Because Apparently, We Weren't Busy Enough

Quick update on the Disney trip we casually squeezed in between all the back-and-forth travel to Boston. Because when life is already intense, why not toss in another major adventure? In all seriousness though, it was magical.

This was something we had planned with Hunter’s Make-a-Wish team for close to a year. We chose the first week of December so it would line up with his birthday and Christmas! The Make-a-Wish program is truly something special. They think of everything and somehow manage to remove stress from a situation that usually comes with plenty of it. 

We stayed at Give Kids the World (GKTW) Village, about twenty minutes from the parks. And honestly, you could stay there the entire trip and never leave. Everything is complimentary, and every single person there is a volunteer who has traveled from all over the world just to be part of this place. It’s humbling and overwhelming in the best way.

The village has an ice cream shop that’s basically open 24/7, which feels like a dangerous amount of freedom. There’s a full cafeteria serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. There’s a spa for kids and one for adults, and of course, my mom and I fully embraced that option. No regrets. 

There’s a massive outdoor pool with a giant movie screen always playing the best movies, plus a full movie theatre on site stocked with concessions. The fishing pond was a big hit, especially for Mason. They have accessible rides, a train, and an entire building packed with arcade games, a Lego room, bumper boats, and a putt-putt course, and I’m leaving out so much more. 

Make-a-Wish also provided passes to all Disney parks, including fast passes, which Mason and I absolutely took full advantage of. We rode Avatar, Everest, and Zach and I braved Tron, which was incredible. We made lasting memories, and we were also very grateful to have my parents there with us as well.

My mom even shipped wrapped birthday presents ahead of time so Hunter could open them on his actual birthday. We decorated the villa, added balloons and had cupcakes which completed his day.

One of the things that stood out the most was how intentionally GKTW supports siblings, too. That’s something we don’t see nearly enough back home. Mason and Hunter were able to do so much together, and there was just as much available for Mason on his own. I could probably write an entire separate post about siblings of medically complex kids, because they are warriors in their own right. Mason is exceptional, and it meant everything to see him fully included, celebrated, and able to soak up time with his little brother, while also getting in some one-on-one time with us. 

All in all, it was the perfect pause in the middle of the chaos of starting a new trial. We made memories we’ll carry with us forever, and for that, we are endlessly grateful.

Check out our video capturing the magic of Disney and a few peeks at Hunter’s birthday party back home.