GAC questions

[chicharitta]

DH and I went to Disney for the 1st time last year now we are planning a trip with my extended family. I have mild cerebral palsy. I walk with a limp and have some balance issues. During our first trip I was fine most of the time. The only time I had problems was at some of the shows. When I am in the higher rows of stadium style seating I have a major panic attack. I am so nervous that somebody will bump me and I will loose my balance and I will fall. The worst one was at Light Camera Acton stunt show in Hollywood studios.
I didn't have a GAC on our first trip because I didn't know they existed. I am thinking about getting one on this next trip. Will having one even help me to get seated in lower rows? How many people can sit with me? There will be 7 of us on the next trip.

 

[SteveMouse]

Disney's regular solution for individuals with mobility issues is to use an ECV or a wheelchair. You can get a GAC for avoiding stairs.

In all shows, there is seating that does not require you to use stairs (LMA always strikes me as particularly bad as pretty much everyone is climbing UP rather that going DOWN as they enter the theater).

If you cannot do stairs at all, you may be asked, in at least some theaters, to have only one or two people sit with you: the rest of your party may be seated elsewhere (there is limited no-stair seating). In some theaters, or on less busy days, it would not be a problem.

-steve

 

[chicharitta]

That's what I was afraid of I don't need or want a wheelchair or ECV. I walked the parks last time and did just fine. Maybe I'll pass on Lights Camera Action this time since for me its just something do while I sit and rest a bit.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

What is it exactly that you need accomedated? If it's just the low seating, I think you could get to the show early and just speak to the CM and ask to be seated in the lower levels. If you need something for balance and to sit and rest in, Disney's only answer will be an ECV or wheelchair. If you did opt for a wheelchair, you don't have to use it "traditionally". You can use it almost as a walker, then have it to sit in when you need it. There's nothing that says you have to be sitting in it 24/7 you know? Alternately, there's a product called a rollator, its like a rolling walker that has a small seat on it.

If all else fails, at least as far as the seating at shows goes, try asking at Guest Services. They might be able to give you a GAC for that but I've never heard of them doing it for this before. Worse they'll do is say no.

 

[Earstou]

I understand what you mean! I also have balance problems from Chiari and walk with a limp. When I'm up higher in a stadium, my balance is severely tested, my brain reacts and sends my body into panic mode. I avoid that situation as much as possible by choosing lower seats.
I believe that only those with limited vision get accomodations for close seating on the GAC, but you can always ask.

 

[SteveMouse]

For LMA, there is no "floor" seating- the lowest seating is still up a ramp/stair. I'm trying to think of other shows/theaters where there is a significant climb- for F!, I think you would need to (unless you asked a CM/had a GAC) would be asked to go about 4 rows down. You might have the same experience at B&B, as the back row is utilized by wheelchairs/ECVs and their parties.

To clarify my point: there is no requirement to use an ECV/wheelchair. There is, however limited stair-less seating, and Disney tries to make it available first to people who are stair-challenged and may ask folks using stair-less seating to have only one or two other members of their party sit with them (depending on need/crowd level).

In most circumstances, as a PP stated, asking a CM about seating without going up/down stairs would be sufficient. You can also ask Guest Services about a GAC.

-steve

 

[stitchlovestink]

I understand what you mean! I also have balance problems from Chiari and walk with a limp. When I'm up higher in a stadium, my balance is severely tested, my brain reacts and sends my body into panic mode. I avoid that situation as much as possible by choosing lower seats.
I believe that only those with limited vision get accomodations for close seating on the GAC, but you can always ask.

bolding is mine...
not stating this rudely, just matter of factly...
Nope, not an accurate statement...there are other reasons.

 

[tinkerpea]

I have sat in the lower seating at shows I just asked the CM who was working the show and told them the issue they then seated me alomg with my party where i felt it would be best inmy party there is 6! Hope this helps

Also its a good idea to get to any show you intend on watchingas early as possible this way you will be able to get 1st pick at the row thats best suited to you

 

[chicharitta]

Thank you everyone for your advice. To clarify I can do stairs my issue is being in a high place with limited or no railings while around other people. I could stand on top of the Empire State Building all day and be fine. It's when you mix in other people that might accidentally bump me that I panic. My 6 year old niece who will be going on the trip with us has declared Lights Motors Action BORING! So we might do something else while the rest of our group sees the show

 

[WantToGoNow]

Just go over and talk to the CM. On our ladt trip I was having a hard time with pain in my knee. I told the CM at the bottom of the stairs that I didn't think I would be able to climb up the steps. She seated us in the disabled seating in the front - there was only one other family there as the scooter seating is at the top.