GAC?? Yellow Card?? Help, please

[Imelda in TX]

My mom will be visiting WDW with us this June. She has polio and wears a metal brace on her leg. She can walk on her own, although usually with crutches because her hip hurts, and she gets tired.

She'll be using a scooter from Walker Mobility (BTW, thanks for the coupon link!!!!). She has never, ever been on any sort of rides before because of her mobility issues. She is very self-conscious of having to fold her brace and needing help to board any ride.

She really wants to ride the attractions at WDW. We are all extremely excited about it too! I've never been on anything with her, nor have my daughters. So (finally) my questions:

Does she need a GAC to be allowed to use an alternate entrance? We plan to use FastPass as much as possible. She can stand being in line for 10 minutes at most, but she does get tired.

Will she need a dr.'s note to obtain a GAC? (She has to get one every time her handicapped parking permit expires. The clerk explained that she HAD to go to a dr. to make sure she hadn't healed!! duh...)

I want this to be a wonderful, magical experience for her and for my daughters, watching grandma ride with them.

I thank all of you in advance, I read a lot here, and post just a little. I just really want to prevent any problems for my mom. If you have any other advice for me, please share it.

Thanks, Imelda

 

[teri]

Click on the link in my signature for tips and a discussion of the GAC.

 

[SueM in MN]

Hi and welcome.
My DD has been on most of the rides at WDW (except the big roller coasters) and she can't walk at all.
teri's FAQs should be able to answer almost any question you have. If you think of any more, post as many as you want!
She won't need a GAC to use her ecv (scooter) in lines or to use the alternate entrances. The ecv is all she needs. All of the fastpass lines and many of the other lines have Mainstream Access, which means the lines have been made wide enough for wheelchair and ecv users to wait in line with everyone else. The ecv can go all the way to the boarding area in most rides and she can stay in it for shows/theaters.
Here's a
link to the DIS page about touring with mobility disabilities.

If she does decide to request a GAC, you don't need (and the CMs don't actually want) a letter from the doctor. Just be ready to tell them what difficulties she would have and what would be helpful.

 

[Imelda in TX]

Thank you very much for all the info.

I appreciate it!

 

[SandraC]

I worry about GAC too. Sue is amazing with her information and reassurance! THANKS SUE! xoxoxoxo Sandra ~ we go in 6 days, we will take old GAC to ask for new GAC.

 

[SueM in MN]

You'll do fine.
Have fun.

 

[Imelda in TX]

Sue, thanks, I feel much better.