GAC and doctor's note

[Piper]

There are a few (very few) attractions where having a GAC will help you when the line is in the sun. Mostly I just toured early and late when the sun isn't high. I also stayed close to the buildings and in the shade. I also wore sun resistant clothing and used a cooling vest.

A GAC doesn't help with time management--you have to have a good touring plan. But it can help in many ways. I can't be too specific because of board policy. Just know that if YOU know your limitations and can articulate them, there MAY be ways a GAC can help.

You don't always get the same accommodation at each ride and what the CM directs you to do can change at the same ride depending on the conditions there.

I won't be returning to WDW as I can no longer manage it, but I really enjoyed every visit I made even though I could do less and less at each visit. Every one was special in its own way.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

I do not get nor have I ever asked for FOTL access.

You make an unattended exellent point of the message I was trying to get across in the second part of my post; it can make a huge difference how one receives a message versus how it was sent.

I never stated you did, nor did I imply such a thing. What I DID state was my opinion that any statement about shortened stamina and/or time one is possible to spent in a park has nothing, zero, nada value in communicating needs to a GS CM when looking for accomodations as there is no such thing for that. At the same time warning that it can very easily be misunderstood by a GS CM resulting in them wondering how valid your needs are, because it is a standard line used loads of times in situations where people are out to abuse the system.

I do however need and receive accommodations that are appropriate for my situation. I did not "put that in" (that I can only stay a few hours at a time) in order to "get anything" but to let people know that they can have an enjoyable time with planning and a few appropriate accommodations.

Might be misinterpretation from me, but you posted it in the same part of the communication you have with GS CM when going in and looking for accomodations, as I conclude from the last part of said text; "can you help me make my park time easier". Again; it might be me, but when reading that I only get a picture of you standing in GS, talking to a CM and asking for your GAC. As is the subject of this thread. I reread, but aren't able to read it in a way that it is not part of the example of how you have the GS GAC talk, but instead a general "how to make the best of park time, this is how I do it"-example for others. Again might be me.

I was kind of wondering that myself. How can a GAC keep someone out of the sun, or shorten the distance between attractions?

It doesn't or at least not even close proper. For a very few rides or shows there can sometimes be an alternate waiting area that is shaded, but even that is not a 100% proof fool thing either. As you concluded already; the distance one covers in a park, and going in and out of it, by far makes up the biggest part of sun exposure. We can have all kinds of opinions but it does boil down to the fact that somehow one will have to deal with that themselves and nothing can be done about that.

As posted above; been there, done that. Last trip first time in the combination of needing to keep a part of my face out of any sunshine yet not having the physical ability to do it that long (long story a bit shortert; unfortunately in a very difficult to protect part of my face and keeping up an umbrella or even just my hand covering it I could only manage for short periods of time due to a stroke that happened during that trip). At that time still wanting to ignore the trip was over and done with and I had nothing more in be but be in bed recovering, nutcase me drove over to DHS. Getting inside was already a need after that drive and got my info I was looking for and the stamp, allthough I was very clear about not wanting it or needing it. Soon enough faced the real facts about needing to recover and park time not being part of that but sure enough was not needed nor helpfull. Nor was the above-and-beyond-pixiedusted extra moment they decided to pull off in a shaded option. They are in the business of magic, but magically making distances disappear is not in their spellbook. (and for those curious minds; no did not make use of said moment, by then it was starting to become clear enough to me I no longer could ignore my bed yelling my name)

 

[Mrs.Malone]

There are a few (very few) attractions where having a GAC will help you when the line is in the sun. Mostly I just toured early and late when the sun isn't high. I also stayed close to the buildings and in the shade. I also wore sun resistant clothing and used a cooling vest.

A GAC doesn't help with time management--you have to have a good touring plan. But it can help in many ways. I can't be too specific because of board policy. Just know that if YOU know your limitations and can articulate them, there MAY be ways a GAC can help.

You don't always get the same accommodation at each ride and what the CM directs you to do can change at the same ride depending on the conditions there.

I won't be returning to WDW as I can no longer manage it, but I really enjoyed every visit I made even though I could do less and less at each visit. Every one was special in its own way.

I'm really glad you were able to enjoy your visits. Thank you for the tips.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Mrs. Malone; don't just read along and kinda "keep silent" trying to learn if you still find it confusing after reading the stickies.

Please, by all means open your own topic and ASK! Just paint the picture, what did you run into on other trips? What worries you, what questions do you have?

No promiss or possibility of a perfect cure for all, but there is enough knowledge and experience out here to share with you. Those that have done it before, whatever the situation might be. Tips and tricks you can learn. Sure you will learn from reading along, but confused is something you shouldn't or need to settle for.

Amazing trips can be had in all kinds of situations. Situations that until you are in them and deal with it, might have never even considered close to being doable to survive. Let alone enjoy like nothing else. If you did read so much already and are still confused, it's time you get your own topic. Time to get your personalized help, answers etc. No need to reinvent the wheel yourself.

 

[Mrs.Malone]

Thank you goofieslonglostsis, I will keep all of that in mind and ask more questions if I need to. My children are a bit older now and having more experience parenting them, I find managing their issues less challenging in the past. So, since we did reasonably well without GAC in the past I doubt we need to get one now. But I like to be informed of all options.
I must say that my "typical" child is the one who has the most trouble standing in lines without melting down, but that's just his age and personality, so no GAC for that!