New Here with Question

[SixUnderSix]

Hi guys. I'm COMPLETELY new here and new to the area of differently abled children as well.

We go to WDW every year with our three children but this is the first year that we are able (assuming the judge signs off but I can't see why he wouldn't) to take our foster children with us (we are hoping to adopt them later this year).

Both of my foster daughters (ages 4 and 5) have RAD (reactive attachment disorder) and the 4 year old (who will be almost 5 when we go) has ODD (oppositional defiant disorder) and also has a global delay that requires OT, PT and Speech.

She has NEVER been to anything even CLOSE to WDW and I have a fear that her different needs will make Disney a nightmare even though she is excited to go. She functions on the level of a 2 year old and runs off easily, etc. Because we have never experienced anything like this, is it okay if I ask for a GAC even though I'm not POSITIVE she'll need one?

My biggest concern (she throws MASSIVE fits that can sometimes last up to two hours) is sitting in a theater and getting stuck in the middle of the row and no way to get out quickly if she begins a fit. Can they let us sit in the handicapped seating or on the end where we could make a quick get away if needed? My other concern is the lines. I would love to be able to take her stroller through as I've seen others mention but she has no mobility issues (except that she's TOO mobile and may run off and has such a severe speech delay that she wouldn't be able to tell anyone who she belonged to). Will they let us use her stroller as a wheelchair just to ensure her safety?

Also, I know this is a long-shot but would they even question why our last names are different to issue the GAC? Do I need to show them our paperwork saying that we have legal physical custody of her and that we have permission from a judge to be out of state with her?

 

[DSquare]

Before our adoption we always traveled with court papers for that 'just-in-case' moment. When we have asked for a GAC card and a sticker for the wheelchair they really never even batted an eye and while our son can't walk by looking at him you would probably never know. When attending the shows they will ask if he needs to stay in the stroller or if s/he can sit in a regular seat. They like to save the end seats for guests on ECV's so a family member can sit next to them. Even so the seats are usually 4 or 5 in a row then a big space then 4 or 5 more repeadtly along the back row. It makes it easy to get up and out if the need does arise.

 

[KPeveler]

There are lots of parents who use the stroller as wheelchair GAC for their children who do not have mobility needs, but require the stroller as a "safe place" and to reduce flight risk. All you have to do is explain her needs to the CM at Guest Services, and ask to take the stroller in lines due to her sensory/emotional/speech needs.

Just a word of warning - Check out ride length BEFORE going on rides. Ellens Energy Adventure is 30 minutes long and there is NO way to leave. Carousel of Progress shuts down and replays the whole scene if you leave.

I definitely suggest getting Passporter's Open Mouse, which gives details for every attraction, restaurant, and hotel for LOTS of different needs. It will give you a good idea of what to expect for everything.

 

[SixUnderSix]

Before our adoption we always traveled with court papers for that 'just-in-case' moment. When we have asked for a GAC card and a sticker for the wheelchair they really never even batted an eye and while our son can't walk by looking at him you would probably never know. When attending the shows they will ask if he needs to stay in the stroller or if s/he can sit in a regular seat. They like to save the end seats for guests on ECV's so a family member can sit next to them. Even so the seats are usually 4 or 5 in a row then a big space then 4 or 5 more repeadtly along the back row. It makes it easy to get up and out if the need does arise.

Thanks, we always travel with our papers but I try to be very discrete about doing ANYTHING in FRONT of my children that would identify them as foster children so I was curious if they would require them to issue the GAC or if they don't even pay attention to last names, etc. I'll HAVE the travel papers with me but didn't want to produce them if they aren't needed, KWIM?

Thanks for the advice. I was more concerned in the auditoriums like Voyage of the little mermaid or Honey I Shrunk the Audience, etc. that aren't designed as well as the newer auditoriums. I think we'll just START with the newer attractions that we COULD leave a little more easily if we needed to and if we do well there, we can try the older ones (Muppets 4-d) etc.

