What attitidues/stares am I going to run into...

[ILoveMyGirls]

I'm so sorry for you that you have had to endure this. Just as I thought I will get comments too. Given that I am fat will make people think "she should get up and walk then maybe she could lose some weight" but little do they know is that I became fat after not being able to move well. I was a size 8 before my disability. I'm going to try and ignore the ignorance of people in our society. These types of people sicken me as they have no clue what it is like to be in chronic pain and lose the ability to even try and stand up to walk a few feet.

And I wanted to chime in about the looks or comments.......

I have one of those "invisible disabilites" called Syringomyelia, although I can get up and walk and talk and look "normal" my spinal cord has a syrinx (a blockage) that is 82% wide in my cervical spinal cord. Although I "look normal" I have no feeling portions of my left arm or my right leg, I cant control temperature and have uncontrollable spasms in my legs, that actually are so severe and sharp, I scream out in pain like I have Tourettes.

With this being said, I have heard the humming and hawing of somebody feeling like they are getting jipped becasue they have been waiting for the bus home and they load you first. I have heard those wating on line for Soaring as I am wheeling down in my scooter past them since I cant walk that far. I have heard the "she is faking" when I get out of my scooter and walk to load on a ride.

Remember this: YOU KNOW YOUR LIMITATIONS, and if it make YOUR trip that YOU paid for, those traveling with you able to enjoy YOUR company with YOU not being in pain, who cares what the comments or dirty looks are? This is YOUR trip and you will NOT see any of these people again. And even if you did in real life, somebody who would give you a comment or a dirty look, would you want to be friends with anyway? Do what is right for you to have the best time you can. ALL the money, planning and excitement should not be ruined by those people. Have a great time and keep your head held high

 

[SueM in MN]

Most people will be nice.
It's the nasty comments that stay with you, but there will be more nice or neutral things than nasty ones.

And, there will be people who will judge. I've writtten about this situation before, but for those who have not seen it:
One day in Epcot, my youngest DD and I were sitting on a bench in Germany, looking out at the water while we waited for my husband to come back with a pretzel for DD. Her wheelchair was parked next to the bench. She had her legs crossed and was swinging her top leg.
While we sat there, 2 men came by and one of them said, "There's another one of those cheaters. I hate it when people get wheelchairs just to get ahead in line." He said it loud enough and aimed it at us.

All he saw was a person sitting on a bench, swinging her leg and from that concluded that the wheelchair was not needed.
What he didn't see was how she got onto the bench - my husband and I lifted her because she can't walk by herself and can't even stand up by herself. She can swing her leg, but to get it up crossed over her other leg, she either has to have someone lift her leg for her or she has to reach over (carefully, so she doesn't tip herself off the bench onto her nose)and grab her sock so that she can get her leg crossed.

So, there are some people like that who will see something and think nasty things. But, for each of those, we have had at least 10 nice ones who tell us not to hurry, or who hold a door open for us or ask if we need help carrying our tray at a restaurant.

 

[lovetoscrap]

Yup some battery operated christmas lights an iPod with battery operated speakers in the basket and the recording of SpectroMagic and your a float from Spectro for MNSSHP

I hope you're just being playful. My DD24 would disown me if I added sound to my scooter decorations. Just suggesting things that might create a friendly invitation to conversation between the able-bodied and those who use wheeled equipment. Clearly, a gap exists there.

I LOVE that idea! I hadn't thought to add sound!

I am so disappointed that I didn't think to take pictures but several years ago at Christmas when I was still in a Cam Walker I decided it needed more pizazz for the holiday. I got a string of battery operated lights and wrapped it all around the boot and across the top of my foot. I pinned a small Christmas Stocking (meant for a gift card) to the top of the boot and put the battery pack in there. I also got one of those giant stockings and pinned it to the back of my seat and we used it instead of a bag to keep stuff in. I was quite a site on my scooter with my self lit up, in addition to the lights on my wheels.

Then I had a friend that sews adapt the giant fuzzy stocking and another large stocking I had found covered in red sequins so I could attach them around the Cam Walker. I was quite festive at all the holiday parties!

 

[ILoveMyGirls]

i'm glad you came in to the thread. i am overweight and have been disabled since i wasn't overweight. i am 50 years old, disabled since 35. i'm going to rent one off of the disney site. i'm going to do what one of the posters said and have a good attitude and have a blast. if i try to walk we will be there less than one hour due to me not being able to walk. i am glad i found this board too.

to those who don't think someone has a disability because they don't look like it, think again, as i don't look like i have one until you see me get up and try to walk.

