GAC card... should I bother getting Mom one.

[kamik86]

My mom has issues with her knees and has had to get cortozone (sorry I can't spell) shots for them etc. They tend to bother her more when its humid so with all the walking at disney I know they will start to bother her. I was thinking we would just get her a wheel chair if they start bothering her so that she can still keep up with the other 8 of us that don't have knee issues (well or at least have much less knee issues so that as long as we don't start jumping around we will be fine).

Would I need to get a GAC card for her to get the wheelchair? What is the process for getting a card if I need one? Does she need anything from a doctor? I know you need to tell Disney what she needs and that part is easy (she just needs a chair so she doesn't have to walk and stand so long). We aren't trying to do this to get out of waiting in line or anything (actually I think of everyone going my Mom probably has the MOST patience and thus the best ability to wait in line as long as she isn't standing!)

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

To rent a wheelchair or ECV does not require anything (other than money).

The lines for almost all attractions at WDW are "mainstreamed". This means that the queue is set up to allow wheelchairs and/or ECVs to go through the line just as a person without a mobility problem. As it was built prior to the ADA, the Magic Kingdom is most likely to have non-mainstreamed lines. Some attractions, such as Splash Mountain and Haunted Mansion you will go part way through the regular queue and then be diverted. Other attractions, such as Big Thunder Mountain or SpaceShip Earth you will initially be directed to an accessible entrance.

All the theaters are set up with seats (usually in the back row) removed so a wheelchair or ECV can pull into a space and there will be regular seating on either side of the space for the others in the party.

Where there are quantity limits on space, or other limitation involving accessibility, you may have to wait longer to see a show or ride an attraction than people without disabilities.

The normal (and official) response of Guest Relations to people with mobility and/or stamina issues is to recommend rental of a wheelchair or ECV. The Guest Assistance Card (GAC) is intended for "invisible" disabilities not related to mobility or stamina. A wheelchair or ECV is sufficient to notify Cast Members of special assistance normally needed. However, if a person has other issues, such as auditory or visual, they would probably also need a GAC.

Note that a GAC is not intended to allow bypassing of lines, and it so states on the card itself. The only people who will get the special Front Of The Line GAC are where a terminal or medically fragile child is traveling on a trip from Make A Wish or similar foundation.

 

[SueM in MN]

Just writing to agree with Cheshire Figment; she would not need a GAC with the needs you have described.

You do not need a Guest Assistance Card to get a wheelchair or to use it in lines/attractions. GACs are more of an information tool to let CMs know about invisible problems.

If you want more information about GACs, you can follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES FAQs thread. Post #6 is about GACs.

 

[kamik86]

For the shows where there is limited wheel chair seating would she be able to leave the wheel chair outside like others do for strollers and just go in and sit in a normal seat?

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

For the shows where there is limited wheel chair seating would she be able to leave the wheel chair outside like others do for strollers and just go in and sit in a normal seat?

Yes, she can do that. Actually, if she needs the chair to go right up to her seat before she can transfer; she can do that also. You and/or a CM can move the chair out of the way after that and have it back to her after the show. When using a wheelchair, she does not have to be 'glued' to it. She can get out of it, whenever she feels like it or perhaps even needs it (sometimes movement every now and than is just what you need).

At a lot of shows the question will be asked when seating availability might be a problem. For those that can not transfer it's a 'lifesaver' if folks that can transfer do so. I for sure appreciate it tremendously! Having said that; also always look at your moms abilities at that specific moment. If she's done many transfers already and her knees are acting up; it is OK to remain in the chair. If she can only do x-amount of transfers and those could be used more 'wisely' for other things; it is OK to remain in the chair. If the benches used at a show would mean difficulty for her sitting on them; it is OK to remain in the chair.

Or simply put; having empathy for others and common courtesy in transferring where possible is great, but she should also always have the same amount of empathy and common courtesy towards herself.