Suggestions for a Disney World Make-A-Wish trip

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 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

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!!!

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/disney/mark_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 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.

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

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!

I think BellaD is talking about the McDonalds at the intersection of International Drive (locally referred to as I-drive) and Sand Lake Road. These are two major roads; it is very easy to find.

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!