One member of our party has a medical condition - going this June, need your advice

[StarNova]

We are taking our entire family (7 of us) kids, parents, and grandparents. One member of our party has a medical condition. They are mobile and can ride most of the rides; however, they can tire easily and only have so long until they need to return to the room to rest.

Would we want to get a GAC? I'm also concerned about the heat on them. Unfortunately it is June and the only available time when all of us could go together.

I'm also considering renting a car to make transport back to our resort (we are staying at a Disney property) quicker. Is it necessary or is the transportation good at Disney?

What has your experience been with Disney? Are there things we can do to prepare? I have ordered a Medical ID (with their condition). I'm planning on taking them out for short trips to Disney and then back to the room to rest. I'm ordering food (Garden Grocer) and planning entertainment for the room in case they are not up for going out.

Thanks so much. It's our first trip to Disney and everyone is excited to go. I just want to make sure we're prepared.

 

[Mama Who]

There's an excellent FAQ about the GAC here but the short version is: what do you want the GAC to do for you? A GAC can be written to accommodate all sorts of needs, essentially you need to determine what accommodations your companion needs and see if they fall in the realm of the pass.

 

[Piper]

Disney's answer for stamina problems is to use a wheelchair or ECV. Most of the lines are mainstreamed and you could all stay together in line. Using a good touring plan and utilizing fast passes will be essential as well.

You can rent from an off-site provider much cheaper than at WDW and the person will be able to use the WC or ECV at the resort as well. If stamina is a problem, this will be a big help.

I always use the Disney transportation system with my ECV. It is not necessary to rent a car unless you want to go off property.

As the PP mentioned, there is an excellent FAQ thread at the top of this forum. You will learn most of what you need to know there.

 

[LilyWDW]

Disney's answer for stamina or mobility issues would be to rent a wheelchair or ECV. A GAC will not help with the heat or distance between attractions.

Check out the FAQ for more information on accommodations.

 

[peemagg]

As far as dealing with the heat, I would look into some sort of cooling vest or cooling collar for them to use if they need it in the parks. Some just soak and freeze washcloths and place them in a ziplock bag in a small cooler.

I found some really neat cooling collars on Amazon that are not the type that you have to soak in water and then are wet to put on. These are a neoprene sleeves that have a ice pack that you slip into it. No clammy wet neck or clothes from it.

 

[cmesq61]

I have significant stamina and heat issues. I would not do WDW w/o an ECV. When I have had enough and must rest, it often does not give me much warning, and at that point, I need a bus or the monorail right then. The ECV allows me to get back to my room w/o interfering with anyone else's fun. I have rented many times from Randy's with great results.

 

[KPeveler]

I just want to agree with everyone above me. You definitely want to look into renting a wheelchair or scooter. A GAC will not really help with distances walked or time spent standing in line. Almost all lines are mainstreamed, which means even with a wheelchair, everyone will be waiting together in normal lines.

Check out the FAQs for more info on off-site rental places. There are even some which break down into small pieces to fit in the trunk of a car.

 

[jmartinez1895]

I just wanted to add that if the person in your group needs to take a quick rest ( not a hour long nap of course) then they can go to the first aid station and cool off and rest for a little while. They have private sections so you will not be bothered. This of course is not replacement for a good nap in your room, but if the person needed to cool of a rest before going to eat or getting back to the room this would be a great spot.

 

[StarNova]

Thanks for the great advice everyone! It's really appreciated. I didn't realize you could use the first aid station like that. It could be a life saver. Thanks, jmartinez1895.

We've talked about an ECV but the person didn't seem very happy about the idea. They have good mobility. I didn't want to push the issue - I figure if we get there and they need it, we will rent one. Luckily their stamina fades. Not just a quick drop in strength. I know we will have so much time before we have to have a break.

I will research the cooling collars - that could be perfect. Thanks, peemagg

Less than a month and counting.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

First of all, pick a place about a mile from where your relative lives and ask how difficult it would be to walk there. After a short pause, add "and back". Then after the answer, say "four times in a row".

Then you will get you a look as only a parent can do to a child which implies "Are you out of your mind". Explain that most people tend to walk 8-12 miles per day at WDW. Once around the Epcot World Showcase Lagoon Promenade, is about 1½ miles. And that is without actually entering any of the pavilion areas.

 

[StarNova]

First of all, pick a place about a mile from where your relative lives and ask how difficult it would be to walk there. After a short pause, add "and back". Then after the answer, say "four times in a row".

Then you will get you a look as only a parent can do to a child which implies "Are you out of your mind". Explain that most people tend to walk 8-12 miles per day at WDW. Once around the Epcot World Showcase Lagoon Promenade, is about 1½ miles. And that is without actually entering any of the pavilion areas.

I wish they would consider the ECV. It's something that they just won't budge on. I'm researching about one now. I think they will be able to walk the distance; however, we will be taking breaks. Slow and steady. I'm looking over maps and the different parks. I think we should be fine in the morning (their best time) and I'll have to make sure we are back at the hotel after lunch. Kids can swim, they can rest as needed. We're in a villa so there is a kitchen, frig, and internet access. I will make sure there are movies, computer, and healthy snacks.

I'm not sure what else I can do. They are bound and determined to walk the walk. I think I just smile and go along. With lots of bottled water, lots of shows (in air conditioning) and planned swimming and rest times.

We got the book the Unofficial Guide to Disney and are looking over different plans.

 

[WheeledTraveler]

We got the book the Unofficial Guide to Disney and are looking over different plans.

I love the Unofficial Guide for a multiple reasons, however, if you have someone with stamina issues, I wouldn't suggest using their touring plans, as they tend to be based on commando-type touring. Instead you might want to look into something like TourGuide Mike or RideMax to get a sense of when is the best time to go on rides to reduce your wait time or looking at how those relate to not running all over the park.

 

[StarNova]

I love the Unofficial Guide for a multiple reasons, however, if you have someone with stamina issues, I wouldn't suggest using their touring plans, as they tend to be based on commando-type touring. Instead you might want to look into something like TourGuide Mike or RideMax to get a sense of when is the best time to go on rides to reduce your wait time or looking at how those relate to not running all over the park.

Thanks. We joined Tour Guide Mike and it wasn't bad but I got the most information from the Unofficial Guide. They have a plan for seniors and small children (we will have both on this trip). It seems even paced with lots of breaks. (and an afternoon nap/swim).

I will check out RideMax - thanks WheeledTraveler

We won't be running all over the park. It will be planned out - at least roughly so we're not dashing from here to there.

 

[Eeyore5]

I wish they would consider the ECV. It's something that they just won't budge on. I'm researching about one now. I think they will be able to walk the distance; however, we will be taking breaks. Slow and steady. I'm looking over maps and the different parks. I think we should be fine in the morning (their best time) and I'll have to make sure we are back at the hotel after lunch. Kids can swim, they can rest as needed. We're in a villa so there is a kitchen, frig, and internet access. I will make sure there are movies, computer, and healthy snacks.

I'm not sure what else I can do. They are bound and determined to walk the walk. I think I just smile and go along. With lots of bottled water, lots of shows (in air conditioning) and planned swimming and rest times.

We got the book the Unofficial Guide to Disney and are looking over different plans.

I was bound and determined to walk my first time at Disney. I have mild CP and walk everywhere. My mom couldn't convince me that an ECV was a necessity. The first night I relented and ordered an ECV. Bring the name of a couple rental companies with you. They usually have seem available for last minute rentals. Sometimes you have to learn by doing (or overdoing).