Issues with Standing - GAC?

[SherriA1]

Hello,

My husband and I will be traveling to Disneyland this summer with my parents. My dad has some back problems, which cause him some difficulties with walking, but more problems with standing still for long periods of time. Obviously the ideal situation would be for him to rent an ECV, but I'm not sure if we can convince him to do that.

If he chooses not to rent an ECV, is there a GAC option that will allow him to sit in situations where one would usually be standing still for a long period of time, such as at World of Color or waiting in holding areas prior to shows? I think he will be okay in lines for most attractions, since there is typically some movement at all times.

I have done several searches on the disABILITIES boards for information, but am still unclear of whether a GAC is available for this situation (since Disney's recommendation is to rent an ECV), or if there is even seating at all in these locations (world of color, pre-show areas, etc). Thanks in advance for any help that you can give me!

-Amanda

 

[SueM in MN]

In general, the only way to make sure someone has a seat is to bring it with them by using a wheelchair, ECV or other mobility device.
When Disney makes the recommendation to use an ECV or wheelchair for guests who are concerned about their stamina or ability to wait in line, that what they actually mean.
They could maybe be a bit more clear about it.

For waiting for shows, I know some people use their other family members leave a little space for moving around.
I know more about WDW, but what I have read/heard at Disneyland is similar - few waiting areas have seats and they are not reserved for guests with disabilities.

 

[SueM in MN]

Here's a link to a past thread about World of Color

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2488691

 

[jdb in AZ]

DH & I were at Disneyland a year ago (end of January.) We had blue fastpasses and ECV's so we were admitted to the handicapped area. They do have a few park benches, but they fill very quickly, even during the off-season. We were grateful to have the padded seats on our ECV's.

We also watched Fantasmic from the handicapped area. There may have been a park bench or two, but again, it was nice to have the comfy padded seats on the ECV's, so we didn't envy those who waited much longer so they could sit on a hard park bench.

What is your dad's biggest hangup with renting an ECV? Often it's the cost, or the perception of being considered old/frail, or admitting that you just don't have the stamina of a 20-yr-old.

The thing that convinced me was walking around DTD right after arriving at the resort. I just didn't have the stamina (the old gray mare just ain't what she used to be) so we went ahead and rented an ECV for moi as well as DH (he has bad ankles, artificial knees, and a bad back; I was recovering from multiple surgeries.)

Anyway, if your dad absolutely refuses to rent an ECV, keep the phone # of a rental place handy -- he may change his mind after walking around in pain for an hour or more. You can rent ECV's at the parks, but they're more expen$ive and sell out quickly each day. If you rent off-site they're cheaper and your dad can ride it around DTD, and the hotel.

 

[deegack]

The problem you will face is that there is no where for him to sit at most rides. Dh asked about this when he had a bad back and was told if he needed a seat he needed to rent a wheelchair or ECv.

 

[Love Tink]

We went to DL twice in 2011, and my husband got a GAC both times, the first times he's ever gotten them. He has problems similar to what you described with your dad - he's had three back and neck surgeries, and standing still is the worst for him.

Anyway, his GAC was extremely useful and it helped a lot. We didn't use it at Fantasmic, but we used it at Aladdin to have him taken inside and up an elevator, and seated before the rest of the crowd (we found him inside). We also used it each trip for WOC and had no trouble finding a spot on the benches for him (once was on a very busy day in August). The kids and I stood behind the benches.

I will note that, even with the GAC, you need to have FP for the WOC show, and for the color section you want. The handicapped seating in blue was pretty good from the benches and okay from behind the benches (lots of light poles and things in the way, but the overall experience is still great). Yellow was not quite as good.