Cousin with Spina Bifida & WDW ?

[CaperTiff]

We are heading to WDW in 12 days, Travelling with us is my 17yr cousin who is wheelchair bound due to Spina Bifida.

Im not all that familiar with this part of disney, Should we look into the GAC ?
Any parks you would avoid with a wheelchair ?
Any tips at all to make this an awesome trip for him ??

Thanks in Advance !
~Tiff

 

[kaytieeldr]

Have you read the FAQ here http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=595713 ? It's got a lot of EXCELLENT information and advice.

Most likely your cousin does not need a GAC - use of a wheelchair generally acts in that capacity for the Cast Members, unless your cousin has other, non-apparent issues.

No need to avoid any parks with a wheelchair.

Awesome trip suggestions: ask specific questions here; use the links in the FAQ to get to Disney's own park accessibility guides; pick up the Passporter special needs version (guidebook).

 

[mom_2a_sept_princess]

My 5 year old is in a power wheelchair. No need to avoid the parks...we go to all of them. We even brought her mini-golfing.

We also get a GAC card when we get to the park for the first time.

Have fun.

Amy

 

[SueM in MN]

Many people with wheelchairs don't need a GAC. if all he needs is an accessible entrance, he will have that just by the CMs seeing his wheelchair. The GAC is more for invisible or additional needs.
There is a whole section about GACs in post #6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of this board.

If he can transfer, there would be nothing they he can't get onto.

 

[allie_to_you]

My DH is in a wheelchair due to Spina Bifida and this December will be our 4th trip to the World together. We visit every single park plus downtown Disney and we have an awesome time. For the most park, he rolls himself around, but every now and then a hill is a bit much or all that pushing gets tiring and I'll help push him around.

Most rides/attractions he can do while in his chair. There are a few he isn't able to do because he can't transfer easily or quickly enough, but there are few he can transfer too. If your cousin is really good at transferring, he shouldn't have a problem with too many of the attractions.

You really don't need a GAC if he is in a wheelchair because like others have mentioned, the wheelchair basically acts like a GAC. The CM's at each attraction may ask your cousin if he can transfer but if not, then they show where you need to go/sit.

If you have any other questions, I'd be glad to answer them.

 

[CaperTiff]

Awesome thanks so much ! I will definatly check out the FAQ section.

 

[rastika]

Tiff,
I hope you have a wonderful time with your cousin at Disney! My youngest sister (11) is also wheelchair bound because of spina bifida. She used her everyday manual wheelchair to go to every park but Animal Kingdom. (She wasn't interested) We had a wonderful time and this was the first place she said she didn't feel like an outsider. Disney cast members were incredible to our family. I think you and your cousin will have a blast and, provided he can transfer on his own or with help from your other family, he can ride practically everything. My sister wasn't able to ride a few things, such as the roller coasters, because she has a shunt in her brain and cannot be jostled around. I am sure your cousin will know his own limitation and will know what rides will be safe for him to ride. If you do have any questions though you can always ask a cast member at Guest Relations or at the particular ride you have a question about. Above all, have an incredible time!!