Is this a specific enough need for a GAC?

[pennymom]

Hi,

My mom will be traveling with us to WDW in December, and I have read everything on the DIS about a GAC that I can find. But I will feel better if I ask anyway.

DMom has one hip replacement and arthritis starting to bother her in the other hip. I think her only issue will be getting onto rides where the ride does not come to a complete stop for boarding. Is it possible to ask for a GAC so she can get on rides that are completely stopped?

Thanks for your help!

 

[PrincessTrisha]

I can't answer your question about the GAC but I do want to let you know that some rides DON'T stop even for those who would have difficultly boarding (what comes to mind is Peter Pan and TTA).

Good luck and have a great trip with your Mom!

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

The GAC does not get that specific. Instead it will allow you to use the standard wheelchair entrance (which on most newer rides is the regular entrance.)

Some of the "continual dispatch" rides such as Haunted Mansion will stop if you ask them. There will be others that cannot. I used to work the Peter Pan ride and we are not allowed to stop it except in an emergency. The ride is so old that it is a very abrupt stop. If you are on the belt you will probably fall, in your car and you will not be happy. I have stopped it only once in the time I worked there, and it was when a child climbed out the wrong side of the boat and he needed to cross the track. You would not believe the dirty looks I got from the guests over that one!

The beest thing you can do is read the FAQ on the DisABILITIES board (I believe GACS are on post 6) and when you get to the parks, ask for a Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities. I used to carry a bunch with me in my rain pouch for guests. In the back it will list every ride with the boarding requirements and any special considerations. There is one available at every park. It will let you know which rides she can successfully board given her physical limitations.

 

[pennymom]

Thanks for the information, PrincessTrisha and Eeyores Butterfly...I appreciate the info and input!

 

[SueM in MN]

I don't know if you saw this, but in post #3, there are some links to resources and past threads. One of them is about boarding rides with moving walkways.

As was already mentioned, you would be able to get a GAC to use the wheelchair/handicapped access. In most cases, you will be waiting in the regular line until you get to the boarding area. At that point, people with disabilties are routed to another point (usually the exit) to board.

The CMs usually only slow the moving walkway; that is usually enough for most people. If you need it totally stopped, you do need to speak up to the CM to let them know.

As was mentioned, Peter Pan and Tomorrowland Transit Authority have moving walkways which can't be stopped. Pirates of the Caribbean does not have a moving walkway to board or exit the ride car. There is a moving ramp that takes you back from the exit to ground level. As you exit, the moving ramp is straight ahead. If you look to the left of the moving ramp, there is an elevator.