Should i get a GAC? More ?s Help please

[yasuern]

Hii All


First I am grateful that at this time I am in remission of my leukemia and my BMT went well.


Secondary to a certain chemo I received I was left with some neuropathy in my feet - I can't stand for long periods of times and although my Dr cleared me at this time to plan our August trip to WDW - they would prefer I not stand in long CROWDED lines because I still need to be revaccinated and this can't start until September.

The lines I would be most concerned with would be BTRM and jungle cruise type lines were you are very cramped and close to others and move slowly.


I also have some trouble navigating and standing on steps.

I am hoping that the step issue will resolve prior to trip as I get stronger.

I have been to WDW MANY times in the summer and have never minded standing in the lines - but I am concerned a little and wandering if a GAC would help me at all


Sorry if confusing and TYA in advance for any/all information


Sue

MORE ?'sFURTHER DOWN THANK YOU

 

[mechurchlady]

Disney strongly encourages guests to get wheelchairs or ECVs if they cannot walk far or have difficulties standing in line. I agree with Disney. You need to get a wheelchair or an ECV. As you could take it with you in lines until you are loaded. I am at DLR but on my last trip there I parked on the loading dock of the ride and waddled onto rides but I could have parked next to the boat and saved a few steps.

You would then get a GAC for no stairs in case you want to walk onto a ride. With the ECV or wheelchair you would not need the GAC. The GAC does not get you to the head of the line. A doctor's note is not required to get a GAC.

Using disabled lines for rides can mean a longer ride. At DLR a guest in a wheelchair has to wait until staff removes the wheelchair boat from storage and gets it ready for service at Jungle Cruise. The guest would be at the head of the line but have to wait for that boat to come out. Some rides are one ride vehicle per cycle so you might have to wait 5 minutes per disabled party. At DLR Splash Mountain I have to wait half an hour or more but with fastpass I can go do Pooh, shop, have lunch or what ever and get on the ride in 15 minutes if I waddle fast and have done it in 5 minutes.

The GAC is a wonderful tool that saves guests and Cast Member the time of not repeating the guests needs. If a guest has a Hearing Stamp then the CM knows what services to offer that guest. If a guest has Vision Stamp they might offer something else. It is a great tool as I show that and avoid steep ramps and stairs with a flash of my card. With it I do not expect to get on a ride faster but with my rented ECV I do save myself a lot of pain from standing in line. 5 miinutes in 10 lines is 50 minutes and 10 lines is over a mile, boy does that add up.

Good luck on your trip.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

The normal (and official) response from Guest Relations for mobility and/or stamina problems is the suggestion to rent a wheelchair or ECV.

If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information. Post #6 discusses the GAC, while Post #2 discusses rentals of wheelchairs and ECVs and also gives suggested locaitons for rental from off-site, which tend to be much better than renting from Disney.

Or, if you want an easier route, click on the link in my signature.

 

[McCall]

I agree you need a WC or ECV and I recommend the ECV, it will keep people further from you in a line, in a WC that is in line you get hands and butts in your face basically, and are in constant danger of having someone sit on you or of hitting people in the shins.

 

[honugirl]

For crowded areas, you could wear a surgical mask to cut down on the risk of disease transmission since you can't be vaccinated yet. There are lots of people from around the world there, so that would be my biggest concern.

You might be able to get a GAC to wait in an alternate area that is less crowded, but you'd have to go to City Hall to ask about that. For the standing issue, I'd say, get an ECV. It really helps.

 

[RN4Babies]

First of all, congrats to you regarding your being through the BMT experience. I'm a former adult oncology RN, and that is such a difficult process, both physically and emotionally.

I am status post chemo for cancer as well, and I've rented an ECV for myself. My neuropathy in my feet is better, but I'm not taking any chances. My oncologist keeps reminding me that it takes 12 to 18 months to return fully to "normal". I know my stamina and strength aren't back to baseline yet. I don't relish the idea of having to rely on an EVC, but this way I know I'll be able to keep up with my kids and not drag them down because I'm fatigued. It's costing a couple of hundred dollars extra to rent it, but I'm spending thousands on the vacation, so I figure it's worth it.

I decided to rent a scooter from Walker Mobility instead of from WDW; that way I'll have it for the entire trip, I can take it park to park with me, etc. Walker will deliver it right to where we're staying, and pick it up the day we leave. They've been terrific to deal with.

I hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[yasuern]

I have talked to DH about renting a ecv and we both agree that this is probably a good idea just because as others mentioned I may be able to get around to do my daily routine but WDW is a whole different animal.


Now can (if I choose) park my ecv somewhere and walk alittle if I choose? and where do you park these vechiles?

For example could I park it somewhere in Tomorrowland and walk this area of the park then drive it over to say Fantasyland and do the same if I have the energy?

If we drive to the parks can ecv's get on to the trams that bring you to the entrance without being dismantled?