 

[SixUnderSix]

There are lots of parents who use the stroller as wheelchair GAC for their children who do not have mobility needs, but require the stroller as a "safe place" and to reduce flight risk. All you have to do is explain her needs to the CM at Guest Services, and ask to take the stroller in lines due to her sensory/emotional/speech needs.

Just a word of warning - Check out ride length BEFORE going on rides. Ellens Energy Adventure is 30 minutes long and there is NO way to leave. Carousel of Progress shuts down and replays the whole scene if you leave.

I definitely suggest getting Passporter's Open Mouse, which gives details for every attraction, restaurant, and hotel for LOTS of different needs. It will give you a good idea of what to expect for everything.

Wow - didn't realize there was a separate book - AWESOME - I will run out to B & N this weekend. Also, we have NEVER done Ellen's Energy but wanted to and I had no idea it was so long - looks like we won't do that first in case it's too much for her and as many times as I've been on the Carousel of Progess, I had no idea that it would start the whole scene over if someone left. Good info - thanks so much! I am feeling a little more confident about this adventure!!!

 

[KPeveler]

When a GAC is issued they don't really care why people have the names they do, but you do have to have the kids who are getting the GAC within sight.

If you do not want to say anything out loud about the kids needs, I suggest writing your own short letter to the CMs. They do not need to see proof from doctors or anything, but you can write your own.

I have trouble verbalizing my needs to strangers, so I wrote a short one paragraph letter which I handed to the CM. I did not include my diagnoses (they would not even know what they were anyway), but just said things like "I have a neurological problem that makes any touch very painful." and "getting bumped can cause my joints to dislocate."

This may work for you, because it also means that you do not have to talk ABOUT them with the kids right there. Also, the kids can be with another person a little away from the desk, but they should be within sight.

I really love Open Mouse - I got it for myself after my 10th trip, so I was a disney veteran, but my needs had changed as my disease progressed, so it helped me learn how to tour the parks all over again.

 

[KPeveler]

My wife also just reminded me of a good idea - there are places online where you can rent custom temporary tattoos, so you can put a name and phone number on the children everyday that they CANNOT take off. This means if one runs and cannot communicate their situation to someone, a CM has a number they can call.

If you get a Guidemap for Guests with Disabilities when you enter each park, it will list the Companion Restrooms, which are large enough for you to go in and assist with anyone who may need it.

There is also a First Aid center in each park which is a quiet cool place to regroup if need be.

With that many kids going, other families have told me that they found it best to have the kids pick their top 3 or 4 or 5 rides in each park (and there will be some overlap), so that way you do not have total meltdowns over missing one kid's favorite. (I was 11 when I first went and we missed one ride I really wanted, but we hit ALL of my sister's favs - it's been 15 years since then and I am STILL bitter!!)

 

[SixUnderSix]

My wife also just reminded me of a good idea - there are places online where you can rent custom temporary tattoos, so you can put a name and phone number on the children everyday that they CANNOT take off. This means if one runs and cannot communicate their situation to someone, a CM has a number they can call.

If you get a Guidemap for Guests with Disabilities when you enter each park, it will list the Companion Restrooms, which are large enough for you to go in and assist with anyone who may need it.

There is also a First Aid center in each park which is a quiet cool place to regroup if need be.

With that many kids going, other families have told me that they found it best to have the kids pick their top 3 or 4 or 5 rides in each park (and there will be some overlap), so that way you do not have total meltdowns over missing one kid's favorite. (I was 11 when I first went and we missed one ride I really wanted, but we hit ALL of my sister's favs - it's been 15 years since then and I am STILL bitter!!)

We are definitely doing the Safety-Tats - or we're doing our own version of them and great idea bout the lists. We have not had to do that when we have just taken our bio-kids but with extra children going, we certainly will do a list plus it will give them something to get excited about on our long road trip And the companion/family restrooms will be great. No one needs assistance actually USING the toilet (except the little one that we're training) but our 4 yo FD can't always re-fasten clothing and this will be perfect!

