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

[angeque143]

Tim had great photos of the Wish Lounge at Epcot...I don't think anyone posted any of the lounge at MK. This is from yingyanggirls report...she did a great job photographing it...It looks AMAZING!!!! If someone else has already posted this, I apologize.

MAGIC KINGDOM WISH LOUNGE

This is an AWESOME link!!! Thanks so much!!

 

[MitoDadMO]

The beds were really comfortable...either that I was so tired it didn't matter.

We only ate dinner once at the Gingerbread house and they had a salad available(only a few toppings). We ate breakfast every morning and they had fresh fruit. Really...we walked so much that I'm sure I lost weight..even though eating bad.

Yes... you control the temp, but they do ask if you are gone all day to please turn it down.

The TP we had was Charmin.

I found the A/C very interesting. Our original villa had a standard A/C with motion sensors, and if it did not detect movement for a certain amt of time it would not kick on. (i read this in the GKTW purple book)

After our water heater blewup we were moved to a newer villa that had a geothermal A/C

Very interesting how they are going "green"

 

[MitoDadMO]

Make a Wish Buttons change colors periodically to foil counterfeiters.

We were told by a Disney CM that they are even starting to sell the GKTW buttons on 192, so some cast members may ask to see your button + GAC and or the photopass.

All the CM's were REALLY REALLY nice and went out of their way to make sure we saw all the characters we wanted to see. Several CM's lead us by the hand to see several in a row. One even went to Eeor's stable to get an autograph for us.

One visitor had a hissy fit when we broke line and a CM politely told him to "step off". My dad was near by and almost punched the guy. My dad went up to the CM a few minutes later and thanked him for stepping in and taking care of the situation.

 

[brookerene]

If you are watching your diet, you just have to continue to eat moderately and make good choices... You can gain plenty of weight at DW even though you are walking.... one mile of continuous walking burns approx 100 calories + or - depending on your weight. so if you walk 5 miles it's approx 500 calories but you can eat an extra 500 cal in one or two snacks poorly chosen... and 1 meal can easily be 1000+ calories or more too!... The best best it to pick on or two special things or time you want to eat whatever and be careful the rest....

 

[blessedmom4]

We were told by a Disney CM that they are even starting to sell the GKTW buttons on 192, so some cast members may ask to see your button + GAC and or the photopass.
This ABSOLUTELY disgusts me that someone would sell these buttons...but I am NOT surprised.
All the CM's were REALLY REALLY nice and went out of their way to make sure we saw all the characters we wanted to see. Several CM's lead us by the hand to see several in a row. One even went to Eeor's stable to get an autograph for us.
That is lovely to read.
One visitor had a hissy fit when we broke line and a CM politely told him to "step off". My dad was near by and almost punched the guy. My dad went up to the CM a few minutes later and thanked him for stepping in and taking care of the situation.

THIS is where you might see me lose my cool...I am not always Pollyanna. I certainly know how to assert myself and if someone hurts my children, who are older and would understand what is going on, Mama Bear might show up...I will remind myself that MOST people are kind and to try and remain calm...for the sake of my children. I am thankful a cast member interceded. SO SORRY to hear you had to move Villas, hope that worked out well for the family.

 

[HeatherSP]

Thanks for all of the great answers and advice! GKTW seems so incredible! I am glad there are some healthy food choices and I'm sure all of that walking is going to help. I am glad we can control the A/C and it makes sense not to run it all day if we aren't there. It sounds like the beds will be fine. And I'm sure we will be too tired to notice anyway. We will have 2 kids on the couch and 1 on the rollaway but kids never seem to notice a uncomfortable bed. Oooh and name brand toilet paper .... FABULOUS! 3 weeks away

 

[blessedmom4]

Judy, these are amazing!

Maroo, perhaps you can add this to your FAQ page for other wish families to see?

This is an AWESOME link!!! Thanks so much!!

I am so happy it helped. We have had some amazing families give some WONDERFUL TR's, both in words and pictures and their stories all make me smile (and cry)...I would like to coax any past MAW families who haven't finished thier TR's to think about doing that...the moderators can unlock the TR to make that possible. I understand (not from experience; but, from reading) that returning from a Wish Trip can be VERY hard on some families and they can't finish at the time they get back. I say even if it has been a long while since your trip, if it is something you want to do...PLEASE do...You will have many greatful readers, I promise!

 

[blessedmom4]

Thanks for all of the great answers and advice! GKTW seems so incredible! I am glad there are some healthy food choices and I'm sure all of that walking is going to help. I am glad we can control the A/C and it makes sense not to run it all day if we aren't there. It sounds like the beds will be fine. And I'm sure we will be too tired to notice anyway. We will have 2 kids on the couch and 1 on the rollaway but kids never seem to notice a uncomfortable bed. Oooh and name brand toilet paper .... FABULOUS! 3 weeks away

Great Questions, Excellent answers!!

THREE MORE WEEKS!!!!

 

[mom2pixies]

We were told by a Disney CM that they are even starting to sell the GKTW buttons on 192, so some cast members may ask to see your button + GAC and or the photopass.

All the CM's were REALLY REALLY nice and went out of their way to make sure we saw all the characters we wanted to see. Several CM's lead us by the hand to see several in a row. One even went to Eeor's stable to get an autograph for us.

One visitor had a hissy fit when we broke line and a CM politely told him to "step off". My dad was near by and almost punched the guy. My dad went up to the CM a few minutes later and thanked him for stepping in and taking care of the situation.

