GAC Question

[jennibug]

Hi Everyone,

DH and I have decided to take a spontaneous trip to WDW at the end of May. We are a family of six, with our adopted daughter and our three foster children. Our twins who are 12, are bipolar and have ADHD as well as PTSD (actually all four of my kids have PTSD). Under normal circumstances the twins are okay and stable but under stressed situations and crowds their bipolar or PTSD can kick in and they can have meltdowns.

I've been trying to get more information about the GAC to try to determine if the girls would qualify for one. I don't want to seem like I am trying to get them GACs to cheat or cut line. We probably won't even use them but I am just unsure of how they will respond.

Any info would help.

Thanks!

 

[rewardsinlife]

You should check out the sticky on Disabilities FAQ above and look at the GAC section. That will help you determine if the GAC would work for your party or not.

First aid Areas are also good areas to give your kiddos breaks from the crowds.

 

[lanejudy]

A GAC is need-based, not diagnosis-based. So you should think about how each child responds to certain situations that may be present at WDW and how you would like to handle those situations. You'll have to explain the child's needs with relation to WDW, not simply her diagnosis. Also, while the GAC will allow up to 6 guests total they are given for one individual, so each child may need her own GAC with a different stamp(s). This will also be helpful if your family ends up splitting at any time.

Keep in mind that GACs are only useful at rides/attractions and have no bearing on restaurants, transportation, resorts or simply getting around from one attraction to another.

Since you aren't sure if your child(ren) qualify or would even need a GAC, I suggest you check-out some of the touring plans available. Many have found a good touring plan (loosely followed or tailored to your family) are actually more helpful in reducing wait times and crowds than the GAC.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[SueM in MN]

You should check out the sticky on Disabilities FAQ above and look at the GAC section. That will help you determine if the GAC would work for your party or not.

First aid Areas are also good areas to give your kiddos breaks from the crowds.

Yes, post 6 of that thread is about Guest Assistance Cards.
The disABILITIES FAQs thread is near the top of this board or you can follow the link in my signature to get there.

I agree with lanejudy that a touting plan can be even more helpful than a GAC because it can help you in places (like just getting from place to place with the least crowds, restaurants, etc.) where a GAC does not help.