GAC Question for a child with JIA

[Mickey_is_#1]

I have an 8 year old that was recently diagnosed with JIA(juvenile idiopathic arthritis). We are thinking of planning a trip to WDW in January. He is now on a treatment of 2 injections weekly(on Fridays). The meds that he has to have makes him very tired. Is there a GAC that will assist him in not having to wait in all the long lines?

 

[ireland_nicole]

the best think is probably a special needs stroller or wheelchair; a GAC will not in any way decrease the amount of walking required (on average around 6 miles a day). If he's easily tired, try to budget his energy so it's used for fun stuff, not just schlepping... I'd also recommend a good touring plan like tourguidemike- it's a lifesaver.

 

[KPeveler]

Check out the FAQs in the disABILITIES board.

The GAC is not meant to shorten wait times. What it can do is allow you to take a stroller in lines so he can have a place to wait, or provide a wait area away from crowds. In general, there is no way to skip the lines.

Disney's answer for any kind of mobility or stamina issue is to use a stroller/wheelchair

Check out the disabilities boards - there are lots of answers there

 

[JarrothsMom]

I really dont know. I would hope so...being his days will not be as long as other people. That will give him the ability to do and see everthing and end his day at a good time too. I cant imagine being lathargic and spending most of my time in lines. Make sure you have a doctors note that explains you sittuation...just incase they are not sure what your exact need is. I understand it is not the illness, but the side effects of the meds. Hope all works out well!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information.

Post #6 deals with the GAC. The normal and official recommendation for a person with mobility and/or stamina problems is the recommendation of rental of a wheelchair. One of the GAC options allows the use of a stroller as if it were a wheelchair.

Post #2 includes lists of off-site locations for rentals of wheelchairs and also Special Needs Strollers.

Since the average person tends to walk 8-12 miles per day at WDW, and that once around the World Sowcase Lagoon Promenade is about 1½ miles, he really may be best off with a special needs stroller.

Or, if you want an easier route to the FAQs, click on the link in my signature.

 

[KPeveler]

I really dont know. I would hope so...being his days will not be as long as other people. That will give him the ability to do and see everthing and end his day at a good time too. I cant imagine being lathargic and spending most of my time in lines. Make sure you have a doctors note that explains you sittuation...just incase they are not sure what your exact need is. I understand it is not the illness, but the side effects of the meds. Hope all works out well!

Trust me, there are LOTS of us who are lethargic who do lines... most of us use wheelchairs or ECVs to conserve energy.

A doctor's note is not required, and a CM will likely refuse to look at it. it is illegal to ask for one.

A stroller (special needs stroller if he is too big for a regular one) is your best bet. This is because a GAC will NOT work for bus lines, food lines, character lines, parade, a lot of shows, fireworks, at the resort or DTD. In short, it would not be enough.

 

[pumpkinfish]

I have an 8 year old that was recently diagnosed with JIA(juvenile idiopathic arthritis). We are thinking of planning a trip to WDW in January. He is now on a treatment of 2 injections weekly(on Fridays). The meds that he has to have makes him very tired. Is there a GAC that will assist him in not having to wait in all the long lines?

I don't have anything to add but just sending hugs to your son . I have RA and understand completely with your situation but I cannot imagine having been diagnosed when I was younger . I hope you and your family have a magical upcoming trip.
I do want to add that hitting the hottubs at night and taking many sit-down breaks during the day help alleviate joint pain and swelling during my trips.

 

[JarrothsMom]

Wow...my bad...did not think of just getting a wheelchair. Make sure you go early and I would DEFF. get on Tour Guide Mike's site. I did it the year I took my son ( who is autistic and CAN NOT wait in lines) and to be honest, it went SMOOOOTH! That is one of the reasons we go when we do...another way to avoid crowds and waits too. Fast passes are a must too. Enjoy the trip and have fun!

 

[summy32]

I am in no way an expert on the GAC but here is my experience. We just returned from our second trip on 10/3. Our 10 year old son is autistic and does not do well with crowds, has a lot of stims and uncontrollable motor tics/movements that would make it hard for him to stand in lines and walk in the park. We just went through our insurance and got a special needs stroller (looks more like a wheelchair with small wheels) If our insurance had not paid for the stroller our plan was to have Orlando Stroller rentals deliver us a special needs stroller or wheelchair.

We went first thing to guest services it took 2 minutes to obtain the GAC. The CM asked if we would need to use an alternate entrance and take the stroller in lines. We were told to go to the entrance and the CM would direct us where to go. This made it so much better for our family. We could never have done this trip without the GAC or special needs stroller. The GAC and having that stroller in line helped.

