foundation
Texas Wishing Well
Magic Moments
The Dream Factory
Children's Wish Foundation International
Rainbow Society - Manitoba, Canada Children Only - (children must be able to verbalize their wish)
A Wish Come True (Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts)

Organizations that grant Wish Trips for ADULTS
http://www.dreamfoundation.org/

Frequently asked questions!
How do I start a pre-trip report on the DISboards?
How do I post PICTURES?!?!?
What is The Big Give?!?
More info re: The Big Give from livndisney...
What is the PhotoPass CD? Is it FREE?
How do I MULTI-QUOTE?
How do I create LINKS on my Signature or Trip Report?? **Very good info with pictures to explain!!**
Another great post for HOW TO DO LINKS! Another with pictures and explanation!!
Cheat Sheet for ABBREVIATIONS
MNSSHP??? MVMCP?? Should I go to a PARTY?!?!

Past Wish Trip Families Wisdom/Tips to Pass On to NEW Families!
TOP 20 Hints for Future Wish Families from the Past Wish Families
Tips from a Wish Family (December 2010)

Information for those staying at Give Kids the World (GKTW)
Great Description of a GKTW Villa!
You Tube Video of GIVE KIDS THE WORLD - Describes each of the night parties!

Information for those staying at Dream Village
Dream Village

Sea World Info
Dine with Shamu Buffet Information

Universal Tips and Reports
From Matty's TR - Seussville Part ONE!
From Matty's TR - More Universal Pics!
From Matty's TR - The Grinch Christmas Show!

Great DISboards.com links that apply to Wish Trips!
Main Page for disABILITIES Forum - Everything you would ever want to know about doing Disney with a Disability!
GREAT INFORMATION about disABILITIES from the DISboards!
How to get special postcards sent to your family...From a fellow DISer! Click Here
Should I rent a STROLLER? Click here for info! Most MAW families should check out this link!

Wish Lounges - Lounges either created for Wish Families or Lounges with special Wish Family access!
Pictures of the Wish Lounge at the Magic Kingdom
Pictures of BASE21 - EPCOT lounge near Spaceship Earth

Extra Stuff
Bill Lin's Follow Up trip to Disney Land 08 with World Passport
Great Hints for Wish Trips!
A completely random thought about WATER in Disney
Information about using Oxygen on Airplanes - Check with your MAW re: this!!
Free Photo Shoot for Families of Disabled or Sick Children!! Great Website!
Bathrooms, Bathrooms and More Bathrooms!!!
Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party info (MNSSHP)
Allears.net Blog Entry about a special device for the BLIND traveler. Also has info on disabilities in general.
LINKS to Disney Park Guides for those with DISABILITIES!
Packing List!
Great example of a "Go With the Flow" Relaxed Trip Report

Heartwarming Thread: Add your story, too!!!

Looking for Disney Themed activities for your KIDS? THIS is the DISNEY NIGHTS thread!

Totally Random and Just for Fun
How to beat your KIDS and husband/wife at BUZZ LIGHTYEAR

Just a resources page!!

If you know of a resource that I should add, please let me know!!

.

maroo · Sep 27, 2011

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the new thread so that you get updates!!

blessedmom4 · Sep 27, 2011

Maroo, Thank you for all of the hard work you continue to do for all of the Wish Families!

maroo · Sep 27, 2011

blessedmom4 said:
Maroo, Thank you for all of the hard work you continue to do for all of the Wish Families!

You are so sweet...

I am afraid I am not doing nearly as much these days... real life has just taken up a lot of time these days.

Thank YOU for posting on all of the reports and encouraging everyone here!! I appreciate it so much!

blessedmom4 · Sep 28, 2011

maroo said:
You are so sweet...

I am afraid I am not doing nearly as much these days... real life has just taken up a lot of time these days.

Thank YOU for posting on all of the reports and encouraging everyone here!! I appreciate it so much!

