Will a GAC be of use to us?

[mom2taylorandemily]

Our DD has epilepsy but at present her seizures are controlled by Depakote. The meds tend to make her have mood swings and she tends to lack focus. Therefore, standing in line can be a hassle for us. Should we look into a GAC for her? Or should we just wing it and see what happens? We are going Dec. 2-8 and staying at POFQ. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[SueM in MN]

If you haven't already, you should check out the GAC (Guest Assistance Card) information in the disABILITIES FAQs thread.
The time you are going is not traditionally a very busy time, so you may find that the "waiting in line time" at that time of year is not very long.
Unless you have a pretty good idea what sorts of problems she might have an what sort of accomidations to ask for, I would probably just wing it and see what problems you encounter. You can always go to Guest Services and request one at any time during your trip; it doesn't have to be the first day of your trip.

 

[forr2grls]

Hi! Our dd age 7 has epilepsy also. we went when she was 4.we didnt get a gac right off,we should have.it could have prevented 1 seizure (out of two) while there.I will be definatley getting one right off this time around. We will be at pofq dec 7-14! If you have any more questions,please feel to pm me.

Paula

 

[SueM in MN]

it could have prevented 1 seizure (out of two) while there.

I'm curious of how you feel a GAC could have prevented a seizure (I guess, in other words, what kind of accomidation you got that you feel prevented a seizure).
Thanks in advance.

My DD usually does have at least one seizure while we are at WDW. The things that are most a problem are the changes in her normal schedule (like staying up later and maybe not getting medication on the same as normal schedule). Another thing to watch for is dehydration, since it lowers the seizure threashold.

For someone whose seizures are not controlled, getting a GAC right away might be more important (also making plans for what to do if a seizure occurs while in line/attractions, because that could happen whether or not you have a GAC). For someone whose seizures are well controlled, a GAC is probably not as important and/or they may not need one at all.

 

[ducklite]

I agree with Sue. My SIL's seizures are well controlled, and she didn't want/need/or use a GAC while we were at WDw during a faily busy time period.

To the OP--the GAC isn't a go to the front of the line pass. You will still ahve to wait--and often even longer should you shoose to use alternate entrances. In your case you would probably do better finding thigns to entertain her so the waits seemed shorter.

Also, not that it's my business, but have you talked to your doctor about the mood swings? My son ahd them while taking Depakote--what a nightmare, and after he was switched to Risperdol they greatly improved. He now takes a mood stabilizer as well, Topamax, and the mood swings have all but disappeared.

Anne

 

[stanncie]

Being in a shaded area could be one factor that contributes to preventing seizures. I understand that the GAC allows this. Many kids with seizures get them more frequently when they are exposed to bright sun and excessive heat. This is why many of the buses that transport disabled kids are required to have AC at all times here in Florida.

 

[ducklite]

Being in a shaded area could be one factor that contributes to preventing seizures. I understand that the GAC allows this. Many kids with seizures get them more frequently when they are exposed to bright sun and excessive heat. This is why many of the buses that transport disabled kids are required to have AC at all times here in Florida.

This is true, however it's been my experience that only about half of the attractions in the MK have a shaded waiting area. The use of fast passes would actually take care of that issue.

Also, in December heat isn't going to be an issue.

Anne

 

[SueM in MN]

Being in a shaded area could be one factor that contributes to preventing seizures. I understand that the GAC allows this. Many kids with seizures get them more frequently when they are exposed to bright sun and excessive heat. This is why many of the buses that transport disabled kids are required to have AC at all times here in Florida.

There is a GAC that says something to the effect of allowing for a "wait in a shaded area when the Mainstream queue is in the sun for a considerable length of time." People have posted mixed experience with that type of GAC. What the CM considers a considerable wait in time may not be the same as the holder of the GAC.
Luckily, most of the queues are covered and (according to what some WDW CMs have posted from time to time) some of the outdoor queues are even airconditioned. WDW does do a pretty good job of providing shaded areas for the queues, either by planting trees or by providing roofed areas.

Another helpful thing that I don't think has been mentioned is that the parks are cooler and also much less crowded if you can get there early in the morning (right after opening). My DD has too many needs to get to the parks early, but at least one day on our trips, my DH and other members of our party get to a park at opening. He and I have done this also on trips where we didn't have DD with us. By getting there early, you can avoid long waits in line. On a trip in July 2 yrs ago, DH and I rode everything (except Dumbo) in Fantasyland, Splash Mountain and Haunted Mansion before 11am (some more than once). On our trip this March during Spring break, DH, my nephew and older DD's fiance went to AK and MGM and rode EE (twice), TOT and Rock N Roller Coaster (twice) and were still back to our room at OKW before 11:30am.

 

[forr2grls]

SueM,
We were in toontown at the hall of fame,had been standing in line for atleast 45 minutes,really hot in line,she couldn't move around or sit down,just thinking if they had a "special" area for guests to sit,etc. Could not bring stroller in. ...we went into to the trip not knowing what to expect with my daughters seizures.We learned A LOT. like you said,the schedule being off,dehydration,and LOTS of breaks. I must say that the disney staff were Excellant in handling our issues and we feel very comfortable going back.
p.s. May i ask how old your daughter is?