GAC strategy question

[jayandstacey]

I know GACs are covered exhaustively here and I have read about them - but I still have a lingering question.

My plan is to use a GAC for my DD6 as an insurance policy. We won't need it most of the time and don't want to use it to

So lets say we get in the regular line for a ride like everyone else. We are in line 15 minutes and then need to leave (step aside) to deal with medical issues caused, in part, by waiting in the sun/heat/etc. That might take 10 minutes. Is our only choice to rejoin the line at the back end and start over?

Is there a way to hold our place in line once committed to it? Or mark that place somehow? I'm afraid that if we don't use the GAC to begin with (to sit in the shade for our turn) we'll double wait as punishment for trying not to abuse the GAC system. IE, we aren't looking to butt in line, rather simply to not lose our turn when a minor medical situation arises. AND, while we may get the GAC, I suspect we could go the entire vacation without ever using it.

(A more specific question: We're talking about Type 1 diabetes in a 6 year old that is suspect to heat and who's numbers are difficult to control. Lets say we get a "shade" GAC, again as an insurance policy, but Kilmanjaro Safaris' line is in the shade. So I presume there's no Shade GAC alternative or waiting area for that ride. So while waiting she dives and we have to take her out of line to give carbs which we carry with us anyway, and to get her off her feet and splash some water on her to cool her down.)

Thoughts? If the GAC isn't designed to help once you're in line, that's OK, I just want to know before we go.

thanks!

 

[kaytieeldr]

Yeah, it's probably not designed to 'work' if you're already in line. Are there enough of you traveling that only one person could take your daughter out of line and attend to her, while the others continue to wait? You'll probably still have problems with other Guests while you attempt to get back to the rest of your party, but...
Again using KS as an example, could you just take care of her off to the side while remaining in line but letting others pass you?
Finally, if you do need to get out of line, talk to the greeter on your way by - perhaps they can offer a solution.
And - USE FASTPASS! USE FASTPASS! USE FASTPASS! whenever possible, of course

 

[jayandstacey]

Yeah, it's probably not designed to 'work' if you're already in line. Are there enough of you traveling that only one person could take your daughter out of line and attend to her, while the others continue to wait? You'll probably still have problems with other Guests while you attempt to get back to the rest of your party, but...

Thanks for the info - we have the standard 2 parents / 2 kids - so yeah, we could proabably hold the spot. It would just depend - it DD6 goes limp (unlikely, but we've seen it) then we'd probably all need to leave.

Again using KS as an example, could you just take care of her off to the side while remaining in line but letting others pass you?
Finally, if you do need to get out of line, talk to the greeter on your way by - perhaps they can offer a solution.

Yes, most likely. And yes, we'll probably also try to talk to a greeter on our way out. The more I think about this though...the more I think that if the situation is dire enough that we all need to leave - then I'm guessing we won't really care that much about the ride again, at least not anytime soon. We'll save it for another day - it'll be there, and God willing, so will we!!

And - USE FASTPASS! USE FASTPASS! USE FASTPASS! whenever possible, of course

Yeah, we're doing EMHs, fastpasses, touring strategies, relaxed attitudes, etc and I think those will be our best/first line of defense. We were there during Jersey Week last Nov, crowds were medium but thanks to some simple strategy we really never waited in a line except for stage shows.
It will be more crowded this time. But we'll be more cat-like with our reflexes!!!
thanks!

 

[Forevryoung]

I don't have much experience living with diabeties but I know enough about it-

Make sure you keep drinking plenty of fluids. Keep snacks and sucking candies with you in line, highs are easier to deal with than lows and I bet a six year old will burn that sugar right off. Maybe consider carrying around those toddler sized (smaller than 1 serving) juice boxes with you as well (100% juice). They will serve both purposes.

I know it's not the easiest but I would suggest taking a finger stick before standing on any especially long/unshaded rides or before any longer shows. That way you cover all bases. I know things can happen in an instant but keeping your childs blood sugar a little higher than you typically would will ward off any major crashes.

Have a great trip!

 

[SueM in MN]

Looks like you got some good advice.
I just wanted to agree that there is really no specific mechanism for getting out of line and then getting back in. As you mentioned, if things get dire enough to leave the line, you might end up not coming back to that attraction anyway. But, if you do, that would be a time to use the GAC.

Also, you might want to look into TourGuide Mike (a Theme Parks Sponsor). His service kind of maps out what is busy and when so that you can avoid the busy times. As one example, the Safari that you mentioned has long waits early in the morning. A lot of people want to go early because the animals are active. We have been on the Safari at various times - first ride of the morning, midday to last tour of the day. Even though many people say there are more animals in the morning, we actually saw more on our late day trip. And, the wait was as fast as you could walk on - they were even sending some trams out not fully loaded. We had a longer wait because we had to wait for the wheelchair accessible car, but it was not that long.

