Advice on Accommodations to Request

[racinjunkie]

I'm just not sure what specifically to ask for on a GAC for my dd, I'm going to try to be brief about her issues but it's hard.

First she is in kidney failure and has high blood pressure. Her stamina is drastically limited by the kidney failure. She is also on medication that requires us to limit her time in the sun. I apologize for TMI coming up: she also has bowel and urinary incontinence problems. Finally she is prone to migraines.

If she doesn't get enough sleep or gets over exerted she gets very ill, she will have extreme bowel and urinary incontinence problems and will run a fever usually accompanied by a urinary infection which can be quite dangerous for a person in kidney failure. Often her kidney function will then decline, and we are trying to stave off kidney transplant as long as possible. Contrary to popular belief transplants aren't a miracle cure, there's nothing like that natural organ.

Almost unfortunately, if you met her you wouldn't see ANY of this, it's completely invisible, she looks like a normal 9 year old. We plan to have her in a wheel chair, and will keep our days short. We've cut out an entire major park and our skipping all the "minor" parks/attractions, this trip so that we can keep things slower because we had a bit of a disaster last trip. We didn't put her into a wheel chair until things went south.

We will use fast pass as much as possible, and there are some rides dd doesn't want to go on so the person waiting with her will keep her rested during that time. However, every ride doesn't have a fast pass. Is it ok to ask for an alternate queue, perhaps the handicapped entrance, for rides that don't have a FP? And considering you can only get a FP only so often what about the things you ride in between? I'll definitely ask for a shaded area to wait, and I don't want to seem like I'm asking to not wait at all, it's just that I'm imagining... fantasyland for example, if we obtain FP's for Winnie the Pooh, and then want to do something else while we wait for the FP time, can we ask to have the time on that other ride/attraction reduced if it's long?

I don't want to be rude, really I don't, but no one but us knows what can happen to dd because it doesn't happen then and there, it's later after things have accumulated. It would be great if we could even see it coming but we can't, the disastrous morning of our last trip was completely out of the blue. She had been fine the night before and was a mess the next day. Also, our days are already shortened by dd's medical procedures that take place every day, one takes an hour and is once a day, another is 4 times a day and takes about 15 minutes each time.

Obviously the best case scenario would be to go during a less crowded time but we don't favor pulling the kids out of school so we're left with summer.

Thanks in advance for anyone with any suggestions.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILTIES!

You might want to click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. The top item is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information.

Since she will be in a wheelchair she will not need a GAC for anything but the staying out of the sun as muich as possible. If the shaoir is not an obvious wheelchair but looks like a stroller you can get a card to allow use of the stroller as if it wrere a wheelchair.

At AK and MGM all lines are "mainstreamed". At Epcot almost all are, but MK is where you will find the most alternate entrances. A mainstreamed line means the line is designed so that a person in a wheelchair or ECV can get all the way to the boarding area in the main line.

The purpose of the GAC is not to allow "expedited" access to attractions, just to allow CMs to be aware there are specific special needs which require assistance; wait in an area not in direct sun can be one of them.

Also, for the procedure that has to be done four times a day, you might want to bring necessary supplies with you and store them at the Park First Aid. Each park has one that is staffed by at least two RNs. They will store items and also provide you with a private area and/or other assistance as needed.

 

[racinjunkie]

Believe me we're experienced at carting around her supplies. And I have read the sticky thread.

So do you think we shouldn't get a GAC at all, since the wheelchair will be obvious, and just let our family not experience all the parks have to offer because of dds issues?

I'm having a hard time coming down to the line toward our vacation. I've been researching and researching because dd also has a ton of food restrictions and we found out Friday (8 days before we arrive) that we have to change resorts and the only one they have to offer us doesn't have a counter service restaurant that's open after 6pm or that's inside (just a pool bar.) My daughter is in two different kinds of counseling and is on meds for depression. She feels horrible if other people can't do things because of her, I'm trying to sort out how our whole family can have a great vacation while making dd's accommodations seamless.

 

[kaytieeldr]

So do you think we shouldn't get a GAC at all, since the wheelchair will be obvious, and just let our family not experience all the parks have to offer because of dds issues?

