GAC for Crohn's Disease?

[texasteacher35]

I have a medical alert card because I have Crohn's Disease. Do I need a doctor's note from my gastroenterologist to say something specific for me to receive a GAC card? Or is the medical alert card enough documentation? I have never gotten a GAC card before, but my body is out of remission right now, and it makes me nervous for our upcoming trips. Thanks in advance.

 

[mesaboy2]

I have a medical alert card because I have Crohn's Disease. Do I need a doctor's note from my gastroenterologist to say something specific for me to receive a GAC card? Or is the medical alert card enough documentation? I have never gotten a GAC card before, but my body is out of remission right now, and it makes me nervous for our upcoming trips. Thanks in advance.

You should not need a doctor's note. Go by Guest Relations and explain your situation and they will do their best to accommodate you.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

They don't ask for any "proof" at Guest Relations It depends on what assistance you're needing, Disney will try and accommodate in every way possible.

 

[texasteacher35]

I can't get stuck embedded in a line for a ride, if I have a bathroom issue. So I would rather play it safe. My family gets a little freaked out when I am actively sick, and they all want to abandon the plans and come with me, to make sure I am ok. So, I would hate to stand in a giant line, and then we all get out of the line, lose our spot and have to try to start all over again.

 

[Brian_WDW74]

I've moved this thread to the disABILITIES! board.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

I can't get stuck embedded in a line for a ride, if I have a bathroom issue. So I would rather play it safe. My family gets a little freaked out when I am actively sick, and they all want to abandon the plans and come with me, to make sure I am ok. So, I would hate to stand in a giant line, and then we all get out of the line, lose our spot and have to try to start all over again.

Disney is great at accommodating this Also, you can try and use FP as this will give you a shorter wait than standby (there will be a shorter line, not no line

Also, early mornings, you can usually walk straight on rides with minimal wait

 

[texasteacher35]

It's sometimes hard for me because I don't look like I am sick...I just look a little thin...but I have a disease with no cure, and at times, there are all kinds of complications and side effects. The number one problem being getting to a bathroom PRONTO...

 

[Disney_Princess83]

It's sometimes hard for me because I don't look like I am sick...I just look a little thin...but I have a disease with no cure, and at times, there are all kinds of complications and side effects. The number one problem being getting to a bathroom PRONTO...

I understand all about "hidden" disabilities. We have someone in the family with autism. I'm not saying it's the same but there are no "physical" indicators of a disability.

Disney is great at trying to accommodate where they can and they won't ask for proof. It's a great idea to get the GAC card.

If anything happens that you "have" to leave the line, try and speak to a CM or get one of your family to do so. They will often let you back in the line or bring you around the front if you've already been waiting and had to leave the line for an emergency.

 

[texasteacher35]

Disney is great at accommodating this Also, you can try and use FP as this will give you a shorter wait than standby (there will be a shorter line, not no line

Also, early mornings, you can usually walk straight on rides with minimal wait

Yes, we go often and we will definitely use fastpass and EMH. Like I said, I have dealt with smaller side effects for years at WDW, but this time I am more out of remission that in remission and thus, a few more issues. I am hoping it passes, but I want to be prepared if it stays the same. Thanks so much!!

 

[Disney_Princess83]

Yes, we go often and we will definitely use fastpass and EMH. Like I said, I have dealt with smaller side effects for years at WDW, but this time I am more out of remission that in remission and thus, a few more issues. I am hoping it passes, but I want to be prepared if it stays the same. Thanks so much!!

Not a problem. I really understand Good luck and have a wonderful vacation

 

[Bearybear]

It's sometimes hard for me because I don't look like I am sick...I just look a little thin...but I have a disease with no cure, and at times, there are all kinds of complications and side effects. The number one problem being getting to a bathroom PRONTO...

As someone with Crohn's who has been to WDW when not in remission, I've never gotten a GAC (I didn't realize I could get one so I could leave a line to run to the bathroom and come back). My biggest fear at WDW is lines for the bathrooms. My family jokes that I know where all the bathrooms are everywhere.

 

[texasteacher35]

As someone with Crohn's who has been to WDW when not in remission, I've never gotten a GAC (I didn't realize I could get one so I could leave a line to run to the bathroom and come back). My biggest fear at WDW is lines for the bathrooms. My family jokes that I know where all the bathrooms are everywhere.

Good point! What can I do about that?? I hadn't even thought about the lines...I have that fear of being embedded in a long line, woven into the middle/claustrophobic-like, and having an issue and I can't get out. Like in space mountain, or BIg Thunder Mountain...and I can't even get past everyone to exit the line...Not even mentioning...finding the bathroom and hopefully having no lines for that.

I have had Crohn's Disease since I was 22, and I have never used any special assistance...but as I get older (41) it gets a little dicier.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

Good point! What can I do about that?? I hadn't even thought about the lines...I have that fear of being embedded in a long line, woven into the middle/claustrophobic-like, and having an issue and I can't get out. Like in space mountain, or BIg Thunder Mountain...and I can't even get past everyone to exit the line...Not even mentioning...finding the bathroom and hopefully having no lines for that.

I have had Crohn's Disease since I was 22, and I have never used any special assistance...but as I get older (41) it gets a little dicier.

In your circumstances, I'd use the disabled facilities and/or even the parents rooms. You can also speak to the people at Guest Relations and see what advice they can offer

 

[camper06]

Good point! What can I do about that?? I hadn't even thought about the lines....

