Totally new to this, can anyone help?

[BayouMouseketeer]

I am travelling with my DS and DD, both of whom have chronic issues. DS has had 2 heart surgeries and still wrestles with asthma, respiratory problems, feeding difficulties and mild anxiety- all directly related to his medical diagnoses. DD has asthma and heat intolerance which actually causes her to dehydrate, pass out or become lethargic. Heat triggers both kids' asthma and, as mentioned, makes DD very ill.

Will I be able to get a GAC for them? Do they even have a stamp that will allow us to wait in a cooler, less crowded environment? Also, will I be able to get a card for each since DD is not tall enough for some rides so her aunt will take her to other attractions while my brother and I take DS. Also, DS wears a hydration backpack to keep her hydrated in the heat. Will she be able to keep this with her during rides?

Also, I know I can call ahead to make sure food is available to DS that he can eat but do I call Disney Dining or do I have to deal with each restaurant directly?

 

[tacomaranch]

Hi and welcome,

Sue has a great sticky about the GAC at the very top of the Disabilities board.

I am sure you can get a GAC based on the needs of your child. Sun and heat are an issue for many folks. I don't know that there is always a shaded place to wait but the CM's do what they can to help out.

Both myself and my DS have a disability and if I know we will never leave each other we only get one, but if your family may split up at anytime just having the other would make life easy. You don't have to use it but if you need it, you have it.

The hydropaks are super. The information package that comes with the hydropack is a very nice sealed waterproof plastic and we use it to keep our passes, GAC and photopass. As for wearing it on rides, it would depend on the ride. Other than roller coasters I don't see why not but again, the CM's are so kind and helpful and will direct you on which rides you can keep it on your back and which ones you may have to take it off and set down.

As for the food. Call Disney dining and ask for the number for the chef at the parks you will eat at and the resorts. I have a list but not here. Call about 1 week ahead and they will more than happy to make foods your children will eat. It is really magical!

I hope this helps and have a wonderful trip.

April

 

[SueM in MN]

Also, will I be able to get a card for each since DD is not tall enough for some rides so her aunt will take her to other attractions while my brother and I take DS.

tacomaranch already suggested the information in the disABILITIES FAQs about GACs, which should be helpful. Just explain your children's needs and you should have no problem.
You might also want to check some of the links to past threads about special diets (the links are in the disABILITIES FAQs).

Also, DS wears a hydration backpack to keep her hydrated in the heat. Will she be able to keep this with her during rides?

Depending on the restraint system, if the backpack is kept on, it may cause the restraint not to fit correctly. If that is the case, the CM will be able to help - many of the 'wilder' attractions have a place to keep things from moving around like a net basket low in the seat. For other attractions, you can just put it on the floor of the ride car.
Some of the more 'tame' attractions (like the boats on Small World, Pirates, Maelstrom and the ride in Mexico) have sort of shallow seats. Wearing the backpack while on the ride may be uncomfortable because it leaves very little seat to sit on.

 

[disneyworldmom2]

I agree with the other posts about getting a GAC. As far as the food goes, you can print out menus for the different restaurants ahead of time to make sure there's something your kids can eat. There were a few times that there wasn't anything our son could eat on the menu, and I asked to talk to the chef. They often made it to our table before we had the kids settled in their seats! They were great about making something that DS could eat. One even offered to puree anything on the menu for him.

 

[Schmeck]

I see your trip is planned for November - hopefully it will be cool enough for walking, as the time spent in the lines (many of which are air conditioned, to a point) is miniscule compared to the amount of daily walking between attractions, etc. Are you planning on renting a double stroller for the kids? That might help with their health conditions too!