GAC Question for my mother

[pix13]

We are taking a big extended family vacation in August with my family. My 66 year old mother is going along begrudgingly. She is very worried about all the walking and lines in the parks. She has a heart condition (a-fib maybe?) and nueropathy in her feet. She can walk, but not fast and not for long distances. I'm trying to convince her to use an ECV and not put herself through pain.

But, I am wondering if I should also talk to her about getting a GAC? Is this the kind of situation that would qualify for one? Trust me that she wouldn't be using it to gain a line advantage on Space Mountain or anything. More of what I want for her is to be able to enjoy a few of the tamer rides with her grandchildren. I don't think she could stand in line for more than 10 minutes or so and I worry she would not be able to share this special time with her young grandchildren because of her physical limitations. I know she is very worried about this and dreading the trip so I am looking to find ways for her to keep her spirits up.

Also, do people harass and make mean comments for people using GAC? She looks older and moves slow so I don't think she comes off as having an invisible disability. But I don't want to expose my children or her to negativity or cruelty. It makes me sad there is so much judgement without facts around this issue, but I digress....

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[ccgirl]

We are taking a big extended family vacation in August with my family. My 66 year old mother is going along begrudgingly. She is very worried about all the walking and lines in the parks. She has a heart condition (a-fib maybe?) and nueropathy in her feet. She can walk, but not fast and not for long distances. I'm trying to convince her to use an ECV and not put herself through pain.

But, I am wondering if I should also talk to her about getting a GAC? Is this the kind of situation that would qualify for one? Trust me that she wouldn't be using it to gain a line advantage on Space Mountain or anything. More of what I want for her is to be able to enjoy a few of the tamer rides with her grandchildren. I don't think she could stand in line for more than 10 minutes or so and I worry she would not be able to share this special time with her young grandchildren because of her physical limitations. I know she is very worried about this and dreading the trip so I am looking to find ways for her to keep her spirits up.

Also, do people harass and make mean comments for people using GAC? She looks older and moves slow so I don't think she comes off as having an invisible disability. But I don't want to expose my children or her to negativity or cruelty. It makes me sad there is so much judgement without facts around this issue, but I digress....

Thanks in advance for your help!

What you want to do is go to Guest Services and express your needs (not your diagnosis). Keep in mind that they often recommend a wheelchair for those with mobility issues. Thereby, negating the need for the GAC.

As for people making comments.....sometimes I have heard them but, most often I have not. Unfortunately, you have no control over what others do.

SueM has a fabulous sticky about the GAC.

 

[pix13]

Thanks ccgirl! So if she refuses to use a ECV, then she might not get a GAC?

 

[buffettgirl]

they would probably indicate that the ECV or wheelchair is the appropriate accommodation, and that's what a GAC is intended to do. That said, the GAC is meant to address her specific needs - so it's possible that they'll suggest a sit down wait spot at a ride (this might not be available) and it probably will increase wait time in some instances.

Also, a GAC is not going to help her the other 90% of the time she's in the park walking far more between rides. That's the greater issue IMO if she can't walk for long distances what is she going to do the rest of the day?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The normal and official response for Guest Relations for a person with stamina and/or mobility issues is the suggestion to rent a wheelchair or ECV.

Most of the queues do not have any seating. The GAC is not intended to allow bypassing of lines. And it will do absolutely nothing for the distance between attractions.

Most people tend to walk 8-10 miles per day at WDW.

 

[livndisney]

We are taking a big extended family vacation in August with my family. My 66 year old mother is going along begrudgingly. She is very worried about all the walking and lines in the parks. She has a heart condition (a-fib maybe?) and nueropathy in her feet. She can walk, but not fast and not for long distances. I'm trying to convince her to use an ECV and not put herself through pain.

But, I am wondering if I should also talk to her about getting a GAC? Is this the kind of situation that would qualify for one? Trust me that she wouldn't be using it to gain a line advantage on Space Mountain or anything. More of what I want for her is to be able to enjoy a few of the tamer rides with her grandchildren. I don't think she could stand in line for more than 10 minutes or so and I worry she would not be able to share this special time with her young grandchildren because of her physical limitations. I know she is very worried about this and dreading the trip so I am looking to find ways for her to keep her spirits up.

Also, do people harass and make mean comments for people using GAC? She looks older and moves slow so I don't think she comes off as having an invisible disability. But I don't want to expose my children or her to negativity or cruelty. It makes me sad there is so much judgement without facts around this issue, but I digress....

Thanks in advance for your help!

If she can't stand in line for 10 minutes-she would need to sit. The only way for her to sit in line is an ECV/wheelchair/or a rollator.

If you don't want her to have to wait for 10 minutes, you need to consider a good touring plan, rope drop and good use of FP.

It sounds like walking is a problem, you need to take into consideration the line distance. Some lines are 1/4 mile long. A GAC will do nothing to shorten that distance. A GAC will not make that walk around World Showcase any shorter in August-wheels will.

 

[jdb in AZ]

DH and I both rent scooters. Instead of getting the evil-eye, we get looks of envy from other tired guests who are of our "vintage" and look dead on their feet. A few have even commented that they wish they had wheels too.

