GAC - asthma?

[happymommy]

I have brought my kids to Disneyworld so many times, and my DS has asthma, which has gotten more severe over time (he also has food allergies, which is why I love Disney!). I recently talked to friend, and she told me we could get a GAC for him to avoid lines, as the amount of time he's out in the heat affects his breathing. The last few times we've gone to Disney, he's ended up sick after a few days, and sometimes really sick. This is one reason we have to have fresh air in the room also, and sometimes an air filter brought in. We never know what will trigger it.

We try to do only a couple of hours at a time, then back to rest, then back out again. So, my question is, will they laugh at me when I request a GAC for not waiting in line for this?

Has anyone else requested a GAC for asthma to avoid waiting in lines?

Oh, and I finally am going to break down and buy a portable nebulizer for our next trip - when it's bad, the inhalers don't help.

Thanks.

 

[daisyduck123]

A GAC doesn't get you out of waiting in lines. What it could do is have you wait in an alternative area for the same amount of time, but at least you might be in the shade.

 

[Mary976]

We have not used a GAC for DD's asthma. One time we were in line for the safari at AK and right when we were near the front someone started smoking (against the rules to smoke while in line, of course) and she had a severe attack. As we were leaving the line to take her to first aid, a cast member gave me a special fast pass to get back in line, since we had already waited for so long. But that was the only time we got anything "special" to help with DD's asthma. Otherwise, we try to take breaks in places that are air conditioned, like first aid, many restaurants, or a show or shop. Plus we use fastpass for any ride that has it. I'm not sure if/how the GAC could work, since it's just supposed to provide a "more convenient" entrance. Presumably you would need it only for attractions with outdoor lines, but they don't usually have another place to wait. I know a lot of other people on this board have had problems with heat/being in the sun, so they might have some better advice. Oh and I highly recommend the portable neb! It's way more convenient.

Good luck!
Mary

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information. Post #6 deals with the GAC.

And the GAC states right on it that it is not intended to cut down on wait times for any attraction.

Or, if you want an easier route, click on the link in my signature.

 

[mechurchlady]

The FAQs will help you with the allergies and how to go about dining. IF your son has allergies to stuff in the room the you can request that the room be cleaned a certain way due to medical conditions. Not sure where that link is but some people need their room very sanitary, no harsh chemicals, or even lines washed in cornstarch (Not sure what).

GAC is meant to give the disabled who have hidden disabilies equal access to rides and shows. Guests in wheelchairs and ECVs do not need one but I recommend getting one in case you meet a CM who goes against the grain.

Most times the GAC means waiting longer that using single rider or the fast pass lines. There are only so many disabled vehicles and they have to be fair to all guests. At Disneyland I could drag myself up the stairs via the fastpass line and get on the ride in a 5 minutes. If I used the disabled line then it was 30 minutes of which I spent some time setting on the damp floor. The disabled line meant having exiting guests bumping into the disabled guests.

Can a GAC help you and your son? IF climbing stairs is hard for him due to asthma induced fatigue cause by shortness of breath then get the GAC to avoid stairs. If he is wheezing and out of breath before getting to the top of the stairs then get the GAC to avoid stairs. IF he cannot handle the heat due to asthma related problems the he can get the GAC for that at WDW only. It will not get him on the ride faster but will let the CM greeter know there is a limitation. The CM might allow your child to wait in the shade while you wait in line or you might be put in a cool waiting area. It depends on the ride and the CM greeter.

Planning is the key to a happy and fun trip for a person with any disability or limitations. There are the cooler evenings, early mornings, and the use of the fastpass. Hitting the popular rides early then doing shows helps. There is a nurses station for the kid to crash in and nap for a while. If your kid can sleep any where then you might find a corner in an airconditioned building.

Mary who just posted has some good ideas and FAQs has links that will help you deal with the allergies and asthma.

Has anyone else requested a GAC for asthma to avoid waiting in lines?

Yes they have. However the GAC is not for diabetes, arthritis, asthma or any illness or disorder. The GAC is for specific things like cannot see, hard of hearing, cannot do stairs, etc. The GAC gets rid of those things that might impede the person like avoiding stairs.