I promise I am not trying to hijack this thread at all, but I've gotta say that I am very happy that the OP posted this question. I've been worrying about the same thing. Especially coming in from another thread where people on EVCs were being blamed for some pretty strange things, I feel like they are something people get REALLY worked up about- and I honestly don't understand why! Just because someone doesn't "look" sick doesn't mean that they're being lazy by wanting to make their vacation as pain-free as possible!

I'm really, really thankful that I've found this place. This community of people has really helped me.

To the OP- Sorry for the brief hijack- but I hope you enjoy your time!!

 

[ILoveMyGirls]

Thanks for all of this advice. What is a "GAC"?

I have been using an ECV for going on 4 years of going to Disney and I am 28 so the age part, yeah I get some stares but its only people who do not understand what may be wrong with you mostly. I have never had anyone be RUDE to me actually as a "normal" person thank goodness. Just a few flubs on the ride which I will get to in a moment.

I use one also at places like Walmart and the grocery store etc and I dont care if I see someone I know, most just dont even mention it.

Now we go to the crowd factor as I call it. I LOVE Disney as much as the next person but I have noticed the deer in headlight look from a lot of people as they walk around and I just laugh it off. The place is amazing so I give them a little slack in their "lost and dazed" walk. I really do wish people could find a way to look where they walk though and not to their side.

I would tell you first off do NOT worry about people looking at you, trust me, with so many people in carts you are NOT the one they really are looking at. There is so much COOL stuff around to gaze at and even if you are as pretty/handsome as a Hollywood movie star most people are busy looking for Mickey's and/or hidden Mickeys

I have always used the rule of leaving 2 or 3 person lengths in front of me when I drive so that the unexpected stop leaves me room to react. That is only challenged when (usually teenagers I've noticed) will jump in front of you so that they can get through faster. The jumpers will be a problem because as much as I hate it, I have only ever hit ONE person who just did not leave me any room. This woman was in her 80s though and I felt REALLY bad and told her I was so sorry multiple times but I had witnesses who assured me it was not my fault. I thank goodness for people with an outside perspective. She jumped in front of me and then it happened, I only caught the back of her foot before I stopped and she did not fall which I was thankful for. Her husband proceeded to cuss me ought, which is why outside witnesses stepped in to assure it was not done because of me being a reckless driver. I gave you that story to just give you a little of what can happen.

I will assure you that most of the CM for rides will be very happy and understanding, and even though the FAQ says you do not need the GAC, I have been ASKED for it multiple times even while on my scooter before I could pass.

The rides I can tell you from experience that may cause you some stride will be Space Mountain and PoTC. Both of those were not built with an "on stage" access for safe entry with an ECV. You will however be welcome to change to a WC if someone can push you. My problem is I have no one who can push me in and I had to have a CM walk me a much shorter access back stage to PoTC and well Space Mountain they just let me ride the ECV up into the ride but bad news there, there is VERY tight walkways and there is no "way out" that any manager could tell me so I had to have someone escort me down the fast pass line side I came up on. That worked fine till someone with a stroller was coming up and I could NOT let them pass by me because of the small ramp. They had to halt traffic on that side till I got out but it only took about 3-4 mins. Man that was one heck of a trip!

Also the HM ride, they seem to now want you to go through the normal queue then stop at the handicapped banner on a chain. I always used to just enter in the exit side and go in through the "Servants Quarters" then found it it is MUCH easier to just get on the ride at the exit side and you go around to where the other people load on. You even get to go through the "unthemed" back part where most people are already off. That part is fun for me lol.

As for rides, that is about the only extra advice of what usually puts a tiny hitch in the experience for me but everyone else's experience will be different.

I also will make an honorable mention that people with strollers in general and people who let their children walk in front or behind them unwatched will be hard because kids will walk right into your cart if you give them the chance. Since I do not expect kids to know better I stop the art and let them keep walking until they are just about to run into me then make sure they and their parents notice me and what "almost" happened. I do not see this as rude because I do not cause a scene or put down the child or endanger them in any way. I just want the parents to see why its SO important to watch their children! More times than I would like, people with strollers will jump in front like teenagers seem to do.

 

[aimay73]

Thanks for all of this advice. What is a "GAC"?

