Need advice for traveling with someone with a disability

[ipdenc]

Hello Everyone,

I am in need of some advice. I have an Uncle who just turned 50 years old. He is a special man with a heart of gold. He has a severe disabilty and functions at about a 4 year old. He has trouble walking and uses a walker most of the time but will use a wheel chair when he is having to walk longer distances.
We are very excited about taking him to see his favorite character, Mickey Mouse, in October. There will be 10 of us in all. My sister is taking her 3 small children, I will be taking my 2 boys, and my Uncle will be joining us with his wife to help take care of my Uncle. It is impoortant that we take all the little ones, as my Uncle loves to see them play and talk to him.

We will be renting a wheel chair to use in the parks. My question is do we need to speak to anyone else about my Uncle? My friend suggested to speak to a CM so that he is not having to wait in long lines, as he can get upset. Is this even allowed, since we have such a large party?

I just don't know how this will work with so many of us. We want this to be HIS SPECIAL trip and the focus on him.

Any advice on how to make his time more pleasant and memorable? He is very excited to go and we want to make it as special as possible. We all understand the lines and the people and want to help him, as he will not understand.

TIA! I apppreciate it!

We will be staying at the GRAND, as we were told it will be convient if he needs to go back and rest.

 

[starshine514]

I would recommend checking in at City Hall, simply because you have a larger group. He may need a GAC in order for all of you to use the H/A areas. Most of the time, a wheelchair alone is enough to warrant H/A, but the traditional number of people is 6.

I don't think that will help with the lines in general (with some it will). However, waiting with the whole group should help.

 

[Reddy]

I was told that the GAC was only good for the person plus 5 other people (so 6 total) so unless there is 2 handicap people in the group you would have to divide up on using it.

I would still go ask at city hall & go check out the disabitly section here - alot of great info there

 

[Minnie Loves Mickey]

You can also contact Disney Prior to your trip. They are very helpful and will give you some good ideas. I have e-mailed them on several occasions and also called.

 

[starshine514]

I was told that the GAC was only good for the person plus 5 other people (so 6 total) so unless there is 2 handicap people in the group you would have to divide up on using it.

I would still go ask at city hall & go check out the disabitly section here - alot of great info there

They changed the policy on this recently I hear you can now have more than 6. I agree, check out the disABILITIES board for more information.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I would suggest going over to the disABILITIES Forum. One of the first threads is the disABILITIES FAQs. Although those FAQs are primarily oriented WDW, Post #6 discusses the Guest Assistance Card where the policies are the same at both WDW and DLR. Also, Post #14 will discuss Disneyland specific items. To get directly to the disABILITIES FAQs from here just click on the link in my signature.