Also should I inform OKW and RPR(US/IOA) that we(I) will have an ecv so that they will hopefully put us on the 1st flr (@OKW) and I don't require a HC shower/bath

Anyone ever stay in a hotel room and have issues with the ecv(small area) and helpful hints?

Any rides or or areas of the park that are better or worse for ecv so I could maybe plan to use my energy for the worse areas and save the need for the ecv for the better areas.

any other words of wisdom for a 1st timer with an ecv from the pro's?


again thanks for the info

Sue

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I have talked to DH about renting a ecv and we both agree that this is probably a good idea just because as others mentioned I may be able to get around to do my daily routine but WDW is a whole different animal.


Now can (if I choose) park my ecv somewhere and walk alittle if I choose? and where do you park these vechiles?

For example could I park it somewhere in Tomorrowland and walk this area of the park then drive it over to say Fantasyland and do the same if I have the energy?

Yes. No problem. Just be sure to remove the key and do not leave anything in the basket that you would really hate to have end up missing.

If we drive to the parks can ecv's get on to the trams that bring you to the entrance without being dismantled?

No. You cannot get an ECV onto the trams. Most rental ECVs are fairly large, break into five components, and the heaviest pieces weigh about 40 pounds and the batteries weigh about 25 pounds each.

Also should I inform OKW and RPR(US/IOA) that we(I) will have an ecv so that they will hopefully put us on the 1st flr (@OKW) and I don't require a HC shower/bath

No, the ECV will easily fit into the elevators.

Anyone ever stay in a hotel room and have issues with the ecv(small area) and helpful hints?

You might want to bring a six to 12 foot extension cord with at least a ten amp capacity to easily find an outlet for the charger. I never had a problem with a full size ECV in any resort, including the values. All doors are 36 inches wide while the ECVs don't exceed 24. You may have to move a table to chair to get a decent parking space that doesn't interfere with other access.

Any rides or or areas of the park that are better or worse for ecv so I could maybe plan to use my energy for the worse areas and save the need for the ecv for the better areas.

any other words of wisdom for a 1st timer with an ecv from the pro's?


again thanks for the info

Sue

I would suggest retaining use of the ECV unless you can see the entire queue for an attraction. For example, the entrances and exit for Soarin' is almost 1/4 mile from the actual Land Pavilion.

 

[mechurchlady]

Now can (if I choose) park my ecv somewhere and walk a little if I choose? and where do you park these vechiles?
You park in stroller parking areas at rides and show areas. Also any out of the way area that does not block traffic, exits, entrances, or parade routes. Common sense usually works if you cannot park in stroller parking area. Make sure your ECV is unique like a tote bag, scarf tied it or a towel on the seat.


For example could I park it somewhere in Tomorrowland and walk this area of the park then drive it over to say Fantasyland and do the same if I have the energy?
YEP and I do that at DLR. Remember that 10 rides equals at least 100 minutes of walking and line standing plus half a mile of walking plus the exertion of getting in and out of rides and the stress of waiting and the anticipation and the excitement of the ride. That adds up to a lot of walking and wear and tear on a person. Also people tend to walk a lot then BOOM it hits them and they are too tuckered to climb into one more ride.

If we drive to the parks can ecv's get on to the trams that bring you to the entrance without being dismantled?
Only at DLR are ECV's able to get on a tram. Park in medical/handicapped parking. If you do not have a placard then tell the CM and they will send you there. There is blue spots to park and regular spots to park.

Also should I inform OKW and RPR(US/IOA) that we(I) will have an ecv so that they will hopefully put us on the 1st flr (@OKW) and I don't require a HC shower/bath
You can contact the disabled reservations for a first floor based on medical needs. The resorts all have elevators so you do not need a first floor. The resort does not need to know you have an ECV if you are not using the accessible services.

Most lines are ECV friendly and should not be a problem.
Read the FAQs stickied on this board as it has lots of information.

 

[ireland_nicole]

We have my ECV on our trips, we usually drive, but we do have a h/c placard so it makes parking easier. I would say that it's nice to have a car so that you can come and go as necessary, but I would encourage you to at least use the busses for MK; the b/c parking is a very long way from the TTC, then you still have to get on the boat or monorail (both of which are accessible). If you take the bus, you're right at the park entrance, without having to deal w/ the TTC. I also walk a bit when I can, either we leave the ECV our of the way and do, say, Fantasyland, or my husband rides for a little while (like at Epcot.) It is definitely annoying in crowds to use an ECV; but worth it to be able to enjoy the parks without unnecessary pain or exhaustion. Just assume that people with walk right into you without warning, allow plenty of space ahead of you; if possible, have DH or someone else in your family walk ahead of you; it reduces cross traffic right in front of you.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Now can (if I choose) park my ecv somewhere and walk alittle if I choose? and where do you park these vechiles?

For example could I park it somewhere in Tomorrowland and walk this area of the park then drive it over to say Fantasyland and do the same if I have the energy?

