Glad to hear that it sounds like she is doing well enough to think about a WDW trip.
I think her biggest problem is going to be fatigue, which a GAC (Guest Assistance Card) will really not help that much with. GACs don't usually shorten the distance walked and usually don't provide a place to sit in line while waiting.
There is more information about GACs in post 6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread, which will answer questions about how to request a GAC and what kind of assistance it might provide. The disABILITIES FAQs thread is near the top of this board or you can follow the link in my signature to get there.
Using a wheelchair or an
ECV will help her to conserve energy - very important when you consider that the average WDW visitor is estimated to walk between 6 and 9 miles per day. Much of the distance is between attractions, where a GAC will not help.
Advantages of an ECV:
- no one has to push
- she would have more independence
Disadvantages of an ECV:
- can be tiring to drive because the driver has to be alert all the time for what others are doing.
- some lines are not ECV accessible, although they are wheelchair accessible
- if she decides to walk for a bit, someone else will need to drive it for her.
- some people don't like driving an ECV, especially if they don't drive a car
Advantages of a wheelchair:
- less expensive to rent
- if she wants to walk for a while, she could behind it or someone else could easily push it
- some attractions have a special wheelchair accessible ride car, which means she could avoid a transfer
Disadvantages of a wheelchair:
- someone has to push, at least most of the since it is difficult and tiring for the person sitting in it to self propel if they are not used to it.
- some people don't like being dependent on having someone else push them
There is information about renting wheelchairs and
ECVs in lost 2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread.
Some people prefer to use a rolling walker with a seat (rollator) and don't feel they look disabled with a rollator as they might using a wheelchair. Rollators have mostof the same advantages as a wheelchair, but provide some support while wlking and also a place to sit when tired.
Guests don't need a GAC to use a wheelchair, ECV or walker in line.
It would also be useful to use a touring plan - the most popular right now is touringplans.com
A touring plan can help you be in the least busy part of the least busy park. This will help to shorten waits in line and wil also help in just getting around the park and avoiding crowds.
