Gac? what is it..and how does it work?

[Katie]

I have RA. I have had it fo 8 yrs without much trouble(with proper medications.) However, the last 3 months have been more troublesome. Especially with my wrists and ankles. My husband and my RA doctor are concerned with the all the walking and standing at Disney. My Doc. gave me a "note" stating a WC will be needed due to my RA and not being about to stand for long periods of time. I am MORTIFIED! I really have no intention of using this..unless, It becomes absolutely necessary and slows down my family(dh, DS (15), DD(9), and DS(6). I am only 33..and I am sure people would wonder If I am one of those "people" who abuse the system. I am already very self-concious about my disease, and DO not want to bring any more attention to myself or my family!

However, I think if i knew what GAC entails..and exactly how it can help...If it came down to it..I would feel more comfortable.

I do NOT want to become a burden to my family..especially on vacation..however, I don't want to sit in the hotel room either!

Any suggestions.(I am going to double my predisone and relefan during this vacation..for a little extra umfff)

 

[JudithM]

Katie, put aside any thoughts of what anyone else might think about you if you use a wheelchair or an ECV (electric convenience vehicle). If something will help you enjoy WDW more, then go for it! I was leary about using an ECV before our trip last December. Then I read several posts on this board & felt more comfortable. You need to take care of yourself first regardless of what you think others are thinking.

A GAC is a Guest Assistance Card. I know others on this board will post the links to previous posts with lots of information. I don't have a clue how to link .

Anyway let me give you an example of how I used a GAC on our trip last week. I have a knee condition. I am not supposed to use stairs & sometimes climing in & out of a ride bothers my knees. Some days are better than other days. Sometimes I had an ECV & other times I just walked (like if we were only in a park for a couple of hours). Whenever a CM saw me coming to an attraction with the ECV, the CM usually approached me to let me know whether or not the ECV could be accommdated in the attraction & how best I could see/do the attraction. On this trip I found CMs to be very proactive.

I walked one evening at the MK. I didn't even have to show my GAC. I just mentioned to the CM at Big Thunder for example that I have GAC because of a knee condition, & the CM let me in the Fastpass line. He did not have to do that, but they were not very busy at the time. I appreciated using the line where I would have to stand or manuever the least amount. At Splash Mountain I again mentioned to the CM that I had the GAC & why. The CM said just follow the que to the stairs & tell a CM there. Again no problem! At Peter Pan I told the CM & was let into the handicapped entrance. Small World is one of my very favorite attractions. It was not busy when we were there. When I got down to the boat, I briefly explained my knee condtion & asked if I could ride twice in a row since this was my favorite & they did not appear to be busy. No problem! We went to Guest Relations later to compliment CMs in those lands for their attention to my needs by "preserving my magic!" That's a new phrase I picked up from a CM!

Bottom line - enjoy WDW with your family. Do what you need to do to stay comfortable. My sister has JRA, so I know it isn't always easy. Have fun!!

 

[JudithM]

A different, but related thought ... do you have a handicapped parking permit from your state motor vehicle office? You don't have to answer the question, but let me give you more info for thought ...

I was able to get a permanent handicapped parking permit to carry with me. On our trip last December I couldn't do the stairs to get on the tram, so we usually parked in the handicapped parking area. This last trip last week I could managethetram steps, so we would show the CM in the parking lot the handicapped permit. They let us park on the end of the row closest to the trams. That helped a lot.

As I said earlier some days are better than other days. Depending on how I feel, depends on whether or not I use a handicapped parking spot when I am out. I started the process with my doctor. He filled out the form & checked the box about walking distances. It helps.

Just a thought ...

 

[robinb]

You can usually get a temporary handicapped parking pass from the CM at the parking gate. We just point to the scooter in the back and we have no problem!

 

[teri]

HI, welcome to our board. You can find the FAQ for the GAC by clicking on the link in my signature, below. Also look at the sections on pacing.

I have to fix the links about dealing with staring and comments, but you can get to the old thread by using these links:
constructive ways to deal with staring, page 1
staring, page 2
staring, page 3

As for parking, you can ask the parking attendants to let you park right next to the tram stop -- they reserve those spaces for people with mobility problems and special needs. Sometimes that is easier than the long walk from the handicapped parking lot.

Feel free to ask questions!!!

 

[Katie]

The parking problems..never thought about that! UMm...

 

[SueM in MN]

I see teri has been here with her links. After you read them, you will probably not have a lot of questions about GACs, but if you do, come back.
I don't believe they give out parking passes for the handicapped lots anymore. When we went in September, we had forgotten our. The parking lot attendants told us that if we did not have a one issued by our home state, we could be possibly be ticketed.
I also have to agree with teri about the parking. If you don't have a wheelchair with you, you are MUCH better off parking in the regular lot and asking to be on the end of a row near the trams. My FIL has bad knees and hips and he normally takes several rests when walking in from the handicapped parking. The trams will pick you up near your car and drop you off right at the gate. Much closer.
You won't need your doctor letter to request a GAC or rent a wheelchair. You might encounter some people who think you don't need one, but if they have nothing else to worry about, they are pretty small people. You know you need it and that's what counts.