I had to look this up as I didn't know what GAC was either... This is what I found..

"Disney's Guest Assistance Cards help guests with disabilities and special needs tour the Walt Disney World and Disneyland theme parks.


Disney guests with disabilities or special needs may request a Guest Assistance Card (GAC) for the theme parks. A GAC helps cast members identify what assistance a guest may need to enjoy, if available, the theme-park attractions at Walt Disney World and Disneyland.

Disney’s GAC enables the guest and up to five companions to tour an attraction. Examples of services a GAC can provide, which varies by attraction and availability: special entrances and exits; use of a stroller as a wheelchair; alternate boarding or disembarking locations; access to quiet spots or waiting areas; and close seating for shows.

Guests show the GAC to the first cast member at each attraction, who will then provide directions or ask further questions.

Who Is Eligible for a Disney Guest Assistance Card?
Anyone with a disability or special needs is eligible for a GAC. Guest Relations issues GACs with different stamps to let cast members know what type of assistance is required. Disney doesn’t and can’t require a doctor’s letter or other proof of a disability – the Americans with Disabilities Act ensures this.

As Deb Wills and Debra Martin Koma note, in PassPorter’s Open Mouse for Walt Disney World and the Disney Cruise Line, a Disney GAC card is generally intended for guests with “invisible,” or non-apparent, disabilities. It is not necessary for guests with visible, or obvious, disabilities, such as those who use wheelchairs or ECVs (Electric Convenience Vehicles).


Read more at Suite101: Disney's Guest Assistance Card (GAC): Walt Disney World and Disneyland for Guests With Disabilities http://accessible-travel-attractions.suite101.com/article.cfm/disneys-guest-assistance-card-gac#ixzz0rBLeXpoh"

I fit into the "invisible disability" catagory, as well as being overweight too. I had a total hip replacement when I was 30yrs (I'm 36 now). Last year my husband and I went to WDW together for the first time, and I tried toughing it out for the first few days by walking everywhere. By the 3rd day I was miserable, my feet were swelling, and we would have to stop quite often because my hip just couldn't take the constant walking anymore. We decided to rent a wheelchair for the rest of the trip and I had a wonderful time the rest of our vacation. I was a little worried about the stares and comments at first, especially since I am able to get out of the chair by myself to get on the rides, but I quickly forgot about that and wondered why we didn't get the wheelchair to begin with! We're going to WDW again this December and I plan on getting the wheelchair at the beginning of our trip so I'll enjoy every minute this time around.

 

[KPeveler]

Something you may read on other sites about the GAC which simply is not true is that it lets you skip lines. Just wanted people to know that the GAC is NOT intended to shorten wait times. In fact, it says it on the card itself.

It can definitely help people with invisible disabilities (I get a GAC and use a wheelchair), but people should NOT plan on it shortening their wait times at all.

 

[ILoveMyGirls]

I had no clue this was available. Last year I was down there and tried to take my girls by myself. We had to leave the park within an hour of getting there as I could not do it as the lines were too long. Thank you so much for letting me know this. This is the most valuable and helpful info. for me. Thank you so much.

I had to look this up as I didn't know what GAC was either... This is what I found..

"Disney's Guest Assistance Cards help guests with disabilities and special needs tour the Walt Disney World and Disneyland theme parks.


Disney guests with disabilities or special needs may request a Guest Assistance Card (GAC) for the theme parks. A GAC helps cast members identify what assistance a guest may need to enjoy, if available, the theme-park attractions at Walt Disney World and Disneyland.

Disney’s GAC enables the guest and up to five companions to tour an attraction. Examples of services a GAC can provide, which varies by attraction and availability: special entrances and exits; use of a stroller as a wheelchair; alternate boarding or disembarking locations; access to quiet spots or waiting areas; and close seating for shows.

Guests show the GAC to the first cast member at each attraction, who will then provide directions or ask further questions.

Who Is Eligible for a Disney Guest Assistance Card?
Anyone with a disability or special needs is eligible for a GAC. Guest Relations issues GACs with different stamps to let cast members know what type of assistance is required. Disney doesn’t and can’t require a doctor’s letter or other proof of a disability – the Americans with Disabilities Act ensures this.

As Deb Wills and Debra Martin Koma note, in PassPorter’s Open Mouse for Walt Disney World and the Disney Cruise Line, a Disney GAC card is generally intended for guests with “invisible,” or non-apparent, disabilities. It is not necessary for guests with visible, or obvious, disabilities, such as those who use wheelchairs or ECVs (Electric Convenience Vehicles).


