Friend with Morning Sickness...help?

[GBShorts]

OK Flame suit on.........Obviously this does not apply to your friend......but the CM"s won't know it I have a stomach condition called IBS [irritable bowel syndrome] and I have to use the bathroom frequently as well. I get a GAC card because of this....nothing worse then waiting in line for 45 min to an hour only to have to leave the line and use the potty and start the process all over again! Trust me been there done that! Since you don't have to show proof of your condition you shouldn't have an issue. Now I will agree with the other posters that your friends and her new babys health should come first......but I don't think cancelling the trip is necessary! Take it easy, relax go slow and enjoy your time! CM's are great at dealing with all types of situations and you don't always have to give them exact reasons!

No reason for a flame suit! At least, in my opinion there shouldn't be. IBS is a serious debilitating issue!! I liken her lack of line standing ability to your issue, being that she is otherwise healthy, just needs to be able to exit line and get to the rest room whenever needed. People think I'm asking for options to skip line. THIS IS NOT THE CASE. SHE DOES NOT WANT TO SKIP LINE. I only think the benefit would be from a modified fast pass, and you can't tell me that Disney doesn't provide this provision. I appreciate the kind words that this CAN be done despite the naysayers out there. I really don't think it would be a "nightmare" to keep track of as one other person suggested. It simply requires something from Guest Services that states she can wait in the normal line length, but needs to have the ability to wait elsewhere. She then could show this to whoever is manning the tail of the line or whatever, and that person can take care of it from there. I KNOW she's not MAW level obviously, but you can't tell me there haven't been any MAW candidates out there in the past who haven't had issues such as this and were granted this type of entry onto rides. Heck, let her husband wait in line, she goes to sit down and have him call her when he gets to the front of the line to let her in!! It's all I'm saying! Disney wouldn't have to do anything on that part except let her in through the exit.

If your friend is visiting the OB every week, then it sounds like a high-risk pregnancy to me and perhaps a Dr. recommendation that she not fly, etc. would be helpful in terms of a possible cancellation, not just that they don't want to go.

The reason she has been visiting the doctor every week was for 1. ultrasounds to be sure that the baby was forming correctly (due to the past issue) and 2. checking that her hormone levels were good enough to keep the baby. So far all of this is normal so she either has just been or will soon be released to a normal OB/GYN for the remainder of her pregnancy. they wanted to get her through most of the first trimester with frequent visits to make sure everything was okay.

I can relate, I have 2 children and had hyperemesis gravidarium with both pregnancies. I was put in the hospital numerous times for IV fluids both times. I lost over 20 pounds in the early part of both pregnancies. There is no way I could've done the parks in my early pregnancy. If I had to go, I would stick close to the resort, maybe go out to the pool for awhile in the am, if the afternoon when the heat is at it's worst, I would be in the room, and If I would go in at all it would be at night, only if I hadn't had a problem all day. The heat at this time a year will not be good for her if she is vomiting. The thing I found was that it doesn't take that long to get dehydrated when you are sick, if you can't get anything down. The more dehydrated I got, the more sick I got. When I would get IV fluids, I would be have less sick episodes for a couple days, but then it would get to the point of dehydration again and it would be almost continous sickness. With my first pregnancy 10 years ago, the only way to control my vomiting was shots of Vistaril. I am a nurse, and I taught my DH how to give me the shots. That would then cause me to sleep a lot. With my second pregnancy, there was a dissolvable pill I took which helped. It costs $30 per pill, and I took 3 per day. It was very expensive, but insurance paid a good portion of it. I didn't loose as much work than I did with the first pregnancy. I did go to Orlando to a conference when I was around 20 weeks pregnant. I had quit vomitting by then, and it was in the fall. I did go to MK and I rode jungle cruise, potc, HM, peter pan, IASW, snow white, pooh, buzz light year, and TTA. I saw the tiki and country bear shows which I hadn't seen in a long time either. I stayed away from the teacups and the round and around rides (dumbo and aladdin). I did fine then.

What I recommend for her is to talk to her OB/GYN and get a recommendation. Having to go to get IV fluid would be a real drag, believe me. Good Luck. Let me know what happens.

I sent them 2 emails last night with many of the constructive suggestions people posted here last night and a few I've gotten via PM (From people who, quite frankly, are afraid to post their constructive ideas here due to potential flamewars by those who don't think this is a disability), including the one about the possiblity of getting their money back.

I've been a bit shocked, actually, that people would call her non-disabled. True, she's not permanently disabled, but for the time being, she has a condition that prevents her from living a normal life. Just because she's not got a life-threatening condition or in a wheelchair doesn't mean that her life isn't affected by what's going on. I would have thought that if anybody would understand the difficulties of doing trips with disabilities, this group would, regardless of how small or large the disability may be. Yes. There are many out there with more serious and permanent disabilities. Does that make her disability any less? NO. She just wants to enjoy her time at WDW as best she can, same as everybody else, regardless of how long this issue persists. For all we know, she could have morning sickness for the entire 9 months she is pregnant, and then have a newborn. Then what? The trip is pushed back farther due to having an infant, and you don't have the memory of that last trip you took before your baby was born.

