GAC question

[kopmom]

My son has a condition that he cannot be in the sun for extended periods of time. Of course we use sunscreen, try to stay in the shade/stroller and will be taking breaks but plan on getting a GAC because we try to limit any unnecessary waiting out in the sun.
So my question is of course their will be some rides that my son who is 4 will not be going on but other people in our party will be. I am concerned because why the others are waiting in line that means my son will be waiting also. So it may be a silly question but I assume that the GAC is only to be used on the rides my son is specifically going on?

 

[Lilogirl]

My son has a condition that he cannot be in the sun for extended periods of time. Of course we use sunscreen, try to stay in the shade/stroller and will be taking breaks but plan on getting a GAC because we try to limit any unnecessary waiting out in the sun.
So my question is of course their will be some rides that my son who is 4 will not be going on but other people in our party will be. I am concerned because why the others are waiting in line that means my son will be waiting also. So it may be a silly question but I assume that the GAC is only to be used on the rides my son is specifically going on?

Yes, The GAC is to be used for the person with the medical need. If there is a ride your son is not going on, he could wait in a shop or in a shade area. For example, if the rest of the family is riding Everest-your son could wait in the shop at the exit. Or have your party meet you somewhere else and take you son to another attraction.

WDW does a really good job (for the most part) of shading the lines. Some lines are even inside and airconditioned.

 

[kopmom]

Thanks for the clarification. We have never been to Disney so I was not sure how much or little the rides were in the sun and if their was anywhere to wait out of the sun

 

[SueM in MN]

As Lilogirl mentioned, most of the lines are shaded and some of the waiting lines as actually airconditioned, even outdoor ones.

There is more information about GACs (Guest Assistance Cards) in the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of the thread list on this board. The information is in post #6 of that thread.

 

[AKADrea]

we're facing a similar situation with my DS who'll be 1 (he has cystic fibrosis and dehydrates and overheats VERY easily in the heat and sun)

We're going in a few weeks, so I"ll let you know how they accomodate

 

[PatMcDuck]

My daughter also has a condition where the sun can trigger a flare (juvenile dermatomyositis). For the most part we were ok at WDW. LOTS of sunscreen, and tried to go out after 6pm. But the very worst, and it sticks in my mind, is the Nemo show line at AK. The show is so good, not to be missed, actually. The line is horrible. They really need to put up some sort of sun shelter for everyone, buy at the very least they need to accomodate people like our kids, or adults, with special needs.

 

[Schmeck]

Just a reminder - if the attraction has a height requirement, and the sun sensitive child is too small to go on that ride, they won't let that child into the ride queue. The best thing to do then is to head to the nearest gift shop to browse and enjoy some AC.

 

[mechurchlady]

As with any kid you need to split the party so there is some time for the kid while the others are on the rides. What does the kid really love? Then set aside a special time where the kid is spending hours on the jungle cruise or splashing in the pool or watching Barney at the room.

I can never remember the name but there is a baby swapping pass on the big rides that you could use. Dad stands in line with the family, mom is with the little ones in a cool restaurant or show, dad gets off the ride and takes the little ones from mom, and then mom and one person rides.

 

[disneymarie]

we're facing a similar situation with my DS who'll be 1 (he has cystic fibrosis and dehydrates and overheats VERY easily in the heat and sun)

We're going in a few weeks, so I"ll let you know how they accomodate

I bought a radio flyer wagon screw on umbrella to go along with our stroller shade to protect dd with sensitivity, also a stroller fan. This one is at Target.

Then we carried a water bottle mister from home instead of buying the costly one there.
Have fun
dianne

 

[smidgy]

I was wondering about the "baby swap" myself. what if mom wants to ride also? she has to take the sun sensitive child into a shop, etc. then wait in line herself? even if he isn't riding, to use the baby swap don't they have to be together?.

 

[mechurchlady]

The party shows up and tells the CM that they need a baby swapping pass. The pass is for certain rides that little kids cannot ride and is for any party even able bodied people. The party then rides the ride while one or two people take off and do something else. The party will rides as they normally do such as using a GAC, fastpass, single rider line or stand-by line. The baby swapping pass does not give the party special status other than the left behind people will not have to wait long in line. When the party leaves the ride then the left behind people can ride using the baby swapping pas like a fast pass but they have to show it to the CM and there are explanations on that. It does not matter whom is doing the babysitting. The babysitters do not have to immediately ride so it is possible for mom to take her kid to a character meet and greet, a kid friendly ride, shows, or the bathroom.

In this case it is a little kid who cannot handle the sun but what about other instances. What would other parents with little kids do when they want to do a roller coaster? They would use the baby swapping pass or split up the party. As for the sun there is the GAC and many lines have shading. If the kid was 17 or 37 years old and wanted to ride then they would use the GAC to avoid the sun as much as possible.

The can of worms, lol, has been much discussed. Disney cannot do anything about people who ask for a GAC and do not need one. There will always be people who think they can use a GAC to get the head of the line and will try to get one for a blister on their toe or for being 40 pounds overweight. Judge not lest ye be judged. I leave it to the Karma Fairies or God or whomever you believe in. I hope those people who abuse the GAC and handicapped stuff will be judged firmly.

One does not have to hide in the bathroom and shops to avoid the sun. Test Track has a post show area for example. AK has the conservation center that has a petting zoo and an indoor area. While everyone is on Test Track dad or mom can take the kid to the some fun areas like character meet and greets or watch fishies. You can also pop into counter service restaurants and usually the CMs will not chase you out. They have ice and water available for free.