Questions about GAC???

[Mom2KatnKon]

I need some more info about the GAC.

My mother suffers from PSS (Post Polio Syndrome). She is mobile, but very limited!! Standing in a long line is out of the question for her.

From what I understood on the faq page, isthat the CM are reluctant to give GAC's to mobile people? We will be bringing a letter from her doctor, should we have any problems. Does she need to really push to get a GAC? Will she need to get a GAC? Will just being in a ECV be enough?

The most important thing is that she can not stand in long lines!!!

Does anyone have any advise?

Kim

 

[teri]

No problem, she can get a GAC, Guest Services won't give her a hard time. Click on the link in my signature, below, and look at the section about the Guest Assistance Card. Feel free to ask questions!

 

[Mom2KatnKon]

What should we expect as far what we will do when we approach a ride? Will she use a special entrance? Will she be able to ride the scooter right up to the boarding area?

Kim

 

[Tiiiigergirl]

It will vary from ride to ride. Even the same ride depending on staffing can sometimes have different boarding procedures. I just drive up to the greeter with a big smile on my face and ask is this line accessable or where do you want me?

 

[SueM in MN]

Welcome and hope you have a good trip.
If she has an ecv and plans on bringing it into lines with her, she won't really need a GAC. The ecv can go in most lines, so she would not be standing in line. In most cases, the ecv can go right up to the boarding area. They call these MAINSTREAM LINES and it basically means that the lines have been renovated so that users of wheelchairs and ecvs go in line and wait with everyone else. All the Fastpass lines were "mainstreamed" when they added the fastpass equipment. For rides where an ecv can't go (like the Pirates of Carribean), they do have wheelchairs available to transfer to. Here's link to the DIS mobility info board.
Just having an ecv or wheelchair allows you to use wheelchair access, which means she won't have to worry about stairs or other obstacles. Unless she has some problems other than standing that make waiting in line difficult, you really don't need a GAC at all.
Using fastpass will also help you. When you pick up a fastpass near the ride entrance, you will get a return time on your fastpass. When you come back later, the wait will be minimal - should be less than 15 minutes and sometimes as short as 5 minutes.