Do I need to get a GAC for my mom?

[everylastbreath]

We are bringing my mom (80) w/us for family trip in August (yeah, I know- hot-hot-hot) we are renting her an ECV (although she is very resistant) she cannot walk any distance (getting to the front gate of park would be difficult) she also has serious asthma - would a GAC be a good thing to get, so she could wait out of the sun/ preferably in a/c when we wait on line for attraction? I am more worried about taking her than my 2 1/2 year old GS, just want to make sure I have all the bases covered w/her, don't want to end up in the E.R - please help me make sure!

 

[SueM in MN]

We are bringing my mom (80) w/us for family trip in August (yeah, I know- hot-hot-hot) we are renting her an ECV (although she is very resistant) she cannot walk any distance (getting to the front gate of park would be difficult)

Are you renting from off-site or in the parks. If you are planning on renting from the parks, I'd strongly suggest renting from one of the off-site places so that she will have it to use at the resort too.
The off-site rental ones are also easier to drive and you won't have to worry about whether or not there will be one available when she gets there.

she also has serious asthma - would a GAC be a good thing to get, so she could wait out of the sun/ preferably in a/c when we wait on line for attraction?

Most of the lines are shaded and in some attractions, the lines are inside - especially at Epcot. The lines at AK are mostly shaded, but are mostly outside, so there really is no place that is in air conditioning at that park.

If you haven't already looked at the disABILITIES FAQs thread, you might find the information about GACs helpful.
One thing to think about is that a GAC will only help you in line and would only help for attractions that actually have a place to wait that meets your needs. There are some that won't have a shaded and/or airconditioned place to wait.
Even during busy times like Spring Break, there are places that are not as busy as others. Services like Tour Guide Mike can help you know where those quieter places are. That can be more helpful even than a GAC.

 

[everylastbreath]

Planning on renting off-site, that leads me to another question, we are doing a split stay between Universal (RPH) and Disney (poly) - how would I transport ECV, or would I just order one for each location and have it picked up at our location? We plan on getting a minivan, but we also have a toddler w/stroller so even with the extra room it might not be large enough to transport everything! I can't tell you how valuable this board has been - I am extremely concerned about making sure Mom is comfortable and has a great time, she will be seeing Disney thru the eyes of her Great GS, so this trip is very important to all of us.

 

[SueM in MN]

I would suggest you discuss your 2 resort trip with the company when you arrange for the rental. They may suggest 2 separate rentals or they may just pick it up and transfer it for you.
if you plan to transport it in your van, they can make sure you have one that comes apart for transport.