Please, people. Have a little compassion. As I stated, I offered up to them the refund option, but if they choose not to take it, be respectful and don't deem them crazy because they decide to go. It's THEIR choice, and they may have different reasons from that which you know for going before the baby arrives.

Dang. I talk a lot. Sorry.

 

[bopper]

Carry gallon sized freezer ziplocks. They're excellent for dry-heaving into and can be disposed of in a restroom trash if more than dry-heaves occur.

I was going to suggest the ziplock bags...my daughter gets car sick and these are great for her to use, and then they can be sealed and disposed of at the first opportunity.

 

[GBShorts]

I was going to suggest the ziplock bags...my daughter gets car sick and these are great for her to use, and then they can be sealed and disposed of at the first opportunity.

I sent this idea along, it's a great one!!

 

[dawnball]

THIS IS NOT THE CASE. SHE DOES NOT WANT TO SKIP LINE. I only think the benefit would be from a modified fast pass, and you can't tell me that Disney doesn't provide this provision.

Yes, I can tell you that Disney doesn't provide the accommodation you are asking for. They provide a lot of accommodations, but not that particular one. The GAC Pomlover is talking about would mean skipping lines (not immediate access, but skipping a long standby line, certainly). If you want to get a slip of paper that says "come back when it's your turn" - that's Fastpass. There isn't a lot in between.

I think that "I don't want to skip lines" has become code for "I won't get what I want if I say I want to skip the lines, but I want to skip the lines" for a lot of people at Guest Relations. It's the thing everyone knows they're supposed to say.

I had a GAC on my last trip and I tried the "wait for your party to get through the line" method. I was told in no uncertain terms that makes it harder for the CMs and they prefer you not use your GAC that way - which is why they don't issue a GAC that works that way. Those handwritten fastpasses you mentioned did exist for awhile as a trial. You may find a CM who would still give one for some circumstances. But they aren't policy according to the Guest Relations CMs I've spoken to about it.

Now, Disney may decide she qualifies for a GAC of some sort. Or they may not. Nothing we say here will affect that decision. Nothing we say can predict that decision in advance - or predict what accommodations guest relations feels would help her. All she can do is go into Guest Relations and describe her symptoms and needs herself and see what they say.

Please, people. Have a little compassion. As I stated, I offered up to them the refund option, but if they choose not to take it, be respectful and don't deem them crazy because they decide to go. It's THEIR choice, and they may have different reasons from that which you know for going before the baby arrives.

Sorry, but I think that anyone, regardless of circumstances has to be a little crazy to go to WDW at the end of June. It's beastly hot, it's crowded and everything is pushed closer to the limits. I couldn't do it if there were no waiting for any rides, just the crowds and the heat. It's their choice - but I would feel absolutely awful if I encouraged your friend to go to WDW in her circumstances. If we all said "Oh yeah, she can get a GAC, she won't have to wait in lines at all!" and then she got there and couldn't get one - what would she do? Or if she got a GAC and found that she still couldn't tolerate the heat and press of bodies outside the lines?

 

[SueM in MN]

You may find a CM who would still give one for some circumstances. But they aren't policy according to the Guest Relations CMs I've spoken to about it.

You will find them in special circumstances (like there are already as many people with special needs as are allowed in the particular attraction or there are not enought CMs to accomodate special needs at the time you arrive). That's how I have seen them used mostly and that use will probably continue.

Now, Disney may decide she qualifies for a GAC of some sort. Or they may not. Nothing we say here will affect that decision. Nothing we say can predict that decision in advance - or predict what accommodations guest relations feels would help her. All she can do is go into Guest Relations and describe her symptoms and needs herself and see what they say.

I also agree that WDW in June might be a bit much for a pregnant woman, even without severe nausea. Even if she gets a GAC and it helps with lines, it is not going to help with the general busy, crowded, congested conditions in the parks or waits for restaurants and bathrooms. (Or, as others mentioned, with all the odors at WDW - you can't avoid all the different food, perfume and other odors no matter what you do). Also, even if she does get a GAC that allows her to enter attractions without much wait, many attractions still have a wait because of fixed times for the shows, as others already pointed out.

She does need to plan for those things because they are going to happen.

