Is the GAC right for me?

[PennyLane1084]

I know someone makes a post about this about once a week but....

I'm considering getting a GAC for myself for my trip in May, I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and my joints get achy/painful/fatigued when on my feet for too long. Humidity also makes these symptoms worse as well as making me very tired. I do plan on going back to the resort and napping half way through the day.

I always feel like I'm not "bad enough" to get these types of things, or that some one else is worst off than me can use it. But if the GAC can make the trip less taxing on my body and help me conserve my energy why not use the help that the park is offering right? Feedback?

 

[Piper]

What would you want the GAC to do for you? WDW's answer to stamina problems is to use a WC or ECV. There is usually no place to sit and most lines are moving (even if slowly) so that really wouldn't be an option. WCs and ECVs go through the same line as everyone else, so you would stay with your party.

Look in the FAQs at the top of the forum for lots of information.

 

[dclfun]

I agree. Disney doesn't give out GAC's to shorten wait times or bypass lines but an ECV would give you a place to sit in line and would allow you to preserve your energy. If you have others going with you and they don't mind pushing a manual w/c then that's an option that would also allow you to push it yourself if you need to stretch and move a bit. A friend of mine who has had double knee replacements does just that. She sometimes sits in the chair and sometimes pushes it as it offers a bit of support and she knows it's there if she tires out.---Kathy

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

I know someone makes a post about this about once a week but....

I'm considering getting a GAC for myself for my trip in May, I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and my joints get achy/painful/fatigued when on my feet for too long. Humidity also makes these symptoms worse as well as making me very tired. I do plan on going back to the resort and napping half way through the day.

I always feel like I'm not "bad enough" to get these types of things, or that some one else is worst off than me can use it. But if the GAC can make the trip less taxing on my body and help me conserve my energy why not use the help that the park is offering right? Feedback?

I would recommend a wheelchair or ECV over the GAC. I am pretty sure this is Disney's response to mobility/fatigue issues.

Have a great trip!

 

[LockShockBarrel]

I think the only way a GAC would be beneficial to you would be if you couldn't get up and down stairs. I believe you can get one that will let you use an alternate entrance if you don't do stairs but there aren't a lot of queues with them.

 

[cm8]

What would you want the GAC to do for you? WDW's answer to stamina problems is to use a WC or ECV. There is usually no place to sit and most lines are moving (even if slowly) so that really wouldn't be an option. WCs and ECVs go through the same line as everyone else, so you would stay with your party.

Look in the FAQs at the top of the forum for lots of information.

 

[SueM in MN]

I agree with what the other posters wrote about GACs.
It would not shorten the distance walked and some of the lines are very long distance. For example, Soarin's line is 1/4 mile from the time you enter the line until you board. And, getting out is the same distance. The GAC will do nothing to shorten that distance.

WDW recommends an ECV or wheelchair because the distances walked between things are greater than the distance walked in lines. And, a GAC won't do anything for the distances between attractions.
You can get a GAC that would allow you to use the handicapped accessible (wheelchair) entrances, which would avoid stairs on those few attractions with stairs. But, in most attractions, the wheelchair entrance is the same as the regular line, so the distance would be no different.
Many people use the ECV to get from place to place and then walk in some lines so that they get some walking in.

If you go to the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of this board, you will find information about GACs in post #6 and information about renting ECVs and wheelchairs in post #2. You can find the disABILITIES FAQs near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature.