Is 2 GACs worth it?

[Mama Who]

Okay, I travel with a GAC. This trip we are taking DD who will be just past 3 and has a spectrum disorder.

Issues I worry about with her are sensory overload, primarily. There isn't a tremendous amount Disneyland can do about loud and bright and colorful getting overwhelming- that's going to have to be handled by careful planning and judicious breaks. If we get to the point where lines are a problem for her (not wait time, queue conditions- it's the crowding that could spook her) the stamp on *my* GAC will cover us. Is it even worth getting her one of her own? Is it in any way "not kosher" to simply show my own GAC to handle the situations as they arise?

Does stroller-as-wheelchair help for wheelchair areas at parades or shows? If we're going to brave the crowd for those she'll need the extra space. There's no way she can handle Fantasmic with any possible accommodation, but we might try WOC if she can be in the slightly less shoulder-to-shoulder accessible section. We'd probably split the party for that one to avoid cluttering the limited area with extra bodies.

She made the DL trip at her 1st birthday, but toting a baby and wrangling a toddler are totally different experiences, so I'm still sorting out what she'll need and where the limitations are.

And if you've taken a sensitive or spectrum toddler to Disneyland, what were the unexpected pitfalls or triggers?

 

[mistysue]

Post 6 in the sticky above titled something like "disABILITIES FAQ:..." is about GAC's. That may have something that would help you more.
It would probably become awkward if you are asking for accommodation for her but the card is for you, and could cause confusion especially if you get a picky CM. She should have her own card, I would get the stroller as a wheelchair too if she needs her own place to go to.

 

[123LuckyMom]

We just came back from our trip. My mother had an ECV, and I had a GAC with stroller as wheelchair, because I have an infant I can't hold for long periods of time due to a back problem with nerve involvement. I can walk okay, but only if I use the stroller like a walker. I would recommend getting the two GAC cards. Having the stroller as wheelchair sticker was HUGE for me, but my 4 year old was able to benefit as well. I did keep thinking what a blessing that sticker would be for a child with SPD or spectrum disorder. You don't need to use the option, but if you need it, you will have it.

 

[lanejudy]

... Does stroller-as-wheelchair help for wheelchair areas at parades or shows? If we're going to brave the crowd for those she'll need the extra space. There's no way she can handle Fantasmic with any possible accommodation, but we might try WOC if she can be in the slightly less shoulder-to-shoulder accessible section. We'd probably split the party for that one to avoid cluttering the limited area with extra bodies.
...

I'm not sure if it is any different at DL vs WDW, but we've tried stroller-as-wheelchair for parades at WDW. It can depend how crowded the park is on any given day, but they tend to squeeze the w/c and ECV people into the reserved parade viewing areas quite closely in order to accommodate as many as possible. If you are looking for extra space I wouldn't count on this as an option - possibly if low crowds that day but not necessarily. If you have more than 2-3 in your party, they may require you to split up also. As a party of 3 we've been allowed to have 1 sit on the ground in front of the stroller and 1 stand behind, but told that generally only 1 person is allowed to accompany a wheelchair/ECV.

Sorry, I can't speak to WOC...

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[KPeveler]

Yes the GAC will allow you to use the stroller as wheelchair for parades, fantasmic, and WOC. The wheelchair viewing area is a little less crowded for WOC but it can still be crazy. Always always always go to the second show if possible for both fantasmic and WOC and it will be less crowded.

For the parades in DL park avoid the viewig area by main street as this is more crowded. Plus you are trapped if you need to leave. Try the on e by small world. This one is better.

If you want to try fantasmic go to the second show and stay as far to the right near the boat dock as possible. This is generally less crowded as the view is not as good but it is still not bad.

I would get a GAC if you will ever be separate from her or if you can think of a situation where your GAC would not help in a situation where she would need accommodation s.