We visit First Aid in the parks to use the accessible restroom there and when we go, there are usually several people resting/coming in with heat and dehydration related concerns. Many people have mentioned dehydration on this thread and I would add that one of the concerns of dehydration in a pregnant woman is the uterus becoming 'irritable' and starting contractions. I noticed that you think she talked to the doctor about relief of the morning sickness. I'd suggest she talk to the doctor about going to WDW in June, signs of dehydration and what to do about them, if she hasn't already. The doctor may feel the risk is too great. Also, she should make sure she has contact information for the doctor and knows where to go and who to contact in case she has any problems. She may want to bring a letter from her doctor, sort of 'introducing' her and her medical history.

I had severe nausea with the pregnancies for both of my children and agree with the posters who would not go. I worked most days, even with nausea, but there were times on my way to or from work that I would have to pull my car over until I felt better. Other than work, I stayed home because it was so uncomfortable to be sick while I was out.
If they decide to go, some things I would suggest to add to other poster's suggestions would be:

• look at a planning guide, such as Tour Guide Mike (a Theme Park sponsor, who was mentioned by several other posters). Things like that can help them to be in the places it is not busy. That might be much more helpful than having a GAC. If you know when it's not busy, it's possible to get in attractions with a very short wait (like walk right in) when those same attractions might have an hour wait at a different time.
  And, since you are avoiding the busy areas of the park, restrooms should also be less busy.
• have several copies of the park maps so she can check out where the restrooms in that area of the park are (they are marked on the park maps).
• it would be helpful if she and her DH both have cell phones. That way, if they separate or she is in the Ladies room, he knows she can contact him. Five minutes in the ladies room may seem like 30 minutes to him on the outside, not knowing how she is doing.
  Also, to her the 'restroom in front of Spaceship Earth" may mean the one that is on the same side as Guest Relations (on your left as you are coming into the park from the main entrance). To him, it may mean the one on the right side as you enter the park. Having cell phones will help them avoid stress while they each 'think' they are in the 'agreed on' meeting place.
• try to be in the parks during the cooler times of day/evening rather than the heat of the day.
• if they want to watch parades and fireworks, watching from a distance will not give as good of a view, but will avoid being in a crowd of people standing crowded up against you and will make it easier for her to get out if she needs to.
• this would be a good trip to do things other than rides - walk (or wheelchair/ECV) around World Showcase in Epcot. It's very romantic in some of the countries and it's possible to walk around the shops, without waiting for anything (although, she should be aware that many of the countries have shops that sell perfume and you will probably smell a lot of different and exotic food smells). The movies in China, France and Canada are excellent and don't usually have crowds. There is an exit if she needs to leave before the movie is over.
• A hint someone posted once that helped them with smells was to carry a cut lemon with them - that was a smell that person could tolerate and when she smelled it, it masked the other odors. That would not have worked for me, but some people have success with it.
• this would also be a good time to visit other resorts and look around. Most of them have fabulous themed lobbies with soft cushy chairs to rest in. If a park is too hot or crowded, you can take the monorail to Contemporary, Polynesian or Grand Floridian from MK or the boat to WL. Boardwalk, Beach Club, Yaght Club and the Swan and Dolphin are walking or boat ride distance from Epcot and MGM. Or, at a park, you can hop on a bus to get to another resort. Hop a bus at that resort to get to DD or a park and take a bus back to your resort.
• there is a book called Passporter's WDW for Your Special Needs that might be helpful. It is a large book that covers many situations, so it may be a bit overwhelming for them to look at, and even though I read all of it as a peerr reviewer, I'm not sure you will get more advice than you have gotten here.

 

[taximomfor4]

We have a host of special needs, and when we go to WDW some are met and some are not. We have been given a slip of paper with a return time, but it is very sporadic. It seems to be used when there are already the limit of special needs people on the ride/in the line at that time.

As for morning sickness, in June in WDW the threat of dehydration is very real. I had very severe nausea with my 4th pregnancy. I lost 24 lbs in just over 8 weeks. I lost weight continuously right up through my 24 week checkup. I had a standing rehydration order at the hospital. Let me say, there are many things the dr had me try, ending up going through medications (Reglan, Phenergan, Zofran, etc). Some of the non-medication ideas: carry a peppermint teabag in a baggy. It can be helpful to smell as other odors waft around. (Although the odors for a morning-sick pregnant woman in WDW in JUne might be more than mint can help!) Also, after trying gobs of different prenatal vitamins, we figured out that they just made me sicker. So I was ordered to just take a chewable Flintstones vitamin each day. OP's friend should consult with her dr about making that change, though.

I nearly had to cancel a WDW package last year, 4 DAYS before leaving. I called, and was allowed to move my deposit to a trip over a YEAR away, with no penalty, since I kept the trip components (and cost) the same. I would have definitely, no doubt-about-it, preferred going to WDW at ANY other time besides the morning-sickness time of pregnancy. I think if your friend is sick enough with her pregnancy to need accomodations then she is not just experiencing a typical pregnancy...therefore for many reasons, June in WDW may be less-than-a-good-idea for her. Since your friend has a risk of difficulty getting pregnant, she may want to really REALLY cushion this pregnancy. Dehydration can, in fact, cause irritable uterus. Irritable uterus can contract when its not supposed to, and then be too tired to contract effectively when it is supposed to. Mine resulted in the placenta not fully expelling, nearly killing me with hemorrhaging.