Our last trip we got the GAC and rented a double stroller in the parks(If I had known better I would have rented a wheelchair instead.) We never took the stroller in the lines, not sure if double rental from parks would have fit? But looking back it would have been so much easier if my son could have been sitting in a stroller.

Also, when you go to get the GAC make sure your child is with you and if you are going to be using a stroller or wheelchair it would help if the CM sees him in it so they can list the needs. Disney is so accomadating and the CMs in the lines never questioned or made a big deal about anything and were always helpful in getting us to the right area.

Have a great trip!

Summer

 

[KPeveler]

just wanted to reiterate what the above poster said - your son NEEDS to be with you when you get the GAC!

In general, from what i have heard from others, if you go in and say "my son cant wait in line, how do we skip them?" it will not go as well as if you explain your son's needs (low stamina due to medical condition, needs to be out of the sun, etc), and ask for help, the CMs are great.

I am exploring the GAC for my next trip, so I am glad to hear from previous posters that the CMs are so helpful!

 

[Flametamr]

Some advice try renting a wheelchair locally and take it with you. The prices are outrageous at Disney. Also do get the GAC it will help. Many lines have alternate entrances that will ease your path if not actually shorten your wait. Just look for the handicapped signs to enter those lines and be ready to show the GAC.

 

[SueM in MN]

We have been to WDW in January when it was so quiet that we have pictures with no one in them at all. So, your biggest problem in January is not going to likely be waits in line.
As has already been mentioned, the distances walked each day are huge and some parks feel like there is more walking than others. So, even if you are not waiting in lines, you will need to have a child size wheelchair or special needs stroller to avoid him getting totally tired just walking from place to place.
At AK, there are several attractions that are walking observation trails and distances between things can be long - just walking into the park thru a landscaped animal observation area is more than a 10 minute walk.
Some attractions have long distances to walk between the entrance and where you board or watch the attraction. Having a GAC won't shorten that walk. At Soarin', for example, the queue (Fastpass and regular) is over 1/4 mile. After you ride, there is an equal distance out. There is a link in post #3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread about walking distances and attractions where you need to stand. And, Cheshire Figment pointed you toward the information in that thread about GACs and rental.
You may want to check with the Physical Therapist at school or clinic if your child is seeing one. THere may be a loan closet where you can get a wheelchair or special needs stroller lent or rented at low cost. If you bring one, you can bring it on an airplane without cost and without it counting toward your baggage allowance.

Another thing to think about is that January is normally more cool, so you will want to have extra clothes for morning. There are lockers where you can stash your extra clothing when it gets warmer.
If he needs to lie down and rest, each park has a nice First Aid Station with cots in private rooms or cubicles.

Many people find that services like Tour Guide Mike or RideMax are even more helpful than a GAC because they help you to know where to go to avoid crowded conditions. That will shorted your waits and help you get around the park more easily since you won't have to fight crowds to get from place to place.

 

[Mickey_is_#1]

Thank you all so much for the helpful information. We will definitely need a wheelchair or special stroller. I will check with his doctor about getting a wheelchair there.


Thanks again... to all of you...have a GREAT trip!!!

 

[OneLittleSpark]

I'm afraid I've not read all the replies, so sorry if I repeat anything anyone else has said!

Getting a set of wheels would be a great help for you guys. You might want to consider getting a kids wheelchair (or medical stroller) with safe tie-down points. This will mean that he can stay in the wheelchair on the bus, rather than having to transfer out. I used to transfer and fold my wheelchair (back when I had a folding one, I've got a rigid frame now), but it always caused me a lot of pain and cost energy. After one particularly bad trip, where I got jostled and bumped so badly by the crowds that I was almost in tears with pain, I decided to try staying in my chair - it was soooooo much less painful! I now do this all the time and it can give me up to an extra hour in the parks, over what I would have had if I transfered.

You might also want to consider using the wheelchair on rides, where possible, as well. I use the wheelchair car whenever one is available, to cut down on the number of transfers I have to make. Again, doing this adds hours onto my stamina, and keeps the pain levels under control. Also, all of the parades and shows have wheelchair viewing areas, that will let him stay in his chair and still see all the action. For parades and Illuminations, the viewing areas are marked on the regular park maps.

Talk to him about this before you book your wheelchair / stroller. It may be that he'll feel embarressed being seen in a stroller; or that he thinks a stroller will draw less attention than a wheelchair. Just discuss the options with him and his doc, and see what everyone is happy with (also, check the height of the push-handles, so you don't hurt your back pushing him). Hopefully he'll be so busy enjoying himself, that he won't care what anyone else thinks! A good foam cushion will go a long way to making it more comfortable for him.

