Wheelchair - GAC

[Tink316]

Ok, hopefully this isn't a dumb question, but really I don't know...

My DS11 has Down syndrome and has very low muscle tone which means he is unable to stand or walk for long periods of time (but he can do a little of both).
We are planning to rent a wheelchair for use during our WDW stay... In the past we had rented a special needs stroller for him and had gotten a GAC for the stroller to be used as a wheelchair. Now that he is older and bigger, we'll need a wheelchair...so for the crazy question...

Do I still need to get him a GAC for the wheelchair??

And one more thing if anyone knows, now that DS is older he does try to walk when he can (when the mood strikes); though he would not be able to stand in the lines for long periods of time...would a GAC help for him to be able to walk into an area where he could then sit somewhere and wait his turn for the ride. No way he could stand the entire time some rides may take (and we plan to get Fastpasses when we can).

Obviously, we would try to get him to sit in the wheelchair through most lines, but he can be very stubborn when he wants to so just trying to plan in advance for times he may insist on walking into the ride, but then tiring out and not being able to stand/walk until we can board the ride.

Any help/suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!!

 

[Piper]

There isn't any seating in the ride lines. Since most of the lines are mainstreamed, he can stay in his chair all the way to the boarding area. You should not need a GAC for that since Disney's answer to stamina problems is for the guest to use a WC or ECV.

 

[minnie mum]

Piper is right. You won't need a GAC. In addition, if your DS feels like he wants to walk for a while, may I suggest you just bring the w/c with you in the line. Trust me-some of the waits can be much longer than you think they'll be-especially if you end up in a pre-show area just after a show starts. No where to sit. If you have the chair with you, he'll be fine. If he still doesn't want to sit down YOU can!

 

[Tink316]

Piper is right. You won't need a GAC. In addition, if your DS feels like he wants to walk for a while, may I suggest you just bring the w/c with you in the line. Trust me-some of the waits can be much longer than you think they'll be-especially if you end up in a pre-show area just after a show starts. No where to sit. If you have the chair with you, he'll be fine. If he still doesn't want to sit down YOU can!

Doh! Of course, OBVIOUS answers to my "problem" ~ of course! bring the wc with us...and he can sit or walk when he wants. I feel a little silly, but wonder when I would have thought of that on my own?

Thanks!!

 

[minnie mum]

Hey, don't feel silly!! We've all been there at one time or another.
Even if we do occasionally poke a little fun, it's all done (I hope) with kindness.

As an aside- I always need a w/c in the parks, altough I manage with a cane at home. My DH has the "pleasure" of pushing me around every day. I remember one day last year when we were in Epcot. It was very late, after Illuminations, and we were on our way out when I asked him to stop so I could get a couple of night photos of some of the pavillions from WS Plaza. I got out of my chair to stand at a railing to take the photos. I must have spent about 10 minutes or so---apparently a little too long for DH. When I turned around, there he was in my chair SOUND ASLEEP!!
Poor guy. (Made a great photo though)

 

[SueM in MN]

Hey, don't feel silly!! We've all been there at one time or another.
Even if we do occasionally poke a little fun, it's all done (I hope) with kindness.

As an aside- I always need a w/c in the parks, altough I manage with a cane at home. My DH has the "pleasure" of pushing me around every day. I remember one day last year when we were in Epcot. It was very late, after Illuminations, and we were on our way out when I asked him to stop so I could get a couple of night photos of some of the pavillions from WS Plaza. I got out of my chair to stand at a railing to take the photos. I must have spent about 10 minutes or so---apparently a little too long for DH. When I turned around, there he was in my chair SOUND ASLEEP!!
Poor guy. (Made a great photo though)

LOL
Did he even know you took the picture or did you surprise him later with it??

Anyway, just posting to agree with the others.
The reason for needing a Guest Assistance Card or sticker with a stroller is that strollers are not allowed in line without one, so having one tells the CMs the stroller may be there.
Guests with wheelchairs/mobility devices don’t need a GAC unless they have additional needs besides needing the mobility device in line. CMs can see the mobility device and know that it can go in attractions.

As the others posted, with the wheelchair in line, he can choose to sit in it, choose to walk behind it or have someone else push it. Plus it would be available if he wants to sit since most attractions have no place to sit while waiting.