I'm glad to hear that the CM stepped in to quell the scenario. I've been wondering about how other people would react when wish kids and their families skip ahead lines or rides or are given any kind of 'special' treatment. I think most people would be understanding and accepting of the situation, but there is always someone who needs to act like a child!

I can only imagine how annoyed your dad would have been!

 

[blessedmom4]

If you are watching your diet, you just have to continue to eat moderately and make good choices... You can gain plenty of weight at DW even though you are walking.... one mile of continuous walking burns approx 100 calories + or - depending on your weight. so if you walk 5 miles it's approx 500 calories but you can eat an extra 500 cal in one or two snacks poorly chosen... and 1 meal can easily be 1000+ calories or more too!... The best best it to pick on or two special things or time you want to eat whatever and be careful the rest....

Excellent Advice Brooke...

As most of you know if you look at my Ticker, I have lost a substantial amount of weight, with a few more pounds to go. I PROMISE YOU, when we FINALLY get to go on this WISH TRIP, I am going to eat what I want and stop when I am full. This is a TRIP OF a LIFETIME and I am going to enjoy myself...and if the scales creep up a bit that week...I will tackle it the next! (Somebody remind me of that when I am complaining my clothes don't fit).

 

[MitoDadMO]

THIS is where you might see me lose my cool...I am not always Pollyanna. I certainly know how to assert myself and if someone hurts my children, who are older and would understand what is going on, Mama Bear might show up...I will remind myself that MOST people are kind and to try and remain calm...for the sake of my children. I am thankful a cast member interceded. SO SORRY to hear you had to move Villas, hope that worked out well for the family.

The exploding water heater was a non-issue. I called the front desk, they immediatly jumped into action and had volunteers help us move to a new villa in less than an hour. No big deal. Just added a funny story to our trip!

I must say that of all the lines that we were ushered ahead, there was only one person who had a fit. Every other family was just fine with letting a Wish Family go ahead of them. Some even took pictures of us, and wished us to have a good trip.

 

[mom2pixies]

I must say that of all the lines that we were ushered ahead, there was only one person who had a fit. Every other family was just fine with letting a Wish Family go ahead of them. Some even took pictures of us, and wished us to have a good trip.

Glad to hear it!

 

[blessedmom4]

The exploding water heater was a non-issue. I called the front desk, they immediatly jumped into action and had volunteers help us move to a new villa in less than an hour. No big deal. Just added a funny story to our trip!
Looking forward to it.
I must say that of all the lines that we were ushered ahead, there was only one person who had a fit. Every other family was just fine with letting a Wish Family go ahead of them. Some even took pictures of us, and wished us to have a good trip.

That is INDEED encouraging news...of course it only takes one bad apple if you let it...I am happy you didn't let it ruin your good time

 

[Mom2mitokids]

I found the A/C very interesting. Our original villa had a standard A/C with motion sensors, and if it did not detect movement for a certain amt of time it would not kick on. (i read this in the GKTW purple book)

After our water heater blewup we were moved to a newer villa that had a geothermal A/C

Very interesting how they are going "green"

With kylee's Wish we were in the older Villa and it was motion sensored, but the newer ones aren't. Sorry to hear about the water heater blowing up.

 

[Mom2mitokids]

I know this has been discussed and had a step by step how too, but I tried to do a search and nothing came up, but how do you do the links(table of content)?

 

[angeque143]

I know this has been discussed and had a step by step how too, but I tried to do a search and nothing came up, but how do you do the links(table of content)?

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=39740655&postcount=470

 

[mom2pixies]

I thought I read somewhere here that there was a thread containing a list of suggested packing items (or things to purchase before your trip), but I can't seem to find it! Anyone know where I could find that list?

Thanks in advance!

 

[MitoDadMO]

FYI - I just updated Day 2 on our blog plenty of pics too. www.ourfamilyof4.com

 

[cmgsykes]

Finally uploaded pics to our PTR!!!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2677858

 

[angeque143]

I thought I read somewhere here that there was a thread containing a list of suggested packing items (or things to purchase before your trip), but I can't seem to find it! Anyone know where I could find that list?

Thanks in advance!

There were a few....

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1855026

Cant find the link but I copied and saved this...Hope it ok to repost.....

While many of the items listed below can be purchased at WDW, you'll be paying a premium price:
- Address book, stamps and pre-addressed labels for postcards
- Autograph book and fat pen (easier for characters to hold) or purchase these items upon arrival so you're prepared
- Camera, film and batteries, video camera. When flying, these should be in your carry-on
- Cash and credit cards - Cup with lid for kids (Straws/lids are not available at the Animal Kingdom theme park)
- Disney guidebooks and notes
- Drivers license/Photo ID - Duffle bag/suitcase for souvenirs
- Emergency numbers/contacts from home
- First aid kit/pain relievers
- Gum (not sold on Disney property)
- Hat
- Health insurance card - Insect repellent
- Kleenex -purse pack size - Laundry: quarters, pre-packaged portions of detergent, softener sheets and a large bag for storing/carrying your wash
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- "Misting" fan -battery operated fan with spray (during hotter months)
- Moleskin and other "foot fixers"
- Pennies & quarters for the penny press machines
- Plane tickets
- Playing cards/travel games - Prescriptions
- Proof of auto insurance-for car rental
- Rain ponchos/umbrella - Reservation numbers for check-in - Safety pins - Sewing Kit - Shoes - Comfortable shoes and a spare pair just in case they get wet - Stroller, whether bringing or renting, pack a bright ribbon to tie to the handle to make it easier to spot
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Sweatshirt or jacket for cooler weather travel dates
- Tote bag/backpack
- Travelers’ Checks
- Wet wipes/anti-bacterial gel
- Ziploc bags