GAC Question

[DWRocks!]

My family and I are taking our 1st trip to WDW this summer. Our 6 year old son has Down Syndrome and walking very far at all tires him out. He is small for his age, but still caring him gets tiring. We will need to utilize our stroller for him probably almost 100% of the time. I have already planned to get the GAC for that very reason.

My questions: Do we have to get a card at each individual park or do we get it in one park and then can use it at every park?

Thanks!!

 

[mechurchlady]

You will get a GAC to address any special limitations and a "Stroller as a Wheelchair" thingy that will let CMs know that you are allowed to take the stroller anywhere that a wheelchair goes even if the sign says no strollers.

The GAC is good at all parks and for the length of your trip. It is only for the person whose name is on the GAC. Limit of 5 people may go with the guest using the GAC. The GAC can be picked up at Guest Services inside or outside each park.

Feel free to ask any questions specificly related to travel, needs, or what ever. The stroller is not included toward your checked baggage as well as any medical stuff like meters, monitors, and wheelchairs.

 

[DWRocks!]

Thank you so much for the quick reply! I was hoping we only had to get one for the whole trip.

And even MORE thankful that our days with feeding pumps, CPAP machine, and suction machine are long gone. Our little boy is no longer hooked up to a thing. Still has a G-tube, but only because he still needs some extra calories. So we will only need to check one "special" item for him at the airport-the stroller!!

Thanks agian!

 

[ireland_nicole]

Congratulations on your new "no strings" trip! What mechurchlady said was correct; you'll get a GAC that states stroller as wheelchair, and they'll give you a red "luggage tag like" sticker that will go around the handle as well. Have a wonderful time!!

 

[debbiemomto4]

I can't stress enough that if you are bringing an adaptive stroller on a plane as a wheelchair. Get a letter from your doctor stressing it is used as a wheelchair. Jetblue broke ours on the way to the Grand Canyon and since I had a letter were required to rent one for us in Arizona and then replace ours. Not if it is a stroller.

 

[SueM in MN]

I can't stress enough that if you are bringing an adaptive stroller on a plane as a wheelchair. Get a letter from your doctor stressing it is used as a wheelchair. Jetblue broke ours on the way to the Grand Canyon and since I had a letter were required to rent one for us in Arizona and then replace ours. Not if it is a stroller.

That is a good point for the airline. There are different rules as far as compensation for a damaged wheelchair and damaged stroller.

For the parks, you do not need a letter from the doctor.
If you go to the disABILITIES FAQs thread, post #6 is all about Guest Assistance Cards and will give additional information to what was already posted.
Also be aware that the GAC is for use for attractions in the theme parks. If you go to a water park, you will be able to bring your stroller in with no problem, but the card is not used and you will need to check with Guest Relations at that water park.
If you are going on the buses, you will need to fold the stroller unless it is a special needs stroller that is designed to be tied down for transport. Wheelchairs and ECVs are strapped down on the bus with heavy metal hooks. Using them on a stroller that is not designed for transport may bend or damage the stroller frame.

 

[DWRocks!]

Thanks again for all the replies. We actually just use a regular Graco stroller. Like said before he just tires out very quickly, so it's a must. Has only been walking for about a year, inclines are difficult for him, and I couldn't even imagine letting him down in the crowds. I'd fear he'd get ran over! Hopsital tried to get us to get a medical stroller when he was younger, but I just could never bring myself to do it, so we used a double stroller for a long time. Now we just use a regular, single stroller and works fine!

Thanks again!