Tips for waiting in lines

[PrincessJosephine]

I have scoliosis, which causes severe pain when standing in one spot for more than a couple minutes. Walking is no problem but standing can be excruciating. I want to go on rides with my kids. My current plan is to suck it up and deal. We booked our time-share over a year ago.

When waiting in line are there any places to sit? If we use fast passes how long are the waits normally? We are going during spring break so I anticipate large crowds.

Any advice?

 

[Selket]

I'm sure folks will recommend that you rent a wheelchair (perhaps from an off-site company) so you can sit and not be in pain! Most of the lines at WDW are mainstreamed for ECV's and wheelchairs. I believe in the FAQ above on this board there is info on renting and using ECVs and WC's.

You are right in that you'll have big crowds for Spring Break! We went last year during that time. I highly recommend a good touring plan that gets you to the parks early (like Tour Guide Mike http://www.tourguidemike.com) - minimizing your time in lines will help with your physical health and make the trip more enjoyable.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

If, as you say, you have no problems with walking, a wheelchair might not be the best way to go for you, as it'll be a burden the rest of the time (though would act as a handy shopping carrier). You could get a GAC to allow you an alternate waiting area (for more information on GACs, see the FAQ near the top of the disABILITIES page).

Have you thought of getting a walking seat cane? These are walking sticks that turn into a stool that you could perch on at any time you need to stand still. See: http://www.made-in-china.com/showro...TJHG/China-Walking-Seat-Cane-Stick-Chair.html for an example. This might be a conveinient way to transport a seat around for you (would also be great when waiting for and watching parades, fireworks etc)

Making use of Fast Passes, EMH and queue busting tips will also help you a great deal.

Good luck and have a great time!

 

[cmwade77]

A lot of others would recommend an ECV or wheel chair, but I know that can be problematic for someone that can walk, but can't stand for long periods of time, I would get a GAC personally, it does not provide for immediate boarding, generally it is up to the CM at each attraction, but if there is a long line they will simply provide an alternative waiting area, in which you can sit, if the line is relatively short they may just get you on the attraction. Again this varies from attraction to attraction and in some cases from CM to CM, also please be aware that where FP is available you may be asked to obtain a FP if the stand-by line is fairly good sized. GACs are there for those with "hidden" disabilities, esp. ones that may not require a wheel chair or ECV. And if there is ever an issue with the standing, even with the GAC talk with the CM, explain nicely that you don't mind waiting, but can't stand for long periods of time I found most of the CMs to be very accommodating, of course I have another issue as well, but I won't get into that. I would also budget for an ECV just in case you find that the walking is too much, as it is a really large place and may be harder to walk it than you think.

I know with me sitting or standing for long periods of time is difficult, so an ECV or wheel chair is not an option, where as with a GAC I generally can sit on a bench where I can get up and move from time to time, but trying to drive an ECV throughout Disney World would totally stress me out as well has have me in mass pain as I would be sitting more than walking, walking does me a lot of good and I have no problems with waiting, even if I have to wait 5 minutes more or so than everyone else, if it means I can be comfortable, in many cases the CMs get you on a bit quicker as they realize that since you do have issues it takes you longer to get from place to place, which it really does for me, but I walk alright just a bit slower than most, but I take the time to enjoy the atmosphere, anyway, my point is that I am more than willing to wait my fair turn, just some CMs choose to let me get on faster and if they do I won't complain about it of course, I just want to be able to not be in excruciating pain while waiting, although I am always in some pain, it can either be less or more.

Ok, sorry for the rant, I just wanted to explain the "rent a wheel chair or ECV" response is not appropriate for everyone, which is why they have GACs.

 

[cmwade77]

There was another post while I was writing all of that, that mentioned getting a GAC, as you can tell I would strongly recommend that, with scoliosis I do not not if the cane would be appropriate or not, as it may be hard for you to use if you end up having to bend over with it or such, I am sure there are a lot of factors, but I would try using it for a while before going if you opt for that option, definitely make use of FP.

I do not recommend the tour plans, they don't seem to work too well in my opinion, I have tried a few and have had much better luck on my own, of course I like a lot of the less popular attractions, such as Country Bears, Journey Into Imagination and such, I generally don't go on Soarin', because even the FP line is too much walking just to get on the ride and I live in Cali and can go on the original here without all of the walking, I do like a lot of the more popular attractions as well, I have just learned when the best time for me to go is.

Ok, I will stop rambling on and on now.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

Sorry, I didn't make myself very clear. The stick wasn't so much for the support, as for a convenient way to carry a chair with you. If you have other people in your group, you could always ask them to carry it (they might be glad of the extra support by the end of the day).

Anyhoo, whatever you do, have fun!

 

[cmwade77]

I do have to agree with the PP on that, have fun and I get what you mean now, I would be concerned about the OP having to carry something extra around considering the issue, but hey, it's a cool idea.

 

[PrincessJosephine]

Thanks for the information!

I need to go find a glossary because I'm having a hard time deciphering all of the Disney acronyms.

I certainly fit the description as someone with a hidden disability. My orthopaedic doctor is amazed at how well I hide it. I have adult onset scoliosis in my lower back and unless you physically ran your hand down my spine you'd never know. I am a 30 something mother of 3 and am good shape. My physical limitations are minimal. Standing just happens to hurt like heck.

I am going to see what the GAC option is all about and look into some sort of small chair. My daughter will have a jog stroller so I can always store something small underneath. I am also going to opt for my running shoes vs. my cute shoes.

In the mean time I am going to go to the chiropractor a few extra times before we leave and cross my fingers that I have a good week! With any luck all of this worry is over nothing.

