What if need extra time to board and get off rides?

[SueM in MN]

bumping this up - it's been a while since it was at the top.

 

[seashoreCM]

A lot of disabled guests are able to do a lot on their own and would rather not have someone come up to them to help each and every time. As a result, those who do need help need to ask for the help or get a Guest Assistance Card.

When the cast members examine the GAC and follow the instructions, the disabled guest is treated about equal to others. It is not unusual for a CM to cut corners and the usual result is preferential treatment for the GAC holder and once in a while more inconvenience.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

<small>Suggested caption for a yellow diamond sign to hang behind a wheelchair or ECV (if the person desires), "I can walk, but only to first base."</small>

 

[SueM in MN]

bumping
The GAC (Guest Assistance Cards) have general information, not the exact specifics about what you may need. The GAC is more to get the CM's attention and let them know generally in what "area" your special needs fall. You might need to give more specifics.

 

[SueM in MN]

bumping this up for new viewers.

 

[SueM in MN]

bumping up for new readers

 

[Boston5602]

Helpful to me , so I'm bumping it up !

Thanks everyone.

 

[SueM in MN]

Glad you found it helpful.
If it gets lost off the first page, there is link to this thread in the disABILITIES FAQS thread, so it can be found again.

 

[hightown]

How funny...Doing research to take my Mom back to WDW and find my own thread from years ago.

Will definately need the GAC card this year to get moving rides stopped so she can load/unload. We'll have a scooter this year too.

Continued thanks to all posting the great information and to Sue!

 

[ShhhQ]

My mom and I are planning our trip for late Aug. She has mobility issues that hender her.... back pain, knee replacement, and shortness of breath. She will be bringing her oxygen and we are trying to figure out how to handle that yet... she also will be using a ECV, was wondering if she should get a GAC since she does have problems getting up and down from seats she may need to have moving platforms stopped to aid her and give her more time. I myself will also be using a ECV, but basically to get around, as I have had a recent foot surgery and find a lot of walking still painful, but I don't think I will use it in the lines for the rides as it would be too cumbersome. As this is our first trip I have only what I have read in posts to go on how to handle this.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

If she is using oxygen and does not have her own ECV, it is almost mandatory that she rent from off-site. They will install an oxygen bottle holder on the ECV for her.

 

[BillSears]

Will definately need the GAC card this year to get moving rides stopped so she can load/unload. We'll have a scooter this year too.

she also will be using a ECV, was wondering if she should get a GAC since she does have problems getting up and down from seats she may need to have moving platforms stopped to aid her and give her more time.

As far as I know you don't really need a GAC for slowing/stopping the moving platforms if you're using a Wheelchair/ECV. They've always just done that automatically for me. Of course I could be wrong.

 

[SueM in MN]

As far as I know you don't really need a GAC for slowing/stopping the moving platforms if you're using a Wheelchair/ECV. They've always just done that automatically for me. Of course I could be wrong.

Bill is right.
If you have a wheelchair or ECV, the CMs know that you have some mobility concerns and you won't need a GAC.
They usually just slow the moving walkway unless you tell them that you need it stopped, but will stop it if you ask them. It would be much easier to ask than to have a GAC that the CM will need to look at.

If you don't have a wheelchair or ECV (or something very visible like a cane) then you would need a GAC to board at the exit where they can stop the moving walkway.

 

[hightown]

OK, Thanks for the clarification! So GAC is really not needed as Mom will have the ECV and her cane.

 

[SueM in MN]

OK, Thanks for the clarification! So GAC is really not needed as Mom will have the ECV and her cane.

shouldn't need it unless she has other problems.

hope you have a good trip.

 

[SueM in MN]

bump

 

[dwarven1]

Maybe a silly question here, but I just broke my ankle and am on crutches. What do I do with them during rides like Rock & Roller Coaster?

 

[SueM in MN]

Maybe a silly question here, but I just broke my ankle and am on crutches. What do I do with them during rides like Rock & Roller Coaster?

For some attractions, they will just be put on the ride car with you. For more 'wild' ones, like Rock N' Roller Coaster, the CM will take them from you once you get onto the ride and they would be left with your wheelchair/ECV.

 

[tiki23]

Thanks; this thread has been very helpful! Taking Mom for her first trip in mid-December. With her health and mobility problems an ECV is making this trip possible for her. She can walk short distances and will probably want to get up to walk and stretch at times. I'm worried about the moving walkways, though, as she is sometimes not too steady.

Do you think it would be wisest to get a GAC for her so that she could have the option of riding the ECV through the line or walking and getting a ride stopped or slowed? Or should we just alert the CM's on the way in if she is not in her ECV?

ETA: I went back and re-read some of the posts and think I answered my own questions, lol. On some rides, if we think it will need to be slowed or stopped for her to enter the ride, she'll need to go through the exit and will need to show the GAC to do so. Is that correct?

Thanks!

 

[SueM in MN]

ETA: I went back and re-read some of the posts and think I answered my own questions, lol. On some rides, if we think it will need to be slowed or stopped for her to enter the ride, she'll need to go through the exit and will need to show the GAC to do so. Is that correct?

Thanks!

That is pretty much it.
There are some attractions where people with disabilities board at the usual exit. In most of those, you don't enter the queue at the exit; people with wheelchairs wait in the regular line with everyone else and then get routed to the 'handicapped boarding area' right before the 'regular boarding area.'

If she is going to be on the ECV, you won't have to do anything. The CM will route your party where you need to go.

 

[tiki23]

Thanks, Sue!