Should I get/Do I need a GAC? Low Tone

[lutherlovr]

Hi all-

I have read the FAQ, I'm sorry if I overlooked my answer on this board somewhere. My son is 16 months and has low tone. We will be using a double stroller, as I also have a 2.5 year old. We will be utilizing fast pass and hopefully it will not be TOO busy when we are there in a few weeks. I am concerned about shows and things like Conservation Station at AK. He weighs 30 lbs, so it is possible for me to hold him, although tricky as I will be alone with them most of the time in the parks. It can be hard to support him when sitting/standing for periods of more than 10 or so minutes, as he tends to get pretty "floppy" later in the day. My older son really wants to pet the animals, but I am thinking there is no way we will be able to get there without the stroller as I ave read that there are no strollers allowed on the train there unless they are "strollers used as a WC". I am wondering if I should try to get a GAC, or since he is a baby, will they just expect me to be able to hold him the whole time and he will not need "stroller as WC"? Just concerned about him being properly supported in shows (pretty much he cannot sit up when fatigued unless supported by the harnesses/pads in the stroller) and I think he would enjoy Playhouse Disney, Philharmagic, etc, and his endurance (and mine!) which would not be a problem in his stroller. TIA

 

[tacomaranch]

There is sticky on the top that has all about the GAC. I would say do get the GAC and have it just in case. They are very nice about issuing one and the CM are extra nice about instructions.

Have a magical trip.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

It sounds to me like your situation is exactly what they had in mind when they designed the 'stroller as wheelchair' (or at least, one of the reasons for it). I think you should go for it, as it sounds like it will make your trip a lot easier. Just explain your son's needs to the CM, with him there, and they shouldn't have any problems.

Good luck and have a great trip!

 

[Littlegem]

Hi Tia,

You simply MUST get a GAC for your child, as it will make all the difference to your WDW trip..!

I went to WDW last November with my son Travis ( who was only 9 months old at the time )... He like your child suffers from low tone, along with a lot of other medical problems ( most of which were not obvious at the time, unless you looked closely).. This ment that he could not sit without support, or hold his head up for very long before getting tired...

Having the GAC ment we could take his Stroller into the lines for Rides & shows, without which we would have had to carry him for extended periods of time. Not easy when you are juggling a bag of baby equipment & medical supplies as well..!

Anyway, the guest services team provided us with a large sticker ( dated to cover our entire trip to WDW ) which we fixed to the handle of our stroller where it could be seen easily... As we approached each attraction, we showed this to the CM who then directed us where to go..

It did not mean that we got to the ride/show any quicker, but made our wait much less stressful, and allowed us all to really enjoy our visit..

Beleive me, you will feel tired enough after a long day at the park, without all that carrying!

Also I was still able to take Travis out of his stroller, to sit on my lap once we arrived at the ride/show, as they have areas where they park the Wheelchairs inside, so you can retreive it easily afterwards...

Hope this helps, Enjoy your trip

Hazel

 

[SueM in MN]

I agree with the others.
Even though he is a baby, they would not expect you to hold him in line because he has needs that most 16 month olds don't have. If you did have to hold him, he would not be able to hold his head up or support himself, so he really needs to be able to keep the stroller as a wheelchair.

There are some attractions that have wheelchair cars that you would not be able to use with a stroller (especially a double stroller), but you would still be able to keep him in the stroller until the wheelchair boarding area. At that point, you would park the stroller the same as people who are getting out of wheelchairs to board.

 

[disneyworldmom2]

I would never consider going without a GAC for our son. He is 4 1/2, and suffers from low tone, along with other medical issues. He cannot walk or stand for periods of time, and the GAC made all the difference in the world for our whole family. He was able to stay in the comfort of his own stroller, which had a fan, instead of being held in the heat. It also made it easier because I didn't have to hold him, his bag, and keep track of his sister.

In addition to using his stroller as a wheelchair, you should discuss his other needs with the CMs at Guest Relations.

Good luck, and whatever you do, don't feel bad for asking for a GAC. Disney is GREAT about making accomidations for kids with disabilities.