GAC at Disneyland

[Ziggy]

I hope this is in the right place, I have done a search for this question but I can't find any recent threads.

DD (16) suffers from arthritis and hypermobility with particular problems in her knees and ankles. We have been to WDW many times and been given a GAC which has been a god-send and really helped. This year we are visiting DL and am wondering if they offer the same kind of pass or not?

DD is also very stubborn and independent and is saying that she wants to try walking around the parks instead of hiring a chair, she is a very slow walker and I'm not sure how long she will last without the chair but I really don't want to take her independance away from her, I guess the pass would help by giving her somewhere to sit and rest whilst using an alternative entrance and waiting in line there. Will DL still issue a pass without her using a chair? I can take her UK disabled parking badge with us as evidence that she is disabled.

 

[pilgrimr]

We were at DLR in January and we were able to get a GAC just like at WDW. We did not have any problems. Just like WDW you will have to tell them what you will need for them to help.

 

[DIS-NH]

After entering the park, go to the Town Hall. Unlike WDW, they are not available at guest services.

Also....DL provides you with a great guide sheet that will assist you with the proper use of the card. We found this very helpful.

 

[Ziggy]

We were at DLR in January and we were able to get a GAC just like at WDW. We did not have any problems. Just like WDW you will have to tell them what you will need for them to help.

After entering the park, go to the Town Hall. Unlike WDW, they are not available at guest services.

Also....DL provides you with a great guide sheet that will assist you with the proper use of the card. We found this very helpful.

That's great news, do you think we will have any problems with her not being in a chair though?

 

[SueM in MN]

I hope this is in the right place, I have done a search for this question but I can't find any recent threads.

DD (16) suffers from arthritis and hypermobility with particular problems in her knees and ankles. We have been to WDW many times and been given a GAC which has been a god-send and really helped. This year we are visiting DL and am wondering if they offer the same kind of pass or not?

DD is also very stubborn and independent and is saying that she wants to try walking around the parks instead of hiring a chair, she is a very slow walker and I'm not sure how long she will last without the chair but I really don't want to take her independance away from her, I guess the pass would help by giving her somewhere to sit and rest whilst using an alternative entrance and waiting in line there. Will DL still issue a pass without her using a chair? I can take her UK disabled parking badge with us as evidence that she is disabled.

There is information about Guest Assistance Cards in the disABILITIES FAQs thread, near the top of this board. It was written about WDW, but almost all the information also applies to Disneyland.

The type of problems you are describing are 'stamina or endurance' problems and the advice you will get is to use a wheelchair (ECVs - also called mobility scooters - can be rented by people over 18 yrs old). That may not be what she wants to hear, but the reason is that there are few places to sit while waiting (Disneyland does not have room at their attractions) and the time spent in line waiting is just a small portion of the day. Someone who is concerned about the time spent standing and waiting in line is going to also have problems getting from place to place.

People often see a wheelchair as giving up independence, but it is really about giving up pain and having more energy to do the things you want to do rather than spend it just getting around.

2 examples that often work with teens:
- if someone needs glasses in order to see, would they look at wearing them as being dependent on the glasses? Of course not - people look at glasses as a tool to be able to see. Wheelchairs are like glasses for the feet - something that helps you to do things.
- look at energy as a savings account. There is only a certain amount in the account and if you use it all up just getting around, there won't be enough left when it's time to have fun. And, if you use too much energy one day, the account will start out with a smaller balance the next day.

 

[Ziggy]

2 examples that often work with teens:
- if someone needs glasses in order to see, would they look at wearing them as being dependent on the glasses? Of course not - people look at glasses as a tool to be able to see. Wheelchairs are like glasses for the feet - something that helps you to do things.
- look at energy as a savings account. There is only a certain amount in the account and if you use it all up just getting around, there won't be enough left when it's time to have fun. And, if you use too much energy one day, the account will start out with a smaller balance the next day.

Thanks Sue, if I explain it this way to her she might just agree. I'm worried she is going to over do it and end up in pain for the rest of the holiday.

 

[amesv]

Ziggy...no advice to share, but I complete understand where you're coming from. My 14 year old son (who has CP) hates his wheelchair and would much rather use his walker. Who could blame them? Looking at peoples' hineys all day can't be fun. Plus, Dathan really feels more independent when he can control something as simple as which direction to face without help...and he has trouble propelling himself in the chair.

There's no easy answer is there? I hope she can enjoy the trip and not worry about whatever mode of transportation it takes to do so.

Amy

 

[mechurchlady]

No proof is needed for any disabled service as per the law. There is only one exception which is when a person gets a benefit that others do not get like free parking while others pay for the parking.

IF you do it your way then she will whine and insist she was right. Rent the wheelchair then let her slowly walk the park. Either she will be so stubborn as to be nearly crawling and in agony or she will finally give in. Compromise might be best like "we will use the chair to get you to Tomorrowland then you can walk around for a while. then we will take the train to New orleans square and use the chair to get to spalsh mountain. You can walk from there to Pooh then to the mansion. Then we use the chair and do new orleans square." That is a win win and if she is like me she will eventually give in when she is tired.

