Do I Need A GAC if I'm using an ECV?

[RN4Babies]

I guess the subject line explains it. I'm also traveling with my dd8 who has Asperger's; would I need a GAC for her issues, such as not being able to tolerate long waits?

TIA!

 

[mechurchlady]

GAC addresses hidden limitations of guests. My friend and I get GACs because he goes on rides without me and has hearing problems. We use ECVs but sometimes it is easier to walk onto a DLR ride.

I suggest a GAC for your daughter that will address her needs. Your ECV will let you park in a wheelchair spot and avoid stairs and other impediments to ECVs but does not address issues such as blindness, deafness, sun sensitivity, and the need to wait in a separate area for example.

The GAC is a discrete way to let a CM know that there is a special need and the guest does not have to repeatedly tell them what is wrong. The deafness stamp tells CMs that my friend needs deaf services and the no stairs stamp lets me avoid the upstairs line at Jungle Cruise. No questions and no replies but just show the card and they know.

Conclusion do get your daughter a GAC for her needs and limitations.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information. Post #6 deals extensively with the GAC.

Or, if you want an easier route, click on the link in my signature.

Almost all the WDW queues are mainstreamed, so a person in an ECV will generally stay inline with everyone else. On those attractions where there is a separate entrance, you would be directed to that entrance.

As Chruchy said, you would not need an GAC as the ECV is sufficient for your needs, but it would be a good idea to get a GAC for your daughter as her needs are clearly different than yours.

And, as a side note, remember that she cannot ride on an ECV with you; that is a severe safety violation.

 

[Schmeck]

I guess the subject line explains it. I'm also traveling with my dd8 who has Asperger's; would I need a GAC for her issues, such as not being able to tolerate long waits?

TIA!

As most queues are accessible, your best bet for avoiding long waits for your daughter is to go to the parks at rope drop, and use fastpass as much as possible. Disney's standard line about GACs is that they are not meant to shorten wait times. There is the off chance that you may get a shorter wait by using a GAC, but there's also the chance that it will take much longer to board using a GAC and having an ECV as well.

 

[RN4Babies]

Thank you everyone for your feedback; it was tremendously helpful!

The reason I'm having to use an ECV is that I recently completed 18 months of treatment for cancer (surgery, radiation, more surgery and chemotheray....bleh!!). My stamina and strength are fairly limited, and I have a lot of sensitivity and some neuropathy in my feet. I hope to occasionally be able to park the ECV and do some mild walking.

In addition to getting a GAC for my dd for her Asperger's issues, I'm going to get a GAC for myself and my needs status post chemo.

Again, many thanks!!