Please help!! The more I read the more confused I become!

[tarheelmjfan]

My family and I go to Disney often with Season Passes, and so far we have just been spending a few hours in the a.m., leaving to go back to the RV, then spending a few hours in the p.m. Unfortunately, my arthritis in my back and knees is rapidly worsening. I have a 10 yo. and he gets bored if we spend too much time just hanging out at the campground. After discussing the options with my husband, we have decided to rent a wheelchair instead of the ECV since I have never driven one and don't really want to send too many people to the E.R. with broken legs. I don't use a wheelchair at home, although I do sometimes use a cane. I know my limitations, so if I'm not able to go the the mall without using a wheelchair, I just stay home. Obviously this strategy doesn't work for WDW, unfortunately I can't wait for a good health day and just run to Disney for the day. I plan to use the wheelchair for transportation throughout the parks then stand in line w/ the use of my cane, if necessary. My confusion comes in when it comes to the GAC or Yellow Card. If my back and knees wear out and I'm no longer to stand a long time will I need one of these? If so, which one? Thanks for your help.

 

[SueM in MN]

Welcome. It is all a little confusing at first, so don't be concerned about that.

First of all, if you use fastpass as much as possible, that will help shorten your waits in line a lot.

You can choose to park the wheelchair and just walk in lines, but before you get into the line, check with the CM at the entrance to see how long the wait will be and how far the walk will be. Some of the lines are a fair distance from start to where you board. Most of the lines have been "mainstreamed" so that the lines are wide enough for a wheelchair or ecv. Most don't have steps, but some of the lines have fairly steep ramp, which may cause a problem for you. At some rides, wheelchair users board at the exit, which gives a little extra time for boarding. If this would be useful for you, you don't really need a GAC for that; just make sure the CM sees your cane.
If your legs or back give out, you can bring the wheelchair into the lines with you. You won't need a GAC to do that. Just having the wheelchair is enough.

From what I understand, the yellow card is not something you request. It's sort of a control device for CMs to use to space out people with special needs and provide access for people who can't wait in the regular standby line after all the fastpasses have been given out.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Thanks for helping me out with this! I'm still a little confused about one thing. What WOULD I need a GAC for. I looked this up on the disAbilities FAQ, but that didn't clear things up for me at all. Sorry! I have an excuse, I'm blonde!

 

[SueM in MN]

I hope I can clear it up a little.
Someone who has only mobility problems and uses a wheelchair, doesn't need a GAC. For example, my co-moderator, Wheelsie, uses a wheelchair and doesn't use a GAC. Many people with mobility problems are able to wait in line with no problem as long as they can bring the wheelchair or ecv in line with them. Someone who uses a wheelchair for distances might not have a problem with the short distance of the line, but wouldn't be able to walk between attraction without problems. Those people might benefit form a GAC if they need extra time or space for boarding rides. If using a cane or walker, a GAC might not be needed because the cane would be a signal to the CMs that you need extra assistance.
Some people with mobility problems also have other problems that make waiting in line difficult, or have other disabilities that need accomidation. For example, if someone has a physical disability and is also deaf, just giving wheelchair access won't help with their other need. A GAC would help make their other needs apparent to CMs. My DD uses a wheelchair for mobility, but she also has other disabilites that make waiting in line really difficult for us (attention deficit, won't always stay in line, she is known to hit people who get to close to her wheelchair,etc). Because she is totally dependent on us to get her ready, we can't get to the parks early and, so by the time we get there, the fastpasses for the day are often gone for the popular rodes. For us, a GAC makes a difference between being able to go to the parks to walk around and being able to go to the parks and do anything.
When you go also makes a differnce. When we have gone in slow seasons, like September, we had a GAC, but didn't need it at all since the lines and waits were short.

 

[teri]

Sorry if the FAQ is confusing - Sue is right, if you have a cane or wheelchair, that is enough for the CMs to see that you have a mobility issue. Using the GAC is an exception, not a rule.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Two parts to this response.

First of all, you might want to try an ECV once. As long as you can operate a tiller to steer and push the control with your thumb, you should not have problems. When you release the power lever, the brakes automatically come on. If not trying to rent one at a park one day, you might go to a large grocery store and use theirs when shopping one day. They are very similar in nature. If you are not used to a wheelchair, they can be tiring. Also, it is difficult (especially at Epcot) going up hills.

Second, you might look into purchase of a folding wheelchair. Since you live in Florida, and travel in a RV, there should be no problem transporting it. Allso, you can use it in other places than Disney when you have a need for it.

As others have said, the GAC is needed only when there is both nothing visible (and a wheelchair or ECV is visible) and there are special needs, other than no prolonged standing or waling.

Don't worry about what others think of you. You know your physical limitations and if a wheelchair or ECV is necessry, it is necessary. If someone makes a (nasty) comment, you can politely respond you would be willing to trade your body with their apparently healthy body, and they would then see what it is like.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Thanks all for clearing this up for me. Hopefully I'll quit bugging you after one more question. If I do need the wheelchair for some of the longer lines, will the CM's be prepared for me to be in a wheelchair in the regular line. Will they have a place to store it? I have never noticed what they do with people's wheelchairs, when they are ready to load. When I'm not able to stand in line, I usually just sit the rides out and let my DH and DS ride. I'm so glad to know I have another option! You guys are going to make my next trip to WDW so much better. By the way, we leave Fri. (It's my birthday)

 

[teri]

Happy Birthday!

Yes, the CMs will take care of your wheelchair and will move it to the unloading area for you.

Have a wonderful trip, and don't forget to stop at City Hall and get your Birthday Button!

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Thanks so much! I think I finally understand what to expect. You guys have been a great help!

 

[SueM in MN]

Most of the lines have been made wide enough for wheelchairs to go in the whole line. For all the shows and movies, you can bring the wheelchair right in with you and sit in it during the show.
For some rides, the wheelchair boarding area is at the exit. That gives you a little extra time and space to board and get settled. On those rides, you will be boarding at the very same place where you will get off. THe CM at the ride will direct you to the exit right before the rest of the line goes to the regular boarding area. An example would be the Haunted Mansion. For those rides, your wheelchair will be waiting for you just where you left it.
For some rides, you will board at the entrance, and the wheelchair would be moved to the exit for you by the CMs. Tell the CM at the exit if you don't see the wheelchair or if you need a little extra time to get out. Usually the wheelchair will be visible when you get to the exit.
Also, for most rides, you can bring the wheelchair quite close to the ride car if you need to. If that would help you, let the CM know. The wheelchair will be moved out of the way by the CM after you are on.

Here's a link to the DIS page that lists which rides you can stay in the wheelchair for. Scroll to the bottom of the page and you will see.