Also, make sure that whatever you get, you decorate it up! I always cover my wheelchair in beads, ribbons, etc for Disney, and it always gets me lots of positive comments. A pirate flag might be a good addition for an 8 year old boy Lights are particularly useful for night-time entertainment, because not everyone is looking at that height when they're walking. The light-up carts that sell things at all the parks have LED necklaces, which can be wrapped around the frame or go through spokes.

You shouldn't have too many problems with lines, as January is supposed to be a fairly quiet time of year. If there is a particularly long line for a ride, you can use the Fastpass system to avoid the wait. I don't know if you're familiar with this or not, but it's a ticket with a time window printed on it. Just go back to the ride during that window, and you go through a much shorter line and get on quickly!

You'll have to play your touring by ear to some extent, and be prepared to stop what you're doing and head straight back to the hotel / to the first aid station if he needs a rest. You might want to make a 'must do' list for all the family, of all the attractions you really want to do. That way, even if you don't get every single ride done, everyone goes away happy.

With fatigue issues, you need to make sure he takes extra care of himself at the parks. Just a few random tips:

Don't spend energy you don't have to - plan your route around the park to be logical, and try to be near the restaurant / Fastpass ride you're aiming for when you're ready for it

Keep him well hydrated (you might want to carry a plastic cup or bottle with you, as I always find water fountains hard to use from a wheelchair - I usually end up with more down my front than in my mouth )

Eat regularly, and maybe carry a few small snacks with you, to boost him up when needed

Keep cool - take regular breaks in the air-con, even if it's just for a five minute browse in a store

Try to protect his immune system as much as possible, as fatigue often weakens it a bit. As long as you wash hands regularly, especially before eating (or use antibacterial hand gel), you shouldn't need to worry.

I'm sure you guys will have a wonderful time, and hopefully the sunshine and Disney magic will help keep him going (it certainly does for me!)

 

[bavaria]

Also bring good sunglasses - eye problems can be an issue with JIA. Even in January they are usually needed.

Hppefully by the time of your trip you will have found some coping methods but plan to bring things to ease pain at the end of the day. It's tough at that age because one doesn't always know what is not normal and it isn't always easy to define the specifics.

Another thing to think about is any food issues/changes in diet. If you are making changes like avoiding meat or dairy then there is excellent information to plan for that in advance.

Happy planning!

 

[clanmcculloch]

Thank you all so much for the helpful information. We will definitely need a wheelchair or special stroller. I will check with his doctor about getting a wheelchair there.


Thanks again... to all of you...have a GREAT trip!!!

Make sure that if you choose a wheelchair that it's an appropriate size for him. The ones at the parks are adult size so he won't fit properly. A wheelchair that's too big for him will end up causing a lot of discomfort.

There are special needs wheelchairs that you can rent. They're designed for up to 100lb and are designed for bigger kids. The Libery Push Chair is a great example.

Companies like Orlando Stroller Rentals will deliver to your hotel and then pick it back up from there at the end of your trip. This allows you to have his wheels with your for the walk from your room to the bus and from the bus to the park gates as well. Many people don't take these distances into consideration and they do add up. It's also nice for him to be able to sit down and be shaded at bus stops. If you get a stroller rather than a wheelchair, make sure to stop at Guest Services to have it tagged as a stroller as a wheelchair so you can use it any place that a wheelchair can be used.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

Another thing to think about is any food issues/changes in diet. If you are making changes like avoiding meat or dairy then there is excellent information to plan for that in advance.

If you are avoiding meat, I can offer plenty of good places to eat, as I'm a vegetarian. All of the restaurants (except one or two in the World Showcase) have a vegetarian option, even if they don't have it marked on the menu. Any place that does burgers has a veggie burger (these may contain dairy, I'm not sure), and most places with pasta will have a maranara sauce.

 

[Mrsjvb]

Some advice try renting a wheelchair locally and take it with you. The prices are outrageous at Disney. Also do get the GAC it will help. Many lines have alternate entrances that will ease your path if not actually shorten your wait. Just look for the handicapped signs to enter those lines and be ready to show the GAC.

Lots of fallacies/innacuracies in this post.

a wheelchair on site is $10/day or $8/ day if you get a multi day pass. off site rentals are comparable. compared to $17 for a single stroller or $31 for a double... Local prices in my area( BWA Triangle) were just about the same and we would have had to deal with the whole gate check or oversized baggage thing at the airport.

as for alternate entrances shortening the wait.. nope. in fact quite the opposite. although I do admit the extra wait is sooo worth it for TSM( and yes we had a FP for the ride too!).


although I would suggest getting one more suited for the OPs son's actual size.. the one size fits all was too big for me and I am not exactly.. young.. or skinny.. any more.

I was diagnosed with JRA at age 5.. 40 years later a chair is needed although currently most of my daily life I don't need one.. yet...