You are very kind Maroo. I am afraid I haven't had time to be as supportive as I would like to be. It can be intimidating to jump on to the message boards as a newbie (It was to me, I had never done anything like this before and as you know, I don't facebook). It always helped to have someone answer your question or respond with a friendly comment. The DIS has blessed me with some incredible friends.

We leave for Lisa's Make a Wish trip in

After waiting for so long and having to postpone twice for medical reasons, I can't believe the time is almost here! I do have a prayer need/request, in case you haven't seen it on Lisa's PTR (and I KNOW how busy you are, still praying for those PM'd needs). Lisa's heart has gotten markedly worse on ECHO since May 26. We have to return to Philadelphia for an inpatient (at least a week, probably more) cardiac cath. During one of Lisa's numerous caths they damaged her femoral artery, causing an occlusion so we know the risks and dangers all too well and she has to be weaned from coumadin to heparin, then back, hence the hospitalization. We were given the green light to take the trip; however, I found out yesterday the MD wants the cath scheduled within 2 to 5 weeks. PLEASE PRAY we will be able to take Lisa's MAW trip without any further delays and that she will be safe to travel.

Thank you again for keeping this thread going for part FIVE!!! I am so grateful to the original Wish Thread group from 2007. This has served s an inspiration for so many excited and nervous Wish Families and I would LOVE to see some of the past families join back in and give us updates on their families, as well as tips for being a Wish Family!

blessedmom4 · Sep 28, 2011

And hope Wish Families, Past, Present and Future will jump in and help provide some advice for ideas you didn't know or found out along the way about being a Wish Family in Florida! Don't be shy, even if you aren't a Wish Family, do you know a tidbit or secret to share to make this experience even MORE magical?

I am looking forward to taking a Cessna ride over Orlando (arranged and reserved at GKTW).

For those who are interested you can get other tickets at a reduced price (some complimentary) to dinner shows such as Medieval Times, Pirates Dinner Adventure and Arabian Nights (We saw this year's ago...not my taste, but I LOVED Dolly Parton's Dinner Theater).

Free Tickets to Aquatica, Wet and Wild, Busch Gardens, Boggy Creek Air Boats (we have done this before...fun, but probably better ways to spend your time on a Wish Trip), Gatorland, Kennedy SpaceCenter, Golf... to name just a few...

All families get a FREE PHOTOPASS CD! (Maroo is modest about this; however, she planted the idea for this with Disney).

At one time, you could show your button at Hard Rock Cafe and get 50 % of merchandise...does anyone know if this is still true?

A Free Caricature Drawing of the Wish Child at Sea World is another tip I remember...anyone do that?

Universal would give a free photo to the Wish Family...are they still doing that?

Free Face Painting at one of the parks...anyone know about that?

With the magic perks of your Give Kids The World Button, you will:
• Receive free parking at all Walt Disney World Resort and SeaWorld theme parks.
•Show your parking voucher for free parking at Universal Orlando.
• Receive a free single stroller or manual wheelchair rental at all Walt Disney World Resort and SeaWorld Orlando theme parks.
• Pick up a stroller or wheelchair voucher from GKTW Guest Services for a free stroller rental at
Universal Orlando.(Copied from the Bunny Guide).

Mayor Clayton or his wife will come and tuck the children in at bedtime if you sign up! I can't WAIT to do this!!!
(Reminds me the girls need new gowns/jammies for the great photo op).

After a long day, order a Pizza delivered to your Villa for a snack...they even have soft drinks!

Take advantage of the Wish Lounges at Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Go in to rest, have a bottle of water and experience a place only a Wish Family can relax.

Spend time at GKTW enjoying the fun and amenities!

And as Maroo always says...WEAR YOUR GKTW button...you NEVER KNOW where the magic will strike!

I hope others will jump in with tips they have read about or experienced!

xanphylus · Sep 28, 2011

Lots of great info Judy! AND MAROO THANK YOU!!!! You do more than you think. Can't believe it's on a fifth section! Go wish families! :goodvibes

can't write too much more on my phone, but much love and prayers to all the wish families and kiddos

starienite · Sep 28, 2011

Should I start a PTR even though we don't have any dates or anything right now?

billwendy · Sep 28, 2011

Thanks Maroo!! :thumbsup2

that's nice · Sep 28, 2011

Thanks again Maroo for starting the new thread. You always do a great job!! :goodvibes

mom2pixies · Sep 28, 2011

It was magic. Pure magic.

