Disneyland and Parkinson's

[ct7878]

My dad and I will be visiting DL for two days prior to Disney cruise in April. Dad was diagnosed with Parkinsons about a year ago. His tremours are in both hands and tend to get worse as the day goes on. He still able do things but has no stamina at all. It has forced him to leave his job on disability. He Can do everything, but he is very very slow. I have asked him about getting a wheelchair, but he is stubborn and will not do it. We are staying at GC to be close so he can take breaks and rest as needed. I was wondering if he would be able to get a GAC? He has no problem waiting in line, but if he could sit while waiting and avoid stairs, it would make a world of difference. I did some reading and it seems that they are very strict with these cards and will try to get him to get a wheelchair (he will never do it). I was wondering if there is anything I should bring from his neurologist prior our trip And how I should approach this with guest relations.

 

[livndisney]

My dad and I will be visiting DL for two days prior to Disney cruise in April. Dad was diagnosed with Parkinsons about a year ago. His tremours are in both hands and tend to get worse as the day goes on. He still able do things but has no stamina at all. It has forced him to leave his job on disability. He Can do everything, but he is very very slow. I have asked him about getting a wheelchair, but he is stubborn and will not do it. We are staying at GC to be close so he can take breaks and rest as needed. I was wondering if he would be able to get a GAC? He has no problem waiting in line, but if he could sit while waiting and avoid stairs, it would make a world of difference. I did some reading and it seems that they are very strict with these cards and will try to get him to get a wheelchair (he will never do it). I was wondering if there is anything I should bring from his neurologist prior our trip And how I should approach this with guest relations.

A GAC will not give him a place to sit. There are no seats in lines. If he needs a place to sit-he will need a wheelchair, ECV or a rollator. A note is not required and most likely will not be read. Additionally Disney's answer to stamina and mobility issues is to rent an ECV/wheelchair. A GAC will not do anything to shorten the distance walked in line or anywhere else in the park.

I have traveled with a stubborn father, so I feel your pain. It took us two hours to make if from the bus to Spaceship Earth (stopping at every bench). He finally gave in and used an ecv. And totally enjoyed his trip!

 

[Mama Who]

If he needs to sit while waiting he will have to have a wheelchair or make good use of fastpass. Even the alternate entrances seldom have seating of any kind since they have to be clear for wheelchairs and are often the exits.

A GAC can definitely help him avoid stairs. I believe there is a specific stamp for that (?) and I know when it was not evident whether stairs were an issue for me based on my GAC and invisible disability, one CM clarified with me whether I could do stairs (I can) so they are used to people who can walk but not manage stairs.

A note from a doctor is neither required nor especially helpful. He will need to go to guest services and explain what his needs are- not his diagnosis- and they will help him work with that. Sometimes saying the nature of the disease can be useful in the conversation, but it's not required and they can't ask.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The normal and official response for Guest Relations when mobility and/or stamina is involved is the suggestion that either a wheelchair or ECV be rented. In your father's situation, having Parkinson's would rule out an ECV.

Please ask him the following questions. Here are the suggested answers to go with them.

1. Are you disabled (even temporarily)? Yes.

2. Do the people you are traveling with, such as your family, know you are disabled? Yes.

3. Do you expect to meet anyone you know during this trip who may not know you are disabled. Probably No!

4. Do you expect to meet a bunch of people who you will probably never meet again in your life? Probably yes!

5. Is there any reason at all that you should care what these people think about you? Absolutely No!!

6. Will using a wheelchair make for a better vacation for you and your family? Absolutely YES!