It's normal for someone to be in denial the first time they need wheels, but if you figure out a way to make it a "done deal" -- here, mom, it's already rented, hopefully she'll give in, and thoroughly enjoy herself.

Good luck!

 

[deegack]

Someone wise on this board once suggested you ask the person to pick a point about a mile away and ask if they could walk there. Then wait a second and add, and back. Wait another second and add three times. And repeat tomorrow. That helps get the distance across. You may also want to try a dry run at a local zoo or amusement park. That worked with my mil. She realized after an hour there was no way she do a week a Disney if she couldn't do an afternoon at the zoo.

 

[GrammyJudy]

Rent her an ECV for the week It will make her trip 100% better and all of you will have abetter time. I rent from Apple for %175 a week and they are great.

 

[livndisney]

Something else to keep in mind-a GAC limits party size. If looks like you are going with a large group-a GAC would have you split up.

 

[treehugnmama]

We rented my dad an ECV last year from apple scooters and it was awesome. Even the walking at the resort can add up when you are doing it over and over again in the heat

 

[pix13]

I am hoping to help her get around MK by using the railroad but am not sure about the other parks yet. I'm a bit worried about how to handle that. I think we will spend most of our time at MK. She'd be fine with waiting, as long as she could sit. I read somewhere that some rides will let the person sit and the rest of the party wait in line until their turn has come. That would be great if it is actually possible as I want to be fair. I'm hoping she will reconsider the ECV but I think she doesn't want her grandchildren to think she is weak. I can understand that. Luckily many of the attractions she will want to go on are short waits (small world, Haunted Mansion, Tiki Room, Pirates of the Caribbean) so I am hopeful all will work out. Thanks for the input!

 

[livndisney]

I am hoping to help her get around MK by using the railroad but am not sure about the other parks yet. I'm a bit worried about how to handle that. I think we will spend most of our time at MK. She'd be fine with waiting, as long as she could sit. I read somewhere that some rides will let the person sit and the rest of the party wait in line until their turn has come. That would be great if it is actually possible as I want to be fair. I'm hoping she will reconsider the ECV but I think she doesn't want her grandchildren to think she is weak. I can understand that. Luckily many of the attractions she will want to go on are short waits (small world, Haunted Mansion, Tiki Room, Pirates of the Caribbean) so I am hopeful all will work out. Thanks for the input!

I don't know where you read this, but this is not true. It is almost impossible to rejoin a line(and the other guests in line REALLLY don't like it). Your Mom would have to walk through the line pushing past people in line.

I'm sorry, but I think you have an unrealistic plan. The train currently only stops at the park entrance and back near Big Thunder Mountain. The walk to the rides you mentioned is going to be longer than 10 minutes. The walking distance from the start of the line for Pirates to the boats is quite long-even when others are not waiting in line

 

[jdb in AZ]

I am hoping to help her get around MK by using the railroad but am not sure about the other parks yet. I'm a bit worried about how to handle that. I think we will spend most of our time at MK. She'd be fine with waiting, as long as she could sit. I read somewhere that some rides will let the person sit and the rest of the party wait in line until their turn has come. That would be great if it is actually possible as I want to be fair. I'm hoping she will reconsider the ECV but I think she doesn't want her grandchildren to think she is weak. I can understand that. Luckily many of the attractions she will want to go on are short waits (small world, Haunted Mansion, Tiki Room, Pirates of the Caribbean) so I am hopeful all will work out. Thanks for the input!

The grand kids will think a scooter is way cool, and think it's great that grandma isn't in a lot of pain and slowing down their fun.

 

[SueM in MN]

I am hoping to help her get around MK by using the railroad but am not sure about the other parks yet. I'm a bit worried about how to handle that. I think we will spend most of our time at MK. She'd be fine with waiting, as long as she could sit. I read somewhere that some rides will let the person sit and the rest of the party wait in line until their turn has come. That would be great if it is actually possible as I want to be fair. I'm hoping she will reconsider the ECV but I think she doesn't want her grandchildren to think she is weak. I can understand that. Luckily many of the attractions she will want to go on are short waits (small world, Haunted Mansion, Tiki Room, Pirates of the Caribbean) so I am hopeful all will work out. Thanks for the input!

Even though people have posted that in some places, it is not true. There ate a few attractions with seats in the waiting area - like Country Bears - but those seats ate not reserved for guest with disabilities. If they are full when you get there, no seat. And, most attractions do not have anywhere to sit and wait.

Small World often does have a short wait, depending on when you go. For Haunted Mansion and Tiki Room, unless she brings a seat with her, she will be standing in the preshow area for the duration of one whole show. There is no place to sit while waiting.
Pirates does not allo ECVs in line, but she could transfer from an ECV to an attraction wheelchair. That is a good idea because, even if the wait is short, the walk from queue entrance to parading is a long way.

The grand kids will think a scooter is way cool, and think it's great that grandma isn't in a lot of pain and slowing down their fun.

 

[livndisney]

Even though people have posted that in some places, it is not true. There ate a few attractions with seats in the waiting area - like Country Bears - but those seats ate not reserved for guest with disabilities. If they are full when you get there, no seat. And, most attractions do not have anywhere to sit and wait.

