GAC card - what does it REALLY mean for DH (mobility/waiting issues)

[jennyriver]

DH recently had knee surgery and can walk - actually, he can get around quite well and feels pretty good during the day AS LONG AS KEEPS MOVING (it is stiff and painful when he stops, as i am witness to every night when he *TRIES* to sleep). we have a trip planned for the end of oct/early nov and i am wondering if a GAC card will assist him in any way. he is VERY reluctant to ask for anything "special" but when he's honest about his current condition, he admits that waiting in long lines would be extremely uncomfortable for him. i called ahead to ask about this, and after hearing "what about getting him a wheelchair?" (actually the OPPOSITE of what would help him - he needs to KEEP moving!) i was told we could see Guest Relations and ask about a GAC.

does anyone know what getting one of these cards would do for my husband? i have read that there are some alternative entrances to rides, but that there may still be waits, sometimes longer than regular lines - if this is true, i don't see how it would assist him in any way. if regualr lines (w/all the "pre-show" activities i'm sure we'll enjoy) are just as long, or shorter, why would we even want to get a GAC card? or, can they actually accomodate him by having him wait much shorter periods w/the GAC?

any help would be appreciated!

 

[Schmeck]

Using Fastpass where available will help the most, as a GAC may not shorten your time in line at all, and as you noted, Disney's standard response to those who state that they cannot tolerate standing in long lines is to get a wheelchair.

Most lines we've waited in at WDW are moving lines - not a lot of standing still, just slow meandering through the queue. Other attractions have areas where you have to wait for the next show to start, like Honey I Shrunk the Audience (and other 3D shows) Voyage of the Little Mermaid, Turtle Talk, etc. I don't think there's any way a GAC could help out for your situation there, you'd just have to time it right to be there when the doors open for the next show.

If he can stay in one spot and just shift his weight from foot to foot, or take a tiny step forward and back do his knees still bother him?

 

[jennyriver]

If he can stay in one spot and just shift his weight from foot to foot, or take a tiny step forward and back do his knees still bother him?

it seems that, mainly, he feels best when he keeps moving. i'm sure he would try moving a bit while in line, but i know that what really feels best is to actually engage his knee in either walking, or bike riding-type movements. of course, we realize he'll be sitting for rides, but for the few minutes of a ride, he will be OK. it's the longer waits, one after another (potentially) that will be bad for him. from what i have heard about FastPass, you can only get 1 every hour (or longer?) and they are gone by noon anyway. plus, if the rule is to "come back later" and we are there early in the day, wouldn't we still be waiting on the rides not yet up to their FastPass times? mylast trip to Disney was about 15 years ago, and i have NO experience with either issue (the GAC or FastPass).

thanks!

 

[Belle1962]

I have almost the same issue--I need to keep moving or I stiffen up. I use fastpass whenever possible, so the wait in line isn't too long and just make sure I have other members of my party in back of me--so I can keep a slow walking distance between me and the party in front of me without having another group breathing down my neck/up my you know what. The lines (even mainstream) move along at a nice pace usually, especially in the slower periods--which it sounds like you are going in. A good plan like Tour Guide Mike, the unofficial guide, getting to the parks early and stopping to "smell the roses" when necessary are the best pieces of advice I ever got from these boards.

Has he tried a brace or some other assitive device? I would check with his dr or pt to see what might help. I use a lot of ice packs and thermacare products while at Disney. They are man's greatest two inventions in my book

 

[jennyriver]

Has he tried a brace or some other assitive device? I would check with his dr or pt to see what might help. I use a lot of ice packs and thermacare products while at Disney. They are man's greatest two inventions in my book

no brace (i think it was not recommended for him) but he does heat and ice. mainly, though, he is using them at night when he really needs them.

the only things we have to compare this expereince to now are 1) when he goes to work (although he does work "on the go" so IS often on the move, physically) - when he's stuck in his car, he is definitely uncomfortable but at his office he can get up and walk, even outside if he needs to. and 2) at night when he tries to sleep. and this is the toughest for him - he often is up at 3am walking the dog, or 6am riding his bike, just so he doesn't stiffen up. it's so tough to know how, exactly, his knee will feel standing in lines since this is not an activity he does right now. but if it's anything like #1 & 2 above, then we'll have to figure SOMETHING out!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to both DisBoards and 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 Guest Assistance Card.

It looks as if will have been about three months after the surgery that you come down here. By that time he should be in much better condition and not nearly as much pain.

One thing to realize is there is a lot of walking in the parks. Most people will tend to do about 10 miles per day. You might also look at Post #2 about mobility devices and when you come down keep some of th4e numbers handy in case you may need to get an ECV.

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

And as you get closer to the trip you should have a better idea of his capabilities and needs.

 

[jennyriver]

Hi and to both DisBoards and disABILITIES!

It looks as if will have been about three months after the surgery that you come down here. By that time he should be in much better condition and not nearly as much pain.

One thing to realize is there is a lot of walking in the parks. Most people will tend to do about 10 miles per day. You might also look at Post #2 about mobility devices and when you come down keep some of th4e numbers handy in case you may need to get an ECV.

And as you get closer to the trip you should have a better idea of his capabilities and needs.

thanks for the welcome!

yes, i agree that once we're closer to the date we leave, we'll know more about his abilities. he was told, though, to expect a 6month recovery. i'm just trying to be proactive in what to expect.

again, it's not the walking that's bad, it's the NOT moving that will be uncomfortable, so while an ECV or wheelchair are nice options, they just won't work for him.

i think we'll just wait to see how he is doing and see GR to possibly obtain a GAC...if we feel the need for it for certain times, then we know it's an option, but if not, or if NOT using it would work better, we'll go that route