The GAC is different at DLR as Disneyland was build before I was born. OLD.
There are few places to set down while waiting for a ride. I have had to set on the ground at Splash Mountain. Mansion has a few ledges. All of Fantasyland has railing and that is it. Toontown same way except for some character houses. Space Mountain is a long long way back and no seats except near the restrooms before you go in. Honey I shrunk the Audience has some ledges on the sides I think. Big Thunder you rest by leaning on walls, rough ones or rails.

DCA is wider and bigger with few places to plop while waiting for rides except for railings.

 

[Bill_Lin]

You might bring up the fact that many kids who do not normally use a chair, do so at WDW and DL because for the EXTREME walking involved. My DD 5 at the time used a stroller as a chair because of the possible fatigue issues.

 

[cmwade77]

Be sure to get the GAC before getting the wheelchair, also brining the old one from WDW helps a lot, to show what helped there.

NOTE: Generally if the person is in a wheelchair a gac will not be issued at DL and she must there with you.

 

[Bill_Lin]

Good point Wade!

 

[Ziggy]

Be sure to get the GAC before getting the wheelchair, also brining the old one from WDW helps a lot, to show what helped there.

NOTE: Generally if the person is in a wheelchair a gac will not be issued at DL and she must there with you.

Good point Wade!

I'm a little confused, I understand if you don't want to spell it out on here so could you PM me please?

 

[Bill_Lin]

I was commenting that it is important to get the GAC before the wheelchair, or it will be assumed you don't need one. They will think the chair will be all you need to get special access.

I am not sure about brining the old GAC from WDW. I have read conflicting information about that. Wade would know way more about that as a CM than I would.

 

[cmwade77]

LOL...I am not a CM, cm are my first two initials, although I could see how that could confuse some, sorry for the confusion there.

Now, generally speaking brining the GAC from WDW won't prevent you from having to explain the needs; however, in my experience, having it helps them to understand what worked for you in the past.

Also, once you do get a Disneyland one, do not ever loose it, if you decide to ever go again, it is much easier to get a new one by bringing your old one (I have found the same to be true at WDW as well).

At Disneyland, if you are in a wheelchair, then they assume you do not need a GAC, most of the time you can explain why you do indeed need one, but it is far easier if you can go in there without the wheelchair to get one.

 

[Ziggy]

LOL...I am not a CM, cm are my first two initials, although I could see how that could confuse some, sorry for the confusion there.

Now, generally speaking brining the GAC from WDW won't prevent you from having to explain the needs; however, in my experience, having it helps them to understand what worked for you in the past.

Also, once you do get a Disneyland one, do not ever loose it, if you decide to ever go again, it is much easier to get a new one by bringing your old one (I have found the same to be true at WDW as well).

At Disneyland, if you are in a wheelchair, then they assume you do not need a GAC, most of the time you can explain why you do indeed need one, but it is far easier if you can go in there without the wheelchair to get one.

Thank you for the explanation

I have found that taking the old GAC to WDW has helped my daughter in the past, I'll have to search for the one she had at WDW last year.

 

[Mskanga]

Help me understand this .....you mean if you have a wheelchair they won't give a GAC in DLR ?
My daughter will be in a wheelchair and she is still going to need other help. Did I understand that right ?

 

[Bill_Lin]

It has been easier for folks to get a GAC without a wheelchair, because they may assume that the wheelchair will be enough to get you through the wheelchair entrance (much shorter). The problem is, you may not always be using the chair. For that reason, it might be easier to pick up the GAC when you are not using the chair.

I hope that makes sense.

Bill

 

[Mskanga]

OK I understand now , thank you for the clarification.
Unfortunately I think my daughter will be in the chair if not all the time , most of it. Then again she is going on her make a wish trip and I think they give them some kind of button for them to wear....

 

[Bill_Lin]

If she is going through Make a Wish then she will wear the magic Make a Wish Button that opens many doors. It even got us special treatment on the airplane. We were boarded first and the pilot introduced her on the P.A. system as an honored guest. The stewardesses were SO sweet to her.

At WDW, we were given the red carpet all the way. Just make sure that Guest Services understands she may not be in the chair ALL the time, so the G.A.C. can cover when she is not.

Blessings,

Bill

 

[mechurchlady]

MAW used to be for only very sick children but lately the parks are making changes because MAW now is given to kids that are not so sick. the MAW button does get you a long way in the parks as the CMs tend to have a soft spot for MAW kids as well as for disabled kids.

I would get a GAC just in case I run into a surly CM who insists on one even if the person is in a wheelchair. You are in a different park so you should talk with guest relations to make sure everything is covered. The CMs can tell you if a ride that is listed as accessible is closed for repairs or off limits to disabled because the elevator broke. You may need to address other issues like vision, phobias, and special diets. CMs see many people each day so they try to get as much done in as little amount as time as possible. Do make sure that you get full service from CMs and once they know you have a special child they will warm right up and give you all the time you need with in reason.