If there is a bathroom line, I would ask if I may go ahead due to a medical condition - no need to mention details. I, for one, would be glad to let someone in front of me when necessary. I know some will say "but I was here first" blah, blah, but for the most part, folks are generally very understanding and would not have a problem with it.

Good luck - hope it all works out for you!

 

[mistysue]

I agree with the PP - I would try to know where every type of bathrooms is and even just politely ask people if you can go ahead for a medical situation.
I think most people are nice enough to not mind.

Also, what season are you going?
We go at the end of August and have only run into lines at the baby care centers. I have heard people say to go there- but honestly we've gotten stuck in there waiting 10 minutes for people to change a newborn while the regular bathrooms you could walk right in to your choice of stalls.

 

[WheeledTraveler]

You may be best off using FP, touring plans (not necessarily as a set plan, but to know when there will be shorter waits for rides or a park will be less crowded) and just going to the bathroom every chance you get, including before you get into queues. A GAC isn't meant to shorten waits and says so directly on the card (I know you haven't asked for one for that, I just wanted to say it because many people assume that it will shorten your time waiting). People with Crohn's, IBS, and other similar conditions have posted here saying that they've had CMs be very accommodating if they've mentioned as they got out of a queue why they were doing so even without a GAC. I think you've been given good suggestions about using companion rest rooms if needed and asking if you can go ahead due to a medical condition if there's a line in the regular restroom and no companion room nearby. It's possible that using touring plans to aim for the least crowded parks and areas of parks will also mean fewer lines in the bathroom, but I don't know if anyone's ever looked at that. There are bathrooms in First Aid that you can also use.

As far as actually getting a GAC, not only do you not need any medical documentation, but Guest Services cannot look at it and are not legally allowed to ask for it. Most medical documentation doesn't tell GS what they need to know anyway. What they need to know is what accommodations you need. Telling them "I have Crohns" won't tell them anything.

Since you've mentioned that your Crohn's isn't as under control as it has been in the past, you may also want to think past some of the obvious concerns. Will it effect the amount of energy you have for touring the parks? I know people with Crohn's who while flaring need to use wheelchairs for anything with as much walking as WDW, for example, just because of their levels of fatigue. If you don't need that much support, you might still want to look at planning around when you'll have more or less energy. If you need to lie down at any point, you can do so in the First Aid station. I don't know what else you might need to think about since I don't actually have Crohn's, myself, and my IBS-ish stuff is generally under control (my main disability relates mostly to mobility, pain, and fatigue) but I wanted to bring up the fact that depending on how out of control things are at the moment, there might be more things to think about than the obvious.

 

[texasteacher35]

Thanks everyone! You definitely have me some ideas and some strategies!!!

 

[Kelli Pooh]

I have Crohn's also. I understand when someone suggests trying to use the bathroom before getting in line and I do but that does not help the mad dash that us Crohn's warriors all take too often. My great fear is for it to happen while on a ride!

I suggest midday breaks at the hotel to nap or even relax in a pool chair. Resting relives some fatigue & lowers stress (one of our triggers).

Learn where the restrooms are. Something I am sure you already do most places you frequent. We both ran through MK last trip searching for one when I got confused in my panic to find one. I studied my maps that night! My DH laughs that I now have restroom radar

Take individual packages of wet toilet paper wipes.

What may help you in those bathroom lines is a restroom access card. Not found through Disney but found online and you can print it out. Looks more official, which helps those people become a bit more understanding. You can find them to print free here chttp://myibd.org/RestroomMedAlert/index.phpan

Hope I helped some. Have a great trip!

 

[texasteacher35]

I have Crohn's also. I understand when someone suggests trying to use the bathroom before getting in line and I do but that does not help the mad dash that us Crohn's warriors all take too often. My great fear is for it to happen while on a ride!

I suggest midday breaks at the hotel to nap or even relax in a pool chair. Resting relives some fatigue & lowers stress (one of our triggers).

Learn where the restrooms are. Something I am sure you already do most places you frequent. We both ran through MK last trip searching for one when I got confused in my panic to find one. I studied my maps that night! My DH laughs that I now have restroom radar

Take individual packages of wet toilet paper wipes.

What may help you in those bathroom lines is a restroom access card. Not found through Disney but found online and you can print it out. Looks more official, which helps those people become a bit more understanding. You can find them to print free here chttp://myibd.org/RestroomMedAlert/index.phpan

Hope I helped some. Have a great trip!

Thanks so much!!! I had one problem, I told the CM when entering RSR and he was not concerned at all. He said there are lot of exits for me to get out of line quickly...NOT TRUE. I got embedded in the line, I had to jump the line, it took forever to find the bathroom...all the way near Flo's V8 Cafe...I pretty much had a problem. I was so upset. By the time I returned, my family was apparently on the ride without me. I told the CM's what happened, they were so rude and acted like- who gives a care...I got a manager...had a big scene, I was so embarrassed to have to keep explaining what happened. He finally put me and the family on the ride...but I had to really fight for it. I was humiliated. It was the only line in both parks I couldn't make it for...Do you have any suggestions for next time???? I was exhausted from humiliation, frustration, arguing, and being dismissed by like 5 CM's before I got to a manager. I was sooooooo nice about it, but I was crying by the time I got to CM #3. It shouldn't be that hard for someone with Crohn's...

Suggestions??????

 

[ToddyLu]

If memory serves me correctly this is one of the most detailed bathroom websites out there for WDW. It is an old one but very good. I did not browse around but wanted to post the link. As a wound, ostomy, continence nurse, I think this site could be valuable to lots of park guests


http://www.cassworld.ca/bathrooms.htm