Cydney's Wish Trip

I must start with a very big Thank you to Make a Wish Arizona for a once in a lifetime trip to Disney World. In December 2017 we met with our Wish Granters to talk with Cydney about her "one true wish". She was just barely talking again and  kept mixing up Disney World and Disneyland. In the end she expressed her wish to be able to go to Disney World and the planning stages began. We heard back from our Wish Coordinator in March of 2018 that her wish was granted and we would be going to Disney World. We were able to give our choice of dates that worked best for us and let our families know the wish was granted. We elected to have the trip once treatment was complete. We wanted her energy level to be up and for her to have something to look forward to as treatment ended. Our families were also going to be meeting us in Orlando and once we found a week that worked best we set them with the wish coordinator. In October 2018 we were told the travel dates were set. The excitement of the trip was building! 

Reveal day: January 24, 2019
The evening of the 24th our Wish Granters Dave and Hannah came over to reveal to Cydney her Wish was being granted and to give us our travel information. They presented Cydney a cake and balloons, brought her a Wish Kid T-Shirt and let us know the details for traveling, how to access the funds provided for souvenirs and eating in the parks and other helpful tips to make the trip run as smooth as possible.

Travel Days: January 26-27 2019
We began our trip driving from Tucson to Phoenix in order to take a direct flight to Orlando. A week before we were leaving I received an email invitation from the rehab unit of Phoenix Children's Hospital inviting us to a Inpatient Rehab Unit Reunion. Seeing as the date and time overlapped with our traveling up to Phoenix we were able to attend the reunion. It was a great opportunity for the therapists to see the amount of progress Cydney has made for the last 15 months since leaving PCH Rehab. When we left she was not talking, barely sitting on her own and still tiring very easily. Having her walk to them in her walker, many did not recognize who she was until we got closer and they could see Jared and I with her. She has changed by leaps and bounds compared to where she was in October 2017. 

We also took her and Lily to a fitting for an upcoming Fashion Show put on by the Children's Cancer Network. We met the coordinator at the mall to find the girls dresses. We then went to stay with our friends Brady and Jenny. They were one of many who helped us out in the beginning, by watching Nathan and Lily for a month while we got Cydney through surgery, and go a handle on what life would be like from there. 

The next morning we woke up, gathered all the luggage and car seats to be ready for when our driver arrived. Our Make a Wish Coordinator let us know a driver would be there around 915 to take us to the airport for our 12pm flight. A limo arrived to take us to the Airport! On our way to the airport I was contacted by a MAW volunteer who would be meeting us at the airport to assist us with the check in process and getting to the gate. A Southwest Agent was also available to assist us through security. We were thankful for the extra hands.

The flight itself went smooth and the kids handled it well. Once we arrived in Orlando, we found our Give Kids the World Volunteer who assisted us in getting the baggage, and rental car then we were on our way to the Village. 

We arrived at Give Kids the World Village around 8pm where we were welcomed and shown to our villa. We were given an introduction to the Village, details about the park tickets available to us, the activities held at the Village each day.  It was all overwhelming, so much to offer in a short amount of time. We were provided 3 days at Disney World, 2 Days at Universal, and 1 Day at Sea World, along with other park tickets available in the Orlando area. Each day there are activities at the Village you are welcome and encouraged to take part in. 

Once the orientation was over; we ordered Pizza from the kitchen, ate and went to bed to be ready to go to Magic Kingdom the next morning.  


Day One: Magic Kingdom

When we woke up there was a balloon and note waiting for Lily, the birthday girl, to come receive her birthday gift, waffles and a ice cream cake. Give Kids the World does a great job of making all the kids feel special and spoiled. They insist on Ice Cream for Breakfast.

We left or villa by 8am to be to the park by 830am, through security and on the Ferry to be at the entrance gate by 10am. We met with the Funk side of the family at the entrance and walked inside to distribute the T-Shirts our cousins had made for the trip. Thank you Nicole and Tyler!  The first thing Cydney wanted to do was to see Tinkerbell. After this we walked over to the Castle and got some pictures, and watched a show before deciding to go ride a few rides before it was time to meet for a group picture in front of the castle.

The White side of the family had made it into the park, we made our way back to the Castle for a group picture.  Once the group picture was done, everyone could go enjoy Magic Kingdom in Disney Fashion a parade and show started up just as we were finishing the the picture. We made our way over to the street to watch the dancers, singers and floats come along.