You can (park an ECV somewhere 'safe', i.e. in a covered area like the space between Buzz and Laugh Floor in Tomorrowland), but there's no guarantee it will actually be left alone for the entire time you're touring the land, PLUS that kind of defeats your purpose for using one. You will still end up waiting in crowded lines, standing on your feet for long periods.

 

[ireland_nicole]

You can (park an ECV somewhere 'safe', i.e. in a covered area like the space between Buzz and Laugh Floor in Tomorrowland), but there's no guarantee it will actually be left alone for the entire time you're touring the land, PLUS that kind of defeats your purpose for using one. You will still end up waiting in crowded lines, standing on your feet for long periods.

Actually, I see where there can be confusion, but for a lot of us who need ECV's, it's better for us walk when we are able, but we can't manage even a day withour an ECV altogether. You'd be surprised at how many of us "park" our ECV's for a little while especially when a lot of attractions are close together without a lot of long lines.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Not confusing at all, islandnicole

I was responding specifically to what appears to be the OP's situation, though (I say 'appears to be', because I've misenterpreted things in the past ). She said, in part, " I can't stand for long periods of times and although my Dr cleared me at this time to plan our August trip to WDW - they would prefer I not stand in long CROWDED lines "

So it seems to me that leaving the ECV somewhere in a land and going off to enjoy other features of that area, would defeat the OP's purpose.

 

[mechurchlady]

kaytieeldr welcome to the Confused Poster Club.

I agree with what you were thinking. At DLR on an off day I did Buzz and Star Tours but that was it for the day as that ramp got to me. Some places a person may want to park and walk around like at Fantasyland.

A man walks along a trail into the woods and he can walk 10 miles maximum. It is a lovely day so he walks 7 miles into the woods and then has lunch and takes a break. The man then turns around and heads back to his car. He walks 3 miles and rests then another mile and passes out with exhaustion. He is still an hour walk from his car and stuck in the wood.

In life we are like that man in the woods. We feel so good so we do a lot of stuff then later in the day pass out exhausted and in pain with much left undone. 10 rides at 250 feet each is half a mile and 10 rides at 10 minutes each is 100 minutes on your feet. Add to that the stress of people in line, the new stuff to see, water puddle to avoid, oh look at that, what is for lunch, and then the thrill of the ride. It would be nice to do a study of people in parks and show the variations in heart rate and stress.

 

[tinklvr64]

Hi...Yasuern congrats on your remission! My mom was diagnosed in Nov with Large B Cell Lymphoma..and yesterday finished 6 rounds of R-Chop and is right now in remission! We were supposed to go to WDW over Thanksgiving for a week but had to put it off...so now we are going over Spring Break.....

So here is my plan so far for her.....We are bringing her wheelchair (she still cannot walk that great since she had a tumor in her hip socket) and she has a walker and a cane.. but im concerned that overall she will be just exhausted and worsen her leg pain....

Anyone have any other tips???

 

[arminnie]

No, the ECV will easily fit into the elevators.

Not all of the buildings at OKW have elevators - so you will need to let OKW know that you need access either to a 1st floor room or a building with elevators.

 

[Earstou]

Yes, if you want, you can park your ECV and walk. I do this, as I do need to maintain my muscle strength while I'm there. I was told to park with the strollers, after having my ecv disappear because a cm moved it to stroller parking!
For very crowded areas, my teen ds and dh would walk ahead of me, but slightly to either side. When they just walked ahead of me, people still squeezed between me and them. Also, I smacked dh in the heels when he stopped short. So instead, dh walked on the right side, ahead of the ecv, with his left hand extended back to the right side of my basket. Ds stood on my left side, ahead of the ecv, with his right hand extended back to the left side of the basket. Holding the basket stopped people from squeezing between us, and gave me a stopping zone.

 

[zumbergc]

If your going to do some walking. I highly recommend that you save yourself and try to do the walking in the later half of the day. Especially your first couple days.

The reason why. If you over do it in the morning, you'll be exhausted the rest of the day, and may be more painful the rest of the day.

If you have lots of energy. Walk the rest of the way from the resort bus stop to the room. I'm sure whoever your with, will have no problem taking it easy and riding the ecv back to the room. Of course i recommend doing the walking in less crowded, open areas where you are less likely to get bumped.

 

[SueM in MN]

Not all of the buildings at OKW have elevators - so you will need to let OKW know that you need access either to a 1st floor room or a building with elevators.

There are 3 buildings with elevators. The rest of the buildings are mostly 2 stories, so even without saying anything you have pretty much a 50/50 chance if getting assigned to the first floor. Besides that, many people at OKW request not to be on the first floor because they want a better view. You should not have a problem for a studio, 1 or 2 bedroom unit if you just request 1st floor for medical reasons (that is important to say). The rooms for medical reasons are assigned first before the general requests for the same thing.
If you are in a Grand Villa you will need to reserve a Handicapped Accessible one to ensure you don't have to enter on the 2nd floor. There are only a few that can be accessed without climbing stairs. I'd you have a medical request and someone else has a reservation for an accessible room, their reservation will bump your request.