GAC, can I get one for DS, and how to contact Disney in advance?

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

Hi all,

The people on this board have always been so helpful, I'm hoping you can answer a few questions for me.

DS broke his arm at the elbow and we are going to WDW in just over 2 weeks. It's a huge bummer for him because we're told he can't get it wet at all - so no pools He's already fussing about how hot it is under the cast (it's a full arm cast, shoulder to wrist) and DS also has ADHD. The ADHD makes him not the most patient of children and rather emotionally immature. Although he's 10 - he's still prone to meltdowns.

Anyway, I was wondering if he would qualify for a GAC? We would certainly use fastpass where we can but to avoid long waits in the heat with that cast would certainly improve his attitude. I'd like to ask Disney in advance about this also - does anyone know who to contact?

Do I need to take a copy of his ADHD diagnosis? It's kinda obvious about his arm - it's in a DIS (I talked him into it!) bright lime green cast!

Edited to say: OK, I just read about letters re an ADHD diagnosis. We've been to Disney many times and never thought about using a GAC for DS's ADHD alone, and he's been fine. It's the combination of being in that cast with ADHD that has me worried.
Thanks for you help.

 

[SueM in MN]

I'd like to ask Disney in advance about this also - does anyone know who to contact?

Basically all they will tell you if you were to contact them ahead of time is to go to Guest Relations and discuss his needs with them. They won't give a 'yes' or 'no' by email or phone.

If you haven't read the part about GACs (Guest Assistance Cards) in the disABILITIES FAQs thread, I'd suggest you read it. When you go to Guest Relations, just explain what you have said here. Keep in mind that they will say the GAC is not meant to shorten the wait in line.

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

Thanks SueM, I will read that. I guess what I'm saying is not so much the wait but the wait in a hot, heavy cast. If we could wait out of the sun or where it's cooler I think it would make a world of difference. I guess I'll just have to talk to them when we get there.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Also, if your son doesn't have problems with unfamiliar textures (I guess, I don't know how else to explain it), try carrying a turkey baster filled with baby powder or cornstarch, and 'inject' some between the cast and his arm when he gets hot/itchy.

 

[AJKMOM]

Unfortunately, in June, there is hardly any place to get out of the heat and humidity. Even if you have a FastPass or GAC, he will still be hot and miserable most of the time, Plus, with a cast, I wonder how many rides he can't go on? I would think, not the thrill rides.

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

Thanks for the suggestions. Unfortunately, DS is also sensory sensitive so anything that he could feel would drive him crazy.

We went to Busch Gardens Williamsburg over Memorial Weekend and they gave DS a GAC and he rode all the thrill rides he wanted (it did surprise me), coasters like the big bad wolf. I guess as long as the cast doesn't interfer with a safety restraint he'd be ok, BG didn't stop him from riding anything (we didn't try the Griffon though, that's too much for Mom's heart even without a cast). With their GAC they told us to enter from the exit and it was pretty much front of the line. As it was in the low 90's up there that was really helpful.

When DH had his leg in a walking cast and using an ECV at WDW a few years ago, I do remember being loaded onto some rides from the exit. Has that changed at all? So instead of standing in a line that extended into the sun, we were under cover at the entrance to the exit. Seems like at Spaceship Earth, we loaded from inside, although I could be wrong I know it won't eliminate every wait in the sun but minimizing them sure helps. That cast is heavy too so after a long while standing he complains of his back hurting.

I can't reschedule as we are going along on a business trip with DH.

Thanks again!

 

[SueM in MN]

When DH had his leg in a walking cast and using an ECV at WDW a few years ago, I do remember being loaded onto some rides from the exit. Has that changed at all? So instead of standing in a line that extended into the sun, we were under cover at the entrance to the exit. Seems like at Spaceship Earth, we loaded from inside, although I could be wrong I know it won't eliminate every wait in the sun but minimizing them sure helps. That cast is heavy too so after a long while standing he complains of his back hurting.

I can't reschedule as we are going along on a business trip with DH.

Thanks again!

Spaceship Earth did load from the exit because the regualr line and entrance were not wheelchair accessible at all (but I believe is closed now for renovation). The wait at the exit was often longer than the wait in the regular line, especially in the late afternoon, when the regular line is usually walking right in.

Some of the older attractions with moving walkways load people using wheelchairs or ECVs at the exit because the CM has more control there (plus, boarding at the exit means the wheelchair or ECV will be at the exit waiting for you when you get off). For many of those attractions, you wait in the regular line with everyone else and be routed to the exit to board very close to when the regular line gets to the regular boarding area.

 

[Nanajo1]

When we check the Orlando weather we applaud partly cloudy days.
Have you thought about a small umbrella to provide some shade. I take one and it helps while waiting for parades etc. I know you said he could not get the cast wet but how about one of those shower protectors sold at pharmacies so he could ride some of the rides that splash?
Best of luck.

 

[SueM in MN]

Also, if your son doesn't have problems with unfamiliar textures (I guess, I don't know how else to explain it), try carrying a turkey baster filled with baby powder or cornstarch, and 'inject' some between the cast and his arm when he gets hot/itchy.

You could use a turkey baster to 'inject' air into the cast, but you don't want to add anything else. Cornstarch can be growth media for fungi and stuff and both baby powder or corn starch will build up inside the cast.

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

Hi

SueMN - Yes, that's how I remember loading on Spaceship Earth. The wait was not shorter, I remember waiting a bit before getting on, but we were inside. DH didn't have a GAC then, we didn't know what that was, but the CM's would take a look at him and send us to where we needed to go. Also thanks for the turkey baster air idea. I had looked at a can of air for him but it was pretty expensive, a baster would probably work just fine!

Nanajo1 - an umbrella is a great idea, I was just looking a one that folds up really small so it would be easy enough to carry We are so used to carrying our ponchos for rain that I hadn't even thought about an umbrella.

Thanks again everyone for the wonderful tips