 

[ttintagel]

I'm not sure if it is any different at DL vs WDW, but we've tried stroller-as-wheelchair for parades at WDW. It can depend how crowded the park is on any given day, but they tend to squeeze the w/c and ECV people into the reserved parade viewing areas quite closely in order to accommodate as many as possible. If you are looking for extra space I wouldn't count on this as an option - possibly if low crowds that day but not necessarily.

Seconding this. I've watched parades from wheelchair-reserved areas and from other areas, and the reserved areas have always been more crowded in my (albeit limited) experience.

 

[Mama Who]

I'm not sure if it is any different at DL vs WDW, but we've tried stroller-as-wheelchair for parades at WDW. It can depend how crowded the park is on any given day, but they tend to squeeze the w/c and ECV people into the reserved parade viewing areas quite closely in order to accommodate as many as possible. If you are looking for extra space I wouldn't count on this as an option - possibly if low crowds that day but not necessarily. If you have more than 2-3 in your party, they may require you to split up also. As a party of 3 we've been allowed to have 1 sit on the ground in front of the stroller and 1 stand behind, but told that generally only 1 person is allowed to accompany a wheelchair/ECV.

Sorry, I can't speak to WOC...

Enjoy your vacation!

We would be fully prepared to split up if we were using the wheelchair area and it was crowded. DH and DS are both tall and would stand elsewhere. As far as extra space, just being in the stroller would give her some breathing room. Less sideways bumping, which is what I worry about- a person in a chair is not going to be sidling into her to get an extra couple inches, if that makes sense.

If it comes to it DH is 6'4" and will stand in back with her on his shoulders.

 

[Mama Who]

Seconding this. I've watched parades from wheelchair-reserved areas and from other areas, and the reserved areas have always been more crowded in my (albeit limited) experience.

Good to know. Having never traveled with a wheelchair or a S-as-W, this is all new.

 

[lanejudy]

We would be fully prepared to split up if we were using the wheelchair area and it was crowded. DH and DS are both tall and would stand elsewhere. As far as extra space, just being in the stroller would give her some breathing room. Less sideways bumping, which is what I worry about- a person in a chair is not going to be sidling into her to get an extra couple inches, if that makes sense.

If it comes to it DH is 6'4" and will stand in back with her on his shoulders.

As to the bolded part...once they are positioned they aren't likely to move, but it can be as close as armrests practically touching - elbow bumping. And keep in mind that a generally stroller sits somewhat lower than a w/c or ECV seat, so (depending how tall your DD is) her head level could be next to someone's butt or waist with those elbows next to her face. If she isn't going to remain in the stroller but would sit on DH's shoulders, then it might not be worth it to take a spot in the reserved section.

Please don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to disuade you from using the reserved section for parades, just pointing out the "reality" you might encounter. We tried it a few times and have decided it's not the best option for our DD. We're better off staking out our space along the curb early, and as it gets more crowded she's likely to sit on my lap (with me as the buffer).

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Mama Who]

As to the bolded part...once they are positioned they aren't likely to move, but it can be as close as armrests practically touching - elbow bumping. And keep in mind that a generally stroller sits somewhat lower than a w/c or ECV seat, so (depending how tall your DD is) her head level could be next to someone's butt or waist with those elbows next to her face. If she isn't going to remain in the stroller but would sit on DH's shoulders, then it might not be worth it to take a spot in the reserved section.

Please don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to disuade you from using the reserved section for parades, just pointing out the "reality" you might encounter. We tried it a few times and have decided it's not the best option for our DD. We're better off staking out our space along the curb early, and as it gets more crowded she's likely to sit on my lap (with me as the buffer).

Enjoy your vacation!

No, I get what you mean. I thought the reserved section might be a better choice but if it isn't, we're prepared to vacate it and try something else. Having her on DH's shoulders is not ideal, but if it's the best solution we'll do that outside of the reserved area.

The height thing is a good point. We'll have to consider our options and play it by ear. We're not going to attempt Fantasmic at all but I think she'd like WoC.