Thank you to Give Kids the World, Cydney was given a "Genie Pass" which is an unlimited Fast Pass. Her and 4 guests could enter into the Fast Pass lane, allowing her to skip the long lines.

Next we headed over to Story time with Belle. Cydney got to play the part of the Beast and Nathan was Chip.

More rides the kids enjoyed were Barnstormer (several times), Dumbo, The Tea Cups, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, Buzz Lightyear, People Mover, Jungle Cruise. We walked through Swiss Family Tree House.



We ended the day with Dinner at the Beasts Castle. The kids enjoyed the dessert the most. They were able to decorate their own Chip. The waitress sat Cydney's plate in front of her and said "Try the gray stuff, it's delicious" To which Cydney responded "Don't believe me, ask the dishes". After eating we were able to go in and take pictures with the Beast.

It was a great first day! Setting up the week to be one we will remember forever!

Day Two: Give Kids the World and Celebrating Birthdays
Our second day we used as a down day from the parks and to spend our time at the village doing many of the activities they have available. There is so much to do, you can't see it all in one day. There are daily activities and evening parties each night. 

As soon as we arrived at the village, everyone insisted the kids have Ice Cream for breakfast! On this day we went for Ice Cream at the iconic Ice Cream Palace, the last day for this building to house the unlimited Ice Cream treats. The building is being torn down and rebuilt for a new themed Ice Cream station. 

Ice Cream Palace

The kids went over to the Rockin' Spa for Air Brush Tattoos, and Manicures.

Rockin' Spa

Gingerbread House Restaurant

Going for a ride on the carousel.

Give Kids the World is decorated for Christmas year round. Each Thursday there is a  Christmas celebration, with a visit from Santa Clause.

Model railroad set up

Bowling lane

Towne hall

Fire Hydrants are painted as different characters

After a morning full of village activities we went back to our villa to get the kids a short nap before leaving to go celebrate Birthdays at the house my family was renting for the week. 

 Everyone came together to celebrate Aunt Cait and Lily's Birthdays.

For being a down day it was still busy and full of activity. Tomorrow would be another big park day!

Day Three: Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom
The second park day was split between Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Nathan was looking forward to this day, he woke up excited and was jumping in circles in bed. He loves Star Wars and to be able to see the characters was his biggest desire. 

We started off the day by riding Rockin Roller Coaster followed by Tower of Terror three times. After the second ride, Cydney was asked by a Cast member if she would like to go again. Cydney responded with a very emphatic yes! We were taken up a back elevator directly to the loading area and were placed on the next car. 

Meanwhile Nathan was with others in the group watching Star Wars show and seeing the characters. We caught up with them shortly after to go in a see Chewbacca, Kylo Wren, Storm Troopers and BB-8

 Next we moved over to Animal Kingdom, as we were working our way towards Mt. Everest we stopped to dance with some dancers in the street.

Cydney was then ready for her first ride on Mt. Everest! She loved it and was ready to ride it again immediately after choosing some new "victims".

Next we rode the Kilamagaro Safari.

We had a dinner reservation at Tusker House to meet Daisy, Donald, Mickey and Goofy.

After dinner we went over to catch the final Lion King show of the day. This show is a must see at Animal Kingdom and one of our favorites. 

On our way out of the park we went in to It's Tough to be a Bug. Another favorite with surprises and fun effects. 



Day Four: Give Kids the World and Universal Studios
We started the day with a few Give Kids the World Activities. First up was a character meet and greet with Pluto, Mickey, Belle and Goofy. Then moved on to get Cydney's Gold Star placed in the Castle galaxy. She was able to decorate the star then place it in a treasure box for Stella the Fairy to come take it away and place it in the galaxy. Within a day or so she would be able to see where her star was placed. 

 Each child that stays at Give Kids the World is gifted a magic pillow. They were able to go to the magic tree and follow the prompts to receive a pillow.

There was also a small play area in the tree for the kids to play in and look around for fairies. 

We made it to Universal by 10am. First ride was Spiderman, then King Kong and on to Jurrassic World to ride the Pterydactyl Fliers. 

 We walked through Harry Potter World, rode the Hogwarts Express to Universal.

 Next up was a ride in the Simpsons area.

 Walked upon a Spongebob Street show and was brought in by one of the workers for pictures and a meet and greet with the cast members.

While walking along the street we ran into Beetlejuice. He took a seat next to Nathan. Cyndey and Nathan though it was funny. Lily not so much.

 Walking through Diagon Alley

 Meeting Blue the Velociraptor.

 Came upon Poppy and Branch and stopped for a quick photo op.

