First time GAC seeker, very embarrassed

[EyezScreamQueen]

Hello, I am new to this board but have been reading this forum for several weeks. I've wanted to post something for so long but can never quite decide just how to explain my worry, so forgive me if I sound like I am rambling. And I know some of you are going to want to kill me and tell me that I don't know what real suffering is, but here goes.

This is a very interesting forum! I am going to WDW soon with fiance & his brother, just playing it by ear with the hurricane.

A little background: I'm a thirtysomething with a long history of numerous "invisible" orthopedic-type problems in the knees and feet which have for the most part been treated incorrectly or not at all (I won't bore you all with the details as to why in this forum, at least not in this post). But paging through my past records you would see terms such as Hemilamenectomy, 3 additional disc herniations in neck & Back, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Myofacial Pain Syndrome, Chrondomalacia Patallae, Sleep Apnea, Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, Squinting Patalle, Fibroids..... and I have a few of my own unwritten/unspoken diagnosises (Obesity, Restless Leg Syndrome, chronic blisters due to Underlapping Toes how about getting them fixed yes I know and can hardly wait) which I could easily add from the wonderful wealth of answers the internet has provided me with (much more useful than some doctor appointments).

In short, I am one of those people who "look fine!" and typically never lets on to my pain to others in public, I am ever ashamed to be seen wearing my hard shell knee pad, and for example when I request that the A/C in a building or on a train be turned off as my joints are giving me hell about it, I am met with much nasty opposition and reminded of how many other people would then be "too hot." I drink hot chocolate all year round!

I am for the first time considering marching into the parks when I first arrive and going to Guest Relations and asking for a GAC for myself. Frankly, I am extremely embarrassed to do this. I am afraid that I will be laughed at since I look so "normal" and honestly don't have any very current records of my diagnosises. Up until a few years ago my tendency to remain "steadily employed" has been a problem for all sorts of reasons and they say

I never knew there was anything such as a GAC until I read this forum. Well, now that I know a lot more about GACS than I did a few weeks ago, I am taking a deep look at my history of being very Physically Uncomfortable at the parks. I am asking myself "Is a GAC the answer?" I am almost dreading this trip, thinking of how groggy and cranky I am probably going to end up, and probably (like last time) barely able to keep up with the others in my party due to things like my constant blisters,. I distinctly recall last year's trip where fiance wanted to go for a wild day at DisneyQuest and I had to let him down by hibernating in the hotel room. Then I dragged myself out there late in the evening and barely had the energy to do more than 2 games. This was not a fun trip. I even smacked my bad kneecap on the wall in my sleep on the train (RLS I guess!) Everyone else in the parks always looks so quick and strong and lively and I feel like a slug.

I have rounded up all these old records that state what my ailments are but they are not too current. This is all I have to show at Guest Relations.

I am taking some extra measures to make myself comfortable enough to actually enjoy this trip and feel good (I am not expecting Disney to become my personal hospital ) so I am taking some creature comforts with me: wonderful cotton Toe Socks from Injinji Co. to eliminate (as they say) blisters, a Brita water jug with filter so I can water myself all day long in the brutal heat), Hydrocodone in tote, earplugs for my mysterious headaches, and I am looking around for a Cane Seat which looks at this point is not going to materialize before this trip, hence me standing in those long long lines. Oh yeah also hat and sunglasses and umbrella for sun (none brought last time BIG mistake).

I have rented a car because last trip we spent what felt like centuries wasting away on those DIsney buses getting rocked to sleep...... I just love things that help me stay awake when I already get only a few hours of sleep every night....... plus I figured I can escape to the rental car a few times during the day to sneak a nap.....

Okay here's a few questions to toss to the listeners -
Has anyone here every requested a GAC and been denied it because they seemed too "healthy"? Or because Disney can argue that what they brought from home should suffice their own needs (ex. if I have an umbrella in view can they say I have no business requesting to be shielded from the sun's rays?)

I am too embarrassed to rent a wheelchair although I am sure I will be fatigued enough to want to sit in one all day, judging by how tired I get these days from the shortest shopping trips.