I'm not sure I understand this question. A GAC is for use by the person to/for whom it's issued - in this case, your daughter. If there are attractions she won't be riding, the GAC couldn't be used at all - members of your party who are not your daughter can't use the GAC.
Since your daughter is in a wheelchair (or, if Cheshire's right and it's a stroller be sure to get a 'stroller as wheelchair' card from Guest Services to attach in a very visible location), your party of six or fewer will usually be directed to the wheelchair entrance anyway.

At any rate, if your daughter is in a regular wheelchair, the GAC would probably only be issued for an area to wait out of the sun. Remember, the GAC is issued based on the Guest's need, not on any diagnosis.

 

[racinjunkie]

She will be in a push wheelchair not a stroller, we're renting from walker mobility. I wouldn't dream of using her GAC for anyone other than her and I'm not sure where you got that idea. However, we are a family of 4, if dd's days have to be shortened even more than we're planning and she has to leave the parks because it's not possible to help reduce dd's waits in between fast passes or after fast passes are no longer available, then we will all leave meaning that not only dd but the rest of the family will miss out on things.

Going back to one of my original questions:

We will use fast pass as much as possible, and there are some rides dd doesn't want to go on so the person waiting with her will keep her rested during that time. However, every ride doesn't have a fast pass. Is it ok to ask for an alternate queue, perhaps the handicapped entrance, for rides that don't have a FP? And considering you can only get a FP only so often what about the things you ride in between? I'll definitely ask for a shaded area to wait, and I don't want to seem like I'm asking to not wait at all, it's just that I'm imagining... fantasyland for example, if we obtain FP's for Winnie the Pooh, and then want to do something else while we wait for the FP time, can we ask to have the time on that other ride/attraction reduced if it's long?

 

[kaytieeldr]

She will be in a push wheelchair not a stroller, we're renting from walker mobility. I wouldn't dream of using her GAC for anyone other than her and I'm not sure where you got that idea.

I didn't - just that your question was confusing me (and we all know that's what matters most ) and I wanted to make sure I understood what you were asking.

Show the GAC to the Greeter at EACH attraction. They'll instruct you on what to do. In a lot of cases, especially at MK, and especially on non-FastPass rides, you'll pretty much have to use the wheelchair entrance, e.g. you won't need to ask.

Let's see... if she does need to leave the park (vs., say, resting at First Aid), could the adults take turns leaving with her, so the other child can stay and enjoy more attractions?


Since you're staying onsite, IF you can get up and going early enough, take advantages of morning EMH. Not all attractions may be open that early, but what is open will have shorter lines.

Also, would/could you consider contacting Guest Services through reservations about changing hotels? Yes, I know - again. But unless you chose Yacht Club for the pool area, you might want to try getting into one of the monorail resorts instead. Easy access to Magic Kingdom (where it seems you'll be spending a lot of time) plus snack bars that are open really, really late - I think the one at the Grand Floridian is open 24 hours.

 

[taximomfor4]

She will be in a push wheelchair not a stroller, we're renting from walker mobility. I wouldn't dream of using her GAC for anyone other than her and I'm not sure where you got that idea. However, we are a family of 4, if dd's days have to be shortened even more than we're planning and she has to leave the parks because it's not possible to help reduce dd's waits in between fast passes or after fast passes are no longer available, then we will all leave meaning that not only dd but the rest of the family will miss out on things.

Going back to one of my original questions:

I will try to answer, if I can at all. In a wheelchair, you will automatically be directed to wheelchair accessible lines when there is one...some of the rides are mainstream access, so the wheelchair goes in the regular line. I would say, while waiting for your FP window to open up, if the ride you want to ride in the meantime has a long wait and you really want THAT ride, go ahead and wait for it. Then return with your fastpass. The window tends to be an hour or so...chances are, you would be done and back within that window. If you are a tad late, nobody will care.

About your limited park time, trust me...many of us on here understand PERFECTLY. Because of my own 9yo dd, we only get 2-4 hours of park time in a day. And part of that is resting in quiet, out-of-the-way spots. We still go to WDW, because that few hours a day is worth it to us.