**I just checkout the GAC in FAQs - it looks like a good solution! Thanks!!!!!

 

[OneLittleSpark]

If you'll have a stroller to put things on, a folding stool like this might be better for you:

http://www.argos.co.uk/wcsstore/argos/images/0191218AE01UC13267M.jpg

As it will be shorter and easier to put onto the stroller. I've got one of these for camping and they're surprisingly comfortable.

 

[Vemnox]

I can tell you in advance that Guest Relations won't issue an alternate entrance pass for scoliosis. They will more likely give you the "treat as if in wheelchair" pass or recommend you get a wheelchair.

 

[Belle1997]

Before I got my scooter I had no qualms of sitting in the line. Would take out a towel and sit. Would only work through if the line was slow. I would get a GAC card that would give you alternative area to wait and sit. That would be your best bet.

 

[PrincessJosephine]

I'll go to Bass Pro and see if they have a portable camping seat.

Is a GAC and alternate entrance pass the same thing? My intent isn't to avoid waiting for attractions.

I read in the FAQ section that they don't need a medical diagnosis to get assistance.

Maybe it is silly of me to even consider doing this trip. My husband just got back from Iraq and my kids are finally old enough to enjoy Disney. We've been planning this trip for over a year. I hate to be the one to spoil it for everyone.

 

[cmwade77]

I'll go to Bass Pro and see if they have a portable camping seat.

Is a GAC and alternate entrance pass the same thing? My intent isn't to avoid waiting for attractions.

I read in the FAQ section that they don't need a medical diagnosis to get assistance.

Maybe it is silly of me to even consider doing this trip. My husband just got back from Iraq and my kids are finally old enough to enjoy Disney. We've been planning this trip for over a year. I hate to be the one to spoil it for everyone.

I think you shouldn't let things stop you, I don't think it is silly at all for you to plan on going, go and have a great time, I have found WDW to be verry accomodating, moreso thab at Disneyland although they are improving now.

 

[Forevryoung]

I'll go to Bass Pro and see if they have a portable camping seat.

Is a GAC and alternate entrance pass the same thing? My intent isn't to avoid waiting for attractions.

I read in the FAQ section that they don't need a medical diagnosis to get assistance.

Maybe it is silly of me to even consider doing this trip. My husband just got back from Iraq and my kids are finally old enough to enjoy Disney. We've been planning this trip for over a year. I hate to be the one to spoil it for everyone.

Take a deep breath

The GAC is just the card itself, alternate entrance is a message on it (does that make more sense?) there are other potential messages such as "stroller as a wheelchair" and seating instructions (hearing and visual reasons) for the CM's at shows (which don't apply to you).

You do NOT need a diagnosis to get a GAC but there usually isn't a place to sit in an alternate entrance. Usually alternate entrances are for people who can't wait with the other guests in line. They do wait though.

You are planning the best you can to make this trip as wonderful as possible. Only you know what you are capable of doing but we would all suggest not pushing yourself too hard- the consequences are not worth it when it comes to medical issues.

The only suggestion I could think of (and it may require you to avoid stupid people looks) is to rent a wheelchair (from home, offsite or at the parks) and push it around. Put a kid or your backpack in it while you aren't sitting in it to give it some weight (or else it's going to be annoying to push). If you find you never sit in it, then you don't have to use it the next day. You can leave it in any stroller parking area if you are not going to need it (like during meals). And then when the line moves, you dont have to get up, you can wheel forward. Many lines move quickly even though they are long and it might get annoying to constantly have to get up to move the chair you are sitting in.

You and your family can do this trip, it sounds like it's been a rough time and you need a vacation to one of our favorite places on Earth.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

I say go for it too. There's nothing silly about wanting to have a wonderful time with your family, especially when you've been through so much. There'd be no harm in trying to get a GAC. You may get one, you may not (I've never used one, so I'm afraid I'm not an expert on the subject), but at least you will have tried. Just politely and calmly explain the situation, and why a wheelchair is not the best solution for you, and hope for the best.

Whatever happens, have a great time with your family !

 

[Belle1997]

I would try and get a doctors note that saids you need to sit while waiting. Which should get you alternative entrance to have a corner to sit while waiting. You will have to wait but if you can wait in comfort then you will have a more enjoyable time. Also the lines do move not much just standing still. So that may help you. Good luck and yes go you will have a wonderful time. And having your husband back from Iraq is a great celebration for your life today. So go have fun

 

[DaisyD]

I can tell you in advance that Guest Relations won't issue an alternate entrance pass for scoliosis. They will more likely give you the "treat as if in wheelchair" pass or recommend you get a wheelchair.

My mom has trouble standing too long and she gets a GAC. She just tells them about her knees and that standing is a huge problem for her. They give has a GAC that allows her quicker boarding on attractions so she doesn't have to stand too long.

 

[PrincessJosephine]

Thanks everyone!

I survived! I opted to do things without a GAC or wheeled chair and faired well. I hit a few rough spots but powered through it. The first two days were horrible but I figured out that if I could only sit for a few minutes it made a world of difference.

 

[Vemnox]

My mom has trouble standing too long and she gets a GAC. She just tells them about her knees and that standing is a huge problem for her. They give has a GAC that allows her quicker boarding on attractions so she doesn't have to stand too long.

That's awesome, then, because I personally have never heard of that. As far as I understand it, the GR CM's are told to issue the "treat as if in wheelchair" card for people with some sort of mobility problem.

 

[DaisyD]

That's awesome, then, because I personally have never heard of that. As far as I understand it, the GR CM's are told to issue the "treat as if in wheelchair" card for people with some sort of mobility problem.

She does have mobility problems. Both her knees are in horrible shape. Both have been operated on but still very bad. While she doesn't get front of the line access, she is allowed in all fasspass lines.