Can anyone suggest what I should say when it is my turn at the counter to explain myself? And I also anticipate visitng the first aid stations a few times a day to lay down and take a nap. I used to take Stacker 3 which worked like a charm for a while but then I started falling asleep even with them in my system. I am very scared that I may fall asleep at the wheel as I drive my other 2 buddies back & forth to park & motel. None of them drive, only me. I am afraid that the first aid station attendants will think I am crazy when they see me "show up" to "take a nap" without being "officially sick." Are they going to tell me to go back to my motel room across town? After I have paid a premium to be in the park with 2 dependants? Would GR mark on a GAC that I need to nap occassionally due to CFS? I have this strange fear that when I stagger into First Aid more than once they will laugh at me and say "It's not bed time yet do you need a teddy bear?"

Also does anyone know of anyone who has ever just presented simple "Obesity" to GR as their chief reason for needing a GAC?

Also another thing - I wear glasses and am blind as a bat without them. I am concerned about what to do with my poor vision when I get to the water parks. I want to keep the glasses on with a croakie. Will Disney allow that on the more thrilling water rides? Yes I am a thrill seeker but I just can't tolerate getting banged into hard surfaces and spun around, but I a ready to conquer Summit Plummit!

Also with the water parks I have flat pronated feet and have a lot fo pain walking around without my orthodics, barefoot is the worst, so I am bringing Aqua Shoes which don't hold the orthodics. This is gonna be one fun trip. Any suggestions? To anything?

I know there are much more serious conditions than mine and I applaud you all for hanging in there with your individual challenges but does that mean that I am not entitled to be comfortable during the very expensive vacation time I have purchased?

 

[Figaro]

Hi, EyezScreamQueen!

WDW says in its guide for people with disabilities that people with mobility impairments should rent an ECV or wheelchair. Most (if not all) of the rides don't have any kind of separate waiting place for people to wait out of the line. Almost all of the lines have mainstream queues, so renting a wheelchair or ECV doesn't do anything except give you a place to sit while waiting in line(smile).

The distances between the rides are usually a great deal worse than the actually lines into the rides. You can always park the ECV outside of the ride (remember to take the key with you) and walk into the ride if that is important to you. My advice would be to rent an ECV from an off-site vendor (look at the FAQ at the top for a list). This way you can have it at the resort, at Downtown Disney and even off-site with a rental car (they break down and can be put in the trunk).

I think you will find that your energy level and will be higher and your pain level lower if you rent an ECV and that will make the trip a lot more fun for you and everyone else.

Most of us have been there with the feeling embarassed about being in a wheelchair or ECV, and that is something (believe it or not)(smile), that does pass with time. Focusing on how an ECV will help you enjoy WDW the way you deserve to enjoy it and not paying attention to people who may be critical is about the only way I know to deal with that kind of stuff.

It probably helps that I seem to be the kind of person who attracts every single person who is now using an ECV who was awful to people when they weren't needing it themselves and they seem to feel a need to confess their past "sins" to me and tell me how sorry they are for the way they acted. Which is what I remember whenever people are a bit critical...they may end up needing mobility help themselves someday and then they will understand that the only benefit to using an ECV or wheelchair is that you can do things you wouldn't be able to do without it.

Hope you have a great trip!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Welcome to disABILITIES.

I would agree with Figaro that you should rent an ECV from off-site. That will handle all the stamina problems. It will make the trip better for you and everyone else in your group!. This way you will not be a burdon on others.

As far as people not in your group, you will never meet them again and why should you care what they think. If anyone does say something, you can sweetly offer to give them the ECV, as long as they are willing to also accept ALL of your disabilities.

As far as a GAC is concerned: if you will need to wait out of the sun, or need special seating due to vision problems, then you can get a GAC. One will not be issued for a mobility/stamina situation.

Go up and look at the disABILITIES FAQs for informaiton on renting ECVs from offsite and also for assembly/disassembly information. Note that your rental car should be at least a full-size, four-door sedan (Buick Century) or larger.

