Going to DL for first time with 7 yr old in a WC

[rangermom]

We are DL and WDW vets. DS(7) has mild CP. He is ambulatory and gets around fairly well. He as been wearing AFO's since he was 4 and on past trips we ave gotten along with just his stroller. Last year on our WDW trip we considered getting a GAC to use the stroller as a wheelchair particularly since he fatigues when standing for long periods of time. We decided to wait until we felt like we had to get one and in the end we decided we didn't need it. Two months ago he had bilateral heel cord release. With this surgery he got his first wheelchair. He is doing awesome (it is amazing how resilient this little boy is) but he tires very easy. On Halloween his class walked in a costume parade around the school, which us a vey small campus, and after about 15 mins his legs began to hurt and he had to trick or treat in his wheelchair. He usually walks and only uses his WC for long distances and when he is in pain.

We are going to DL in January and we are bringing his wheelchair. I know that a lot rides are pretty accessible for WC and don't need a special entrance but some rides have stairs. Do we need to get a GAC to go through the accessible entrances or will it be allowed since he will be in a WC? He doesn't need any other accommodations so I was thinking we might not need to get a GAC.

Thanks!

 

[peemagg]

The wheelchair alone should be enough to alert the CM's that he needs alternate access.

If it would make you feel better, you could ask for a GAC anyways just in case a CM asks for one, but it shouldn't be needed as long as he is using his chair.

 

[lanejudy]

Technically, a wheelchair shouldn't need a GAC because the w/c itself shows the guest's need for an accessible entrance. I'm not sure what you are using as a w/c, and if it could be confused with a stroller (Convaid sometimes looks more like stroller than a w/c), so you might want to get the GAC just as a back-up.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[minkydog]

We took our Christian to DL in his Convaid a couple years ago and had no problems. He can walk but has balance issues and does not have the stamina to walk so much.

 

[rangermom]

Thanks! It is a traditional wheelchair. So hopefully it will be obvious to CMs. My next question is about reservations. I have never made reservations with a child in a wheelchair. I know about handicapped accessible rooms so I'm good there, but what about dining? When I make the reservations do I tell them we have a child in a WC? Thanks so much for the help. This is a new way of touring Disney for us. We have always gotten along with a stroller but now he is older and more independent.

 

[peemagg]

As far as the dining goes, I would make sure that all your reservations have noted that there is a wheelchair in the party. Other than that you should be just fine. I would also reiterate that you have a wheelchair when you check in for your reservation at the restaurant.