GAC for SID and AS

[Christypl]

Wow..lots of letters there.
I am taking my son to WDW after Christmas. He has SID and is autistic. What accomadations should I ask for on the GAC? Thanks!

 

[ducklite]

What type of accomodations will allow him to more fully enjoy WDW by giving him "work-arounds" to accomodate his disabilities?

Anne

 

[Christypl]

I'm thinking that waiting in a quiet area or being able to use his stroller in line would help. I am so worried he will have a meltdown in line. I had to live Target today because he got so upset. I'm just not sure what is acceptable to Disney.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Basically you should ask for "Stroller as Wheelchair" and alternate waiting area. But just us the GAC as "insurance" and see if he can survive without it.

 

[Nik's Mom]

Hi! I have an autistic 7 year old and 4 year old with Sensory issues and "autistic tendensies". Yes, we have our hands full, but life is never dull. We've traveled to WDW several times and this is what we do.

We use the stroller as a wheel chair because the kids can use the stroller as their "safe place". That really helps. The most important thing that we do for our children is get to the parks about 30 minutes before they open. This allows us to get a bit of a jump on crowds. This has worked on the most busiest times even. We go to rides that we know will have big lines first.

At about noon, we will grab a fast pass for a ride that we know will have a long line later, then we head back to the hotel for the kids to rest. Then at about 4pm, we head back, using the fast pass. We really try to use the GAC as a last resort. I think you will find the stroller as a big help to your little one. Also, trying to get there early helps. I know it's hard to get up early, but it does make a difference in crowds.

Have a great trip!

 

[SueM in MN]

If you haven't already checked it out, look at the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of the board. There is a section about GACs (Guest Assistance Cards) in the disABILITIES FAQs thread.

You don't necessarily need to know waht accomidations to ask for. If you tell the CM what the needs are, they will come up with appropriate accomidations. If you find that what they have given you doesn't work, you can go back and explain what didn't work or what further needs you had.

My DD takes too long to get ready in the morning for us to get there when the parks open, but when DH and I have gone alone or when DH has gone with other members of our party, we found you can see most of the attractions with very short waits if you can go early in the morning. That is true even during busy times like during Spring break at Easter week.

 

[Bugsmom73]

DS had a GAC for our most recent trip. I got it in EPCOT and had no problem. We did not always use it. A lot depended upon the situation. The next time I may consider the stroller as a wheelchair but he overall did great. No meltdowns r/t waiting in lines. Mom and Dad forgot to transition him near the end of the day, we just forgot but he bounced back quickly. Ours was to wait in a quiet area and use alternate entrances. DS is autistic and SID.

 

[Christypl]

Thank you all so much!!!!!!! Your suggestions have helped me a lot. I'm not stressing nearly as much now.

 

[Ambassador]

We have not used a GAC yet, mostly just FP. We have deliberately avoided some attractions, and do not try to go on any rides that are apprehensive. That has changed with time and maturity. We carry ear plugs to counter some sound or loudness issues. We have brought some toys and the like, to hold their attention in lines and restaurants.

We go to the Parks early, set a leisurely pace, have lunch, then head back to our Resort.

 

[tacomaranch]

I just have to say I love your photo. I almost cry when I see it! Thank you for the lovely picture and keep dreaming.

 

[Christypl]

Thank you so much for the kind words about our photo. It was taken last Christmas. It was my sons first trip to WDW. My dh was deployed to Iraq and we needed some magic in our lives. He ask almost daily when we are going back, thus our upcoming trip.