Nerves about the GAC

[PetiteSirene]

I originally posted this in another part of the forum and was directed here, so reposting:

I have read so many stories of people using the cards and being treated badly because of them and it hasn't helped me with my nerves for this trip at all!

I last went to WDW about 8 years ago and I ended up in a wheelchair in what was then MGM and Magic Kingdom. This was before I was recently diagnosed with a genetic joint condition. Back then I wasn't given any card, just directed to where I had to go. I was only diagnosed at the start of the year and I am still coming to terms with this and it has forced me to hire a scooter for my trip with my friend.

I am nervous of the reactions I will get, I know I can be sensitive anyway, but my feelings of having this condition is fresh in my mind and still a massive thing for me. I've always been independent but going from the woman running around Disney to one who can't walk more than five minutes without being in pain in a few months is just a hard thing to go through (for me anyway)

Could perhaps people tell me their experiences using these cards and what to expect? Am I working my self up over nothing? This trip is really a massive deal for me and I've been getting really anxious about the whole thing

Edit: I am most nervous since I won't be using the scooter the whole time (Sitting for long periods of time is just as bad as standing) and it is not a 'visible' disability. I don't like showing when I am in pain, I have gotten very good at hiding it and I know people can be judgemental about people who don't 'look' disabled

 

[LilyWDW]

If you are using a wheelchair or a scooter, then you do not need a GAC. The mobility device alerts the CMs to your need.

What accommodations are you wanting?

 

[PetiteSirene]

I may not always be using a scooter all the time. For example if we are just spending a few hours in a park for breakfast and a ride or two but then returning to the resort I would most likely take my crutches or just walk as best I can.

The scooter is primarily there so I don't walk a million miles on my trip. Standing still for too long causes me significant pain, but I can't sit down all day either and need some walking/exercise to strengthen my muscles and to stop pain from not moving my joints.

For ride queues I can only talk from what I've experienced at DLP, but a place to sit down and wait if I'm not on the scooter and not where I am forced to stand for too long.

 

[crashbb]

For ride queues I can only talk from what I've experienced at DLP, but a place to sit down and wait if I'm not on the scooter and not where I am forced to stand for too long.

Unfortunately, WDW isn't really set up to provide that, with the exception of a very few rides. Most of the lines are actually mainstreamed, so the "accessible" line is the same as the regular line (or is the same for at least most of the line). For the most part though, there isn't a lot of standing still (you say that that is a problem) - most lines are constantly moving (though, often, slowly).

 

[PetiteSirene]

I'm sorry I wasn't very clear on this, I consider the slow shuffle in most queues standing still. I can stand for a period of time if I need to (I will just be uncomfortable/in pain) But sometimes it is bearable. The difference would be if I was forced to stand for 20+ minutes and I didn't have the scooter and there wasn't another option I would most likely just skip the ride and come back when I had the scooter.

I am not one to shout and scream about my disability and having to admit I need help in places like Disney has been a hard thing for me to come to terms with. I appreciate all the advice and help people can give me.

 

[crashbb]

I'm afraid that the best advice is likely to be regular use of your scooter - there is not a reliable way to skip the lines at WDW (neither avoiding the waiting nor avoiding the distances involved - Soarin' for example is a 1/4 mile distance both in and out).

There is a FAQ thread (look at one of the first few threads - it is a "sticky") that might provide more insight.

 

[PetiteSirene]

Thank you I will have a look, when I went 8 years ago I remember running to Soarin and how long it took us to actually get onto the ride.

Unfortunately what I am facing and having to adapt to is what I used to be able to do and what I now can't physically do. The systems in WDW is very different to DLP and I'm glad I plucked up the courage to come on here and ask advice!

 

[LisaBi]

How about taking your scooter into all lines unless you can be positive it is very short, then if it is too much sitting, you can stand and stretch a bit while your friend maneuvers the scooter for you? Be aware that many alternative entrance queues look short, but are really a quite long wait.

 

[kadorseyusa]

Hi,

I am also disabled and use an ECV for my trips to Disney 15 trips and counting. Take you scooter with you everywhere, on the attractions that do not allow scooters they will provide you with a wheelchair for the last part of the trip. The most I have ever had to walk was from my scooter maybe 10 steps actually it was probably less. In the older attractions you do get an earlier entry simply because of the special arrangements that have to be made, they were not originally built with us in mind. The CM are wonderful for the new attractions the ways to take care of us are built in and you can take your ECV all the way to the entrance. The only place you may have to wait longer is Toy Story, they have a special track for us and I only swings out every 4th car. Love Disney for the convenience and care they show to disabled patrons. I should mention I also was disabled about 4 years ago can walk short distances, know its hard to get used to, but you will feel comfortable here.

 

[PetiteSirene]

Thank you both kadorseyusa have you ever had an issue with your ECV running low on charge in a park and if so how did you handle it? This is another concern that has been bothering me a little

 

[Tiggerish]

I have also made the transition to ECV because MS has taken away my ability to stand and I do understand about adjusting to a new reality. If my ECV battery light does fall into the yellow zone, I have been able to find places to plug in inside both Epcot and the Magic Kingdom.

