Father joining us - heart and knee problems

[cudcat41]

My father will be joining us for our trip in February. He has a pretty severe heart problem (aortic aneurysm), along with a bad knee that needs knee replacement. This will make it difficult for him to stand in line. What do I need from the doctor to get him a handicap pass so that he doesn't have to wait fpr long periods of time? Thanks!

 

[peemagg]

You do not need anything from your doctor. Disney's answer to mobility and stamina issues is to use a wheelchair or ECV. You do not need a GAC unless there are other issues that are needed.

The GAC DOES NOT give front of the line access, nor does it shorten wait times. Most of the lines at Disney are mainstreamed, which means you will all be together in the same line with everyone else.

If you look at the disAbilities FAQ's at the top of this forum there is a lot of info in there about GAC's and mobility issues.

 

[Piper]

There is more walking bewteen rides (in most cases) than in the ride lines. If he is going to have difficulties, you should rent either a WC or ECV. If you rent from offsite, he will have it at the resort (hotel) where you are staying, too. Some of them are quite large and will have lots of walking to get from the bus to room.

This will not get him front of the line access and he may actually wait longer for some rides. It will give him a place to sit while waiting to ride.
The only front of the ride access is for children on their wish trips--and occassionally they must wait,too.

 

[KPeveler]

There is no way to skip any lines in WDW. There is a GAC which can help with invisible issues, such as a sun allergy, but there is no pass to shorten wait times. Also the GAC does not work for buses, character lines, restaurants, anything at the resorts, stores, parades, fireworks, shows, etc.

It sounds as if he will require a wheelchair or ECV (driving an ECV can be very tiring). To give you an idea, walking ONCE around the World Showcase lagoon is 1.25 miles (not including walking into any shows or pavilions). Add another mile to walk in and out of the park either from parking or from the bus, and it can be downright dangerous. (I have a condition that causes spontaneous aortic aneurysms)

Also, many of the shows and street entertainment means that he will have to stand for that.

If you are taking the bus, the only way to ensure that he will be able to sit on the bus is if he has a wheelchair.

There is probably no way he can do this without having a wheelchair. I would look into renting one off site. There is a list of companies on the FAQs on the top of the forum.