Standing in lines with someone who can't

[minniecarousel]

I'm going to Disneyland with my 2 older sisters. One has had a knee & a hip replacement. She simply can't stand for very long. She can walk - no problem. It's the standing in one place or moving very little that she has a problem with. Any suggestions? Can 2 of us stand in line and have her join us when we get to the front of the line? (some attractions won't accomodate this though).

And I'd love for them to see WOC. But the standing to both wait for and see this would be prohibitive. (I've sat on the ground waiting, but Sis can't sit on the ground.) Any suggestions? We're staying at the Grand Californian on DVC points, so I could see if we could use the viewing area there. It would be standing, but leaning and she could sit for a spell. Does anyone know if this is allowed?

 

[momtotwolittleones]

We got a disability pass for my mom when we were with her for this same reason. The pass allowed all of us to be with my mom in the shorter line. Don't know how this works for WOC since we didn't see that with my mom, though.

 

[DizNee Luver]

WoC has special areas with benches in each section for people in wheelchairs or with the GAC (Guest Assistance Card). If the person with the GAC isn't using a wheelchair, they will be able to sit on one of the benches and the guests with them can stand behind the bench. If there is room once the show starts, you can sit next to them on the benches....but they need to leave these for the people using the GAC.

I'd highly suggest stopping at Guest Services to let them know what the issues are and let them tailor the card to help you out the best during your stay.

 

[rmom]

You can get a GAC (a disablitiy pass which lets you wait somewhere other then the main line. I have only used it for my daughter who needed a different line but they should be able to accomodate your sister. Maybe you could get a wheelchair for WOC as I doubt they would give her a chair but it never hurts to ask.

Have a nice trip

 

[pixiewings71]

If your sister has a GAC she will be allowed to sit on a bench. I suggest getting one as it might be very helpful on your trip.

 

[minniecarousel]

Will she need to bring any documentation to get the GAC?

 

[starshine514]

Will she need to bring any documentation to get the GAC?

No. She'll just need to explain the accommodation she needs (not even the diagnosis).

 

[Kristibo42]

I'm going to Disneyland with my 2 older sisters. One has had a knee & a hip replacement. She simply can't stand for very long. She can walk - no problem. It's the standing in one place or moving very little that she has a problem with. Any suggestions? Can 2 of us stand in line and have her join us when we get to the front of the line? (some attractions won't accomodate this though).

And I'd love for them to see WOC. But the standing to both wait for and see this would be prohibitive. (I've sat on the ground waiting, but Sis can't sit on the ground.) Any suggestions? We're staying at the Grand Californian on DVC points, so I could see if we could use the viewing area there. It would be standing, but leaning and she could sit for a spell. Does anyone know if this is allowed?

They have a pass that can put you in the fast pass lane. Not sure what it is called. We used it for my niece who is autistic. She could not stand in line for more then like 10 minutes. We had a note from her doctor. That was what our tour guide said to do. It let up to 6 people go with her.

 

[pixiewings71]

They have a pass that can put you in the fast pass lane. Not sure what it is called. We used it for my niece who is autistic. She could not stand in line for more then like 10 minutes. We had a note from her doctor. That was what our tour guide said to do. It let up to 6 people go with her.

This is the GAC we have been suggesting.

 

[ArchOwl]

Just as a heads up, many times Disney's response to stamina and mobility concerns is for the guest to use a wheelchair or ECV. Depending on needs, they may issue a GAC for no stairs, but normally they do tell guests to rent a wheelchair or ECV if they cannot stand in line. Others may have needs that necessitated a different stamp on their GAC.

That is why it is important to remember that not all GACs are the same. Depending on your needs, a GAC is stamped by the CM with various stamps. The stamps tell the CM at the ride what accommodations you need. Not everyone's experience with the GAC will be the same.

 

[minniewitch01]

Just go to guest services town hall tell them whats going on and they will have no problem getting u a guest assistance card

 

[sgrap]

Does a doctor's note help in getting a GAC? I received a pass years ago for my bad back before they cracked down on them. I don't ride many rides anyway because of my back, but the long standing for the shows is a huge issue for me. But I don't have any obvious physical impairment.

 

[sonnyjane]

Does a doctor's note help in getting a GAC? I received a pass years ago for my bad back before they cracked down on them. I don't ride many rides anyway because of my back, but the long standing for the shows is a huge issue for me. But I don't have any obvious physical impairment.

To my knowledge there hasn't been any "crackdown". You still do not need documentation, and they are not allowed to ask. You just tell them the needs of the guest requiring the GAC and they will provide it.

 

[sechelt]

I'm going to Disneyland with my 2 older sisters. One has had a knee & a hip replacement. She simply can't stand for very long. She can walk - no problem. It's the standing in one place or moving very little that she has a problem with.

And I'd love for them to see WOC. We're staying at the Grand Californian on DVC points, so I could see if we could use the viewing area there. It would be standing, but leaning and she could sit for a spell. Does anyone know if this is allowed?

Your room key will get you into the viewing area. We were there twice and neither time was crowded, maybe five other people. I don't remember any chairs but there is a railing for her to lean on. Also some very nice washrooms. The view, however, isn't as good as being down in the viewing area. You can see the water but not the projections.

 

[EmmersIsTheMommy]

I slipped a disc and had similar issues. I could not stand in line. Before my husband insisted on the wheelchair, I was squatting in line (hellloooo embarrassing) because it was the only thing I could do to relieve the pain. I couldn't walk either so the wheelchair was a necessity.

Anyway, I feel her pain and the gac should work just fine. If you guys do end up needing a wheelchair, it is super easy to do Wheelchairs in DCA are awesome because all the lines are accessible so you can wait in the normal lines and she can sit.

 

[Kristibo42]

Does a doctor's note help in getting a GAC? I received a pass years ago for my bad back before they cracked down on them. I don't ride many rides anyway because of my back, but the long standing for the shows is a huge issue for me. But I don't have any obvious physical impairment.

We have always taken a doctors notes. It just made things easier as my niece is not verbal. They have never ask us or told us we needed a wheelchair or ECV because she could not stand in line.

 

[anonymousegirl]

Just to be clear, Guests services do not want a Doctor's note. They do not want to read them (as they are not medical professionals) and it is against ADA regulations for them to ask for one.
Many people feel more comfortable bringing a note, but it is not required or desired by Guest Services. Bring one if you wish, but be prepared to explain what your sister needs, rather than state her diagnosis.
Many of the attractions at Disneyland (especially in Fantasyland) have the tight, twisting queues. GAC and wheelchair users tend to enter from the exit line. Be sure to pick up a special map showing the alternative entrances for attractions around DL.
DCA is mainstreamed for the most part--Grizzley River Rapids being one exception. My autistic nephew loved that ride and had to ride it three times in a row, every time we walked past the attraction. Explaining that we didn't want to abuse the GAC was useless, so we started avoiding that pathway.