This is not something that usually happens but once in a while I will be out and about from early morning (bus stop at 7) until park closing at 1 AM. However, whenever I have a longer day, I usuallyfind a place to plug in and recharge whenever my group takes a meal break.

A more normal day includes a a mid day break at the resort where I recharge (both the ECV batteries and my own) in the room before heading out again for evening fun.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Most "standard size" ECVs the batteries will hold their charge for up to 25 miles when they are new. Most of the smaller "travel" size the batteries are good for 10-12 miles.

As a general rule as long as you allow for the ECV to charge for six to eight hours overnight there should not be any problem.

When I suspect that the batteries on my ECV are getting weak I will bring the charger with me. If I am going into a restaurant for lunch or dinner I will find an outlet in the lobby and plug in the charger and take the key with me to add to the charge. If I am going into a large counter service I will look in the area outside the restrooms for an outlet and stand in the line and then go to a table; again it will get about a 30-45 minute partial charge which will add several hours life to the battery.

 

[PetiteSirene]

Thank you! I wasn't sure if it was frowned upon to plug things into the outlets at restaurants etc. There are a few late night openings that I am keen to be out for (I've never been in a Disney park later than 10pm that I can remember apparently I stayed up till midnight at DLR but that was over 20 years ago lol)

I'm feeling a lot more relaxed about the whole thing now. I'm going to talk to guest services about having a GAC as a just in case I actually feel okay to get up and about for a bit. Everyone on here has made me feel a lot better about the situation, thanks!

 

[SueM in MN]

I don't think anyone has pointed you to the disABILITIES FAQs thread. You can follow the link in my signature or find it near the top of this board.

Post 6 is about GACs. As was pointed out, if you have a wheelchair or ECV, you don't need a GAC to use it in lines.
Even the older attractions at MK have mostly been renovated so that the lines are wheelchair accessible. Those are called Mainstream Lines. Post 11 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread lists accessibility.
Some are not ECV accessible, but all lines are wheelchair accessible. Guests who can't stand in those lines should talk to the CM at the ride entrance before parking their ECV and ask for an attraction wheelchair.
You would not have to sit in the wheelchair all the time in line. Some people push it as a support.

There are attractions where everyone stands for a period, unless they have a Mobility device with them. These are mostly shows or attractions that board in groups. Examples would include Haunted Mansion, Laugh Floor, Soarin'
Post 22 on page 2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread lists most of those attractions. Most have no or very limited places to sit in the waiting area (most have none).

Posts 18-21 on page 2 gives some information on boarding attraction - including the type of transfer, step in and out, etc.

Some lines can be a long distance. For example, Soarin' is about 1/4 mile from where you enter the line to where you get on. It is an equal distance to get back out and a GAC won't shorten the distance walked.
To alternate walking and riding, some people choose to use the ECV or wheelchair in lines, but park and walk in shops and restaurants. Since you can control how long, how far me when you walk in those places, it's easier to avoid walking or standing too long. Also, with all the people in shops, it is generally easier to navigate on foot than with an ECV.

 

[crashbb]

There is a FAQ thread (look at one of the first few threads - it is a "sticky") that might provide more insight.

I don't think anyone has pointed you to the disABILITIES FAQs thread. You can follow the link in my signature or find it near the top of this board.

What am I? Chopped liver?

Just joking with you.

 

[SueM in MN]

What am I? Chopped liver?

Just joking with you.

LOL
Iplead posting while asleep. Even though it was posted at 6 something am, I started writing before 6 am.
Anyone who knows me knows that before 6 am is not my best time.

 

[PetiteSirene]

I have read through the FAQ and I am a lot more comfortable with how the GAC works. I am going to talk to Guest Services and see what is best for me, because I would like the option to come in on one of my 'Good Days' without the ECV. I'm there for 2 weeks so if I really need to skip a ride because it's too much on one day, I really can just go back another day when I bring the ECV.

Thank you all for the help, it really is much appreciated!

 

[ChristineNic]

My DH uses an ECV and, like you, sitting too long causes as much pain as standing too long. When he needs a break from sitting on the EVC, another adult in our party drives the EVC while DH walks.

We have had other guests give us "the look" when switching EVC drivers, but we have gotten past the point where looks from strangers make us uncomfortable when we are doing what is best us.

 

[BarbO]

I have had MS for more than 20 years and use a walker with a seat....next time however I think I need the wheelchair.....but I've never had a problem getting or using a GAC. You shouldn't care what other people think......whether you use a chair or not.....there are many people with disabilities that look perfectly fine...heart conditions etc.....its no one else's business why you need a GAC. Go...get what you need so that YOU have a good time...its your vacation!

I have never once had anyone say one word to me, but I'm sure if they did I would tell them I will trade them my GAC if they will take my disease.

 

[BarbO]

I should have mentioned, that when you go to Guest Services for your GAC they give it to you for the entire length of your stay....that card is good for the whole trip....