GAC and larger groups

[csarenz]

Hi everyone,
We are going down to WDW in January with a larger group than normal. Our two DDs (5 and 2) will need the GAC Stroller as Wheelchair for numerous reasons/conditions.

While normally it is just the 4 of us, this time it will be the 2 girls and 6 adults. I know the GAC is suppossed to cover up to 5 people in your group. So I wanted to see if anyone has any experience about using the GAC with a group larger than 5.

I would hate to split us up for lines where we would have to go a different entrance with the stroller. But at the same time, I understand why Disney puts policies like this in place.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

First of all, the GAC covers the "bearer" plus up to five people, for a total of six. And you are going at a very slow time of year. Especially at that time of year as the crowds are low the CMs will normally not have any problem in allowing more than six people.

 

[Minnie Mommy Mouse]

We have gone a couple of times with groups of 8 and once w/ a group of 11. During slower times, CMs are more accomodating. At worst the pass will be written for 6 people. What we always did was took turns. I was always happy to sit out since I've been before, but most times we would send kids w/2 adults, then send kids again with new adults. The kids never seemed to mind riding twice The adults were always good about picking and choosing what they really wanted to ride and what they could skip (some adults just don't appreciate Pooh or other Fantasyland rides (their loss)).

Have FUN!

 

[emeraldmom]

If you have two children who need them, then you should have two GAC's. It's not one per family, but one per person who needs it. By having a GAC for each DD, you are covered if you split up for some reason. Maybe one of them wants to rest in the hotel with a few adults, and the other is okay for going back to a park, for example. If you have a GAC for each of them, then I would imagine it would allow your whole party to ride attractions.

We have never gone with a large party, but have had a GAC for both my DS (autistic) and my father (mobility issues, stairs etc). There have been times where I took the boys to the park while my parents stayed at the RV. Also sometimes my parents will go do something else while I take the boys on an attraction, so then my father has his own.

Hope you have a magical time!

 

[Funball]

Hi! Everyone and OP!

I just want to say that my disabilites don’t even compare to those that anybody else has—mine are much smaller on a scale….But I do have a slight problem with ADD and such, and so it was suggested I get the GAC, and since I got it an been using it when needed for certain rides I can totally feel a difference in the way I act and such. The GAC is a wonderful piece of paper, and if anyone for any reason needs one I suggest they get one. You can put up to 6 people on the card for your group

 

[DipsyDoodles]

Hi! Everyone and OP!

I just want to say that my disabilites don’t even compare to those that anybody else has—mine are much smaller on a scale….But I do have a slight problem with ADD and such, and so it was suggested I get the GAC, and since I got it an been using it when needed for certain rides I can totally feel a difference in the way I act and such. The GAC is a wonderful piece of paper, and if anyone for any reason needs one I suggest they get one. You can put up to 6 people on the card for your group

GAC for ADD?

 

[Funball]

well a little more then that.... i have aspergers syndrome and ADD, and stress anxiety(from ADD)

 

[SueM in MN]

PLEASE, no discussions about what situations are ‘appropriate’ for GACs or not.

 

[DipsyDoodles]

PLEASE, no discussions about what situations are ‘appropriate’ for GACs or not.

No, no, you misunderstood, I wasn't asking about the appropriateness of it. I was asking because my sister's son has ADD and some other issues and I never thought to tell her she should look into a GAC for him. I am helping them plan a trip for October.

 

[SueM in MN]

No, no, you misunderstood, I wasn't asking about the appropriateness of it. I was asking because my sister's son has ADD and some other issues and I never thought to tell her she should look into a GAC for him. I am helping them plan a trip for October.

OK , thanks for the explanation. There was just a rather nasty thread on another board and I did not want the discussion from that thread to continue here.

There is more information about GACs in post #6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread (there is a link to that thread in my signature, or you can find it near the top of this board).

Several hints I have from touring with people with ADD:
1) The more interested the person is in the attraction, the easier it will be for them to wait. I vividly remember my nephew throwing himself on the floor in the waiting area for Country Bears about 5 minutes after getting into the area and waiting patiently for 45 minutes for Star Tours. Guess which one he wanted to go on?

2) Using Fastpasses and a touring plan will give a much more consistent experience. With a Guest Assistance Card, you never know what the wait will be - it depends on how many other people with disabilities/special needs are also waiting.

3) Many people have found that touring plans like TourGuide Mike or Ridemax are more helpful than a GAC. TOuring plans help you to be in the least busy part of the least busy park. That helps not only with waiting, but also with getting around and with the frustrations of getting around the park.

4) Having something to do in line helps a lot. A lot of people use Gameboy or other handheld games, do hidden Mickey searches or other activities to help pass the time.

5) Many people have found the person with ADD has more patience if they helped plan the day and know what is coming next than if they are not involved.

 

[DipsyDoodles]

This is really great information! Thanks so much.

 

[bidnow5]

We were in Disney in January one year with 8 two of us needed a GAC so we figured we would have to split up in 2 groups of 4 but on every ride we explained the situation and every one of them put us all together. The CM's were the best every one of them