GAC/medical question

[SpectroBelle]

My DH and I leave in a few weeks for a So Cal and DL trip. Not looking for sympathy by any means, but I have recently been diagnosed with a severe kidney problem that requires major surgery. My surgeon wanted me to go and try to enjoy my vacation and then have the surgery 2 days after we get back.

I have seen a mention of a GAC. What is this and do you think I would qualify? We are a normal, healthy looking 30-something year old couple and I'm sure I might get some dirty looks. But I have a lot of trouble if I have to walk a lot or stand for long periods of time, and I will not be allowed to have any pain killers that close to my surgery so it will be even worse. I want to try to do it without a wheelchair or electric cart, but will revert to that if I have to.

TIA!

 

[Barbday62]

I read on the disability board that mobility issues require you to rent a wheelchair or ECV. I would try to see if you can get the card knowing you may end up having to rent and then its a non issue.

Really I say rent anyway. If you have any mobility issues it will be a lifesaver in the end. Forget the pride that prevents you from doing it. Many younger people use EVCs for hidden disabilities. If your primary concern is to have fun and come out of this in one piece I say rent it!! I guarantee you will walk lots otehr wise. Its the best money spent. And my husband found he likes the EVC better than being pushed in a wheel chair. he liked the freedom to control his own movement. (and stopping for that matter )



I almost forgot to say: He uses an electric wheel chair now but part time. (Full time for long walks and standing) He does ocassionally feel the need to walk a small amount and so he will have me use his wheel chair. This is why I say its so bad to judge people when you dont know. I am 100% healthy but I have to ride just so he can have a few minutes to walk a tiny bit. I have learned never worry what other think around us any more. He may look normal but thats what a lot of pain medicine can do for you. He has muscular dystrophy and we do what we can and make the best of what we got.

 

[Chickysmom]

Could you possibly bring a doctor's note explaing your situation so there is no question when trying to get the card? Don't know if this would help but would just be a precaution incase....

 

[SpectroBelle]

Thanks for the replies and yes I don't think it would be a problem getting a doctor's note. For rides that have FP I don't think it will be too bad but I'm concerned about the others, like Peter Pan for example (in WDW it gets very long lines but has FP available).

 

[Chickysmom]

Oh, and maybe for rides with longer lines that do not have FP you could have a seat somehwere while hubby waits in line and then when he is at the front, you could join him???

 

[samkj]

If you haven't already, please check out the disAbilities board. http://disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=20 It is mainly WDW info, but the basic on using a GAC apply to DL as well. Definitely look into renting a ECV for your trip. It will make your trip much more enjoyable if you are not having to worry about walking around the parks. The GAC won't reduce your wait in many cases, but it will allow you a place to sit down while waiting.

I wish you a magical trip to DL and a very successful surgery upon your return!

 

[eduk8r26]

When my daughter's husband went to Disneyland after having a bone marrow transplant and couldn't be in the sun for long periods of time, he had no problem getting a GAC. I'm sure he had to have a dr's note, though.

 

[iceskatejen]

There are two levels of GACs at DL. The easiest to get is the no stairs one. This allows you to bypass queues with stairs if there's no elevator in the queue (like with Splash and BTM) and use the elevators in queues where they have them (like Indy & Screamin'). It also ensures you get the lower boiler room on TOT. One of my friend's has bad knees and doing stairs causes him pain, so he gets the no stairs GAC. The bypass is much harder to get, but I think they'll give you one with a Drs. note. This basically lets you use the same entrances as wheelchairs in non-accessable queues and through the FP line in all the others. I know people who have gotten them and see people with them w/o wheelchairs all the time. If you rent a wheelchair or ECV, you won't need the GAC card.