Thank you all for being so patient with me. I've got the first chapter of our undersea trip to Atlantica started. Feel free to tune in over the next couple of weeks. I'll try to update our wish trip story every few days.

Enjoy! A wish on a starfish to meet Ariel and her royal friends!

mom2pixies · Sep 28, 2011

If your child is celebrating a birthday while staying at GKTW, let them know at front desk. They will arrange that the morning of the kid's birthday, a helium balloon and little surprise package is waiting for them on the porch. Inside will be a colouring book, some crayons, a special card from Mayor Clayton and a special birthday button that they are to wear to breakfast (where they will receive a special breakfast and everyone will sing them 'Happy Birthday!') They will also receive a special note to bring to the Castle of Miracles where they will be able to pick out a special present from a giant gift box.

What a great way to celebrate! Makes them feel really special. Normally, they only do it if the child's actual birthday falls during the trip, but for some reason, our MAW rep made special arrangements that we were to celebrate Brooke's birthday on the trip. She turns four on Monday! Yeah!!

disneymomma01 · Sep 28, 2011

blessedmom4 said:
And hope Wish Families, Past, Present and Future will jump in and help provide some advice for ideas you didn't know or found out along the way about being a Wish Family in Florida! Don't be shy, even if you aren't a Wish Family, do you know a tidbit or secret to share to make this experience even MORE magical?

I am looking forward to taking a Cessna ride over Orlando (arranged and reserved at GKTW).

For those who are interested you can get other tickets at a reduced price (some complimentary) to dinner shows such as Medieval Times, Pirates Dinner Adventure and Arabian Nights (We saw this year's ago...not my taste, but I LOVED Dolly Parton's Dinner Theater).

Free Tickets to Aquatica, Wet and Wild, Busch Gardens, Boggy Creek Air Boats (we have done this before...fun, but probably better ways to spend your time on a Wish Trip), Gatorland, Kennedy SpaceCenter, Golf... to name just a few...

All families get a FREE PHOTOPASS CD! (Maroo is modest about this; however, she planted the idea for this with Disney).

At one time, you could show your button at Hard Rock Cafe and get 50 % of merchandise...does anyone know if this is still true?

A Free Caricature Drawing of the Wish Child at Sea World is another tip I remember...anyone do that?

Universal would give a free photo to the Wish Family...are they still doing that?

Free Face Painting at one of the parks...anyone know about that?

With the magic perks of your Give Kids The World Button, you will:
Receive free parking at all Walt Disney World Resort and SeaWorld theme parks.
Show your parking voucher for free parking at Universal Orlando.
Receive a free single stroller or manual wheelchair rental at all Walt Disney World Resort and SeaWorld Orlando theme parks.
Pick up a stroller or wheelchair voucher from GKTW Guest Services for a free stroller rental at
Universal Orlando.(Copied from the Bunny Guide).

Mayor Clayton or his wife will come and tuck the children in at bedtime if you sign up! I can't WAIT to do this!!!
(Reminds me the girls need new gowns/jammies for the great photo op).

After a long day, order a Pizza delivered to your Villa for a snack...they even have soft drinks!

Take advantage of the Wish Lounges at Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Go in to rest, have a bottle of water and experience a place only a Wish Family can relax.

Spend time at GKTW enjoying the fun and amenities!

And as Maroo always says...WEAR YOUR GKTW button...you NEVER KNOW where the magic will strike!

I hope others will jump in with tips they have read about or experienced!

