Ideas for Make a Wish trip for 3 year old girl

I am looking for suggestions about where my husband and I should take my daughter for a “dream vacation”. We want this to be a really special experience for her. She is 3 years old and has leukemia. A lot of the kids who go on “wish trips” go to Disney World, but the idea of a crowded amusement park doesn’t really sound like a great time for any of us. Does anybody out there have any suggestions? We were thinking about waiting until she is a little older and maybe going to Hawaii in December. She will be 4 by then. We thought Hawaii would be nice because of the volcanoes and rainforest, but are a little worried that it might be geared more toward couples rather than families. I would appreciate hearing what other people think about this idea or any other suggestions… Thank you in advance.

Topping this thread. Has anyone done a make a wish trip recently to Orlando/Disney area? Wanting information for a trip in early December. Special needs kids aged 1-9.

We went to Disney Orlando on the second and fourth week of September with or two kids (2 & 4.5) - the parks were not crowded at all.

I have some info about Disney in December from a subscription site so I don't want to post it in a public forum.

E-mail me at zlclijl at gmail.com

zlaor, I tried to reply to your email address, but it came back. Is it correct in your last post? (subbing the at with @ and no spaces)

Millions of people, kids in particular seem to enjoy Disney. If I was 4, I'd think Hawaii was BORING. Not to sound condescending but...ask your daughter. She should know better what she likes than random people on Fodors. Even at age 3, she should be able to grasp the difference between Disney and Hawaii and know which she likes better. Are you sure her age won't be an issue in Hawaii? Will they let you on 4x4 tours and such with children that young? (if that's part of the volcano and rainforest tours)

As for Hawaii, there is much for the young child to enjoy, especially having relaxed parents, and the beautiful beaches.

There are a couple of places on the Big Island which are especially good for kids, Kona Village and Hilton Waikoloa. Kona Village has a children's program (although I see it doesn't start until age 5). Hilton Waikoloa has a boat ride, monorail, and dolphin program, which is fun for kids. There is a lovely program of free entertainment which includes Keiki Hula (kid's hula) which is adorable.

I think the other islands have similar child friendly resorts.

My 3 year old niece loves her little grass skirt! Children are drawn to the colors, fragrance and aloha spirit of Hawaii.

Another idea is San Diego. I think Lego Land is very sweet for younger children, and the zoo, wild animal park, Balboa Park for museums, and the beach would also make for a relaxing vacation.

Oops sorry

zlcliljl @ gmail.com

SimpsonC, Loki and everyone else..haven't you noticed that the original poster posted her question about her dear daughter June 27, 2001.

2001!

I would strongly suggest that anyone that has a question about where to take a child with a medical problem start a new thread versus pulling up a thread from 2001.

Oops, I did that (replied to old threads) when I first started here. Wasn't paying attention.

I have done that too, Kailani, I believe most of us have from time to time.

I only posted as this thread was started before registration and perhaps the original poster is still posting under a registered name and I was thinking how sad it would be for her to read her original post. But hopefully her precious daughter is doing well..we can all hope!

I am very new to this forum (just registered today) and my boss's wife (SimpsonC, who has been a member for 5+ years) was helping me start a discussion about a make a wish my family will be taking in December, so she started up the last discussion about a make a wish trip. Sorry for the confusion.

I guess the proper thing to do is start a new post.

When we flew to Phoenix, Arizona a week ago, there was a family - a girl maybe 6 or 7 years old, moving around with a walker, with a larg button "make a wish." She was accompanied by her mom and sister, they were sitting almost across the isle from us, and somebody else with them, sitting behind us.

I overheard part of their conversation with the flight attendant - the mother said, there will be a limo waiting for them in Phoenix. I think they were going to a theme park, but I may be mistaken.

We have been told a limo will pick us up from our home and take us to the airport. I assume the same thing will happen when we come back. Make-a-Wish sounds like an awesome organization.

Make-A-Wish is an awesome organization from what I know of it PapaKoop. A family member plays a banjo in a band and they often play to raise money for the Make-A-Wish organization. Some of the stories that have been shared are so beautiful..heartbreaking but beautiful! Best wishes to your family and your precious child.

I think it's important to state that this is a thread that was started 2001

Someone I work with went to Disney World years ago, on a Make a Wish trip, with their daughter. They stayed in a special hotel for Make A Wish children and were thrilled with the special treatment they received.

Because this thread did start in 2001, I started a new thread called "Suggestions for a Disney World Make-A-Wish trip". Any additional comments or suggestions should probably be posted to that discussion instead of this one? Thanks for all your suggestions and help so far.