Would a GAC do us any good? (Down syndrome)

[kmgt]

We are heading to Disney at the end of the month for our first trip with our kids.

Our 5yo son has Down syndrome. He can walk very well, however gets tired out easily and also has problems with overheating in the sun. I'm assuming, at the end of March, it won't be too hot for him though.

We plan to take our stroller, so would getting a GAC help us be able to use the stroller in line? Or could we do that without having a GAC anyway? Will the GAC let us sit in the wheelchair section if he needs to stay in his stroller?

Also, if I were to have the GAC for overheating issues, how does that work? If available, they'd give us a shaded place to wait right? Would we be "remembered" and take on the ride or into the show in a decent amount of time or will we be forgotten, off to the side like that?

 

[Mrsjvb]

the GAC can be used to designate the stroller as Wheelchair so you can bring it into line and use it in handicapped areas.

not sure on the alternate waiting.. most lines are covered up for the most part anyway.

use Fast Pass to mitigate the waiting or long line issues.

 

[KPeveler]

Yes, you MUST have a GAC to bring the stroller into any attraction queue or even into some buildings. (without, you would have to park at the bottom of the hill outside the land pavilion, and walk all the way in)

With the GAC/tag you will be able to take the stroller into lines and shows. You will be able to use wheelchair seating with the stroller.

I would definitely make guest services your first stop and get a GAC (with a tag for your stroller)

 

[GraceLuvsWDW]

Yes, I highly recommend the use of the GAC for your 5yo. They will also allow you a stroller as a wheelchair card/sticker that will allow the use of the stroller at all times (except to transfer into ride vehicles).

I highly suggest use of Fastpasses as much as possible as this is the only way to really shorten wait times. There won't be a shaded place to wait with use of the GAC in all situations so I recommend the use of a sun visor/canopy on the stroller.

Somtimes the GAC use can lengthen your wait time on rides so you just have to play it by ear and see. Usually, if the waits are 20 minutes or less, we just use the regular queue with the stroller (if possible). Some rides will have a WC line and on those rides you would need to use that line if you are going to stay in the stroller all the way through to the ride. Many times, you can park the stroller and get in line with minimal wait, depending on when you are going.

I suggest going to Guest Relations in the first park you visit, explain to them what you wrote above and see what they will do to accommodate you!

Have a great trip!

 

[christymarie]

I agree with the PP about the stroller as a wheelchair sticker. It make it so much easier to stay in line.

As far as the heating issue we found having a sunshade invaluable. I'm not sure what type of stroller you have or if it has a sunshade but even buying a clip on umbrella type sunshade will help.

We found we had more sun and heating issues walking around than waiting in lines. Most of the lines are under covering with only a few exceptions. If you have a covering that helps with those few lines as well.

I hope this helps.

 

[jmartinez1895]

They will give you a sticker for your stroller as well as a GAC. Be sure to have the GAC with the stroller at all times. Even with the sticker we still had to show our card at almost every line so having it ready is very helpful. As for a waiting are, just explain to the CMs at guest services what you are needing. They are great about helping out. Our son has heat intolerance and using a cooling vest. We purchased on online and it has been a great help. You might want to look into getting one.

 

[ssawka]

Yes, yes, yes! Get the GAC. DD also has DS and we get one everytime we go. First, as PPs have said you will need it to use the stroller as a wheel chair. Second, some of the queue areas are outside and take quite a bit of stamina and patience. More then DD can muster.

 

[SueM in MN]

If you have not read it yet, I would suggest you read post #6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread about the GAC. You can find the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature to get there.

Most queues are covered quite well, so you will mostly not be in the sun in the queues.
Epcot has queues for most attractions actually inside. AK has the most attractions or queues that are outside. Many people have commented that AK feels hotter than the other parks, so we usually watch the weather and save AK for one of the cooler days on our trips.

 

[jmartinez1895]

I agree taht a GAC would be a great help for you. Our son is six and we use his stroller as a wheel chair. OUr stroller has a canopy on it that we can use to block some of the sun as well.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Also, for the heat: look for a battery-operated fan that can clip onto the sunshade of the stroller. Some come with a 'misting' option, or you can get a separate misting fan/water bottle at Walgreen's, CVS, Walmart, etc., for a LOT less than what Disney would charge. Fill it with ice and water in the morning and spray your son periodically as needed - distance depends on his tolerance. Bring a tiny screwdriver (said the voice of experience ) And plenty of batteries.

 

[WeLoveToyStory]

My son also has DS and we did the GAC card last year for him to use his stroller as a wheelchair. What a lifesaver it is! He tends to sometimes just need time to chill out so it was nice that he could stay in his stroller and put his canopy over himself and chill out away from others when needed and we didn't have to lug him through lines. I also recommend using FP whenever possible as well.

We went to a local amusement park a few months after our Disney trip and it was just horrible trying to have him wait in line...he didn't want to stand and would just plop down in front of people, or he wanted held which is fine for a few minutes since he is on the small side for his age, and he didn't have his security spot (stroller) so would get apprehensive about the ride he was getting ready to get on. So, totally recommend teh GAC!

Hydration is very important. Our son overheats easily too and we have noticed he just does not sweat like most people, turns bright red instead which alarms us and other around us. However, he has a g-tube and we can hydrate him as needed whether he wants it or not. We also took a small softsided lunch bag with us each day to keep our bottled water cool and each morning I wet a washcloth and put it in our fridge while we got ready then slipped it into a baggie and put in our bag. Then during the day when he was getting hot (or another family member) we would wipe his face down and his neck.

 

[cheerforchelsea]

We had a GAC card last June for 2 different family members. One card was for no sun exposure and the other person had severe overheating issues. The 2 family members with the GAC card were allowed to wait in a shaded area while the rest of us waited in the normal line - they joined us when we were shaded. My DD was on some medication at the time that made her unable to sweat and was so miserable with the overheating issues that she flew home after 3 days.....she simply could not take the heat and the shaded area was not cool enough to keep her from getting sick. Best of luck!!!