First time trip w/ spina bifida

[sdgilliland]

So this is our first trip to WDW, and I am trying to learn all I can to better prepare. My 2 year old has spina bifida, and can walk with some assistance and leg braces. She has a walker, but for long distances and all-day outings, we take the stroller. This is our plan for Disney. I've heard the stroller can be tagged as her wheelchair through guest relations. Is this all the same as the GAC process or are they separate things...will we need both? Thanks so much for any answers....and feel free to pass on any other tips I may need to know. (I'm not even sure what to ask at this point)

 

[Holly]

Welcome

My daughter also wears leg braces. I did get a GAC which designated her stroller as a wheelchair. I think we only needed to use it once because we could take the stroller through almost everything even without it.


I'm not sure when you'll be traveling but one recommendation I can make if it's going to be hot is to invest in some smartknit socks to wear under her braces. The fabric wicks away moisture and is also a more breathable material for hot weather.

Enjoy!

 

[dclfun]

You will only need the "stroller as wheelchair" designation for your dd. Most of the queue lines won't let you take in a stroller otherwise. I'll bet you're so excited to bring her on her first trip to WDW!

 

[sdgilliland]

Yes, I'm am SO excited! I just feel a little overwhelmed at the moment...I haven't been in 12 years, and it is sooo much more than it was then! I can't wait, but I want to be realistic in our planning, so it will be less stress and more fun.

 

[Michigan]

I have 2 daughters with spina bifida oldest is 22 and youngest is 14. We live 8 miles from Disney in the winter months and love it. If you cath her there are large companion bathroom or first aid stations where you can do it in private. While you hope you never need to use a hospital while on vacation Arnold Palmer is the Children's Hospital in Orlando that has a spina bifida clinic. Unfortunately my youngest has been in Arnold Palmer hospital since a week ago Thursday and had to have surgery to debride an ulcer on her rear end.

 

[saffsmom]

So this is our first trip to WDW, and I am trying to learn all I can to better prepare. My 2 year old has spina bifida, and can walk with some assistance and leg braces. She has a walker, but for long distances and all-day outings, we take the stroller. This is our plan for Disney. I've heard the stroller can be tagged as her wheelchair through guest relations. Is this all the same as the GAC process or are they separate things...will we need both? Thanks so much for any answers....and feel free to pass on any other tips I may need to know. (I'm not even sure what to ask at this point)

my 5 1/2 year old daughter also has SB...we are headed to WDW for the first time in the fall!

 

[sdgilliland]

Thanks for the info! I hope your LO recovers soon...Prayers for both of you!

 

[sdgilliland]

I bet you are just as excited as we are!!!