GAC question (clot and blood thinners)

[DCDisney]

Hi all,

I was recently diagnosed with a blood clot in my leg. I'm doing pretty well but have to do all I can to prevent swelling. When we go to WDW I was planning on asking for a GAC to avoid standing while waiting in lines (wait in an alternate location I guess) and for seating in handicapped areas for anywhere that is stadium seating (because of fall risk due to blood thinners). I really don't think I need a scooter because walking has been fine it's standing for long periods that aggravates it. Sitting for too long on a scooter would also be bad. Are these the right things to ask for? Are there any handicapped areas for things like parades where there are seats or less crowded ground area since sitting on the ground can be a problem if it's really crowded as being kicked, stepped on, or pushed can cause bruising issues with the blood thinners?

Thanks!!!

 

[SueM in MN]

Guest Assistance Card will not really help you all that much.
There are many attractions that include a period of standing in one spot as part of the situation that everyone experiences. In most cases there are no seats unless you bring one along with you. If you check out post #3 on the disABILITIES FAQs thread, you will find a link to attractions where thst occurs.

Post #6 of that thread is about Guest Assistance Cards, and though it does list an alternate place to wait as a possible accommodation, people have posted in the past they usually didn't have a seat unless they brought one (in form of a wheelchair, ECV or walker with fold down seat.)

some if the handicapped viewing areas for parades have benches and dome do not. The ones that do are first come, first served and you would be seated at the back of the viewing area, behind the wheelchairs and ECVs which are parked across the front.

 

[Schmeck]

Another thing to note is that you don't do all that much standing still in the queues - you slowly creep forward for most attractions, and the ones with long lines tend to have fastpass, so you could use FPs to avoid standing.

 

[KPeveler]

If your concern is stairs, you can get a GAC to avoid stairs. If you cannot do ramps, then you should get an ECV or wheelchair.

Disney's response to someone not being able to stand is to tell them to rent a wheelchair or ECV. If you cant sit all day then park it and walk through a short line or store.

You will not be able to sit in the front of wheelchair viewing areas for parades, as that is where the wheelchairs must be to see... And the wheelchair viewing areas in general do not have any seating.

I really think an ECV or wheelchair would be a good idea... If you have someone with you, you can push an empty wheelchair until you need to sit, then use it in lines and such....

 

[christymarie]

I have to admit, you seem like a very good candidate for a rollator. You can use it in lines to sit when you need to but then you can push it around when you need to walk. You'll get less funny looks then when walking around pushing an empty wheelchair but still get the benefits. They fold up nicely for transportation and the seat is nice when you're not sitting in it for holding bags. I even have had my 6yo son ride on the seat while I push him around (I use one for balance sometimes) and he loves it. Here's a link to what I'm talking about.

http://www.phc-online.com/4_Wheel_Rollator_p/lumex-rj4300r.htm

This is like the one I use and you don't have to have the basket on it so it would be easier for using transportation.

Hope this helps

 

[SueM in MN]

I have to admit, you seem like a very good candidate for a rollator. You can use it in lines to sit when you need to but then you can push it around when you need to walk.

You see a lot of people with rollators at WDW.
There are a good solution for many people; you can walk when you want to walk and you have a seat for when you want to sit.

 

[funkychunkymonkey]

I agree with the rollator. Its a nice little peice of equipment. My grandma has one she uses alot.