What to ride in the morning and what to use a GAC on

[scrapbunny]

Our next trip will the first week of January, the first time I have gone when it is really busy. My friend going with us has a GAC with the wheelchair stamp. She really does need the GAC (would rather not get into a debate about GAC abuse or anything) but I want to make sure we are not relying on it for rides in DL. I am trying to plan out when to do different rides and I am wondering if there are certain rides that it is better to use the regular entrance in the morning and/or FP's and certain rides that it is better to use the GAC. Our group is my friend and I and my 3 kids ages 4 and 8 if that helps. This is the paper I'm using to figure out which rides have different entrances for GAC http://adisneyland.disney.go.com/media/dlr_v0200/en_US/help/Mobility_11192012.pdf

 

[nikkislaght]

Just to get an understanding for myself...
When you say GAC with a wheelchair stamp... does this mean your friend is using a wheelchair?? and if so, then they wont need the GAC as the wheelchair is proof that you have problems...
The GAC is more for "hidden disabilities".

I get a CGACwhen I go , due to rods in my back. Hips that need replacing and Fybro.. and I use that card in DL.. due to the park not being wheelchair compliant ... the park is older and the ride entrances are not wide enough for chairs.. hence the wheelchair entrances etc..

Where as CA IS wheelchair compliant due to it being newer. You can use the GAC there but it is more like a fast past ticket rather then an entrance...

Fantasy land is where I WOULD use the GAC most... long lines and smaller entrances make it hard for even using a cane sometimes...

Hope you all have a great time...

 

[scrapbunny]

She used a wheelchair our first trip 2 years ago but we had a 3rd adult with us to push her. It is only her, me and my 3 kids this trip and she can't use a ECV. On our last trip she got the GAC instead of renting a chair for DL and that helped with seating for WOC at DCA but not any rides. We still got FP for any FP rides in DL and DCA, should we have not done that? I thought certain stamps, like in the case of autism, were needed for FP type access? My friend's issues are mobility and vision related. Sorry if I'm asking questions already asked or that shouldn't be asked. I'm just trying to plan as best as I can so we all have a great time and waste as little time as possible. I have been searching these boards, got a subscription for RideMax and have been on the computer probably too much
Thanks for the advice on Fantasyland We were able to use the GAC on everything there except the Matterhorn during our last trip and only really waited at PeterPan.

 

[Love Tink]

I suggest you go check out the disabilities forum. It is mostly WDW info, but there is a section on DL and that might help.

But you're not going to get much discussion or help regarding GAC on the Dis because there is a lot of paranoia about people "abusing" GACs. So information is held very close to the vest and sometimes incorrect information (at least incorrect when compared to my personal experiences) is shared.

 

[scrapbunny]

Thanks LoveTink I was able to find the disneyland info in the disabilities forum and think I have what I need to make the best plan

 

[Midnightred]

Also what might be of interest to you is a book available called "Disneyland With Disabilities". This book does not have some of the brand new rides in it, but has some great information. It basically describes each ride, car, and how you wait and are seated in the car. I really like the packing list in this book, and some of the other advise. Just an idea!

Midnightred

 

[Disney Dreams]

I don't understand your question.

If your friend has a GAC and uses it, then she and five people with her can use whatever special accommodations her GAC indicates. That is up to the CM at City Hall based on what needs are described.

When you say you want to make sure you are "not relying on it for rides in DL," I guess I don't understand what she is using the GAC for then.

- confused -
Dreams

 

[Zbugz]

Our next trip will the first week of January, the first time I have gone when it is really busy. My friend going with us has a GAC with the wheelchair stamp. She really does need the GAC (would rather not get into a debate about GAC abuse or anything) but I want to make sure we are not relying on it for rides in DL. I am trying to plan out when to do different rides and I am wondering if there are certain rides that it is better to use the regular entrance in the morning and/or FP's and certain rides that it is better to use the GAC. Our group is my friend and I and my 3 kids ages 4 and 8 if that helps. This is the paper I'm using to figure out which rides have different entrances for GAC http://adisneyland.disney.go.com/media/dlr_v0200/en_US/help/Mobility_11192012.pdf

If you are using the WC entrances (exit) at DL, the FPs won't do you any good. Over at DCA FPs do help shorten the wait even with a wheelchair. GAC at POTC usually takes longer than the regular line.

 

[AnneUCSB]

I just got back from 4 days in the parks and I had a GAC. I also had an ECV but didn't ride it to all of the lines. I am able to get on and off the ECV and walk periodically (I just completed chemotherapy and have limited stamina). We used the GAC for all 7 members of my party ( my husband, my 3 kids and my parents) on every ride at both DLR and DCA. Why wouldn't you use it for every ride?

 

[scrapbunny]

Thanks Midnighted for the book suggestion, I will look into that one

What I mean Dreams is that I don't want to rely on the GAC entrance being the best way to get on the ride since it seems some rides it is actually better to use the standard entrance if you can walk on, like Zbugs posted about POTC. It is easier for my friend to move through a moving line than sit and wait on a bench for 30 minutes. This will be the first time we are going when it is really busy so I'm just trying to get any tips I can Hope that makes more sense

 

[scrapbunny]

AnneUCSB - My understanding is that there are different GAC's and the one my friend has is not good for every ride but is the same as if you use a wheelchair. I think we will just need to ask a few CM's some questions when we get to DL and DCA

Thanks for all the replies and help everyone