 

[happymommy]

Wow - thanks everyone.

Yes, we learned to request the room be cleaned (sometimes they are better at it than others) well, and last time we were in Orlando (at Universal's Portofino Bay Hotel, sorry!) they brought in an air filter - smelled like the room next door was smoking - ugh! That really helped, and I may see if the Swan has them to rent. I always have all the feather pillows removed from the room, and that is a big help. They bother him so much, gosh, I sometimes wonder why they are so popular at nice resorts.

I was so disappointed that on our Disney cruise, the cabin air ended up making him so sick. I should have had a nebulizer than - his lungs ended up infected and he got a high fever, had to be put on steriods, antibiotics, and given treatments in their clinic. Through it all, he just hung out some times, eating the fun room service, and watching movies on tv. Really a trooper. He even walked around Castaway Cay for an hour or so, but was burning up, so I made him go back to the room with me. I didn't do Castaway Cay much, but it was fine. Cruising isn't for him!

I guess what I was told about the GAC wasn't totally correct. My friend has a son with type one diabetes, and he has trouble standing too long (maybe it's his feet, as another friend we have has foot pain). So she told me if the lines bother my son to talk to guest services.

We personally just go early and utilize fastpasses, but I had never know there was another option.

Oh - and the food allergies - we definitely love the choices, and the fact that they all have ingredients even at counter service! Our few days in August in Universal Studios couldn't compare to Disney. Matter of fact, I was a bit disappointed in the whole experience compared to Disney, that I am taking my kids next month! My son eats better at Disney than anywhere.

 

[Ms_Butterfly]

Yes, we learned to request the room be cleaned (sometimes they are better at it than others) well,

There is an actual allergy cleaning process you can ask for at Disney. They don't use harsh chemicals and such that some ppl can be allergic to or that might aggrivate some ppl's health conditions. It is also an extra-good cleaning, of course.

I always have all the feather pillows removed from the room, and that is a big help. They bother him so much, gosh, I sometimes wonder why they are so popular at nice resorts.

Because most ppl aren't bothered by feather pillows - in fact, many ppl LOVE them!

 

[mechurchlady]

As for your WDW room you need to say that you need the because of medical reasons and ask what is availabe. Check with the FAQs to see if you can find a local place that would rent your a room filter.

Another option is to ship from home to the hotel a room filter.

Another option is to bring the air filter with you on the airplane and this does not count toward your onboard luggage or checked baggage as it is medical equipment. It would have to be able to fit it in an overhead bin or hope it survive the baggage handlers.

Disney stands by its belief that guests should use wheelchairs or scooters if they have trouble walking or standing. Your friend's son probably got the GAC for not being able to stand in lines but who knows as there may be other problems that you do not know about.

Remember that Disney has over 80 years in entertainment marketing and over 50 years of amusement park marketing. Disney knows that by providing guests with things like kosher meals, allergen free meals, busses, trams, special room cleaning, interpreters for the deaf, smoke free rooms, disabled transportation, etc. they will in the bottom line make a profit and have a repeat costumer who will tell others about their happy trip. Before UA Florida was born there was Disney.

If you have any questions feel free to ask. I love helping people.

 

[SueM in MN]

I guess what I was told about the GAC wasn't totally correct. My friend has a son with type one diabetes, and he has trouble standing too long (maybe it's his feet, as another friend we have has foot pain). So she told me if the lines bother my son to talk to guest services.

We personally just go early and utilize fastpasses, but I had never know there was another option.

The usual response from WDW for people who say they can't stand in lines is to recommend a wheelchair, ECV (for adults or children who have their own) or using a stroller as a wheelchair. Part of that is because only a small portion of your time/day at WDW is actually spent in line. A lot of your time is spent getting from place to place and standing in line for things that a GAC will not assist with (like food at the Fast Service Restaurants).
In most of the lines you are not actually standing - you are moving forward at a slow rate, or may stand for a short while, then the line moves quickly forward as they load a 'batch' of people onto the attraction. Having a GAC would not really avoid many of the times standing - if you have to wait for one theater to clear out before your show begins, you will be standing unless you have brought something with you to sit in.
Also, since most of the lines at WDW are well shaded and many are actually indoors, a GAC to avoid waiting in the sun and heat will not really have accommodation at most attractions; if the line is already out of the sun/heat, you don't need anything special to avoid it.

