Great feedback on GACs

[JennyG]

I visited with a few mom's in the waiting room of our therapy office today about Disney and the GACs. DH and I have gone back and forth weather to get this for our DS who's 3.5yrs. One of the mom's gave me a trip report with details on how the GAC came in handy. She said the main thing was on rides that are on a conveyor belt, the CMs would direct them to the exit where they could get on and have a little more time then in the main flow of traffic. Because of this, I think we too will get the GAC for our son. We don't always have to use it, but it will be nice at times.

 

[KPeveler]

It sounded like you would need a GAC anyway, as your son is 3.5 yrs, I assume he has a stroller and not a wheelchair. To take the stroller into lines and shows, you would need a "Stroller as Wheelchair" GAC.

Also, be aware that not every GAC is handled the same way - you may even see it handled differently if you go to an attraction twice in the same day. I am not saying do not get one, or that it will not work for you, but we have had reports where people expected the GAC to do the same thing every time and were disappointed when it was not...

Have a great trip!

 

[SueM in MN]

And, if you have not read the information about Guest Assistance Cards in the disABILITIES FAQs thread, I would suggest reading it for more information. It's in post 6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread, which is near the top of the board or you can follow theblink in my signature.

I also want to agree with what KPeveler wrote; even the same GAC, used by the same person on the same day may be handled differently. Exactly what is done depends on things like what is available at that attraction, how many other people with special needs are waiting, how the line is currently being routed, wait time and staffing.
So a guest expecting the exact same handling is likely to not find that.

 

[JennyG]

Thanks for the tips! I fully understand the same ride in the same day may not have the same accommodations for DS, thanks for explaining it. I figured it may be because certain CMs do things differently... but now I know that is not always the case.

I am so glad you suggested me to read your GAC faq. DH and I read it sometime ago, and is actually what made us think we didn't need it. But now that DS is older and physically different we can see it is necessary for two main reasons... "stroller as wheelchair" and "avoid stairs". He can do some stairs but is VERY slow... other guests will not be patient with that.



Thanks again for your tips, we really appreciate you guys!
~Jenny

 

[JennyG]

It sounded like you would need a GAC anyway, as your son is 3.5 yrs, I assume he has a stroller and not a wheelchair. To take the stroller into lines and shows, you would need a "Stroller as Wheelchair" GAC.
Have a great trip!

First of all... Congrats on your marriage!!

Well, this is something we have thought about a lot. He only uses the stroller when he's getting on and off the school bus, other wise he's on his walker. I realize the parks are HUGE HUGE HUGE and he wont be able to walk all day, and he's way too heavy to carry at times (especially if we are tired from walking all day even though we'll be going back to the hotel for a rest midday). It may be at that point we use the stroller most. You are right, we will need the "stroller as wheelchair" GAC.

Other then that, he's okay to stand in the sun and he's okay to be in line like everyone else (does not get anxious easy), but he's a typical 3yr old and looses patients at times. I hope he is so distracted by all the hype that he doesn't realize he has been in line a long time. He loves flash lights, so we'll toss one in our bag just in case.

We are dvc members, so if we don't end up seeing a lot of attractions this time it's okay... there will always be a next. I just want him to enjoy it with very few melt downs!

 

[KPeveler]

Thanks for the tips! I fully understand the same ride in the same day may not have the same accommodations for DS, thanks for explaining it. I figured it may be because certain CMs do things differently... but now I know that is not always the case.

I am so glad you suggested me to read your GAC faq. DH and I read it sometime ago, and is actually what made us think we didn't need it. But now that DS is older and physically different we can see it is necessary for two main reasons... "stroller as wheelchair" and "avoid stairs". He can do some stairs but is VERY slow... other guests will not be patient with that.



Thanks again for your tips, we really appreciate you guys!
~Jenny

I wanted to respond to something to edited out of this post - about the other mother suggesting to rent a wheelchair if the CMs give you a hard time about taking the stroller in lines even with a GAC. A wheelchair for rent there would never be comfortable (or perhaps even safe) for a child that small. If a CM gives you a hard time, even with the GAC and tag for the stroller, ask to speak to that person's lead. There is always a lead nearby - and they should know the proper policy. This also lets the lead know that the CM needs some additional training. (I am living in a house with a woman who will be a CM for 25 years next March, and she is a lead, so I have a very good source!)

 

[SueM in MN]

I wanted to respond to something to edited out of this post - about the other mother suggesting to rent a wheelchair if the CMs give you a hard time about taking the stroller in lines even with a GAC. A wheelchair for rent there would never be comfortable (or perhaps even safe) for a child that small. If a CM gives you a hard time, even with the GAC and tag for the stroller, ask to speak to that person's lead. There is always a lead nearby - and they should know the proper policy. This also lets the lead know that the CM needs some additional training. (I am living in a house with a woman who will be a CM for 25 years next March, and she is a lead, so I have a very good source!)

I was going to say the same thing. Unless you can get a pediatric stroller that will fit him, he would not be comfortable or possibly safe in a wheelchair.

My DD got her first wheelchair when she was not quite 3, so we never had the situation of using a stroller as a wheelchair. We have occasionally had a situation where we had to get a lead involved and I echo what KPeveler wrote. We have always found the lead to be helpful. And, I strongly feel that it is important for the lead to know about problems so they can correct the situation.

Usually, they will also give you a sticker for the stiller that identifies it as a stroller as wheelchair. The sticker is pretty noticeable, but I have seen some people who have it in a place where it might not be particularly visible. So, when placing it, look at it from the point of view of a CM needing to see it from the front of you and possibly from either side. You want it visible when you are pushing it and also, if you have placed his walker on the stroller.

 

[JennyG]

Thanks Ladies!

 

[lovethattink]

We have the red stroller to wheelchair sticker on our stroller. I have the sticker where it wraps around the handlebar like a flag. I have found it beneficial to hold the sticker out, so the cm can easily see it as we get in line. Haven't had any problems, been using it since summer. They also have the stroller to wheelchair stamp on the GAC card too.

 

[JennyG]

We have the red stroller to wheelchair sticker on our stroller. I have the sticker where it wraps around the handlebar like a flag. I have found it beneficial to hold the sticker out, so the cm can easily see it as we get in line. Haven't had any problems, been using it since summer. They also have the stroller to wheelchair stamp on the GAC card too.

Great tip, thanks!