Need some help for WDW.

[Amlee]

My parents, 2 neices, 1 nephew, and myself will be doing a Disney cruise Jan 4th. We are flying down the day before on the 3rd. If Delta doesn't push us back any later we will be getting in around 12:30pm. I would love to take the kids to a park for the day. Leaning toward MK.

Here is the thing, I had spinal fusion in 2006 to my L5-S1. I currently have minor to mild ruptures of several different disk. So my riding will be limited. I also have a metal brace on my left leg. This keeps my left ankle from rolling and breaking. It also hinders me from getting in something like a car door.

As much as I would love to be jerked around and ride splash mountain and such. I know I would better off not doing it. On those type rides my nieces are old enough to go and take my nephew(in the regular line). I'll find a place to watch.

Walking isn't my problem, it seems as long as I am moving I'm fine. It's the standing that kills me. I can not stand for long period of times at all.

Where I need help is, I know that Disney has a special needs pass. What do you need to qualify for it? How does it work? I would like to enjoy the rides that I can.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information.

Or, if you want an easier route, click on the link in my signature.

You will probably be best off starting with Post #3.

Post #6 deals with the Guest Assistance Card (not Special Needs Pass). You will find that the normal Guest Relations response to mobility and/or stamina issues is the suggestion that the person rent a wheelchair or ECV.

The GAC is not intended to allow a person to bypass lines. As a general rule constant load attractions the line does keep moving. All of these will have a "chicken exit" which will allow you to remain in line up to the boarding area and then wait for the riding people to get off. However, show type attractions will load a theater at a time and may ot have a special seating area while waiting to go into the theater.

You might seriously want to consider a one day rental of an ECV in whichever park you go to.

 

[Amlee]

Thanks! I wasn't sure how things worked. I'll check out those links.

It may turn out that I'll just have to watch the kids do the ride.

 

[Amlee]

Ok, I have another GAC (see I'm learning) question.

Is there only a limited number of GAC's issued? If so, then I won't bother with one at all. My biggest fear is to take a spot or place of someone who would really need it. It's why I refuse to get a HC sticker.

Also after reading the links provided, I had forgot that some rides didn't stop to let you board. That would be a HUGE problem for me. Will they stop them if I don't have a GAC?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Is there only a limited number of GAC's issued? If so, then I won't bother with one at all. My biggest fear is to take a spot or place of someone who would really need it.

They are not limited; if you have medical needs (other than mobility and/or stamina, where they will recommend rental of a wheelchair or ECV) you will be able to get one.

It's why I refuse to get a HC sticker.

These also are not limited. If you have need for one get it! Having a disabled hang tag does not mean you have to use it all the time. Similarly, we tell people that the GAC is like an insurance policy which you hope you do not have to use but it is available if necessary.

Also after reading the links provided, I had forgot that some rides didn't stop to let you board. That would be a HUGE problem for me. Will they stop them if I don't have a GAC?

The only ride that cannot be stopped is Peter Pan. All others can be slowed or stopped if necessary.

 

[mechurchlady]

Definitely get the Handicapped placard at home. In California I get free parking at metered public parking spots. I can park as long as l want except if there is a no-parking zone or time frame. AT WDW some places will valet park for free and at the TTC and parks (except MK) you can park in a close parking spot. You do not have to use the handicapped placard if you are up to the walk at the mall or grocery store and I do not always use mine. I have used mine in IN, AZ, NV, FL, TX, IA, NE, IL, and CA.

Get the GAC. It will let you avoid stairs. I always say get one even if you are in a wheelchair as there seems to be one lone rogue CM who demands a GAC from everyone, lol. That is my theory since CMs are so nice.

I would strongly recommend a transport chair or wheelchair or ECV. It will save you energy and can provide a place to set while in line. The GAC is only a tool to help CMs understand a guest's limitations. At WDW they attempt to make things as equal as is possible. That may mean a wheelchair user waiting in line an hour for a ride. In fact sometimes the disabled line's wait is longer than that of the standby or fast pass line.

Good attitude about skipping certain rides. I would love to ride some rides but know I could spend days or even the rest of my life in bed. In FAQs is links to pictures of ride vehicles. Some like Space Mountain are low down and Pirates requires stepping on the seat then down into the boat. Pirates is easier though. The race cars are fun but low to the ground and you MUST have a couple friends behind you to prevent being hit from behind by idiots who think the cars are like demolition derby cars.

If you have a sensitive back as I do then try to have someone in your party stand behind you. I have been prodded and poked and goosed in line and even had my back touched. See the bra, you touch it and I could be on the ground writhing in pain. That is where my damaged disc is. One good thing about the GAC is that I find fewer people with kids running around. You need to watch for kids who will bowl people over and push past them. That is one reason I think an ECV might be best for you. I had a dude plow into me at DCA and have seen kids nearly topple adults. With your leg problems the ECV would reduce run ins with kids and some obnoxious adults.