Going to Disneyland with nephew. Get a GAC?

[anonymousegirl]

I have never traveled with someone with special needs and I am a little bit lost. DN is 9 and has Microcephaly. He cannot read or write, has ADHD and anxiety. He also can become overheated quickly. He does not use a stroller anymore and is just becoming aware that he is "different" (neighborhood kids being mean ).

In two weeks my sister and I are taking him to DL by himself (leaving the other two special needs kids at home with Dad). I intend to keep him out of the sun and crowds between noon and five pm to combat the overheating issue.

I am also an ardent fan of FP so hopefully we can avoid meltdowns (both physical and emotional) caused by long queues.

My question is, should we also think about a GAC? Do many of the attractions at DL and DCA have quieter, shaded waiting areas? If DN was younger I would say keep him in his stroller, but when I suggested getting/using one, he completely lost it.

 

[KPeveler]

A GAC might help some, because a lot of the queues ARE in the sun. My suggestion when people are unsure as to whether a GAC will help is to go and speak to Guest Services and explain his needs, and see what they can do. I am not as familiar with DL, so I am not sure how the GAC works there. I am sure someone will come along with more specific advice for DL

 

[PatMcDuck]

I have taken special needs kids to DL several times. I will say that you have a fair shot of great weather. We went to DL in August and it was quite pleasant, nothing like WDW! (it varies of course, but esp. in the evening, California is much nicer than Florida in the summer).

One trip for us was a Make a Wish, so of course we had a special GAC, and loads of assistance. In my experience, few rides at WDW or DL have quiet, out of the sun waiting areas/ and my daughter has a disease that is triggered by the sun/sunburn (juvenile dermatomyositis). She DOES prefer to go out late after the sun goes down...... when possible. We got a GAC each trip, but mostly used FP, and both these kids used wheelchairs at the parks, or a Convaid stroller. One does not mind, he has Downs and autism. My DD hates using the wheelchair, so I understand that issue.

 

[SueM in MN]

Requesting a GAC at Disneyland works the same at DL as at WDW but what is available is different. Even at WDW, Many attractions don't have quieter waiting places, although most are pretty well shaded. Since DL is older and smaller space, there is less space for adding things like that.

Besides , many people have reported that touring plans like Ridemax help them plan out their day so they know how to avoid the busiest places and crowds. This is helpful not only in lines, but also for just getting around in general.

My other hint from personal experience us that kids (and adults) with ADD do better if they know what to expect (which a touring plan can help with). They also tend to be more patient for things they want to do than those they ate not personally interested in. For example, my nephew was at WDW and was great for the entire wait for Star Tours, which he wanted to go on, and was disruptive and noisy in the line for Cpuntry Bears after only 5 minutes - he did not want to go on it at all.

If he has some small things he can carry to keep himself occupied in lines, those are good too. Some kids use Gameboys, but that does become something else you have to keep track of.

 

[anonymousegirl]

Thanks Sue (and everyone) for the advice. I wish the DL GAC was as easy to understand as the WDW.
I am going to use RideMax and take midday breaks and use FP as well, so things should go smoothly (famous last words from a childless auntie)

 

[Happy_dreams]

I agree. Disneyland has a much nicer weather than Florida where that cool breeze just hits ya. Of course the sun will be hitting you but the toll won't be as much. Even so, if you think it is necessary, get a GAC and that will make it even nicer while waiting to go on the ride.

 

[Happy_dreams]

I have taken special needs kids to DL several times. I will say that you have a fair shot of great weather. We went to DL in August and it was quite pleasant, nothing like WDW! (it varies of course, but esp. in the evening, California is much nicer than Florida in the summer).

One trip for us was a Make a Wish, so of course we had a special GAC, and loads of assistance. In my experience, few rides at WDW or DL have quiet, out of the sun waiting areas/ and my daughter has a disease that is triggered by the sun/sunburn (juvenile dermatomyositis). She DOES prefer to go out late after the sun goes down...... when possible. We got a GAC each trip, but mostly used FP, and both these kids used wheelchairs at the parks, or a Convaid stroller. One does not mind, he has Downs and autism. My DD hates using the wheelchair, so I understand that issue.

AS I said, I also agree. Pat McDuck, Im trying to PM you, have you recieved it?