Thanks for the extra tips Judy! I hadn't heard of some of these!! May have to print this & take it with us!! :thumbsup2

3 days & counting for us!! We will get the place warmed up for you guys!! :rotfl2:

Owensheart · Sep 28, 2011

We made it over to the new thread!! Thank you so much Maroo for keeping this going.. I have learned SO much about the entire process!! When I started our PTR in March, I had NO idea that Disneyworld even had 4 parks! That's how far behind I was. I am so grateful for all the families that have shared their stories!!!

starienite said:
Should I start a PTR even though we don't have any dates or anything right now?

YES!! Start your PTR! We started ours in March when Owen originally met his wish granters and just recently got dates for December! Get started!!

jdmmom · Sep 28, 2011

Thanks for getting the new thread going! Getting so excited here as we anxiously await our dates! Already doing a bit of pre-planning. Did check online and looks like CRT is already booked up for our potential dates.

Thinking of calling anyway to see if there are any openings at all.

Also, we are planning on doing MVMCP. I really want the day we spend at MK to be "magical" and know it will be a tiring day. We are planning on doing BBB and hopefully CRT. Therefore, I want to do MVMCP on a different night. Which of the other parks can be done in a "short" day so that we could do MVMCP on the same night without tiring the girls out?

threelittlebakers · Sep 28, 2011

blessedmom4 said:
You are very kind Maroo. I am afraid I haven't had time to be as supportive as I would like to be. It can be intimidating to jump on to the message boards as a newbie (It was to me, I had never done anything like this before and as you know, I don't facebook). It always helped to have someone answer your question or respond with a friendly comment. The DIS has blessed me with some incredible friends.

We leave for Lisa's Make a Wish trip in

After waiting for so long and having to postpone twice for medical reasons, I can't believe the time is almost here! I do have a prayer need/request, in case you haven't seen it on Lisa's PTR (and I KNOW how busy you are, still praying for those PM'd needs). Lisa's heart has gotten markedly worse on ECHO since May 26. We have to return to Philadelphia for an inpatient (at least a week, probably more) cardiac cath. During one of Lisa's numerous caths they damaged her femoral artery, causing an occlusion so we know the risks and dangers all too well and she has to be weaned from coumadin to heparin, then back, hence the hospitalization. We were given the green light to take the trip; however, I found out yesterday the MD wants the cath scheduled within 2 to 5 weeks. PLEASE PRAY we will be able to take Lisa's MAW trip without any further delays and that she will be safe to travel.

Thank you again for keeping this thread going for part FIVE!!! I am so grateful to the original Wish Thread group from 2007. This has served s an inspiration for so many excited and nervous Wish Families and I would LOVE to see some of the past families join back in and give us updates on their families, as well as tips for being a Wish Family!

I hope everything goes fine and I will think of you guys in my prayers so that Lisa can finally have her wish.

katieb4 · Sep 28, 2011

mom2pixies said:
If your child is celebrating a birthday while staying at GKTW, let them know at front desk. They will arrange that the morning of the kid's birthday, a helium balloon and little surprise package is waiting for them on the porch. Inside will be a colouring book, some crayons, a special card from Mayor Clayton and a special birthday button that they are to wear to breakfast (where they will receive a special breakfast and everyone will sing them 'Happy Birthday!') They will also receive a special note to bring to the Castle of Miracles where they will be able to pick out a special present from a giant gift box.

What a great way to celebrate! Makes them feel really special. Normally, they only do it if the child's actual birthday falls during the trip, but for some reason, our MAW rep made special arrangements that we were to celebrate Brooke's birthday on the trip. She turns four on Monday! Yeah!!

Thats so cool! Do they only do this for the Wish kid?? Or for other kids?? My son, daughter (non wish kids) will celebrate bdays as well as my husband during our trip.

Lots of great tips! Thanks!

starienite · Sep 28, 2011

Okay I just made Dev's PTR. The first post is really just his background and story of his AVM.

Dev's MAW PTR

newdrama12 · Sep 29, 2011

Just so everyone knows, there is a minor GKTW entertainment schedule change. Every Monday for the month of October is a Halloween Event instead of Safari Double Dare/Kids Night Out.

Make a Wish (and other organizations) ~ Wish Trippers UNITE! Volume FIVE!!

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