You will probably have a shorter wait using Fastpass and getting to the park early than you will with a GAC, so that is a good plan.

Guests in wheelchairs and ECVs do not need one but I recommend getting one in case you meet a CM who goes against the grain.

I disagree with mechurchlady on this advice.
WDW's official 'stand' is that you don't need a GAC to use accessible entrances/boarding areas if you have a wheelchair or ECV. Occasionally, we have run into a CM who would not let us use the accessible entrance with DD's wheelchair.
My first step is always to check what the Guidebook says - if it tells you to "enter the Mainstream Line", then that is an accessible entrance. Sometimes people are trying to use a different entrance, assuming it is the 'wheelchair entrance'. A check of the Guidebook will tell you that is not the case. SOme of the things CMs do sometimes make people expect something else. For example, on our last trip, the standby (regular) line at Buzz Lightyear was posted as a 5 minute wait. We got into the regular line and the CM at the Fastpass line pulled us out, wrote us a handwritten Fastpass to give to the CM collecting Fastpasses and told us to go into the Fastpass line. Having been on that ride many times, I know that the regular line is wheelchair accessible and that the CM probably pulled us out because the regular line is a bit twisty and we would actually slow the line down.
When this has happened to people who are on a first trip and don't realize all these things, many think that they are supposed to use the Fastpass entrance with a wheelchair. When they go to the next ride (or even go back to Buzz) and are told they need to use the 'regualr line', they are confused and think the CM is doing something wrong.
So, check the Guidebook; you can get an on line copy from a link in post #3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread or get a printed copy from Guest Services in any park.

If you have run into stairs or something else in that queue that CM won't let you bypass, then ask to speak to a manager. That has happened to us (and several other people) at Splash Mountain where the line gets to a set of stairs and there is nowhere else for the wheelchair to go. We asked for the manager and she educated the CM that no GAC was needed to bypass the stairs. If we had just produced a GAC when the CM had told us we could not go on, that CM would continue to ask people for a GAC to bypass the stairs, even though that was not correct (since that was what she thought she should do). Because we got the manager involved, that CM was giving the correct information.
So, that is why I say, know the Guidebook and ask for a manager if the CM in line won't allow you to use the accessible entrance listed there.

 

[happymommy]

Thanks so much, everyone!

I am not going to bother with the GAC I think. He'll be fine, and we will take breaks. Now that we decided to go in December, the weather should be much better for him (than August!).

We switched from the Swan or Dolphin to POFQ, so I will definitely call about the deep clean (dust bothers him). Hopefully they can provide fresh linens (comforters) as well.

Anyway, thanks so much to everyone here! This board is so full of great information. You guys are terrific! And so is Disney - for families with any special needs they are so great. I love how my son can eat so well with his food allergies there.

Yippee - just a month away!

 

[Mary976]

We have stayed at POFQ several times and love it! It's a smaller size, it's easy to walk to everything. One suggestion, though, if your son is triggered by cigarette smoke...be sure you make a room request for a room that is NOT right in front of a smoking area. The doors at POFQ open directly to the outside and one time we got a room directly next to a smoking area (it was no problem switching rooms, but it was a hassle that we have tried to avoid going forward). Also, the food court has outside seating, but lots of people smoke there, so even if you sit inside do not sit near a door.

Have a great trip!
Mary

 

[hematite153]

One thing I might add is that I notice you said you try to head back to the room regularly for breaks. You may find that First Aid would allow him to take a break more quickly than trekking back to the room.

I have heard of people getting GACs in order to not wait in the sun/heat. They said that they didn't work at all attractions, but, if the sun and heat will trigger his asthma, then, asking for the alternate waiting location (when possible) might be useful.

 

[AGentlRose]

We try to do only a couple of hours at a time, then back to rest, then back out again. So, my question is, will they laugh at me when I request a GAC for not waiting in line for this?