I had proper warning, too. As I got really sick and began dehydrating, I was stuck lying down and re-hydrating myself. In the heat at WDW, it would have been a real uphill battle.

As for needing to get to a bathroom, it sounds like the typical pregnancy busy-bladder thing. While pregnant women have the urge to urinate often, they usually can still hold it till they get to a bathroom....so I am guessing that unless there is an underlying condition, she'll be fine on the bus to/from her resort...and also in the time it takes to get through a ride. Sorry, OP, if I missed the friend having another medical condition as well! Perhaps the friend could just hang at the resort pool all day, and go to the parks only in the evenings -- it is still hot in the evenings, but not nearly so oppressive. Plus after all day relaxing poolside with beverages at hand (and little energy expenditure), she'd be better equipped to move around from attraction to attraction more safely.

 

[SueM in MN]

I sent this idea along, it's a great one!!

This site has some good information about Morning Sickness (most of the hints were already brought up on this thread). The site also sells "sick saver" bags, which might be better to use than ziplok bags. A little more expensive, but no one has to see thru the bag to what is inside.
They are similar to the 'airsickness bags' used by airline. We use similar bags in the hospital system where I work. Because the top folds down, it's a big more secure than just a ziplock bag thrown in the trash.

 

[dis-happy]

I have a lot of experience with problem pregnancies, and (surprise!) am pg. again at age 44, just returned from a visit to WDW in May.

Some suggestions:

ginger tea (might help with her morning sickness a bit)

Water....tell her she needs to drink and stay hydrated. Not doing so can endanger her and her pregnancy and start cramping, contractions. My doctor warned me about this and there was one day I didn't pay attention and got the worst cramps (very scary) as a result.

I also agree with the person who suggested hanging around the pool by day and doing the parks at night to avoid the heat. Or get there first thing in the morning, do an hour or two at the parks, and head back. I did a lot of sitting and resting, and gathering FP for the rest of my gang.

I hope your friend does okay. We are frequent Disney visitors so I know how to handle the parks well, but even so it took a LOT out of me to go (it was my dd's graduation trip with 3 friends so I felt obligated to not cancel the trip). With this pregnancy as precious as it is to this family, I would cancel in her shoes (I myself have cancelled several other planned trips this summer) and take it easy. If she has a problem while there and (God forbid) she loses the pregnancy she will blame herself forever. If she insists on going (at whatever the cost may be), she should be well versed in where the area hospitals are. I would also be renting a car in their shoes and not relying on Disney tranportation.

 

[GBShorts]

Thanks for all your hints so far everybody!

I'm actually speaking with him now via AIM and he said the doctor HAS cleared her for travel and for the trip, knowing where she's going. He also said that she has been feeling a bit better today!! Here's to hoping this might be the start of the end of her morning sickness.

It sounds like, to me, that they are going ahead with their plans. I mentioned to him the importance of her keeping hydrated to which he replied that water makes her nauseous... So I suggested the koolaid/lemonade/crystal lite little packs. Told him to get a water bottle, ask for the "free ice water" everywhere she goes, and use those drop-ins to keep her well hydrated.

I'm also suggesting all the inside shows and that GREAT idea about hopping on the monorail to visit the other hotels. It's air conditioned (hotels...and i think the monorail?), you get to relax, and see neat stuff, plus you can shop . Who doesn't love to shop??

As a Disney park-lover, I hate for anybody to not get to do everything they want on a trip to WDW, but for them, I'm starting to think this just might work. Stick to many indoor shows and maybe relax during the mid-afternoon in the hotel, pool, or another hotel, and ride what you can when you can.

Excellent.

 

[dawnball]

he replied that water makes her nauseous... So I suggested the koolaid/lemonade/crystal lite little packs. Told him to get a water bottle, ask for the "free ice water" everywhere she goes, and use those drop-ins to keep her well hydrated.

Yeah, water made me nauseous too. I did the nibble and sip method. Every 10-15 minutes I'd have a nibble of something (a few nuts, some fruit, a little veggie) and drink water. Not a lot of food, not a lot of water. Just enough that my stomach never really emptied too far and enough food that the water didn't slosh. Gatorade helped too (and you can get gatorade powder to take and add to water. I carried mine in snack size ziplocks) but mostly I just had to make sure that I was always eating and drinking.

Good luck to them. Nothing wrong with a last family vacation shopping for adorable baby outfits at WDW.

 

[Davidsmommy]

I also had the terrible all day sickness with both of my pregnancies. I had the meds for several months (they stopped the actual vomitting, but I still felt sick), weight loss, and had to get IV fluids a couple of times at the hospital with each pregnancy.