Small World often does have a short wait, depending on when you go. For Haunted Mansion and Tiki Room, unless she brings a seat with her, she will be standing in the preshow area for the duration of one whole show. There is no place to sit while waiting.
Pirates does not allo ECVs in line, but she could transfer from an ECV to an attraction wheelchair. That is a good idea because, even if the wait is short, the walk from queue entrance to parading is a long way.

gotta love word correct huh? What time is the 3 o'clock parade at Pirates?

 

[SueM in MN]

gotta love word correct huh? What time is the 3 o'clock parade at Pirates?

It's so funny when it looks OK when you type, then you post it and EVERYTHING gets changed.

PS - I don't know what my iPad has against the word ARE, but it almost always ends up ATE.

 

[pix13]

I don't know where you read this, but this is not true. It is almost impossible to rejoin a line(and the other guests in line REALLLY don't like it). Your Mom would have to walk through the line pushing past people in line.

I'm sorry, but I think you have an unrealistic plan. The train currently only stops at the park entrance and back near Big Thunder Mountain. The walk to the rides you mentioned is going to be longer than 10 minutes. The walking distance from the start of the line for Pirates to the boats is quite long-even when others are not waiting in line

I thought they opened the train station in Fantasyland a few weeks ago?

I guess I am being overly optimistic about the trip. I'm worried this is all a mistake to plan and hope she is not truly unhappy and resistant to help.

I'm guessing one of three things will happen after the first day.
a) She will realize she is more capable than she thought.
b) She will realize she needs the ecv and will use one.
c) She will just not come to the parks with us the rest of the trip.

Even though people have posted that in some places, it is not true. There ate a few attractions with seats in the waiting area - like Country Bears - but those seats ate not reserved for guest with disabilities. If they are full when you get there, no seat. And, most attractions do not have anywhere to sit and wait.

Small World often does have a short wait, depending on when you go. For Haunted Mansion and Tiki Room, unless she brings a seat with her, she will be standing in the preshow area for the duration of one whole show. There is no place to sit while waiting.
Pirates does not allo ECVs in line, but she could transfer from an ECV to an attraction wheelchair. That is a good idea because, even if the wait is short, the walk from queue entrance to parading is a long way.

Thanks for clearing this up.

The only outcome that would be bad is (c). Well, thanks for the input and I hope all of you have a great day and future safe travels to Disney!

 

[cm8]

Thanks ccgirl! So if she refuses to use a ECV, then she might not get a GAC?

No, WDW's response to mobility issue is to rent a wc or ecv. She would be denied based on that alone.

they would probably indicate that the ECV or wheelchair is the appropriate accommodation, and that's what a GAC is intended to do. That said, the GAC is meant to address her specific needs - so it's possible that they'll suggest a sit down wait spot at a ride (this might not be available) and it probably will increase wait time in some instances.

Also, a GAC is not going to help her the other 90% of the time she's in the park walking far more between rides. That's the greater issue IMO if she can't walk for long distances what is she going to do the rest of the day?

The normal and official response for Guest Relations for a person with stamina and/or mobility issues is the suggestion to rent a wheelchair or ECV. Yep!!

Most of the queues do not have any seating. The GAC is not intended to allow bypassing of lines. And it will do absolutely nothing for the distance between attractions.

Most people tend to walk 8-10 miles per day at WDW.

Agreed!

If she can't stand in line for 10 minutes-she would need to sit. The only way for her to sit in line is an ECV/wheelchair/or a rollator.

If you don't want her to have to wait for 10 minutes, you need to consider a good touring plan, rope drop and good use of FP.

It sounds like walking is a problem, you need to take into consideration the line distance. Some lines are 1/4 mile long. A GAC will do nothing to shorten that distance. A GAC will not make that walk around World Showcase any shorter in August-wheels will.

I am hoping to help her get around MK by using the railroad but am not sure about the other parks yet. I'm a bit worried about how to handle that. I think we will spend most of our time at MK. She'd be fine with waiting, as long as she could sit. I read somewhere that some rides will let the person sit and the rest of the party wait in line until their turn has come. That would be great if it is actually possible as I want to be fair. I'm hoping she will reconsider the ECV but I think she doesn't want her grandchildren to think she is weak. I can understand that. Luckily many of the attractions she will want to go on are short waits (small world, Haunted Mansion, Tiki Room, Pirates of the Caribbean) so I am hopeful all will work out. Thanks for the input!

Also,your Mother will need to be able to explain why she needs a GAC outside of her stamina issues. It won't be enough to just say she suffers from A-fib and the reason being is no two are alike when it comes to disabilities. Disney reps are not able to diagnose or distinguish between medical conditions

 

[Piper]

You should rent an ECV from an off-site vendor and have it at your room. The ones at Guest Services are bulky and more difficult to drive. I fought using "wheels" tooth and nail--then once I caved--I thought "Why didn't I do this long ago!?!".

I you will have a car, Pride makes ECVs that break into 4 parts and are easy to transport. (Apple rents these) If you are using the bus system, there are 2/3 "parking places" on each bus.