GAC question

[slkant]

I've read the FAQ regarding GACs, as well as the main GAC thread. But I admit that I'm still not sure exactly how a GAC can help me with my most important issue, which is endurance. I'm using an electric wheelchair, but even with it my muscles can get tense/tired out easily. This often leads to painful headaches. We plan to take afternoon breaks and go back to the hotel. And we plan to use the Fastpass system when possible. Is there anything that can be done with the GAC to help us enjoy as many attractions as possible?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The GAC is not intended to allow people to bypass the wait, just the standing in line itself.

Each park has a First Aid station. You should be able to go in there, explain your problem, and be allowed to relax (lie down) for an hour or so. This will probably work better that attempting to get back to your resort and then return to the park. It will work toward conserving your strength and avoiding headaches.

 

[slkant]

If I feel endurance becoming an issue, the first aid stations sound like a very good option, particularly when the resort is a long drive from where we'll be. Would it be helpful to have a GAC in addition to explaining the situation (to make things more "official." Is there anything a GAC can do for people with mobility and/or endurance problems or is it mainly designed for people who have problems standing in a crowded line, being in heat, etc? The last time we were at WDW, they still were letting people with disabilities go to the front of the line, and I know a lot has changed since then.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The purpose of the GAC is to alert CMs for people with "invisible" disabilities and to assist them in providing assistance. It is always recommended to people with mobility or stamina prblems to use a wheelchair or an ECV.

If you are in some sort of chair that tends to be sufficient to alert the CMs to needs. However, if you also needed special seating due to vision problems, or needed to try to keep out of the sun, that would be grounds for getting a GAC; this would assist the CMs in realizing you had more than one type of problem.

 

[dclfun]

I would agree with all the above. As someone with endurance issues who also uses a power chair, I have taken advantage of First Aid several times just to rest. I cannot transfer though so I just lay my chair in a recline position in one of the quiet room areas, something I'm not comfortable doing in a crowd. I also go back to the resort frequently which is why, if doing a day at Disney, I always get a room on property to make that easier. There isn't a GAC that allows anyone front of the line access to enable them to see more attractions within a shorter period of time, but using Fastpass will help. Another tip would be to pace yourself and try to intersperse your day with visits to quiet indoor attractions/shows where you can relax or having a sit down meal with family and resting there. Even lining up for a parade early if it's nice outside I try to relax and "people watch" which gives me a break. I actually need a nap and to lay back though- not sure if this is your issue also but again, First Aid is a great resource. ---Kathy

 

[slkant]

I'll definitely use all of these tips. I really don't want my health issues to drag down enjoyment of our trip. I can't transfer to a cot independently either. Depending on how the cots are (height, etc.--too low doesn't work well), I'll either have someone in our group assist me with transferring or recline my wheelchair.

 

[dclfun]

They have both the cots and the higher tables ( like exam tables). I'd think the cots would be too low and the tables too high but if you have help to transfer you can get a nice rest in First Aid. ---Kathy

 

[SueM in MN]

We have used First Aid for DD to rest. You can just go to First Aid and explain that you are tired and need to lie down (or whatever you need to do).
Someone in your party can help you to transfer if you want/need.

For getting Fastpasses, one helpful thing is that you don't have to be present to get the Fastpasses. You can send one member of your party ahead to the Fastpass machine with all of your park passes.