Son can get GAC, friend may need wheelchair

[connie254]

We have done Disney many times and I am very familar with what my son can get with his GAC(autism/can't wait in lines). Now our friend who travels with us may need a wheelchair d/t broken bone in foot. Would she be able to accompany us in lines? I know the wheelchair alone doesn't qualify her for her own GAC.

 

[maroo]

This happened on a recent trip for us - we had one person that qualified for the GAC and another that didn't, but used a wheelchair - They send the whole party, regardless of whether or not they use wheelchairs - together (unless the party is more than 6 people) - so they will be able to stay with you.

Most things are mainstreamed anyway.

 

[geek+nerd]

A GAC is usually good for up to 6 people, including the person it is issued for. As long as there are no more than 6 in your party, it shouldn't be an issue.

 

[utterrandomness]

It is less that she doesn't qualify for a GAC, and more that GACs are for less visible needs. The idea behind the GAC process is that not all disabilities are visible (as you're probably aware, having a son with autism and all), and your friend's (physical) needs will be more or less obvious to the CMs. You should be able to stay in line together on most rides, as far as I know. I believe that the GAC can be used parties up to six members (depending on the circumstances, of course), so I think she should be able to accompany you when you're using the GAC and most of the lines at WDW are mainstreamed so that people using mobility devices can use the same line.

The FAQ sticky thread near the top of the page will have more information about which ride lines are and are not mainstreamed. I'm not sure which post the information is in though.

 

[lanejudy]

As others have stated, it shouldn't be a problem to stay together assuming your total party is less than 6 people. However, keep in mind that it may somewhat depend on what accommodation is offered for your son's GAC at each attraction - if that accomodation places you in an area that is not w/c accessible, your party may need to split so each person's needs are met.

Also, your friend may want to look into renting an ECV rather than using a wheelchair - the pusher can get awful tired and WDW is not flat.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[connie254]

Good news is she doesn't need a wheelchair or aircast. Her orthopod said "Two thumbs up" for Disneyworld.
Now what are the chances of us getting closer rooms at Pop Century to the food court to lessen the walking at the end of the day, mostly. She is staying in a separate room. We already asked for ground floor, but how to ask for the wings of 50s, 70s or the 60s that aren't preferrred rooms? We are less then one month out.

 

[Piper]

Good news is she doesn't need a wheelchair or aircast. Her orthopod said "Two thumbs up" for Disneyworld.
Now what are the chances of us getting closer rooms at Pop Century to the food court to lessen the walking at the end of the day, mostly. She is staying in a separate room. We already asked for ground floor, but how to ask for the wings of 50s, 70s or the 60s that aren't preferrred rooms? We are less then one month out.

You may want to rethink your strategy. If she can't walk around the resort, how will she handle the miles she will walk at the parks?

 

[connie254]

It's not walking around the parks, but more at the end of the day, when she is exhausted and our feet normally ache anway.