2 GAC ? for you all

[Momto3nuts]

Hi Ladies and Gents,

You were all an awesome source for me on our last trip to WDW.

(actualyl one of the responders was a travel agent and I lost her email address and would love to throw our reservation business her way)


Anyhow..

DD is 4 years old (may be 5, depending when in the month of February we goto WDW.

She is diagnosed with mild Cerebral Palsy. She walks/talks well (maybe talks a bit too well!), has a high function rate, most don't even notice she has an issue. She does wear bilateral braces, called sureteps, they are very low and not terribly noticable.

Anyhow, we got the GAC last year and it was a God sent. We didn't have to dose her with lots of Motrin or sit many things out because it allowed us to use the stroller as a wheel chair, alternate lines with less/no steps, etc.

This trip we may be traveling with another family. Do you know how many people are included with a GAC?

Also, I just had knee surgery and may be lucky enough to be having the other knee done in late Dec. I am guessing I will be still using a knee brace at the time (oh that is going to be comfy, the big ole thing is such a nice fashion statement).

I sure be fine with walking, steps though, may be an issue. I would like to ride some rollar coasters with my son, since he will be tall enough this trip for some fun ones (whohohoh)

Any ideas?

Thanks
Christi

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Normally a GAC is for the disabled person plus up to five additional people. Depending on the time of year and composition and size of the party exceptions can be made.

You might want to give serious thought to renting an ECV for yourself. The normal (and official) Guest Relations response to adult mobility or stamina problems is the suggestion to rent a wheelchair or ECV.

You can, however, get a GAC for "no steps" which will allow you to use an alternate entrance if there is one. But I really would suggest using an ECV and then you would not beed a GAC for yourself. You would still need the "stroller as wheelchair" CAG or tag for your daughter.

 

[ireland_nicole]

Hi Ladies and Gents,

You were all an awesome source for me on our last trip to WDW.

(actualyl one of the responders was a travel agent and I lost her email address and would love to throw our reservation business her way)


Anyhow..

DD is 4 years old (may be 5, depending when in the month of February we goto WDW.

She is diagnosed with mild Cerebral Palsy. She walks/talks well (maybe talks a bit too well!), has a high function rate, most don't even notice she has an issue. She does wear bilateral braces, called sureteps, they are very low and not terribly noticable.

Anyhow, we got the GAC last year and it was a God sent. We didn't have to dose her with lots of Motrin or sit many things out because it allowed us to use the stroller as a wheel chair, alternate lines with less/no steps, etc.

This trip we may be traveling with another family. Do you know how many people are included with a GAC?

Also, I just had knee surgery and may be lucky enough to be having the other knee done in late Dec. I am guessing I will be still using a knee brace at the time (oh that is going to be comfy, the big ole thing is such a nice fashion statement).

I sure be fine with walking, steps though, may be an issue. I would like to ride some rollar coasters with my son, since he will be tall enough this trip for some fun ones (whohohoh)

Any ideas?

Thanks
Christi

You can have up to 5 people plus the individual the GAC is issued for. As far as your knee goes, the best recommendation would be an ECV, and this is what Disney will tell you. If that is not possible for you; a GAC could be issued for no stairs only. Hope you have a fantastic trip! FWIW, I have found a good touring plan to be invaluable, and that would allow all of you to be in the same queue.

 

[SueM in MN]

I agree with the other posters. For yourself, you would probably be better off with an ECV - since you have been to WDW before, you know that the parks are big. If you did not have a mobility problem yourself last time, you may not have noticed just how far you walk in a day. 5 to 9 miles is not unusual. Even if you did get a GAC for yourself, it would not shorted the distance you are walking. It would allow you to avoid steps, but if your DD is using a stroller as a wheelchair, you are already using the access that is without stairs.

If you have not looked in the disABILITIES FAQs thread, post #6 of that thread is about GACs.

 

[Momto3nuts]

Thanks, I was thinking that with her GAC, I would be avoiding most steps anyway.

I haven't done the rollarcoasters before, as DD is not a fan, LOL

DS is all about them, and is now tall enough.

I am hoping i can put off the other knee operation tillwe get back, but not sure how that will work out.

I can't see getting an ECV, but will have to revisit that clsoer to and see what my options are.

I apprecaite all the help!

 

[christymarie]

If the OP didn't have a special needs child I could see her getting an ECV but she's not going to be able to push around her child in her stroller from an ECV. I'm not sure how old DS is but an ECV, while making it much easier for you to get around, may make getting around with children much, much, harder.

I would just use the stroller for some support and take lots of breaks.

 

[SueM in MN]

If the OP didn't have a special needs child I could see her getting an ECV but she's not going to be able to push around her child in her stroller from an ECV. I'm not sure how old DS is but an ECV, while making it much easier for you to get around, may make getting around with children much, much, harder.

I would just use the stroller for some support and take lots of breaks.

That is another possible option.
Since she does have other people with her, she may be able to choose between the options. If it was just her and the child in the stroller, an ECV would not work (child can't ride on the ECV and mom can't push stroller if she is using an ECV).

 

[Sandy321]

I would think about the surgery after wdw if you want to take your ds on roller coasters - the Big Thunder Roller coaster does jerk you around a bit - and if your knee is tender due to surgery, it will be in pain - Space Mountain, not sure because they are rehabbing it - it has gone thru a couple of different seating arrangements - I tend to use my leg, knees to support me from moving around too much -

good luck!