traveling with mildly autistic child and elderly diabetic FIL

[Nik's Mom]

Hello,
We are traveling with 14 family members to WDW in August. My DS is autistic and my FIL is diabetic (and 75 years old). My question is, can I get a GAC for both my DS and FIL? I know my party will have to split up. The rest can tolerate standing in long lines, but I worry about my FIL in particular. We will use fast pass when we can, but would like to have a back up plan. Will the GAC allow a more comfortable place for my son and father in law to wait in line, like in a shaded area that isn't quit as crowded? I've received great tips for traveling with an autistic child, but what about traveling with the elderly?
Thanks for your tips?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Several things to consider.

I think the most important is DON'T try to do everything together. A group that size is very unwieldly. Especially as you may have some people who want commando touring, to get a very early start or others who want to take it slow. It generally is best to split into smaller groups (possibly ratating memberships) and decide on times and locations to meet. Getting dining accomodations for that size grouy can be a real headache.

There definitely should be separate GACs for DS and FIL. Note that the GAC is for a maximum of six; the involved individual and up to five members of a party. Again, if you split up that will be useful.

Another consideration for FIL is renting an ECV from an off-site company. If he has stamina problems, such as walking or standing, it can be a real help. Note that wheelchair pushing is much harder than you may think, and you may not realize it but there ARE hills (which you will find out about if pushing a wheelchair).

Tjhe diabetes is not so much of a problem. A lot depends on if he is controlled by medications and diet or if he uses insulin. Method and frequency can affect the suggestions. You might want to look at some of the other posts which concern diabetics, or start another thread with specific problems.

Anyway, welcome to disABILITIES. I am sure there are others who will add to (or even contradict) my suggestions. Feel free to ask more detailed questions.

Mike

 

[Nik's Mom]

Thanks for the tips! We do plan on taking it easy. We all have walkie talkies and plan on separating during the day. Thanks again for your tips.

 

[SueM in MN]

Mike already gave you lots of good information.
I'll add that you need to take both your son and FIL to Guest Services to request the GAC. The GAC is issued to the person with a disability and wouldn't be issued at any rate to a group as large as 14.

If your FIL uses an ecv (scooter) or a wheelchair, he may not need a GAC, since just having somewhere to sit will probably be enough. Most of the lines are shaded, so that's a help.

I also encourage you to not even try to keep a group of 14 together, especially since some have special needs. If your son has a melt down, you don't want the added pressure of knowing that 13 other people are waiting for him. Or, if you FIL needs a rest, he's likely to not admit it so he doesn't slow everyone else down.
It's also hard to please everyone or have everyone ready to do the same thing at the same time. You will spend a lot of down time waiting for people. Like part of one group needs a bathroom stop or wants a snack and the rest don't right then. Or part of your group wants to ride something that the rest can't or don't want to ride. If you are getting fastpasses, part of your group might end up with fastpasses for one time and the rest will be the next time slot (this happened to us once when we had a group of 8). It's easier to just split the group up and meet up to check in (and maybe re-arrange your groups) later in the day.

 

[Nik's Mom]

That's exactly what I will do. My FIL and son will stay with my husband and I, since they will both be going at a slower pace. We'll meet up with the rest later on.
Thanks for the tips.