HOWEVER, it did get better. Not right at the 12 week mark like the books said (lol), but by 4 1/2 months with my son and 5 1/2 months with my daughter. And, towards the end of the sickness period(s), I had more hours each day that felt ok.

In the height of it, there is NO WAY I would have done Disney. Heck, I didn't want to walk outside to get the mail.

But, as I slowly got better, I could imagine I could have done Disney (slowly, and with lots of rest and breaks and did I say SLOWLY? lol).

So, I would suggest she take it VERY easy. Lots of rest. Those seaband things didn't do anything for me, but others have said they are a help, so maybe try those? Sucking on various hard candies often helped me a bit. Especially peppermint. I would also suggest she listen to her body. If her body tells her she wants mashed potatos - have mashed potatos. If it tells her to sleep - go sleep.

I wish her a great, non sicky trip!

 

[GBShorts]

I also had the terrible all day sickness with both of my pregnancies. I had the meds for several months (they stopped the actual vomitting, but I still felt sick), weight loss, and had to get IV fluids a couple of times at the hospital with each pregnancy.

HOWEVER, it did get better. Not right at the 12 week mark like the books said (lol), but by 4 1/2 months with my son and 5 1/2 months with my daughter. And, towards the end of the sickness period(s), I had more hours each day that felt ok.

In the height of it, there is NO WAY I would have done Disney. Heck, I didn't want to walk outside to get the mail.

But, as I slowly got better, I could imagine I could have done Disney (slowly, and with lots of rest and breaks and did I say SLOWLY? lol).

So, I would suggest she take it VERY easy. Lots of rest. Those seaband things didn't do anything for me, but others have said they are a help, so maybe try those? Sucking on various hard candies often helped me a bit. Especially peppermint. I would also suggest she listen to her body. If her body tells her she wants mashed potatos - have mashed potatos. If it tells her to sleep - go sleep.

I wish her a great, non sicky trip!

Mashed potatoes!! That's awesome! I've been sort of cramming down his throat that she needs to take it easy and he agrees.

Yeah, water made me nauseous too. I did the nibble and sip method. Every 10-15 minutes I'd have a nibble of something (a few nuts, some fruit, a little veggie) and drink water. Not a lot of food, not a lot of water. Just enough that my stomach never really emptied too far and enough food that the water didn't slosh. Gatorade helped too (and you can get gatorade powder to take and add to water. I carried mine in snack size ziplocks) but mostly I just had to make sure that I was always eating and drinking.

Good luck to them. Nothing wrong with a last family vacation shopping for adorable baby outfits at WDW.

I'll let her know about your nibble and sip method-sounds great! Baby clothes! yay! Of course at this point, I don't think they've found out the gender of the baby yet.

Thank you to everybody so far for the great thoughts and suggestions. She said earlier that she actually felt all right...and was averaging 1 1/2 hours or so per rest room trip...not sure she's thrown up at all! Here's to good thoughts!

*****
I'm editing to add information here just because I don't want to double post.

I was just reading another thread in this section of the forums and I can't help but feel lied to. Why is it that parents of children with other disabilities such as autism are told that a pass exists where they can wait elsewhere so their children don't have a breakdown, but an expectant mother who may need to exit for the restroom is told no such pass exists? I'm sorry. Her need to be able to exit line and wait somewhere else for the duration if she needs the restroom is no less important than keeping a child from losing it in a line. A child having a breakdown in line would be just as disturbing to you as a parent and the other line-waiters as an expectant mother throwing up while in line or wetting her pants. I'm NOT likening her issue to their disability, only that her need is no less important.

Please, let's not lie. If various stamps exist as I'm led to believe on another thread I just finished reading, let's not lie because we think somebody else doesn't deserve it. I'm quite shocked at how prejudiced some people on the disability board seem to be. Isn't this section for all people who have special needs while at the parks, regardless of how serious or long-lasting their issue is? The heading of this section DOES say "including minor or temporary".

 

[Kirlinale]

I don't think you have been lied to, and , I didn't see anyone argue with you. There is No PASS. There is a Card that if you EXPLAIN your needs to guest services, Clearly, they will try to assist by making acomondations necessary to whatever need you have. No one can tell you WHAT to ask for, actually, I would discourage it, PERIOD. Many of us who have invisible, minor, major, temporary, permanent or other disabililites rely on having acomondations in order to enjoy Disney. Disney is NOT obligated to OFFER anything to anyone other than to meet the needs of the ADA for mobility or reconized disabilities. Disney goes above and beyond that of other places in that regard because, well they are Disney. Yes, many of us are protective, many of us don't want information ciruclating .. the general accepted answer is to EXPLAIN your needs to Disney and if they can help , I am sure they will. I had SEVERE morning sickness during all THREE of my pregnancies. I PERSONALLY would not choose to go to Disney during that time, but that is ME. Nobody is saying one person doesn't deserve it and another does.. My Daughter get's one kind of stamp from Disney that suits her needs, while another person may require another. Even people with the same disability get different accomondations.. PERIOD..I can't tell you WHAT you need , you have to tell Disney what your issues are. We have had this go around before when someone with Autism (child) stated something that stirred a debate.. My stock answer is, and will be, if you have a NEED, explain to Guest Services, Period, you do not need to Argue here what you feel you deserve or whether or not a preganant woman is more or less important than another disability. It is NOT based on Disability is it based on NEED. This board used to focus on help for people with Disabilities and now I am sad to say it seems to be a debate board for who or what should be a allowed to get a CARD. Well I am saddend that this is the case...