 

[cupcake]

I have extra bones in both of my feet and cannot walk for more than about a half hour with any degree of comfort. So I have an "invisible" issue as well. WDW would be far outside my capacity. When I found this board, I got the same advice you are getting -- rent an ECV. I did, and have never looked back. (although I did use a wc at WDW before that -- it was that or not go, so I did it).

You will see tons of people using ECVs and wcs at WDW. Lots and lots and lots of guests use ECVs and wcs for endurance issues. It is no big deal. Would you think less of someone using a mobility aide, service dog, etc.? I bet not, and neither would 99.99999% of the people out there in the world. And that one in a million person who would? I am not going to ruin my vacation because someone is that ignorant and prejudiced. It's not going to enlighten that person and will only make me miserable.

You want to rent from offsite as the ECVs are easier to use (3 wheel style) and there is no guarantee that they will be available at any given park (they go like hotcakes to the early bird guests). There is good info about rentals in the FAQ above. I personally rent from Walker and have been very pleased.

I rarely offer unconditional advice, but I am going to do it here. Rent a wc or ECV. It will allow you to enjoy your trip. There are no medals for people who hobble around from bench to bench at WDW.

Oh, if you need to rest, just go to First Aid and tell them that. They will not give you the 3d degree at all and are very nice.

Cupcake

 

[bairdbeth]

Hi! Speaking from recent personal experience, rent an ECV. I went in July. I hurt my back before I went ( my obesity didn't help matters!) I wavered whether to get an ECV or not. I too was "embarassed" I got good advice here and rented a heavy duty scooter (for us Pooh sized folks!) from Walker Mobility. I had the best trip! I would never have made it around the World without it! I parked outside the rides and stood in line with everyone else. I used the basket on the ECV to carry plenty of water and a mister fan. Believe me once you are there you will not be embarassed. It will make your trip memorable and enjoyable! I also used the buses and after 2 loadings , got to be a pro at parking on the bus. Enjoy your trip!

 

[SueM in MN]

Just seconding (thirding or fourthing) what the other posters had to say.
Rent an ecv. That way you maintain some independence and no one has to push you. I don't think it was mentioned, but you don't need a GAC to rent a wheelchair/ecv or to use one in lines. Just having the wheelchair or ecv, the CMs can see that you need to use the accessible entrances. Many lines are totally wheelchair accessible (called Mainstream Lines), so there is no advantage to using a wheelchair or ecv other than having a place to ist while you wait.
As was already noted, most of the things you mentioned are what WDW considers "endurance concerns" and you will not be given a GAC for those, because the most reasonable accomidation for those kind of concerns is to use a wheelchair or ecv. Most people don't realize the distances invloved in a trip to WDW - I've seen estimates that the average visitor walks between 3 and 9 miles per day, so the time spent in lines is just a small part of what will be making you tired. As for sun exposure, most of the lines are covered or shaded. You can request a GAC to avoid sun exposure if you have a condition or medication that makes you sensitive to the sun, but in most cases, you won't be in the sun anyway for long periods of time, so won't need to use a GAC with that message much.
You don't need anyone's permission to take a nap, so there is no need to have a GAC that says that. First Aid is used to people coming in to rest for all sorts of reasons - some are people without disabilities/prior problems who just got too much sun. The CMs there are very nice and no one will laugh at you. I don't have any other suggestions about your tiredness, other than to remind you that in case of a car accident or traffic stop, many states handle someone who is sleepy because of medication the same way as drunk driving (driving while impaired). Since you are the only driver, you might want to look into using a transportation service to get from the airport to your hotel and staying at one of the WDW resorts so you can use WDW transportation don't have to drive.

 

[Lthouseprincess]

I say rent the EVC. I had knee surgery 2 years ago and they released a mussle on the inside of my knee which actually made my knee worse. It is an invisable injury but if I am walking for more than ten minutes I am in the worse pain. I have had a year of physical therapy because the dr said the would strength the other mussles but it didn't and we have to do more surgery but I am afraid because it might make it worse. I was very embarrassed the first time I rented, but at the end of the day I knew there was no way I could ever do it.