Is a GAC needed?

[starshine514]

My childhood friend, her fiance, and the two children (ages 3 and 4) they just adopted are joining us for a day at Disneyland! We'll arrive late on Saturday night and they'll join us in the park on Sunday. My DH has MS and uses an ECV in the park. The last time we went, they told us we didn't need a GAC, that the ECV was enough. This time, however, they'll be 8 of us. I've read that they've recently started making accommodations for larger groups (as opposed to the previous limit of 6), but will we need a GAC since the group is larger than 6? I hate to split up. We wouldn't mind being in different vehicles, but I'd like for us to all be in the queues together.

Thanks!

 

[SueM in MN]

My childhood friend, her fiance, and the two children (ages 3 and 4) they just adopted are joining us for a day at Disneyland! We'll arrive late on Saturday night and they'll join us in the park on Sunday. My DH has MS and uses an ECV in the park. The last time we went, they told us we didn't need a GAC, that the ECV was enough. This time, however, they'll be 8 of us. I've read that they've recently started making accommodations for larger groups (as opposed to the previous limit of 6), but will we need a GAC since the group is larger than 6? I hate to split up. We wouldn't mind being in different vehicles, but I'd like for us to all be in the queues together.

Thanks!

I would assume the answer would be yes, since the Information about numbers allowed to accompany a guest with an ECV or wheelchair was recent.

For readers who did not see it, the report was that DisneyLAND had made some changes to Guest Assistance Cards (GAC) and to how mobility devices, such as wheelchairs and ECVs were handled.
A GAC is needed for guests using mobile devices if there are 6 or less people in their party ( including the guest using a mobility device). A GAC would be needed for a group of more than 6 and it is necessary to explain to Guest Relations who there was a need for that number.
This is how things have been done at WDW for quite a long time.

There may still be some areas where they split you into 2 groups because of space, but I do think you would need a GAC to have a party of more

 

[WheelieBigDisFan]

My guess is that at DCA (California Adventure) where most of the attractions are Mainstream Cues, you would not need a GAC since the ECV would go through the regular line. It would be as if you had a large party and no disabilities, everyone waits in line together and if necessary, you are split into multiple ride cars. In DLR (Disneyland Resort) many of the cues are not mainstreamed yet, so I would recommend going to City Hall (Guest Relations) and getting a GAC with the number of people in your group stamped. Buzz Lightyear and a few other rides in DLR are mainstreamed, but most of the rides in Fantasyland (Peter Pan, Pinocchio, Snow White, Alice in Wonderland, Mr. Toads Wild Ride, etc), The Haunted Mansion (accessible to a break off point), Pirates of the Caribbean, Finding Nemo, Space Mountain, etc. are not yet mainstreamed and will require an alternate entrance at some point. Make sure when you visit City Hall to get a Disability map that shows you which rides you will need to use an alternate entry for, and which rides require transfers (either to a manual wheelchair at the attraction or to the ride car itself).
Good luck and HAVE FUN!!!
Mandy

 

[Lisa71]

With a large party you do need the GAC. Our son had CP (very mild) and his limited abilty to walk for a long time or stand we get a GAC. We live very close to Dland and have done without it in the past, but the GAC works like magic and for some attractions really helps. Last trip we had a friend with an ECV with us and we still got her a card.

 

[SueM in MN]

My guess is that at DCA (California Adventure) where most of the attractions are Mainstream Cues, you would not need a GAC since the ECV would go through the regular line. It would be as if you had a large party and no disabilities, everyone waits in line together and if necessary, you are split into multiple ride cars. In DLR (Disneyland Resort) many of the cues are not mainstreamed yet, so I would recommend going to City Hall (Guest Relations) and getting a GAC with the number of people in your group stamped. Buzz Lightyear and a few other rides in DLR are mainstreamed, but most of the rides in Fantasyland (Peter Pan, Pinocchio, Snow White, Alice in Wonderland, Mr. Toads Wild Ride, etc), The Haunted Mansion (accessible to a break off point), Pirates of the Caribbean, Finding Nemo, Space Mountain, etc. are not yet mainstreamed and will require an alternate entrance at some point. Make sure when you visit City Hall to get a Disability map that shows you which rides you will need to use an alternate entry for, and which rides require transfers (either to a manual wheelchair at the attraction or to the ride car itself).
Good luck and HAVE FUN!!!
Mandy

That makes sense

 

[KPeveler]

Definitely stop by City Hall and speak to a CM. Even better, try going to Guest Relations in DCA - there is almost never a wait there. It is impossible to navigate the City Hall line with an ECV (the line is on stairs) and the room itself is quite small.

 

[starshine514]

Thanks! We'll probably still end up trying to stop by City Hall, since DL opens earlier than DCA and that will be our first day there. We'll be going on a MM, but will not have MM privileges. I'm hoping if we're close to the front of one of the regular entry lines, we'll be close to the front of the City Hall line, but I'm not sure since all the MM folks will already be there. I don't remember being in City Hall before (when I asked about the GAC last time we went, I asked at DCA). If there is a line on the stairs, would I be able to wait it in and have DH join me from a ramp location? Hmm...may need to search for a picture of City Hall and see if I can figure out how it would work...

Thanks again, I'll plan on us stopping to get one first thing.

 

[KerBear]

). If there is a line on the stairs, would I be able to wait it in and have DH join me from a ramp location? Hmm...may need to search for a picture of City Hall and see if I can figure out how it would work...

Thanks again, I'll plan on us stopping to get one first thing.

Yes, that will work just fine, the ramp is off to one side, so it's a hassle when there is along line and you are alone, but he can go up the ramp and wait for you there while you are in line, no problem! Have a great trip!