Suggestions for a Disney World Make-A-Wish trip
Oct 15th, 2009, 01:39 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Suggestions for a Disney World Make-A-Wish trip
My 8 (ALMOST 9) year old has been awarded a wish from the Make-A-Wish foundation. He has an artificial heart valve that will need to be changed at least two more times as he gets older, asthma and is very susceptible to pneumonia. He wanted to "Go to Disney and meet Mike and Sully", from Monsters, Inc. We have been assigned to go Nov 30 - Dec 6. He is bringing his younger 6 year old brother, 4 year old and 1 year old sisters. They all have Down Syndrome, so they also get to bring 3 older "adult" siblings with us. Theoretically, they will help us keep track of the little ones. We will be staying at the Give Kids The World resort.
Since I like to have somethings planned, any information on the Give Kids The World Resort would be helpful. Any other information on the Orlando area you would like to share will be greatly appreciated.
Since I like to have somethings planned, any information on the Give Kids The World Resort would be helpful. Any other information on the Orlando area you would like to share will be greatly appreciated.
Oct 15th, 2009, 02:13 PM
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,449
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Best wishes for you on this trip.
I might suggest you contact the Make-A-Wish people to ask about logistics once you are there and whether or not you have help from one of the Disney guides. If not, then I would make sure you inquire about front of the line access.
You're going at a time of year where it shouldn't be all that crowded, which will be a big plus, I'm sure.
If you're going for 7 days, you'll certainly want to hit the Magic Kingdom two or three times. (Depending of course on the type of tickets you will get.) We've gone with our two young kids and I can imagine the logistics issues may mean it makes sense for you to take your time.
There will be quite a few rides that you will not be able to go on because of the age of the younger children or medical concerns for your 9 year old. I'm sure you've thought to ask his doctors about that.
My son and I really like a little bit of time alone exploring Tom Sawyer Island. There's a fort, some caves, and plenty of fun stuff for a boy to do.
A couple of other suggestions if I may,
Ask the Make-A-Wish Foundation about character dining. Something like Chef Mickey's Breakfast could be a lot of fun for your kids.
Also, it might not hurt to ask at guest relations about VIP seating for the parades at the various parks.
Last, you probably will get a far better response - and a response that will come with answers from Disney employees - if you go onto a site like Disboards.com
I'm sure many her have been to WDW. I don't think however that many will be able to talk from the same level of experience that you will have.
again, best of luck.
I might suggest you contact the Make-A-Wish people to ask about logistics once you are there and whether or not you have help from one of the Disney guides. If not, then I would make sure you inquire about front of the line access.
You're going at a time of year where it shouldn't be all that crowded, which will be a big plus, I'm sure.
If you're going for 7 days, you'll certainly want to hit the Magic Kingdom two or three times. (Depending of course on the type of tickets you will get.) We've gone with our two young kids and I can imagine the logistics issues may mean it makes sense for you to take your time.
There will be quite a few rides that you will not be able to go on because of the age of the younger children or medical concerns for your 9 year old. I'm sure you've thought to ask his doctors about that.
My son and I really like a little bit of time alone exploring Tom Sawyer Island. There's a fort, some caves, and plenty of fun stuff for a boy to do.
A couple of other suggestions if I may,
Ask the Make-A-Wish Foundation about character dining. Something like Chef Mickey's Breakfast could be a lot of fun for your kids.
Also, it might not hurt to ask at guest relations about VIP seating for the parades at the various parks.
Last, you probably will get a far better response - and a response that will come with answers from Disney employees - if you go onto a site like Disboards.com
I'm sure many her have been to WDW. I don't think however that many will be able to talk from the same level of experience that you will have.
again, best of luck.
Oct 17th, 2009, 07:48 AM
#3
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would contact Disney Guest Relations and tell them that this is a make a wish sponsored trip and ask for VIP access to the attractions. You will not have to wait in any lines. Hopefully in Jan. you won't have any as this is the off season. Good luck and have a great trip
Oct 17th, 2009, 10:53 AM
#4
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My husband was disabled when we went to Disney World and they treated our group like royalty. We went to the front of the line on every attraction except a couple. They really know how to make it special. I highly recommend it for all families but especially ones with special needs.
Here is a simple suggestion for dinner- Orlando has one of the coolest and largest McDonald's I have ever seen, our kids wanted to eat there for every meal! We enjoyed the cheap dining!
Orlando itself is like one big theme park, take a drive down International Drive, it is fascinating in itself. You won't have trouble seeing things you want to do.
Have a wonderful trip!!!
Here is a simple suggestion for dinner- Orlando has one of the coolest and largest McDonald's I have ever seen, our kids wanted to eat there for every meal! We enjoyed the cheap dining!
Orlando itself is like one big theme park, take a drive down International Drive, it is fascinating in itself. You won't have trouble seeing things you want to do.
Have a wonderful trip!!!
Oct 18th, 2009, 12:09 AM
#5
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,059
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I used to work for Make A Wish and you do not need to contact Disney about VIP treatment. The Make A Wish kids get beyond VIP treatment. They get experiences that no other kids get. Give Kids The World is such a magical place that often the kids don't want to leave GKTW to go to the parks. There are lots of touching stories to read on the MAW National website http://www.wish.org/stories/fantasy/...k_disney_world. Here's the GKTW website scrapbook with pictures of the resort http://www.gktw.org/aboutUs.asp?a=1&page=scrapbook.