Has anyone else requested a GAC for asthma to avoid waiting in lines?

Oh, and I finally am going to break down and buy a portable nebulizer for our next trip - when it's bad, the inhalers don't help.

Thanks.

I have asthma and have used a GAC in Disneyland just to bypass any stair climbing, not to avoid waiting in line.

 

[swanwed6206]

My nephew has Aspberger's and cannot really wait for much more than 10-15 minutes. We went to Disneyworld this past June and in light of his condition and the anticipated crowd levels we decided to get a GAC for him. We went to the guest assistance area in AK (the first park we happened to have gone to) and we asked for the card; the CM simply asked that we point out the individual for whom the card was requested and he gave us the card. We had researched this GAC a TON on these boards and elsewhere trying to make an informed decision whether we should get it. Many of the answers we received were similar to the ones on this thread such as "it will not allow you to cut the line, etc." The one thing I can tell you about the GAC is that we actually felt bad a few times using it and the use was totally warranted. The card is helpful with the rides (we were never questioned once about the disability we were supporting or what specific accomodations would be appropriate) BUT is totally deficient with anything else. For example, we were at the end of a line of about 20-30 families to see a character. We asked one of the CMs if we could expedite our wait in light of our nephew's condition and we showed our GAC, and we were told "no." My DW is not one to take no for an answer so we ultimately cut the line but they were pretty adament about not allowing us to do so at first. There were actually people in line getting mad at us for wanting to cut the line (verbally expressing such); I felt a little uncomfortable about it at time as I mentioned, but objectively speaking it was totally warranted- my nephew has autism and we would simply not have been able to wait in many of the lines that we were allowed to bypass. Anyway, sorry to rant on, but my recommendation is that you definitely get the GAC for your asthmatic son because he deserves to have the same experience as any of the other kids there! If you find yourselves not needing it because his asthma is not being triggered then just put it in your back pocket!!

 

[KPeveler]

My nephew has Aspberger's and cannot really wait for much more than 10-15 minutes. We went to Disneyworld this past June and in light of his condition and the anticipated crowd levels we decided to get a GAC for him. We went to the guest assistance area in AK (the first park we happened to have gone to) and we asked for the card; the CM simply asked that we point out the individual for whom the card was requested and he gave us the card. We had researched this GAC a TON on these boards and elsewhere trying to make an informed decision whether we should get it. Many of the answers we received were similar to the ones on this thread such as "it will not allow you to cut the line, etc." The one thing I can tell you about the GAC is that we actually felt bad a few times using it and the use was totally warranted. The one thing I can tell you about the GAC is that we actually felt bad a few times using it and the use was totally warranted. The card is helpful with the rides (we were never questioned once about the disability we were supporting or what specific accomodations would be appropriate) BUT is totally deficient with anything else. For example, we were at the end of a line of about 20-30 families to see a character. We asked one of the CMs if we could expedite our wait in light of our nephew's condition and we showed our GAC, and we were told "no." My DW is not one to take no for an answer so we ultimately cut the line but they were pretty adament about not allowing us to do so at first. There were actually people in line getting mad at us for wanting to cut the line (verbally expressing such); I felt a little uncomfortable about it at time as I mentioned, but objectively speaking it was totally warranted- my nephew has autism and we would simply not have been able to wait in many of the lines that we were allowed to bypass. Anyway, sorry to rant on, but my recommendation is that you definitely get the GAC for your asthmatic son because he deserves to have the same experience as any of the other kids there! If you find yourselves not needing it because his asthma is not being triggered then just put it in your back pocket!!

the GAC will not be a fastpass for rides with all CMs... i think some CMs do that just for ease. I know of people at more crowded times of year who were sent in the fastpass entrance, then told to wait at the end or in another place for a while... i just dont want people counting on doing fastpass with a GAC and then not getting it!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

There are a few problems with swanwed6206's post.

1. As we stated, and was told by the CM at Guest Relations, the GAC is not intended to bypass lines.

2. The GAC is intended for attractions only. Character meet and greets, food service locations, and transportation are not considered attractions and the GAC has no validity for them.

3.