Have a wonderful trip, even though you had a resort change. If you will have a fridge, perhaps have some food delivered so you don't ahve to depend on the food court. There is usually a microwave to use, too. You could call your resort and check where it would be.

Beth

 

[taximomfor4]

I'm imagining... fantasyland for example, if we obtain FP's for Winnie the Pooh, and then want to do something else while we wait for the FP time, can we ask to have the time on that other ride/attraction reduced if it's long?
.

The GAC says right on it that it is NOT for providing expedited access...so that would be a no-go. My biggest ace-in-my-sleeve has been TourGuide Mike. Get a feel for how the crowds move, and move differently. If you have a couple of days to read, it might still be worth it for you to join up.

Otherwise, if that other ride/attraction's wait is way too long, perhaps choose a different one, and return to that one at another time. ALL rides have busier/slower times per day...just got to hit them at the right time.

Beth

 

[madenon]

Racinjunkie, I think you just missunderstood Chesire. He doesn't say (nor wants to, as far as I know him) you shouldn't get a GAC, he's saying that you Dd will only need a GAC for the shaded waiting area (if available), not for the wheelchair-part.

As for having to leave early; nothing can prevent that unofrtunately. One might argue that giving out a GAC with is a "front of the line" option will increase the number of rides one can go on in that limited of time. While that's true, WDW doesn't do "front of the line" except for MAW-families (and even than just one time for that one trip). So yes, if the family feels the need to leave the park as a group instead of one adult leaving with Dd and the rest staying in the park, the whole family will spend a reduced time at the park because of Dd's stamina problems.

As far as the resorts go; I can't help you, sorry. And getting kicked out of the resort you picked because of a refurb always is a disappointment. But I'm sure there are others on here with great info and tips.

 

[racinjunkie]

Thanks everyone!! I appreciate you sharing your thoughts and experiences.

 

[dawnball]

I suggest that you go to guest relations and explain the situation. I don't know exactly what accommodations you would get on your GAC, because no one can predict that. My suspicion is that they would provide a GAC that would be helpful though.

With your DD in a wheelchair you should have access to all of the wheelchair entrances. For fantasyland in particular I recall as non-mainstreamed lines are:
teacups
dumbo
carrousel
it's a small world

The wheelchair/ecv entrances aren't always faster and are sometimes slower (as I'm sure you've read), but they should be available to you.

I'm not sure about winnie the pooh, peter pan or snow white. Those are all FP rides though.

 

[dclfun]

There isn't a GAC available to expedite your entrance into the attractions. Your daughter though will be able to rest while in the w/c, use any alternate entrances available for w/c guests, and *can* get a GAC to wait out of the sun, but often you'd still be in the "heat". My son is also in renal failure/on dialysis and I'm on life support equipment myself - there is no GAC that allows us to experience the same amount of attractions as guests without our medical needs but we still enjoy ourselves by doing what we can, going into a/c attractions when we get too hot or tired, resting in First Aid, or returning to the resort to rest and just enjoying the resort. It's a different kind of vacation that those who have a "park commando" vacation where they go from one attraction to the next and are in the parks from opening til closing...but it's still a wonderful time just being in the magic of Disney. I hope it's the same for your family.---Kathy

 

[racinjunkie]

Thanks Kathy, that's my hope too!

 

[SueM in MN]

TMy biggest ace-in-my-sleeve has been TourGuide Mike. Get a feel for how the crowds move, and move differently. If you have a couple of days to read, it might still be worth it for you to join up.

Otherwise, if that other ride/attraction's wait is way too long, perhaps choose a different one, and return to that one at another time. ALL rides have busier/slower times per day...just got to hit them at the right time.

Beth

We have not used TourGuideMike, only because we have been to the parks so many times that we know what to expect.
All the rides have busier and slower times. For example, if you go to Fantasyland early in the morning, it is entirely possible to go on everything (some things more than once) without waiting more than 15 minutes for anything.

There are also many rides with long waits at some times during the day, but if you come later, you won't have a wait at all. One of the parks that is busy early in the day is AK. If you are there late in the afternoon, you can often go on things that were an hour wait early in the day (like the Safari or Kali River Rapids) with no wait.