confused about GAC for mobility needs

[KPeveler]

Ok, I am confused about needing a GAC for mobility reasons... I will be using a wheelchair while at WDW in november (not thanksgiving week!), but some sites I have read suggested getting a GAC as well. I am confused as to possible situations where I would need to have a GAC in addition to my chair. I am not asking for specific info on the GAC, but what types of situations would I encounter that having a GAc would be helpful/necessary...

a little background - i do not need a wheelchair in daily life, but I can only walk about 5 minutes without pain. there may be times I cannot walk at all due to injury. i can transfer, and will not need rides like HM stopped. why would i need a GAC?

 

[Michigan]

If you are going to use the wheelchair in lines you don't need one. If not you will have to explain your situation to the CM at guest services and they will determine if you need one.

 

[KPeveler]

i couldnt figure out why i would need one, but i thought i had better ask before i find myself in a situation where i would need one...

i will be using my chair in lines, except in fantasy land, where I will most likely walk through the lines (provided it is a short line - i am going at a non-crowded time). i dont want to take up the wheelchair boat on small world when i can transfer, for example... but i will have my chair will me basically all the time.

 

[Belle1962]

It sounds like you are more concerned about getting around the park and parking lot to park, not the lines. That being said, most lines are mainstreamed so you can take the chair through the line if you need to. For the ones that aren't or are only partially accessible, as long as you are in the wheelchair the CM's will not need to see a GAC (they will see the chair). I try to get out of the chair for as many lines as possible because it can be a longer wait if you are pulled aside--even if you're not waiting for a special vehicle.

 

[KPeveler]

for me standing is just about as bad as walking, so i will stay in my chair as much as possible, although occassionally i may push my own chair just to stretch my legs... i could not think of a situation when i would need a GAC, but i figured i should check before i get there

 

[Mickiethepooh]

Some people with mobility issues have other issues as well I for one have to be out of the sun, I look like an arab sheik or something all swathed head to toe and under a canopy on my scooter, So I get one for the few situations where I need to wait out of the sun.
But in normal circumstances if you have only mobility issues the chair itself is enough.

 

[DannysMom]

i will be using my chair in lines, except in fantasy land, where I will most likely walk through the lines (provided it is a short line - i am going at a non-crowded time). i dont want to take up the wheelchair boat on small world when i can transfer, for example... but i will have my chair will me basically all the time.

I can't imagine a scenario that a GAC might help any more than using the WC already will. Not unless there are any other conditions or issues that you might need accomodation for.

But for Small World (since you mentioned it) you probably do want to take your chair in line, it's a looooong ramp & the WC access is the exit, if you just tell the CM that you are able to transfer, they'll just hold the WC aside for you while you ride.

 

[madenon]

I did it without a GAC and can't say I missed anything anywhere. For Small World I'ld advice you to stay in the chair. Those boats (and any other ride with the same boats you can get the chair on like the silly boat thing) are not the things you want to climb into and out if not needed with EDS. Not only the risk of having to go way down there and getting way up again, but also the fact that the seats are downright hard hard hard. It's very easy to bump a joint into something in a very painfull way or get some nasty eds bruising simply by sitting in them.

With the chair it's very easy getting on. They'll get the ramp out of the boat, you drive on and either make the turn yourself (small world) or they'll make it for you (silly boat thing etc.). It does take a bit more time (about 10 more minutes for the boat thing and about 5 for small world in my case) but if you ask me it's worth the reduced pain and risk.

 

[KPeveler]

I will probably transfer, but that is because of keeping family happy... i am compromising to a certain extent, since they are having a hard time understanding/accepting my declining mobility...

the cushion on my chair is removable, and i am planning on taking it off the chair and using it for rides like that, with hard seats. also my dad will be there... he can still carry me using only one arm, so i know he can help me get down in the boat.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

I've been a paraplegic since 1984. Never used a GAC, never needed to. Actually never heard of it until I joined the DIS.

 

[shermomof5]

So, I'm a little confused. We are going next week, my 12 year old son is in a power chair and unable to transfer. He does however like to ride on every single ride, and he is difficult to transfer as he is as tall as me. Our concerns are transferring him and getting the accessbile cars on the rides. Do we need a GAC or just follow the instructions in the Guide for Disabalities? He can tolerate lines and the sun. I just don't want to be hanging around getting a GAC if we don't need one. Any help would be greatly appreciated! We did not require one in DL but this is the first time at WDW. Thanks

 

[SueM in MN]

So, I'm a little confused. We are going next week, my 12 year old son is in a power chair and unable to transfer. He does however like to ride on every single ride, and he is difficult to transfer as he is as tall as me. Our concerns are transferring him and getting the accessbile cars on the rides. Do we need a GAC or just follow the instructions in the Guide for Disabalities? He can tolerate lines and the sun. I just don't want to be hanging around getting a GAC if we don't need one. Any help would be greatly appreciated! We did not require one in DL but this is the first time at WDW. Thanks

From what you have written, you would not need a GAC for your son. The CMs will be able to see that he needs an accessible entrance just from seeing the wheelchair.
As the other posters mentioned, the GAC is more for needs that would not be met by using a wheelchair.

My youngest DD uses a wheelchair. She also gets a GAC because she has many other needs that are not met just by having her wheelchair. For most attractions, we don't need to use her GAC at all.
Whether or not a GAC is used, if you need something specific (like a moving walkway stopped), you need to tell the CM at the boarding area. Each attraction is a little different and the CM will not know exactly how it would work best for you to board.

 

[shermomof5]

Thanks so much for the info. As long as we can load his chair onto some of those rides, I'm a happy girl!!!!

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks so much for the info. As long as we can load his chair onto some of those rides, I'm a happy girl!!!!

Are there any rides that you have specific questions about?
Between our family and the other people on this board, we can probably help you out with answers.

 

[shermomof5]

Are there any rides that you have specific questions about?
Between our family and the other people on this board, we can probably help you out with answers.

__________________
Well I've been lurking on these boards for a few months and have found the information on this board increadible. I have the list of rides with special vehicles. The only ones that I am not sure of is Pirates of the Carribean.
I am still not sure if the water parks are going to be 'do-able" but we will give them a try one day. We are there for 17days! Thanks again for the help