Nicole






[I'm editing to add information here just because I don't want to double post.

I was just reading another thread in this section of the forums and I can't help but feel lied to. Why is it that parents of children with other disabilities such as autism are told that a pass exists where they can wait elsewhere so their children don't have a breakdown, but an expectant mother who may need to exit for the restroom is told no such pass exists? I'm sorry. Her need to be able to exit line and wait somewhere else for the duration if she needs the restroom is no less important than keeping a child from losing it in a line. A child having a breakdown in line would be just as disturbing to you as a parent and the other line-waiters as an expectant mother throwing up while in line or wetting her pants. I'm NOT likening her issue to their disability, only that her need is no less important.

Please, let's not lie. If various stamps exist as I'm led to believe on another thread I just finished reading, let's not lie because we think somebody else doesn't deserve it. I'm quite shocked at how prejudiced some people on the disability board seem to be. Isn't this section for all people who have special needs while at the parks, regardless of how serious or long-lasting their issue is? The heading of this section DOES say "including minor or temporary".[/QUOTE]

 

[GBShorts]

Look, Nicole, I was just asking what options were available and I was given a myriad of responses ranging from "she shouldn't go" to "she should see her doctor." Not a single person came out and said "Disney has something called a GAC and there are different levels depending on your needs. Explain your problem at Guest Services and they will determine if you qualify and what type you qualify for". Would that have been hard to do?

If a person doesn't KNOW to go to Guest Services to ask and even if something IS available, wouldn't here be the place to ask?

I think you're missing my point. The way I felt lied to was that I see on other boards people mentioning there are various types of stamps depending on what their need is. Here, I was hardly even told a GAC existed. People (yep, more than one) had to PM me to give me useful information because they feared being flamed publicly by those who responded, some quite rudely, to my thread.

I'm sorry you all feel you have to "protect" things such as this, feeling they are abused, and I'm sorry that you had morning sickness and would have never gone to Disney while in that state, but whether or not she should go is not something I ever asked. I understand that those who are disabled have a tough life and are in a constant battle with those who are not disabled as well as the non-disabled community to get equal treatment and rights, but I liken those who are disabled and belittle her temporary disability as me being anglo-saxon white and belittling scandanavian white people. It doesn't make sense.

All I asked for was what sorts of things are out there and I was, for the most part, given little help. Can you understand my frustration to see others getting their questions answered right away and with much compassion?

By the way, I never said Disney was obligated to do anything, I just asked what was available. I only said we expect to have a good time while we're at Disney. Eveybody does. I never said Disney was required to provide that good time though.

I really am sorry you're so frustrated with how I feel, but put yourself in my shoes. If you had asked a question, say "is the sky blue?" and the responses you got were "I like purple!" "You shouldn't be looking at the sky." and "Where's the ice cream man?", you would be a bit frustrated as well.

My stock answer is, and will be, if you have a NEED, explain to Guest Services, Period, you do not need to Argue here what you feel you deserve or whether or not a preganant woman is more or less important than another disability. It is NOT based on Disability is it based on NEED. This board used to focus on help for people with Disabilities and now I am sad to say it seems to be a debate board for who or what should be a allowed to get a CARD. Well I am saddend that this is the case...

I'm sorry, you totally missed my point. My point was nobody really TOLD me what was out there. They all just spent their time telling me off topic things and that she didn't deserve it. Whether or not she did was not up for debate. As I previously stated, I was ASKING what was available. By my asking people's opinions here as to what Disney might do, I was merely asking if anybody has experienced such a thing or what they thought would be available. I was not trying to determine if she deserved it or not. I'm sorry if you misunderstood. It was never intended to be a debate as to whether or not she should be allowed to get the card!!!!!!! It was a question of what's out there so she knows who to talk to and what to possibly expect upon arrival.

I hope this clears everything up. I don't like debates and I'm sorry my lack of literary eloquence has caused so much confusion, frustration, and anger. I never meant any of that. I just had a question on behalf of a friend and it got blown way out of proportion.

