gingerblue
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Jan 28, 2009
I have Spina Bifida and while I am mobile (I can walk short distances, stand up for short periods of time) I own my own scooter and bring it with me to the parks. I also have some issues with my bladder.
My advice is this- no matter what you read, what you hear, what anyone else tells you- as soon as you go to your first park on your first day at Disney - GET YOURSELF (or your family member) a GAC (Guest Assistance Card) at the Guest Services. I have gone to Disney numerous times without it and the last several times I have gotten a GAC and it has made a TREMENDOUS difference. It only takes a few minutes to get one, and it can make a huge difference on your trip. There IS a reason why Disney provides them, so please make use of that service that Disney offers.
The cast members DO look at it EVERY time we pull the GAC out, and even if I pull up in the scooter, once they see my GAC and look at it, they almost always try and accommodate me as much as possible. It really does make a huge difference. Even if you think you won't need additional assistance get a GAC just in case. Being young and mobile I like to do everything myself, and consider myself able to do everything at Disney, but there are times when I am offered a service at an attraction that does help a lot, like an extra second to get into a vehicle or a way to pass "standing for several minutes" preshows, etc.
Once a lady pulled up in a scooter behind me and the cast member redirected her to another line and then told her she HAD to get a GAC for ANY services at all, including being directed to alternate entrances.
I know there is a lot of different opinions about this, but if you are truly disabled or have a health issue (even one that is not visible), or have a child with a medical problem, just go and get a GAC. It takes only a few moments and makes a world of a difference at Disney. A scooter or wheelchair is no longer enough to get extra assistance at Disney attractions simply because ECVs/wheelchairs have almost become a vehicle of convenience for quite a few Disney guests instead of being a necessity.
By the way- when you are done with your Disney trip, don't toss or scrapbook your GAC. The next time you go you can "trade it in" for an exact replacement so you don't have to explain your medical condition over and over. That was a tip I was told the first time I was given my card.
Get a GAC- Disney provides them for a reason and no matter what anyone tells you, they DO make a difference.
(Just wanted to share my opinion.)
My advice is this- no matter what you read, what you hear, what anyone else tells you- as soon as you go to your first park on your first day at Disney - GET YOURSELF (or your family member) a GAC (Guest Assistance Card) at the Guest Services. I have gone to Disney numerous times without it and the last several times I have gotten a GAC and it has made a TREMENDOUS difference. It only takes a few minutes to get one, and it can make a huge difference on your trip. There IS a reason why Disney provides them, so please make use of that service that Disney offers.
The cast members DO look at it EVERY time we pull the GAC out, and even if I pull up in the scooter, once they see my GAC and look at it, they almost always try and accommodate me as much as possible. It really does make a huge difference. Even if you think you won't need additional assistance get a GAC just in case. Being young and mobile I like to do everything myself, and consider myself able to do everything at Disney, but there are times when I am offered a service at an attraction that does help a lot, like an extra second to get into a vehicle or a way to pass "standing for several minutes" preshows, etc.
Once a lady pulled up in a scooter behind me and the cast member redirected her to another line and then told her she HAD to get a GAC for ANY services at all, including being directed to alternate entrances.
I know there is a lot of different opinions about this, but if you are truly disabled or have a health issue (even one that is not visible), or have a child with a medical problem, just go and get a GAC. It takes only a few moments and makes a world of a difference at Disney. A scooter or wheelchair is no longer enough to get extra assistance at Disney attractions simply because ECVs/wheelchairs have almost become a vehicle of convenience for quite a few Disney guests instead of being a necessity.
By the way- when you are done with your Disney trip, don't toss or scrapbook your GAC. The next time you go you can "trade it in" for an exact replacement so you don't have to explain your medical condition over and over. That was a tip I was told the first time I was given my card.
Get a GAC- Disney provides them for a reason and no matter what anyone tells you, they DO make a difference.
(Just wanted to share my opinion.)