GAC Question About This Page:

[TinkerbellsBFF]

I've never had to have the GAC when we visited WDW before but in reading another post people have said it would be wise to get on. What exactly is it and do you need to bring documention with you from a doctor to get one? I would think someone in a wheelchair or scooter is obvious but you never know.

And can you call and get the guide for guests with disabilities mailed to you before you go?

[iamgrumpy]

I am not sure if they mail them but they do have the guide online for your viewing Guests With Needs | Plain Text | Walt Disney World Resort | Walt Disney World Resort which can help you plan ahead, then stop at Guest Services at the first park you go to they can give you a copy of the Maps for Guests with Disabilities.

In terms of the GAC, only you can know what your needs are and if they are in need of the GAC, WDW can not ask for a Dr's note due to Health Privacy Laws, but you can write down what you need for accommodations to assist you in accessing attractions and shows with the Mainstream. GAC's are not fastpasses and won't give you front of the line access but if you have a need that can not be accommodated with the main entrance, they will assist you in accessing the attraction and you may have to wait until that can happen. (i.e. It's a small world, the queue is not accessible for those in wheelchairs, so you are directed to the exit and you will have to wait until they have a boat that is ADA compliant available which may take longer since they only have a few of those boats). But in a line like Soarin where its been built ADA compliant, you would either need a fastpass, or you'd use the standard line.

Each GAC is personalized based on your needs, having them written down makes it easier to remember everything you may need one for and what would make it easier. So we can't say that in Every situation how you would access an attraction would be the same for each person. But having one does make it easier for CM's to know how to help you enjoy the attraction with as little hassle as possible.

Wheelchairs or Scooters tend not to need one as your need is visable, but there are times where having a GAC can make accessing an attraction easier.

If you haven't gotten it yet, or borrowed one from a library yet, I would recommend picking up a copy of the book Open Mouse by Deb Wills, and Debra Martin Koma PassPorter's Open Mouse for Walt Disney World and the Disney Cruise Line It has in depth info on how to tour WDW (and cruise line as well) with extra challenges.

Have a great trip!

[TinkerbellsBFF]

Thanks for help. We've done WDW before with a rented ECV because my DH could still walk and stand a good amount of time. Now since he's in a wheelchair for almost everything I didn't know if a GAC would be helpful or required this time. We didn't have any problems the last 4 times we've gone and all the cm's were great.

[taylan1]

You can get the Guests with Disabilities guides mailed to you. However, there might be minor differences if you get them way ahead of time. We had an attraction change the access and it differed from the guide. It was actually a better way than the guide stated which was great. Just be aware and you might want to pick up another guide when you get there.

[SueM loves WDW]

If you want to order the Guidebooks, do it way ahead of time. Some people I know ordered it only a month before and they came after the trip was over.

Also, when we went in late March 2009, the new version of the Guidebook for each park was actually a map. They were very much like the regular park maps, but had additional disability information. I don't know exactly when they started with those, but when we were at WDW in October 2008, they were not like that.

[taylan1]

Originally Posted by SueM loves WDW

If you want to order the Guidebooks, do it way ahead of time. Some people I know ordered it only a month before and they came after the trip was over.

Also, when we went in late March 2009, the new version of the Guidebook for each park was actually a map. They were very much like the regular park maps, but had additional disability information. I don't know exactly when they started with those, but when we were at WDW in October 2008, they were not like that.

They were not like that in December 2008 either. Must be a 2009 change. Just make sure you order at least 2 or 3 months ahead and it should be pretty up to date.