I have my medical letters for DS now what to expect

[Emagine]

Ok his behaviour Pedi and also his PT/OT Therapist wrote me medical letters with ease when I said we were going to Disney. His DX is Autism with very noted (in letters) Anxiety issues.

Now who do I give them to when we show up end of Nov and what happens after that? Does anyone know if I will have to show these or meet someone once or at each park for the week?

I have never done this before and looking for advice. They all gave similar and point blank tips as to who my son is but now I am wondering what to really expect.

TIA

 

[Talking Hands]

You won't need them at all. You will need to explain what will be needed to make the trip easier from him. Can he stand in lines or does he need to wait away from the lines. Would he kick others if required to wait in line. You look at what you child does in relation to certain situations (crowds, long waits, new situations, loud noise, etc) and explain what may happen and ask for an alternative that would avoid the problem behavior. Your child must be with you to get the card but you will only have to go to Guest Services at the first park you go to and it will be good for all Disney parks for the length of your stay.

 

[blondietink]

I have never had to show any letter of medical documentation when requesting a GAC, although I usually mention the disability in my request. When you go to your first park of the visit, go directly to Guest Services in that park. Ask for a GAC and they will ask what accommodations you will need (stroller as a wheelchair? wheelchair access? etc.), ask how long you are staying. and they will fill out the one card for your entire stay. It is very simple. Good luck!

 

[Emagine]

Your kidding me.... oh well I only mentioned the trip and boom had letters hehe. I will hang on to them for backup. TY

Someone mentioned a stroller. I was planning on renting one for the week for my 6 yr old whom I was speaking about. Can that be something I mention or should I stick with my plans?

Has anyone actually used a GAC, how will it serve my DS who yes will disrupt the happiness of others waiting in line with his outbursts of impatience etc.

 

[Talking Hands]

You would still have to rent the stroller or bring your own but can ask that it be used as a wheelchair.

 

[blondietink]

How large is your 6 yo? I think the strollers at Disney are a little small for kids that might be a larger child, but that is JMO. Some of the rental companies have strollers that can be used for larger kids.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information. Post #6 deals with the GAC and Post #3 has many links broken into categories to help fid specific information.

Or, if you want an easier route, click on the link in my signature.

 

[SueM in MN]

Your kidding me.... oh well I only mentioned the trip and boom had letters hehe. I will hang on to them for backup. TY

Someone mentioned a stroller. I was planning on renting one for the week for my 6 yr old whom I was speaking about. Can that be something I mention or should I stick with my plans?

Has anyone actually used a GAC, how will it serve my DS who yes will disrupt the happiness of others waiting in line with his outbursts of impatience etc.

The disABILITIES FAQs thread has the information you are looking for. There is a link to that thread in my signature (and you will find it near the top of the thread list for this board).
Post #6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread is a FAQs section all about GACs (Guest Assistance Cards). The other posters are correct that you do not need a letter.

How large is your 6 yo? I think the strollers at Disney are a little small for kids that might be a larger child, but that is JMO. Some of the rental companies have strollers that can be used for larger kids.

The WDW strollers are pretty large and many people rent a double stroller for use by an older child.
In post #2 if the disABILITIES FAQs thread, there is a picture of the WDW single stroller. The double stroller looks just the same, but is twice as wide.
In that post, there is also some information/links for companies that rent special needs strollers (those ones for bigger kids).

 

[Emagine]

With his texture issues my 2 year old almost weighs as much as him... we have him on suppliment drinks etc per the drs but he is a little guy. 45-46 inches or so and 32 pounds if lucky

 

[ireland_nicole]

If you're gonna have two kiddos, I would recommend orlandostrollerrentals.com as an alternative; (she has singles, doubles, sit and stands and special needs) we rented from her for our ASD kids in Sept. and it worked great! They give you a tag (like a red luggage tag) at GS for the stroller and it identifies it as a w/c. The stroller we rented was very comfortable for both kids and has a 100 lb. wt. limit.

Enjoy your trip!! You're gonna have a blast- feel free to ask any questions you might have

 

[BFS 2010]

Has anyone actually used a GAC, how will it serve my DS who yes will disrupt the happiness of others waiting in line with his outbursts of impatience etc.

My family has used the GAC card for a family member who walks with a walker regularly, but needs a wheelchair in the parks. It has been very helpful.