Question about Stroller as Wheelchair GAC

[Julia Says]

Do we have to have the stroller with us to get the stroller as wheelchair tag? Our first day we will only be in the parks for a few hours and wanted to pick up the GAC while we're there, but since we won't be there long, I wasn't really planning to take the stroller that day.

Thanks!

 

[5 for WDW]

We had a stroller marked for wheelchair use last August when our daughter broke her ankle.
Yes, we needed the stroller with us as they put the sticker on it right in Guest Services.

Not sure if you could do it without the stroller with you.

 

[clanmcculloch]

Think about this from the perspective of a CM at Guest Relations. You're saying that you need to have the stroller with you at all times but you're not bringing your stroller with you that day. The CM will likely wonder just how real the need is. From his perspective, if you can handle a couple hours without a stroller then why can't you handle waiting in lines without the stroller.

I'm not trying to say that you don't need it because I really do understand the difference in needs between an hour of touring vs a half day or more of touring and I don't know your needs, only you do. I'm just trying to show why it could be a problem to get the tag for the stroller without having the stroller present.

 

[Julia Says]

^That does make sense. I want to give ds a chance without the stroller (since we've got such a short day) and see how he does. So we'll just go by and ask for the stroller as wheelchair tag on the first day we take it. Maybe we'll get lucky and he'll do great without it, and this will be a moot point!

 

[KPeveler]

You will also need your son there (at least within sight) when getting the GAC and not just the stroller, since the GAC is for him.

 

[ratlenhum]

Nope you don't need the stroller. I told the CM that helped us last week that we usually get a stroller for my son but were attempting to go without this trip. I asked if I could have his card marked stroller as a wheel chair in case we decided to get him one. She said "sure and I'll even get you the sticker to put on it." She stamped his card and gave me the sticker. Also, my son was outfront with Dh when I went in for his GAC. I had a doctor's note and IEP from school in hand when I asked for it. Never offered the documentation and I know they can't ask for it. But I received a GAC with no child present.

For some kids the stroller isn't a physical need, it's a psychological need. In my son's case it was a place of safety and also a way to keep him contained. He sits nicely but when he walks he flaps and tends to run ahead and wander. Many times even when we rent a stroller he doesn't always ride in it, but when the time comes that he needs to be in it, he NEEDS to be in it.

I am happy to say that we just got home from an 8 day trip and went completely stroller free. Big step for my boy

 

[SueM in MN]

There may be occasional situations where a CM gives out a GAC to a parent with the child not present, but as others posted, the person the GAC is being issued to is supposed to be at least within view. I would make sure your child is there because I have heard of many situations where the CM required the family to go get the child when they applied for a GAC and very few times when they gave one with a child not present.

So going without the person the GAC is being issued to is usually going to mean a second trip to Guest Relations with the person.

 

[Julia Says]

The kiddo will definitely be with me when I go to request the GAC- just not the stroller- but thanks for making sure I knew that.

 

[snow_white's_mom]

I got a gac and a tag for the stroller to use it as a wheelchair last year. We didn't take the stroller in to get the card and tag. They gave us the tag and we put it on our stroller ourself.