There were several other rides we rode before leaving for the day. We made this a shorter day, so the kids could get rest before our last Disney Day on Friday. 

Day Five: Epcot and Magic Kingdom
Started the day with a monorail ride from Magic Kingdom to Epcot so the van would be at the Magic Kingdom at the end of our day. 

Cydney snuck in a quick nap. 

First up at Epcot was a Character meet and greet with Mickey, Minnie and Goofy.  It is always fun to see the kids excited to meet the Characters and get pictures. 

We had lunch reservations at Akershus Royal Hall to eat and meet several Princesses. This day Cinderella, Belle, Rapunzel and Ariel were there. 

After lunch we walked around the Epcot World Showcase while the kids napped and the adults enjoyed drinks. We made it over to Japan and went to the Pick a Pearl attraction. Cydney really enjoyed this, she was also able to pick out a Cinderella Carriage charm to place the pearl in for a necklace. 

Before leaving Epcot we made our way to Norway to see Elsa and Anna. We were provided a private meet and greet with both of them. Both Elsa and Anna engaged in conversation with the kids about their trip and what things they have enjoyed seeing and doing. 

Lily enjoyed her shoulder rides and a nice high view of the park. 

One of the final rides was Splash Mountain again. This time a new group of "victims". Cydney as usual enjoyed every second. 

After riding It's a Small World and Barnstomer once more it was time to see the fireworks show at the Castle. This was a nice ending to the fabulous week. 

 After the fireworks ended it was time for the hard part. Saying goodbye to everyone! We did not want the week to end, there were tears, hugs, smiles and more tears.  It was great to be able to experience this week with our families who have been incredibly supportive and available for any needs we had through Cydney's diagnosis, surgery, treatment and recovery. We can not express enough how thankful we are for them all and wish we could have had much longer to see everyone and be together.

Jared the kids and I headed over to Jungle Cruise for one last ride before going back to Give Kids the World. 

Day Six: Give Kids the World Farewell, Shopping, and Bonus Night at Give Kids the World

Before leaving Give Kids the World we stopped in the Castle for Miracles to see Cydney's star. She signed the guest book and found her star. We now have a record of where is it and anytime we wish to return to Give Kids the World we can come back for a day visit as Alumni. 

Wishing Well

Movie Theater

Amberville

Before heading to the Airport we stopped by Disney Springs for a quick shopping trip to grab some final souvenirs and have lunch since we had a evening flight out. While shopping we got a phone call from our MAW coordinator about the flight being canceled. She advised us to call the airline to arrange new flights and would be available if we needed assistance with anything. Come to find out due to a tragic incident in the airport that day flights had all been canceled or delayed and the airport was very busy and chaotic. Thankfully we had not gotten there yet and still had our rental car. Our MAW coordinator called Give Kids the World to inform them what had happened and asked if we could stay one additional night if needed. Give Kids the World was able to accommodate us one more night and the rental car could be kept as well. While Jared was on the phone with the Airline they offered to get us on a late night flight to Dallas and the connect to Phoenix. We opted to stay the extra night and fly out the next day. This gave us the ability to take our time shopping and go back to Village for some down time. 

 Back at the Village for a much needed nap!

Attended the Family Trivia Night. 

Day Seven and Eight: Traveling Home
Heading home after a fun filled week where we did not think about doctors appointments, therapy appointments, school or anything other than fun and making memories is sad. The week went by way to fast, we were not ready to leave. 

Called the Breakfast Cart to the Villa to grab a quick bite to eat.

 Stopped in the dining hall one last time for Ice Cream for "Breakfast" one final time. 

 Spent time on the playground to burn off the kids energy before going to the Airport. 

Cydney showing off her strength and determination. Climbing the rock wall alone. 

 Took advantage of the USO in the airport while we waited to go through security.

Made it back to Phoenix without any further delays, it was a late night getting back. We once again stayed with Brady and Jenny Sullivan to sleep and get up to drive back to Tucson the next morning.  Back to school, back to therapies and doctors appointment that fill the schedule the next few weeks. 

I can't say enough how thankful we are to be provided the opportunity to receive this once in a lifetime trip as a family. It will be something we remember forever and had a week full of fun! Something that made all those hard days, weeks and months seem so distant. Seeing Cydney be able to fully enjoy the trip and doing so well with rides and being at the parks for those long days show us she is coming back! The hair is growing back quickly, her appetite is ever increasing and choices of foods expanding.  There is a lot more improvement  to look forward to and to work towards, she is well on her way!