My shy DH with many illnesses

[sugabutt]

My DH and DD (age 4) are going to MK for 1 day this weekend. My DH is a Type 1 Diabetic, has Plantar Fascistis (sp?) in his feet (which he has had 3 surgeries on but no improvement) and just got put on an antibotic for an infection and the pharmacist said "be sure to stay out of the sun while you are taking this". Great timing...

The last time we went to DW it was for a week, and we rented a scooter. We did not ask for a GAC because since we had the scooter, it seemed that a lot of CM's took care of us and we didn't have to wait long in most of the lines.

However since we are only going for 1 day, he might try to go without the scooter this time (also to save us some $$ - he hasn't worked in years). But since he needs to stay out of the sun as much as possible, and with his diabetes, should we ask for a GAC? He's the kind of guy that hates any attention being drawn to him due to his illnesses. For example, if we are out in a store, and he is having a low blood sugar, he hates it if I ask a store employee for a coke or where to get the nearest drink (but I have to anyway!). He just doesn't want to cause a scene. Will getting the GAC card cause a 'scene' to happen at every ride, or do the CM's keep it low key?

 

[dmccarty]

Of the months of days I have spent in WDW I have never really noticed someone with GAC. If I did not read the DIS I would not even know about a GAC. Now I am sure I have seen people with a GAC. And I am sure I have seen them present it to a CM but I have never noticed.

I would guess the vast majority of people at WDW do not know about a GAC. I surely did not and I have been going to MK since the first year. If someone does not need them I don't think people know about 'em.

Get the GAC and dont worry about it.

One big advantage MK has over the other parks is....

The TRAINS!

My wife broke her foot. Twice. Each time before we went to WDW. My mother should rent a scooter but will not. Getting them around MK is pretty easy because of the trains. You can hop on the train and let it take you to the back of the park and slowly work your way to the entrance. Or just ride the train back. The train can really cut down on walking if it is used with some thought. We seem to end our MK days in Toon Town or in Frontier Land so it is easy to hop on the train and get to the entrance of MK.

Which is good. But I do miss the walk down Main Street.

But ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

Later,
Dan

 

[jmartinez1895]

No seen at all. Just flash the card and they will take care of your family. The only time he might not be too happy is when you go to guest services to get the GAC. He will have to explain what his needs are. Other than that it will be fine. If he is set against not renting a scooter then be sure to take a few breaks, but I would think that with any foot trouble I would not want to risk being in pain and I would bite the bullet and rent one.

 

[christymarie]

I have a skin condition that makes it necessary to stay out of the sun as much as possible. In my experience at Disney there are very few rides that have lines in the sun (Dumbo is the main one I'm thinking of) and even the ones that are outside have lots of shade trees if possible.

My bigger issue with Disney and sun is the walking around the place, lol. I would get him a very high spf sunscreen and a large hat, try to avoid having him wear shorts even though they are cooler as he may burn much easier with the antibiotics.

Hope you guys have fun.

 

[SueM in MN]

There is more information about Guest Assistance Cards in post #6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. You can find that thread near the top of this board or you can follow the link in my signature to get there.
As was already mentioned, your husband will need to explain his needs to the CM at Guest Relations in order to get what he needs.

I agree with christymarie - your biggest problem is not going to be actually waiting in lines because most of them are shaded. One problem will be more while actually riding some of the that are out in the sun (Dumbo, Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Big Thunder Mountain RR, Tomorrowland Speedway are in the sun for the majority of the ride). The other problem will be getting from place to place, where you will be in the sun a lot.
Keep in mind that you can travel down Main Street and the Main street of Frontierland while either inside the shops or under the porches on the front of the porches. That is a good way to avoid the sun.

Also, if he changes his mind and decides to rent an ECV in the park, keep in mind that they are usually gone fairly soon after the park opens.

You can use Fastpasses; remember that one person can go ahead to the Fastpass machine with all the park passes. No need for everyone to travel to the Fastpass machine.

To use the GAC, you need to show it to the CM at the entrance and may also need to show it at the boarding area or somewhere else along in the line. The CMs will need to look at it and see it long enough to read the stamp on it. I usually hold the GAC so that the CM can see it, but everyone in line can’t. Some people are very obvious when showing the GAC; those are the ones that other guests might notice. I doubt most people notice when we use DD’s.

 

[peemagg]

You also might want to look into getting him some of those clothes that are made to be sun blockers. Look at a place like Cabela's, or Bass Pro Shop, or Dick's sporting goods. They have the lighter weight shirts and pants that protect you from the sun without overheating.

 

[a1tinkfans]

You also might want to look into getting him some of those clothes that are made to be sun blockers. Look at a place like Cabela's, or Bass Pro Shop, or Dick's sporting goods. They have the lighter weight shirts and pants that protect you from the sun without overheating.