[Towncar T]

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[tinkerbell]

GAC = Guest Assistance Card ..go by Guest services at any of the parks and get this card .. they will not require that you have any proof of disabilities. Explain the problem and present the card at the ride enterance ..your friend should use the FP return lines. One GAC is good for your entire stay at WDW.
the card will also let anyone in your friends party to stay with him.

[Amneris]

Wow, I never heard of a GAC before!!
We always have an ECV which my parents -- each has a differing mobility problem -- take turns with. Disney has changed their policy. Three years ago, you'd get immediate access to any ride. Now they have changed it so that the vast majority of the time you do have to stand in line and wait. As far as I can tell, there is no rhyme/reason/pattern to which rides they let you on specially and which ones you have to wait in line for. I know you said that your friend just had a cane, but with the VASTNESS of the parks, you might want to consider renting a wheelchair or ECV. We often leave the ECV parked outside shops or restaurants without any problems, so your friend wouldn't have to feel compeltely encumbered by it - he wouldn't become "wheel chair bound" on the trip. Without a wheelchair/ECV, I don't know of any special consideration that is possible to be given -- except for this GAC of which I know nothing but sounds like it would work! :)

[Amneris]

BTW, tinkerbell, can you post more information on this GAC or direct me to a website which explains it??? I don't remember ever hearing about it from the Disney disability portion of their website or the guests with disability Disney brochure. This sounds like it might be the thing we need too. thanks! :)

[MickeyRon]

Originally posted by tinkerbell
GAC = Guest Assistance Card ..go by Guest services at any of the parks and get this card .. they will not require that you have any proof of disabilities. Explain the problem and present the card at the ride enterance ..your friend should use the FP return lines. One GAC is good for your entire stay at WDW.
the card will also let anyone in your friends party to stay with him.

That is sooo Disney... How awesome!

[tinkerbell]

Originally posted by Amneris
Now they have changed it so that the vast majority of the time you do have to stand in line and wait.

They will not make you stand and wait if you are not able to stand for very long..they will find you a place to sit and wait if the need is there. Disney has tried as much as possible to "mainstream" those with special needs, but all you need to do is present your GAC to the first CM or host you see at a ride enterance and explain your problem. In most cases you will go right through FP using the GAC.

[tinkerbell]

Originally posted by Amneris
BTW, tinkerbell, can you post more information on this GAC or direct me to a website which explains it??? I don't remember ever hearing about it from the Disney disability portion of their website or the guests with disability Disney brochure. This sounds like it might be the thing we need too. thanks! :)

one of the best about the GAC .. everything you need to know :)
http://pixiedustinn.com/disabilitiesfaq/GACFAQ.html

[Amneris]

thanks for the GAC link! I read the page, but now I'm more confused than ever! First it sounds like it is something my parents need -- mobility issues. Then it sounds like it isn't -- autism etc. Then it sounds like it is -- if you leave the ECV somewhere else do need one. BUT then it sound like it isn't -- because if you leave the ECV somewhere you need the GAC TO get handicapped seating. Huh??? If you need special seating HOW could you have left an aid outside the ride??? I'm totally lost. My parents can not walk for great distances, or stand for long. My dad has a knee problem which surgery has not fixed, and my mother has very bad arthrithis that makes going to the mall often a no-no. We rent an ECV, and they walk some and ride some, depending on whose condition is bothering them the most at the time. Often we park it near a ride if there isn't a lot of waiting involved and/or when negotiating through the queque with the ECV would be difficult. So DO we need/qualify for a GAC or not????? (I have an ankle injury that prevents me from standing long, but I just sit on the floor or pavement ... and look pretty stupid doing it as I'm not six. :) Aren't we a great bunch?? LOL! :) )

[tinkerbell]

Amneris let me try and explain our experience and maybe that will help you.

My husband has MS. one of his biggest problems other then fatique is lack of balance. he stumbles like someone that is drunk. he can use a cane to help with balance and does but the fatique caused by MS is a real problem too, add to that heat effects MS symtoms making them much worse. he used his electric w/c at WDW. the CM would ask him at most rides if he could get from the w/c to the ride, which he could using his cane. the only challenges were the moving walk ways but they gave him the time he needed. in some cases such as HM he was allowed to stay in his w/c up to a point (a back enterance) on the Jungle cruise they have a boat equiped for w/c and evc's .. on the back lot tour and the safari he was able to ride with out getting out of his w/c.
at each ride the CM should ask what your needs are, can you transfer from the EVC or w/c to the ride. I recommend that you get the GAC. Explain why you need the GAC when you get it at Guest Services and simply explain when needed to the CM's at the rides/attractions/shows. I think getting the GAC helps prevent any misunderstandings.
My husband always used his cane for transfering from his w/c to the ride and always left his chair outside resturaunts.
One other thing .. some CM's maybe confused because they are new ..so you must make your needs sometimes very clear to the CM at the ride. some rides have you transfer from an EVC or electric w/c to a manual w/ch (Pirates is one of these) so that your not walking that long stretch. the manaul chair will be folded and be at the end of the ride.
your best bet is to get the GAC and use it when you feel the need.