My question has pretty much been answered now, mostly through PM and looking at other threads, so I'll probably PM a mod and ask that it be closed.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

My question has pretty much been answered now, mostly through PM and looking at other threads, so I'll probably PM a mod and ask that it be closed.

As requested

 

[SueM in MN]

Look, Nicole, I was just asking what options were available and I was given a myriad of responses ranging from "she shouldn't go" to "she should see her doctor." Not a single person came out and said "Disney has something called a GAC and there are different levels depending on your needs. Explain your problem at Guest Services and they will determine if you qualify and what type you qualify for". Would that have been hard to do?
If a person doesn't KNOW to go to Guest Services to ask and even if something IS available, wouldn't here be the place to ask?

I think you're missing my point. The way I felt lied to was that I see on other boards people mentioning there are various types of stamps depending on what their need is. Here, I was hardly even told a GAC existed. People (yep, more than one) had to PM me to give me useful information because they feared being flamed publicly by those who responded, some quite rudely, to my thread.

I'm sorry you all feel you have to "protect" things such as this, feeling they are abused, and I'm sorry that you had morning sickness and would have never gone to Disney while in that state, but whether or not she should go is not something I ever asked. I understand that those who are disabled have a tough life and are in a constant battle with those who are not disabled as well as the non-disabled community to get equal treatment and rights, but I liken those who are disabled and belittle her temporary disability as me being anglo-saxon white and belittling scandanavian white people. It doesn't make sense.

All I asked for was what sorts of things are out there and I was, for the most part, given little help. Can you understand my frustration to see others getting their questions answered right away and with much compassion?

By the way, I never said Disney was obligated to do anything, I just asked what was available. I only said we expect to have a good time while we're at Disney. Eveybody does. I never said Disney was required to provide that good time though.

I really am sorry you're so frustrated with how I feel, but put yourself in my shoes. If you had asked a question, say "is the sky blue?" and the responses you got were "I like purple!" "You shouldn't be looking at the sky." and "Where's the ice cream man?", you would be a bit frustrated as well.

Quote:
My stock answer is, and will be, if you have a NEED, explain to Guest Services, Period, you do not need to Argue here what you feel you deserve or whether or not a preganant woman is more or less important than another disability. It is NOT based on Disability is it based on NEED. This board used to focus on help for people with Disabilities and now I am sad to say it seems to be a debate board for who or what should be a allowed to get a CARD. Well I am saddend that this is the case...
I'm sorry, you totally missed my point. My point was nobody really TOLD me what was out there. They all just spent their time telling me off topic things and that she didn't deserve it. Whether or not she did was not up for debate. As I previously stated, I was ASKING what was available. By my asking people's opinions here as to what Disney might do, I was merely asking if anybody has experienced such a thing or what they thought would be available. I was not trying to determine if she deserved it or not. I'm sorry if you misunderstood. It was never intended to be a debate as to whether or not she should be allowed to get the card!!!!!!! It was a question of what's out there so she knows who to talk to and what to possibly expect upon arrival.

I hope this clears everything up. I don't like debates and I'm sorry my lack of literary eloquence has caused so much confusion, frustration, and anger. I never meant any of that. I just had a question on behalf of a friend and it got blown way out of proportion.

My question has pretty much been answered now, mostly through PM and looking at other threads, so I'll probably PM a mod and ask that it be closed.

I feel the following point does need to be responded to.

Not a single person came out and said "Disney has something called a GAC and there are different levels depending on your needs. Explain your problem at Guest Services and they will determine if you qualify and what type you qualify for". Would that have been hard to do?
If a person doesn't KNOW to go to Guest Services to ask and even if something IS available, wouldn't here be the place to ask?

I think you're missing my point. The way I felt lied to was that I see on other boards people mentioning there are various types of stamps depending on what their need is. Here, I was hardly even told a GAC existed.

The moderators of this board (specifically Cheshire Figment in post 2 of this thread) direct people to the disABILITIES FAQs thread, where there is a large section explaining GACs. A number of people referred to the GAC in their answers. Some probably did not include the information in their answer because, like me in my first post on this thread, they knew what was in the disABILITIES FAQ about the GAC and knew that you had already been pointed to that information.

This is what it says in the FAQ (I have bolded the items that answer the information you felt you were not told):

GAC (Guest Assistance Card)
Here's a summary of information about GACs (Guest Assistance Cards):
To request one, go to Guest Relations and talk to the CM there about your problems and needs.
Most people go to Guest Relations inthe parks to request a GAC, but you can also go to the Guest Relations area located at the park, but outside of the gates. GACs are not available at Downtown Disney or at your resort; you need to be at a place with park Guest Relations Cast members (the people at Downtown Disney and the resorts are not park Guest Relations CMs). The person with a disability who needs a GAC does need to be with you when a GAC is requested and you can request a GAC at any of the theme parks. You DO NOT need a GAC for each park; the GAC issued at one park is valid at all parks.

