Will GAC help us?

[jhdm]

Last year my husband was diagnosed with brain cancer (GBM). The prognosis is one to three years. In an effort to help us make some lasting memories, some friends of ours are sending us to WDW the week before Christmas. We will be staying at a time share that is closer to Universal than Disney so afternoon naps may be out. We have one 11yr old daughter who is very excited about the whole experience. I wanted to know if there would be any benefit for us to get a Guest Assistance Card. My husband has had radiation, two surgerys and is on an oral Chemo every other week that makes him very tired. A few years ago he would have been dragging us around the park, but now he doesn't have the stamina to handle long lines for hours on end. So far he seems to be okay with walking and we have already begun walking each morning to build up our leg muscles. A friend suggested we get a note from his doctor and get a GAC. How would that help us exactly?

 

[Happy Dreams1]

A GAC, first of all, is not a front of the line pass, just to make that clear. i know you weren't thinking that. A GAC lets guests who need special accomadation while waiting in line and may be held in a seperate waiting area-away from the line- that is less stressful. This becomes very handy with your husband's condition, especially stamina issues. Also, you don't need a doctor's note.

 

[Piper]

Disney's answer to stamina problems is for you to use a wheelchair or ECV. There are some off-site places to get both. Look in the FAQs at the top of this thread for lots and lots of information.

BTW--you don't need a doctor's note for a GAC. You just need to tell the CM what the issues are and how you can be helped.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

I agree that you may want to be open to a wheelchair or ECV. Even a Rollator, which is kind of like a walker but has a small seat on it, may be beneficial. Once you're in a line, there's really no place to sit or rest. You're also going at a rather busy time of year which is going to mean a lot of time in line. To my knowledge, a GAC is intended more for people who say..can't climb stairs that may be in a ride queue, or that need more time in boarding a ride vehicle or that need a ride stopped, or people who need to wait in a place out of the sun (which most queues are). I'm not sure that a GAC will do much for you, but I'm sure Sue and Kate will be around soon.

 

[KPeveler]

A GAC is not designed to shorten wait times, and is really not helpful for stamina-related problems.

I agree that a wheelchair or ECV may be really helpful. A GAC will not help with many things, including restaurants, character lines, fireworks, parades, some shows, street entertainment, buses, trams, and really anything other than attractions. A wheelchair can be pushed empty when he is okay with walking, and then he can sit when he needs a break.

Also, planning may be your biggest ally. A touring plan can help you avoid crowds and long waits. A seated meal in the middle of the day can give you a good break. Getting to parades and fireworks early means you can sit and relax for a bit.

First aid stations in each park have a quiet place to lay down if it gets to be too much for him.

 

[SueM in MN]

Post #6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread is all about Guest Assistance Cards. You can find that thread near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature.

He will need to go to Guest Relations in any of the parks and explain his needs. Whether or not he ultimately gets a GAC, I agree with the other posters that he will need some type of mobility device (wheelchair, ECV, rollator).
A GAC will provide assistance with his needs, but does not mean no waits and usually will not shorten the distance walked - which can be very long in some ride queues (Soarin' is 1/4 mile from entrance to boarding and an equal distance back out again).
As others mentioned, you are going at a busy time and a GAC will not help outside of attraction. That is where a good touring plan will be very helpful. Some people have posted that using TourGuide Mike allowed them to tour at Christmas time with very minimal waits (less than 15 minutes) for things that would have been long waits if they had not had the insight into where to be that TOurGuide Mike gave.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

Ha, I was right. I knew you two would be around before the end of the night.

 

[cm8]

Last year my husband was diagnosed with brain cancer (GBM). The prognosis is one to three years. In an effort to help us make some lasting memories, some friends of ours are sending us to WDW the week before Christmas. We will be staying at a time share that is closer to Universal than Disney so afternoon naps may be out. We have one 11yr old daughter who is very excited about the whole experience. I wanted to know if there would be any benefit for us to get a Guest Assistance Card. My husband has had radiation, two surgery's and is on an oral Chemo every other week that makes him very tired. A few years ago he would have been dragging us around the park, but now he doesn't have the stamina to handle long lines for hours on end. So far he seems to be okay with walking and we have already begun walking each morning to build up our leg muscles. A friend suggested we get a note from his doctor and get a GAC. How would that help us exactly?

, I hope that your family have the time of your lives while there

 

[dclfun]

I also hope you have a wonderful trip! I would strongly encourage your husband to use a wheelchair or scooter during your trip to save his energy. There is alot of walking involved in touring the parks and no way to bypass the queue lines, so remaining seated will be helpful. As was mentioned, he can rest in First Aid on a cot if he needs to nap or just lie down for awhile.---Kathy