person with advanced cancer

[Kristi1357]

Does Disney have any sort of fast pass or something to help out those who don't look sick? Is that what the GAC card is for? (sorry - first time I've had to think about these things!)

My sister's SIL is going to WDW in October. She has an advanced and terminal case of cancer (can't remember what kind right now). Anyway, they were suppossed to go to WDW last November and had to cancel due to docs orders. Now they are going and I was wondering if there was anything WDW can do to help someone in her situation?

She tires VERY easily. She can sleep upwards of 18 hours per day at times. I was just hoping there was some way she could enjoy more of the parks with her DH, sister, niece and parents since this is probably her last trip.

I did forward the helpful info about the ECV rentals to them thanks to this board!

Kristi

 

[SueM in MN]

Lots of Pixie Dust for a great trip.
I'm glad you found the ecv rental info. Make sure they (or you)read the FAQs on the top of this board.
THe best thing to do for her is to rent an ecv or wheelchair. That will help her conserve her energy for things that are more important than just getting around. Most people don't realize how much walking is involved. People tend to just think about the lines, but to get from line to line will require a lot more energy that is spent waiting in lines.
In October, the lines are likely to not be that long, so she may find short waits for everything. The GAC (Guest Assistance Card) is a way to let CMs know what sorts of assistance people with invisible disabilities need. It's not really meant to eliminate or shorten waits in line. It sometimes does, but often you end up waiting as long or longer, just in an area that better meets the needs, She may not need one at all during October, but the types of things thay can provide are based on the needs the person has. For example, if she has to avoid sun exposure because of on any medication that she is on, her GAC would tell CMs that she needs a place to wait out of the sun. To request a GAC, she should go to Guest Services in any of the parks and be ready to explain her needs to the CM there. Because she is planning to use an ecv, she will already be using the accessible lines, but there might be other assistance provided. The GAC is usually issued for up to 6 people (the person with a disability plus 5 other members of their party) and is good for your entire length of stay at all the theme parks. Sometimes, it might be necessary to split up into smaller groups. Because of the way the ride/theater seating or waiting areas are arranged, there may not be enough room for the whole party to be together.
Don't count out fastpasses. You don't have to be physically there to get a fastpass, someone else in the party can take all the tickets and put them in the fastpass machine.
Also, keep in mind that she can go to First Aid in any of the parks and rest on one of their cots. If they have not already made reservations, they should look for a resort close to the park they want to spend the most time in (to minimize travel time). The BCV or Boardwalk Villas are especially nice for someone in her situation. The are walking (or rolling) distance to Epcot and the Studio (there is also boat service) The one and two bedroom units have a separate living room, so others could watch TV or be comfortable while she sleeps on one of the beds. The full kitchen is also nice because she could have food whenever she is hungry.

 

[Kristi1357]

Thanks so much for the suggestions! I just really want her to enjoy herself as much as possible on this trip. Having someone with special needs/circumstances is new for us and I knew I could find some great advice here.

Thank you!
Kristi