 

[Bete]

I think I would try a zoo or a children's museum or something equivalent back home as a test run. You will learn that way if you need other tools for your Disney trip. It will help to let you know how long everyone can last without a meltdown, too. I don't want to come accross harsh, but here goes a few more ideas... I'm really trying to help. We had one instance with a granchild ourselves and I'd rather be on the safe side.

There are ways to strap a child into a stroller to avoid a flight risk for your foster child. Also, when not using the stroller you may have to consider a child's harness for her. Some of these tools are controversial, but it sure wouldn't look good with a judge if something bad happens and there's a record of it. This is why the zoo day may help; you will know if you need restraints and if you do you can see how well the flight risk will adjust to these tools if needed at a zoo environment. Even if she passes the zoo test Disney is still a much more stimulating enviroment. Show your flight risk pictures of what a Disney cast member looks like (get them off internet and such) just in case she becomes a flight risk; so, she can go to the right person for help. Get her acquainted and the rest of your children for that matter with gift shops and snack carts where there should be a cast member available for help. This is what saved our situation at Fantasmic; my grandson went to a Disney cast menber for help at the show. The cast members there did walky talkies and we avoided a terrible situation. He was back with us in 10 minutes and that was in a crowd of about 6,000 people. Please learn from our situation and do as much cautionary practices that you can. The zoo can help in this respect, too. For larger Disney shows like Fantasmic or Lights, Motor, Action Stunt show be extra careful not to get separated. Make sure you have a picture of all your children in case something happens. We would take a picture with the digital camera each day at the resort together; so, we would have exactly what they were wearing everyday. It helps to find them to see their face and know what they are wearing like a blue outfit, etc. You may want to consider family tee shirts that match, too. You might be able to identify the back of the tee shirt in some way for her to get help if she becomes a flight risk. I'm a little concerned about putting too much info on a tee shirt; because, the wrong person could do something bad with the wrong label. I would avoid using her name on the tee shirt, for example. Maybe, it could say something like If seen alone, please get her to a Disney cast member for help. I would be careful what you say here; I'm not sure about this tool, but it depends how bad of a flight risk she can be.

You may have to prepare for a time out with the flight risk, too. I think the first aid stations could be used in this instance. There are rooms with cots that can be used to rest for a while. I would alternate rides with a show and eats, as well. Don't be in a rush anywhere; I think that's when things can go a miss. Not sure what can be done with a child, but maybe there are medications like anti-anxiety pills that can be used just for the trip. It might take the edge off without creating a zombie. I would ask your doctor for help here.

I would avoid water parks; unless, you are very use to using them back home. A resort pool might be okay, but I would be very cautious in those situations, too.

There are park maps that will show you all the available family restrooms. I would consider taking a nap everyday. There's a possibility of spending 16 hours a day at the Disney parks. I wouldn't do this in your instance.

 

[mickey&minniealways]

I use luggage tags with my kids. We put their names. Diagnosis, they have a siezure dissoder among other issues. Their weight, important with administring meds. The name of their meds and amounts taken. Our names and cell number. This way if something happens and we are not there and emt or whoever will know what to do and can reach us. I let the kids decorate the tags with disney sticker and we attatch them to their belt loops. Also Openmouse is fabulous but you cannot get it from Barnes and noble. You can get a passporter there and I find it essential to planning disney. You can go to passporter.com and download openmouse there is a fee associated with it.

 

[CityGranola]

I was going to suggest a stroller as a wheel chair option for you. My ODS is 5 and he's a runner - luckily he's getting away from that now, but I used those harnesses for the first 4 years of his life because he was a fast little bugger. Did I get judging, rude looks? I'm sure I did. But, I prefer them to the judging I'd get if I lost my child, you know? They have cool animals too - we had a frog, monkey, cow and pig. We also have a unicorn for when I take ODS and my niece places. (ODS is really small, so they still fit and he's 5.)

Good luck, Momma - you CAN do this!