I'm sure it's helpful to know which parks and rides your family is interested in seeing/riding. There is so much to choose from. But you'll have no waiting in lines, characters come to GKTW to eat with the kids, and GKTW makes everything as magical and easy as possible.
I know you'll have a great time! Contact your wish granters or state MAW office and ask them for more information. I believe GKTW has a DVD you can watch about what to expect. A trip report after you return would be wonderful! Enjoy!
I'm sure it's helpful to know which parks and rides your family is interested in seeing/riding. There is so much to choose from. But you'll have no waiting in lines, characters come to GKTW to eat with the kids, and GKTW makes everything as magical and easy as possible.
I know you'll have a great time! Contact your wish granters or state MAW office and ask them for more information. I believe GKTW has a DVD you can watch about what to expect. A trip report after you return would be wonderful! Enjoy!
Oct 18th, 2009, 10:49 AM
#6
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,408
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree with BarbaraS that Give Kids the World is a fantastic place.
You're going at a great time of year. The weather will be comfortable (generally 70s during the day and low 60s/upper 50s at night) and it's much less crowded than usual from after Thanksgiving till the week before Christmas. Allears (http://allears.net/tp/themeparks.htm) has tons of info on rides and restaurants in WDW.
I hope you have a wonderful time.
You're going at a great time of year. The weather will be comfortable (generally 70s during the day and low 60s/upper 50s at night) and it's much less crowded than usual from after Thanksgiving till the week before Christmas. Allears (http://allears.net/tp/themeparks.htm) has tons of info on rides and restaurants in WDW.
I hope you have a wonderful time.
Oct 18th, 2009, 01:22 PM
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
WOW! Your suggestions and links are great. I've learned a lot and signed up for a few new forums.
Our local MAW people seem to be keeping quiet about about what will happen on our trip. I don't know if they are still making arrangements, or they want everything to be a big surprise. GKTW looks like an awesome place to stay. We may never get away from there;-)
We have been worried about the weather. We are coming from the mid-west, so knowing the temps will be much nicer than they are at home is great.
Joel's favorite place to eat is McDonald's, so we will have to stop at the big one suggested by BellaD. Is it easy to find?
We will be taking lots of pictures. Is there a good place to share them? Also, is there a special place to post a report on our trip? (Can you tell I'm still kind of new to the forum?)
Thanks for all the help so far. Only 6 weeks to go. I can hardly wait (I mean Joel can hardly wait;-)
Our local MAW people seem to be keeping quiet about about what will happen on our trip. I don't know if they are still making arrangements, or they want everything to be a big surprise. GKTW looks like an awesome place to stay. We may never get away from there;-)
We have been worried about the weather. We are coming from the mid-west, so knowing the temps will be much nicer than they are at home is great.
Joel's favorite place to eat is McDonald's, so we will have to stop at the big one suggested by BellaD. Is it easy to find?
We will be taking lots of pictures. Is there a good place to share them? Also, is there a special place to post a report on our trip? (Can you tell I'm still kind of new to the forum?)
Thanks for all the help so far. Only 6 weeks to go. I can hardly wait (I mean Joel can hardly wait;-)
Oct 18th, 2009, 02:16 PM
#8
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 45,322
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would post your wonderful trip report here in the US Forum PapaKoop as no doubt it will be of interest to those that have children that will have a trip to DisneyWorld through Make-A-Wish as well as the rest of us. It will no doubt help with donations to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Many good thoughts that every moment will be magical for all of your family!
Many good thoughts that every moment will be magical for all of your family!
Nov 2nd, 2009, 07:40 AM
#10
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi there!
I just wanted to throw out another Forum for you to check out.
It is called the DISboards. www.disboards.com
But specifically, click this thread...
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2039777
It is hundreds of pages long...full of tips for Make a Wish trips to Disney.
It is not sponsored by Make a Wish, Give Kids the World or any organization...it just regular people talking about Disney Wish Trips. Mostly families of wish kids. We also support each other for normal life events, too...so it is a great forum.
The DISboards are HUGE. Very large site with lots of different people and can be very intimidating. But feel free to register with the DISboards and post on our thread. Come join us!
I just wanted to throw out another Forum for you to check out.
It is called the DISboards. www.disboards.com
But specifically, click this thread...
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2039777
It is hundreds of pages long...full of tips for Make a Wish trips to Disney.
It is not sponsored by Make a Wish, Give Kids the World or any organization...it just regular people talking about Disney Wish Trips. Mostly families of wish kids. We also support each other for normal life events, too...so it is a great forum.
The DISboards are HUGE. Very large site with lots of different people and can be very intimidating. But feel free to register with the DISboards and post on our thread. Come join us!
Nov 2nd, 2009, 08:44 AM
#11
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 391
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Here is my Disney trip report from two months back:
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...py-endings.cfm
I highly recomend Disney's PhotoPass service for great photos (I believe you can get a discount from $150 to $99 but I'm not sure) and DISBoards.com as mentioned before are probablly the best resource for Disney questions.
You'll have a great time. Disney treats all kids like princes and princesses and the special need kids like kings and queens.
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...py-endings.cfm
I highly recomend Disney's PhotoPass service for great photos (I believe you can get a discount from $150 to $99 but I'm not sure) and DISBoards.com as mentioned before are probablly the best resource for Disney questions.
You'll have a great time. Disney treats all kids like princes and princesses and the special need kids like kings and queens.