Ooops almost forgot. It is very helpful if 2 people in your party have cell phones. That way, if you have to leave the line with your DD, you can contact her dad and let him know she is OK and whether or not you will be coming back into the line.

 

[jayandstacey]

Ooops almost forgot. It is very helpful if 2 people in your party have cell phones. That way, if you have to leave the line with your DD, you can contact her dad and let him know she is OK and whether or not you will be coming back into the line.

I am her Dad I'm the Jay part - Stacey doesn't come here
This is a key tip for almost any situation and seems obvious - but often overlooked for the "one cell will do" choice in the morning. And it is probably the key answer to my specific scenario of leaving line.

OK, so do GACs have any impact on the flavor of the Turkey Legs?

Thanks for all the adviceries!!

 

[SueM in MN]

I am her Dad I'm the Jay part - Stacey doesn't come here
This is a key tip for almost any situation and seems obvious - but often overlooked for the "one cell will do" choice in the morning. And it is probably the key answer to my specific scenario of leaving line.

sorry for not realizing you were a 'he'. I just assumed that the mom would leave with the DD.

OK, so do GACs have any impact on the flavor of the Turkey Legs?

Thanks for all the adviceries!!

well, about the turkey legs, my DH wanted one for a long time. When he finally have one, we were on a trip with DD and she had a GAC. The Turkey Leg was not as good as he expected.
Hope you have better luck. If it doesn't taste good, there's always a

 

[jayandstacey]

sorry for not realizing you were a 'he'. I just assumed that the mom would leave with the DD.

No problem! And your assumption is probably right. I'm just in charge of the question "so what do we do now?"

well, about the turkey legs, my DH wanted one for a long time. When he finally have one, we were on a trip with DD and she had a GAC. The Turkey Leg was not as good as he expected.

I see it as a rite of passage or a even a religious experience. Expecting a really good eating expereince from a Turkey Leg bought from a Magic Kingdom cart is like expecting the church wine to complement whatever you had for breakfast before you got there.

Best not to ask questions or comment, just eat the turkey leg and watch the parade - that's my theory!!

Having said that, I hope Disney never surveys guests eating the Legs, cuz then they might take them away. Gotta have those legs!

 

[Selket]

OK, so do GACs have any impact on the flavor of the Turkey Legs?

I never had a turkey leg but it made my Dole Whip taste better!

 

[ELoop]

My 8 year old also is T1 D and we got the "shade" GAC the last time we visited Animal Kingdom a couple of weeks ago. Not that we used it because all the ques are pretty much shaded. I did ask them about "what if" we waited in line and my son needed a quick carb if he's low and we needed to leave the line. I was told to let the people at the gate know the reason we have to leave that ride and we'd be able to get a fast pass to come back to that ride. I've never had to use that as he's pretty stable and if he needs fruit snacks or something we can give him them while waiting in line. My DS is pumping and much less lows with that.

We did have to use the GAC when we went to the Nemo Musical because the line to get in was totally in the sun. I asked if we could sit in the shade right by the entrance (but not in the ropes) and be included when the line moves (guaranteed a seat in the show since we technically weren't in line). They were very nice and told us we could sit in the shade and they would let us know when the doors opened so we could go inside with the other guests waiting.

We have annual passes and go frequently to all the parks. So far, my son has had enjoyable visits and minimal lows. We've never had to leave a ride for them and get fast passes whenever we can.

Elaine

 

[Bsbllmom]

My son is 11 and has type 1. We go to DL all the time since we live so close and have an ap. I suggest starting off a little high in the morning. Around 160 - 180. I also make sure he has an extra dose of protein in the morning. I will test him after we have been walking around for about 1 hour and if he is below 100 I will give him a 15 carb snack and more protein. We haven't had to deal with heat yet so I don't know how that will affect him in the months coming up. That plan has helped with us so far.

Also I did inquired about the GAC and they said that if I had any problems then I can go back and ask for one.

Have an enjoyable trip and stay carbed up. If you have any questions feel free to PM me.

Cheryl

 

[jayandstacey]

Hey E-loop and Bsbllmom -

Thanks for the good info - sometimes the real issue is fear, not the threat itself. So I think a dose of confidence is what we needed most. We managed well last November and I'm not sure why we are taking on the heat this August - must be the Jack Sparrow in us!

And hey, welcome to the boards. I've learned a ton here, as I'm sure you have too - about disney, my DD's diabetes, and life in general. I've also learned that whatever question I can think to ask - someone's already been there, done that, and they're on these boards somewhere.

 

[Princess Stitch]

Something no one mentioned yet, but you could also get your GAC to specify that you can use one of the Disney strollers as a wheelchair. This would allow you to take the stroller into line with you and could let your DD sit and rest, as well as providing some extra shade. That could help with the "getting her off of her feet" part.

Hope you enjoy your trip!