My DW is not one to take no for an answer so we ultimately cut the line but they were pretty adament about not allowing us to do so at first. There were actually people in line getting mad at us for wanting to cut the line (verbally expressing such); I felt a little uncomfortable about it at time as I mentioned, but objectively speaking it was totally warranted- my nephew has autism and we would simply not have been able to wait in many of the lines that we were allowed to bypass.

By cutting in line the other guests were correct and justified in being angry with you; you were not authorized to cut in line. You action was not warranted and if a line control CM contacted Security you could have been ejected from the park. You were intentionally breaking rules.

 

[swanwed6206]

1. Disney's underlying intent was not the subject of my post; I think everyone understands that Disney's intent behind producing and issuing this card it is to alert CMs to make special accommodations for people in need without having to diagnose those needs a hundred times a day. I understand that philosophically "special accommodations" does not always mean bypassing a line. I was simply providing my objective observations about my family's experience with the GAC.
2. This doesn't completely make sense to me. A line at a QS is one thing because my nephew could wait with my DW and DSIL at the table; but he is a principal in a character meet and greet- he would have to wait in line, similar to waiting for a ride, to meet and greet. To make it equitable, should parents wait in line as a place holder- what happens with a single parent? My point here is Disney should either have an assistance card or not.
3. I either didn't communicate what happened clearly or you are being totally insensitive. When I say "cut the line" I mean that we were escorted by a CM to a shaded location and waited for 3-4 other families to meet and greet before we were seamlessly integrated into the visit. (We cut ahead of probably 15 families.) My nephew cannot wait longer than 15 minutes for anything- at the outset of getting into a line he immediately paces back and forth- he has very little concept of the people around him so he will step on, walk into, etc. everyone around us. He will also have extremely loud conversations with us about topic du jour- when you ask him to lower his voice he will do so, but due to his condition, which encompasses not having empathy, he will go right back to being extremely loud within a few minutes. He hears you asking him to be quiet, so he does, but he can't feel why he should be quiet, so he soon forgets to be such. I am the last person that wants to ruffle feathers and not be completely entitled to what I am getting, thus the reason why I originally said I felt uncomfortable about it; but in this case, trust me, it is warranted; I can't stress enough that our use of the card was very warranted. My nephew would not have seen 7/8 of what he did or alternatively if we did drag him to that 7/8 it would have been the people next to us in line that were sorry! I think you might have been out of line by suggesting that we should have been ejected from the park....

 

[Belle1962]

There is a reason we try to be helpful but not overly specific on this board. People lurk/research/pose to obtain information or verbiage on how to get GAC and then go about "demanding" "their rights".

I think some of the posts in this thread give too much info and needs to be modified to keep others from claiming their child has XX or behaves XX and needs a GAC.

Sad but true--people will do ANYTHING if they think it gives them an advantage.

No matter how many times it is posted that A GAC is NOT intended to bypass lines or to be used for meet and greets or food service, SOMEONE invariably argues about "we did it and had a child with xxx condition" or "the child deserves it".

Bottom line: explain your needs to to Guest Services. Take the GAC/action that they deem appropriate for your situation. It's the people who cause scenes and who refuse to follow the guidelines who make it harder for the next person who comes along with a GAC card.

 

[mechurchlady]

For meet and greets Disney should have the CM hand the guest a card with a set time and date so that the disabled guest can wait outside the line. However I would hate to be one of them 15 families that had to wait extra for your family. What if one of them 15 families also had disabilities but was toughing it out? Also Disney does need to address some things about meet and greets like disabled guests and single parents. I do feel for parents of kids who have disabilities as I have SID and my quirks can drive people up the wall like yesterday I was talking my way through a grocery store, so weird. Waiting for thread to close.

That said I am going back to the topic about asthma and the GAC. GAC is not for illnesses and disorders but for symptoms. I already gave you my opinion and as always suggest listening to Cheshire and Sue as they are very wise and study the parks.

 

[swanwed6206]

However I would hate to be one of them 15 families that had to wait extra for your family. What if one of them 15 families also had disabilities but was toughing it out?

Problem solved- We will tough it out next time!