How much information for a GAC?

[treboats]

When we took my son before he was only two and we had no problems carrying him through the lines and such, and at the time he didn't have seizures. (We actually think looking back he may have had his first seizure at DW)

Anyway, my son is now 8 he has Angelman Syndrome. His delays are he doesn't talk and he cannot walk. We are planning on bringing the Maclaren Major with us because it is so light weight and we can fold it up when in our hotel room. His body doesn't regulate it's temperature well, he doesn't sweat so he easily over heats which causes seizures. His seizures are not triggered by lights or video games though. He also has issues with personal space, if someone is standing too close to his stroller he may kick them not to be mean just to get their attention he is also a hair puller.

Anyway I am not sure how much information I need to give the guest relation CM what type of assistance card should I request? I definitely need the stroller as a wheelchair but am not sure if that's wear I should stop or should I tell them about more of his needs I am not sure what they can do.

 

[tacomaranch]

There is a perfect sticky on the top with all questions regarding the GAC. You just need to tell the CM what the needs of your son are to make his trip as "normal" as possible. Not being in the sun or front of the show, stroller as wheelchair is common.

Have a great trip.

 

[SueM in MN]

Also in the disABILITIES FAQs thread, there are some links to past threads that might be helpful. One is regarding seizures.

 

[disneyworldmom2]

I would definitely recommend stroller as wheelchair, and alternate entrance out of the sun as well. Since he overheats easily, I would also consider some type of personal fan for him. There are many available, from ones that clip on the stroller to small or large hand-held ones. Find one you and your son like, and buy 2 before you go, and don't forget lots of extra batteries! Also, knowing how dark a Maclaren stroller is, you might also want to consider a light-colored towel for him to sit on, as well as another one to put on top of the stroller to help keep it cool.

Also, just so you know, there are some rides that will accomodate his stroller, although you may have to wait a little longer for a special car. We have found it worth the wait so our son could stay in his stroller.

Hope this helps!

 

[SueM in MN]

Also, just so you know, there are some rides that will accomodate his stroller, although you may have to wait a little longer for a special car. We have found it worth the wait so our son could stay in his stroller.

Hope this helps!

What kind of stroller did he have and what was he able to ride in the stroller on?
My thought is that this would work for the wheelchair boats for Small World and Mexico, but probably not for some of the others with a regular stoller because the child sits down quite far and may not be able to see over the front of the car.

 

[disneyworldmom2]

The stroller is a combi fold-up stroller. It folds small like a umbrella, but has much more support.

In addition to the boat ride in Mexico and It's A Small World, he was also ablel to stay in it for the 'land' ride at Epcot.... can't remember the exact name of the ride. It was also great for some of the shows as well.

Hope this is helpful

 

[SueM in MN]

The stroller is a combi fold-up stroller. It folds small like a umbrella, but has much more support.

In addition to the boat ride in Mexico and It's A Small World, he was also ablel to stay in it for the 'land' ride at Epcot.... can't remember the exact name of the ride. It was also great for some of the shows as well.

Hope this is helpful

Yes, it would work for the Living with the Land ride because there is nothing in front of you.

Most of the wheelchair cars like for Aladdin, Buzz Lightyear and Triceraptop Spin probably would not work with a stroller because the child would sit too low.

 

[flynnmnstr]

The WDW train and the train to Conservation Station at AK. It was a Maclaren and we were using our stroller as a wheelchair. That year our DS was 2.5 and obsessed with trains so it was helpful for us to be able to keep him in that year. If I am not mistaken we could have taken it on Kilimanjaro Safari (at least I think they asked us), but we always go on that earlier in the day so there was no problem leaving the stroller.