You don't need a doctor's letter and the CM is likely to not want to look at it. Some people DO feel more confident asking for a GAC if they have a letter, but a letter is not required. According to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) you can not be required to provide proof of a disability. You can choose to show proof, but can't be required. If you do have a letter, it should reflect your needs, not your diagnosis. It will be important to be able to explain the needs to the CM in Guest Relations. You will not be given a GAC based on "I can't wait in lines" or "it will be too much standing for me in lines" because those are not specific needs and could possibly be met by using a wheelchair or ECV in line.

The diagnosis is not really that important because people with the same diagnosis can have very different needs. The GAC is not given based on diagnosis at all (for example, there is not a "list" of appropriate diagnosis for a GAC); the GAC is given based on needs and the accomodations that meet those needs. This is not a Disney rule, this is the way that the ADA is written. According to the ADA, accomodations are not given based on the diagnosis or specific disability; they are given based on needs that are related to a disability.
The GAC is usually given for up to 6 people (5 plus the person with a disability) and is valid at all the parks for your length of stay (you don't need to get a new one at each theme park). The theme park GAC is not used at the water parks.
A few other things
the GAC is not meant to be a pass that gives immediate access. In fact, about 6 years ago, they renamed it to Card because when it was called a Pass, people thought it mean front of the line access. It says right on the card that it will not shorten or eliminate waits in line.
it is meant as a tool to tell the CMs what the person's needs are so that they can provide appropriate accomodation for the person it was issued to. Some examples of accomodations might be a quieter place to wait, a place out of the sun (for those times when the line is in the sun for a prolonged period of time), using a stroller as a wheelchair, avoiding stairs.
even if you have a GAC, not all accomodations are available at each attraction (especially, some may not have a place to sit)
because what is stamped on the GAC is based on needs, not all GACs say the same thing.
think of the GAC like an insurance card, not necessarily needed or used all the time, but there for when you need it.
even on the same attraction, the GAC is not always handled the same each time.
Exactly what happens depends on how busy it is, how many other people with special needs are there at the time and staffing. Some times you may be sent thru the regular standby line, occassionally the fastpass line; sometimes the person with the GAC and a member of their party will be given an alternate place to wait while the rest of the party goes thru the standby line - and then meet up with them when they get to the front. Sometimes you might be given a slip and told you can come back at the time written on the slip (usually equal to the standby time); very occassionally, you might be taken right in. It depends on what they call "attraction considerations" (which is basically the things I listed in the second sentence).
Fastpass is a good way to avoid waits in line. You don't have to be present to get a fastpass, you can send one member of your party ahead with all the park passes to get fastpasses. When you report back to the ride at your fastpass return time, your wait will be 15 minutes or less.
Also, even using a GAC or Fastpasses, if you know where NOT to be can be VERY helpful; maybe even more helpful than the GAC. Getting into attractions with accomodations is only part of the solution. If you are at a busy park, it is busy everywhere, which means longer waits for things like eating and using the bathrooms. The more people there are, the more difficult it becomes just to get around and to avoid all the general 'busy-ness' of the parks. That 'busy-ness' can be just as difficult for many people to deal with. Many people have reported good luck with TourGuide Mike (a Theme Park Board Sponsor) who has a website with hints on tour planning to avoid busy areas.
For people who are concerned about stamina or endurance, Disney suggests a wheelchair renting a motorized scooter (also called ecv; for over 18 yrs and up). The distance and time spent going around the parks is much greater than the time and distance spent in line. With an ecv or wheelchair, you will always have a place to sit and can conserve energy for fun, instead of just getting around. There is information about ecvs/wheelchairs farther up in this disABILITIES FAQs. Most lines are wheelchair/ecv accessible.
If you get tired and needs to lie down in air conditioning for a while, there is a First Aid station in each park. They have cots in individual cubicles for resting.

While the information in the FAQ is not official WDW information, several CMs who work in Guest Relations and as attraction CMs in the parks read it over and edited it for accuracy before it was added to the FAQs thread.
Officially, the GAC is not meant to shorten or eliminate waits in line, so that is what the FAQs information about the GAC says. There is no guarantee about what exactly the GAC allows, which was what some 'debates' on recent threads are about rather than who 'deserves' a GAC.

Much of the other information that people gave (like suggestions about how to deal with morning sickness or ways to deal with time in the parks) were made in an effort to assist your friend to have a good trip, despite morning sickness. I'm sorry that you are apparently seeing that information as 'off topic' because many people offered some very good, concrete suggestions.

In looking at the GAC information in the FAQs thread, I will be doing some editing over next weekend to make it more clear. Oviously it needs clarification if you looked at it and still didn't know that Guest Relations was the place to ask, that there are different 'levels' of GACs based on need and that the person requesting a GAC has to explain their needs to the CMs at Guest Relations.