Would a GAC be a good Idea?

[creativeamanda]

Long story short, my dd11 had asthma, specifically exercise-induced asthma. She also has issues with being able to stand a lot--she is in occupational therapy in school because it affects her writing.

We've never done the GAC because she has not had many problems. Until this year. She is tiring more easily and has had more asthma attacks than in previous years. I'm wondering if this is something I should use a GAC for and if so, what do I have to do? Do I just go to guest services? Do I need a copy of her IEP and 504 plans (IEP for the OT, 504 for her medical issues)?

Thanks!

 

[SueM in MN]

If you follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES FAQs thread, you will find that post 6 of that thread should be able to answer all your questions about GACs. You don't need any proof, but you do need to be able to explain the needs and WDW needs to have some accommodation to fit those needs.

It's hard to say whether a Guest Assistance Card will help in your situation or not. Concerns about stamina to stand inmlines is something that WDW generally recommends getting a wheelchair for.

The reasons are that the walking and standing in line are only a part of a day at WDW. The GAC doesn't shorten the distance you walk and there are quite A few situations where you have to stand - for example in the preshow areas for most shows. There is a link in post #3 that talks about attractions where you have to wait with no place to stand.

You may find that using a good touring plan would help you more than a GAC. Many people have posted that they were able to never have to wait more than 10 minutes while using Ridemax or TourGuide Mike. Both of those can help you know where and when to go in the park to avoid crowds. That helps with your wait for attractions and also other places like restaurants.
Even during a busy time like Spring break, it is possible to see most of the Fantasyland attractions at MK (some more than once) with no more than a 10 minute wait if you get the park at opening.

 

[maciemouse]

I would def. try to rent a wheel chair for her. If not, get a stroller. Whatever she is most comfortable with. We got a GAC card for my daughter (4) when she was confined to a wheel chair with a broken leg. They were very nice. They gave me the GAC card. We did have special entrances for some rides, and some rides we went in the same line. I will say that it was not an "easy" experience. But that was not Disney's fault. It was just a lot of work loading and unloading. I think Disney will do whatever they can to make your trip magical. I did not even have my daughter at Guest services with me when I got her card. I did not have to show any proof. They were very nice. Good luck and have fun. Do what you think is going to be best for your daughter.

 

[creativeamanda]

I usually use a touring plan and rarely have to wait, but it seems that heat exacerbates asthma attacks for her. We're going in June and my concerns are lines with packed crowds in the heat after she has walked. That seems to be the key for an asthma attack for her.

I do not think she needs a wheelchair, but I do not want her to have an asthma attack in line.

 

[KPeveler]

I usually use a touring plan and rarely have to wait, but it seems that heat exacerbates asthma attacks for her. We're going in June and my concerns are lines with packed crowds in the heat after she has walked. That seems to be the key for an asthma attack for her.

I do not think she needs a wheelchair, but I do not want her to have an asthma attack in line.

There is no GAC that will get you out of a line. A GAC may put you in a different line, or at least standing in the shade waiting for a ride, but even with a GAC (i use one), you will still be in lines. And the distance walked will be the same. I am really not sure how a GAC will help.

 

[creativeamanda]

I was thinking of the option of an air-conditioned line. Not asking to skip lines. Just asking when available that we wait in air conditioing so we don't spend half of our trip in either the ER or in the room. She's had 2 this month alone because of exercising and then going into an overheated room. A wheelchair won't help that.

 

[tiggspring]

I got one last year and because the lines were so short and great planning I didnt need it. That being said I would get it. Once you have it you never know what they may be able to do to help you in a pinch. If you dont have it then they will be less able to help you even if they want to.

I used ride max and it cut down on walking and standing in line a great deal. Also there are several phone apps that will tell you wait times and fast pass retrun times. This may help you plan better for the times during the day that are most likely to cause an attack. Good luck!

 

[KPeveler]

I was thinking of the option of an air-conditioned line. Not asking to skip lines. Just asking when available that we wait in air conditioing so we don't spend half of our trip in either the ER or in the room. She's had 2 this month alone because of exercising and then going into an overheated room. A wheelchair won't help that.

I( am pretty sure that you can get a GAC which allows you to wait out of the sun. I am not sure there is one that says "AC" on it - if AC is available, generally you are in it.

Ask Guest Relations and see what they can do for you... its always worth asking

 

[Mary976]

My DD has severe asthma and has lots of triggers. I will say that if yours has an attack in line, try to let a CM know as you are leaving, and sometimes they can give you a fastpass so you don't have to wait next time. Mine has a portable neb and has used it in line, so that might be an option for you. We have also worked with her pulmonologist on inhaler options, so she has both albuterol and Combivent as rescue options (Combivent is the same med as in DuoNeb).

A lot of rides (most?) at Epcot are indoors, so that would be fine. I think MK might be the hardest. We always try to use fastpass and then we go to first aid or duck into a shop or restaurant if DD has trouble. We'll start early in the AM to get the short lines, or else we do the "vampire" touring plan and stay late, because it's cooler after dark. As previously mentioned, I don't know that there a lot of separate waiting areas that are air conditioned, but it wouldn't hurt to ask.

Good luck!
Mary

 

[Schmeck]

I was thinking of the option of an air-conditioned line. Not asking to skip lines. Just asking when available that we wait in air conditioing so we don't spend half of our trip in either the ER or in the room. She's had 2 this month alone because of exercising and then going into an overheated room. A wheelchair won't help that.

Walking is exercising, so using a wheelchair will diminish half of the trigger for an attack. Most of the queues are inside, so there's no overheated room to worry about. There is a lot of walking outside in between the AC though, and that's where the wheelchair will help the most.

It seems to me that you just don't want her to use a wheelchair?

 

[creativeamanda]

No I don't want her to use a wheelchair. Her therapist does not, either. She is capable of walking, and if it's not so hot, she's fine.

Mods, you can close this thread. I got my answer.

 

[SueM in MN]

Closing at OP's request.

 

[SueM in MN]

I would def. try to rent a wheel chair for her. If not, get a stroller. Whatever she is most comfortable with. We got a GAC card for my daughter (4) when she was confined to a wheel chair with a broken leg. They were very nice. They gave me the GAC card. We did have special entrances for some rides, and some rides we went in the same line. I will say that it was not an "easy" experience. But that was not Disney's fault. It was just a lot of work loading and unloading. I think Disney will do whatever they can to make your trip magical. I did not even have my daughter at Guest services with me when I got her card. I did not have to show any proof. They were very nice. Good luck and have fun. Do what you think is going to be best for your daughter.

Just wanted to point out - even though this poster's experience was that they were able to get a GAC without the child being there, that is not usual.

Others have posted that when they tried to get a GAC without the person being there, they were told that was not possible and had to get the person and come back.
CMs who work in Guest Relations have also posted in the past and sent me PMs indicating the person the GAC is being given for must be there when the request is made, according to WDW policies.

So, bring the person with you to Guest Relations when requesting a GAC.