GAC question and food allergy ?

[tkbbmom]

If you have two dc that need to be able to stand/sit in an area where there aren't a lot of people can you get two GAC? We had one the last two times we went bec of our middle ds's severe ADHD/SPD but now we'll have little one w/ SPD and chances are he will either be on steroids during trip or just coming off them and he tends to rage/meltdown. We will be using a stroller for him even though he is 6 bec he tires easily due to his asthma, gets severe leg cramps and esp if he's on steroids at the time he's easier to control in a "safe confined space" of our stroller. As dh and I talked about it we can easily see that we may need to split our family of 6 up w/ little one and I going back to the resort more or taking in different attractions from the rest who are all older.

Do I need to tell the restaurants that we've made ADR that little one has food allergies and if so how far in advance? Even though we've dealt w/ asthma/lung probs since birth -- the food allergy issue is still more new. Basically in looking at the menus we planned places that were buffets or that served ckn strips, pizza or hot dogs on the kids menu. The docs still aren't completely in agreement w/ his allergies ---they know for sure tree nuts (peanuts are fine bec they aren't tree), but the rest seems to be reactions to things like dyes, etc. that have been harder to weed out. I carry plenty of the Benadryl guick pre-measured things and two epi-pens along w/ his inhalers and we'll have nebulizer/meds in resort room.

 

[jmartinez1895]

Ywes, get two GAC's that way in case you split up each child can get the help that they need. Just be sure to take both children into the guest relations with you when getting your GAC.
You should also call and let them know about any food alergies. I do not have the name or number of the lady that always helps us with me, but I'm sure that you can find it here is the disAbility section in the information that Sue has posted or maybe someelse who has the information on hand can post it.

 

[SueM in MN]

We will be using a stroller for him even though he is 6 bec he tires easily due to his asthma, gets severe leg cramps and esp if he's on steroids at the time he's easier to control in a "safe confined space" of our stroller.

For him, you will be able to request to use a stroller as a wheelchair.
Look near the top of the thread list for this board or follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES FAQs thread. Post #6 of that thread is about GACs (Guest Assistance Cards) and includes information about using a stroller as a wheelchair. If you don't have a stroller large enough for him to fit comfortably, post #2 of that same thread includes information about renting mobility equipment, including special needs strollers.

They may be reluctant to give you 2 GACs (some people get 2 so they can use it with more people). Explain how the childrens' needs are different and that you do plan on splitting your party at times.

You may want to look into things like TourGuide Mike, which can help you plan when and where to go to avoid crowds. Many people have posted that by using TourGuide Mike, they never waited more than 10 minutes for anything.
If you can get to the park at park opening, you will be able to get on lots of attractions with very minimal waits.

Do I need to tell the restaurants that we've made ADR that little one has food allergies and if so how far in advance? Even though we've dealt w/ asthma/lung probs since birth -- the food allergy issue is still more new. Basically in looking at the menus we planned places that were buffets or that served ckn strips, pizza or hot dogs on the kids menu. The docs still aren't completely in agreement w/ his allergies ---they know for sure tree nuts (peanuts are fine bec they aren't tree), but the rest seems to be reactions to things like dyes, etc. that have been harder to weed out. I carry plenty of the Benadryl guick pre-measured things and two epi-pens along w/ his inhalers and we'll have nebulizer/meds in resort room.

See below for more information about contacting the restaurants.
Basically, you contact a central place before you go and get some information about which foods will be safe or unsafe for your situation.
Yours may be a little harder to deal with since you are not quite sure what things may be problematic. Just give as much information as you can and they will help you.
When you are seated at the restaurant for your ADR, the chef should come out to discuss your needs and point out which foods are safe/unsafe.

If you have medication you want to bring with you, but not carry around all day (like the nebulizer), you can store it in First Aid - just remember to pick it up before you leave.

Ywes, get two GAC's that way in case you split up each child can get the help that they need. Just be sure to take both children into the guest relations with you when getting your GAC.
You should also call and let them know about any food alergies. I do not have the name or number of the lady that always helps us with me, but I'm sure that you can find it here is the disAbility section in the information that Sue has posted or maybe someelse who has the information on hand can post it.

the information about diets/allergies and contact information is in post #3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread.

 

[christymarie]

Sue, as always, gave great advice. I would also agree with Sue's post that the First Aid stations in the park are a great resource, they are fantastic. They are fine with you coming in when the kids are overwhelmed and need a quiet, cool place to chill out. I have no idea how we would get though a trip to Disney without the first aid stations!

We have two boys with ASDs and I have found myself going to the first aid stations often.

Hope you have fun!

 

[tkbbmom]

Thanks so much. I had never thought of asking about using the stroller as a wheelchair. He's very large for his age (funny since he was a failure to thrive baby - but that's what steroids do I suppose!) and I have gotten funny looks when at the mall and he's in the stroller ---but I can keep him controlled and don't have to deal w/ crying from leg aches which then leads to a fit bec of the SPD when I can't make things "feel" right.

I had read the "sticky" above, but didn't see what to do if you have multiple people of various ages that need assistance. I will call today about the food allergies too, I just wasn't sure how soon to do that, we leave in 38 days. I also had not considered the first aid as a place to go to "get away" - unfortunately we have visited first aid multiple times, but it's always been for actual "first aid". I'm hoping things go smoothly with my middle one and that little one is the only one I have issues with ---I just never know. Meds have helped middle tremendously, but out of our routine/element can still cause quirky melt-downs ---unfortunately dh doesn't handle the melt-downs well which causes more issues in my view.