Read more at Suite101: Disney's Guest Assistance Card (GAC): Walt Disney World and Disneyland for Guests With Disabilities http://accessible-travel-attractions.suite101.com/article.cfm/disneys-guest-assistance-card-gac#ixzz0rBLeXpoh"

I fit into the "invisible disability" catagory, as well as being overweight too. I had a total hip replacement when I was 30yrs (I'm 36 now). Last year my husband and I went to WDW together for the first time, and I tried toughing it out for the first few days by walking everywhere. By the 3rd day I was miserable, my feet were swelling, and we would have to stop quite often because my hip just couldn't take the constant walking anymore. We decided to rent a wheelchair for the rest of the trip and I had a wonderful time the rest of our vacation. I was a little worried about the stares and comments at first, especially since I am able to get out of the chair by myself to get on the rides, but I quickly forgot about that and wondered why we didn't get the wheelchair to begin with! We're going to WDW again this December and I plan on getting the wheelchair at the beginning of our trip so I'll enjoy every minute this time around.

 

[ILoveMyGirls]

How does it help us then?

Something you may read on other sites about the GAC which simply is not true is that it lets you skip lines. Just wanted people to know that the GAC is NOT intended to shorten wait times. In fact, it says it on the card itself.

It can definitely help people with invisible disabilities (I get a GAC and use a wheelchair), but people should NOT plan on it shortening their wait times at all.

 

[KPeveler]

How does it help us then?

The GAC is meant to help with invisible disabilities. If you are using a wheelchair or ECV, you will not need a GAC, and you will be directed to the accessible entrances if the line is not mainstreamed.

The GAC helps with those issues which cannot be readily seen. For example, a person may have a sun allergy and need to wait in the shade for certain attractions (although I think Dumbo is the only one outside). Others get a "stroller as wheelchair" tag, which allows them to use a stroller in lines.

If you need a wheelchair or ECV, then you are fine without a GAC. I get a GAC for issues unrelated to my mobility concerns.

A few people go to Guest Services thinking that the GAC will allow them head of line access or be an "automatic fastpass." This is not true. The only people who do not wait in lines are children on a Make a Wish trip.

A good touring plan actually helps more than a GAC does. I am sure people here have good touring plan suggestions!

Hope this helps!

 

[ILoveMyGirls]

I have a spinal cord injury, neck injury, fibromylgia, osteo-arthritis, and need need replacements, that is why I need the ECV as I am in chronic pain. I won't go on most rides, just the ones like It's a small world that are not rough. My husband will take the girls on other rides as I cannot be jerked around by many of the rides.

The GAC is meant to help with invisible disabilities. If you are using a wheelchair or ECV, you will not need a GAC, and you will be directed to the accessible entrances if the line is not mainstreamed.

The GAC helps with those issues which cannot be readily seen. For example, a person may have a sun allergy and need to wait in the shade for certain attractions (although I think Dumbo is the only one outside). Others get a "stroller as wheelchair" tag, which allows them to use a stroller in lines.

If you need a wheelchair or ECV, then you are fine without a GAC. I get a GAC for issues unrelated to my mobility concerns.

A few people go to Guest Services thinking that the GAC will allow them head of line access or be an "automatic fastpass." This is not true. The only people who do not wait in lines are children on a Make a Wish trip.

A good touring plan actually helps more than a GAC does. I am sure people here have good touring plan suggestions!

Hope this helps!

 

[Bete]

easier and better access, but not necessarily quicker access.

As an example, some children may need a quieter access to rides; because, they are subject to outbursts. Some people panic with crowds standing in line and get anxiety attacks. Some are prone to heat strokes, etc.

A GAC does not need a doctor's note. You explain your situation in detail at guest services and a CM will see if a GAC will benefit you or not. Being in an ECV onto itself doesn't really qualify you for a GAC; there are other consdierations for it.

 

[Magpie]

As someone whose daughter had - for many years - a VERY visible facial deformity, I'd just like to pass on the advice I gave her...

When someone stares, smile!

You'd be amazed how often they'll smile back. Then they may look away, or they may ask you about your disability. Either way, it's all good.

If someone is rude to you, remind yourself that it's their problem, not yours. And then count up in your head all the nice people who have smiled at you today. Because I guarantee you that if you've been smiling and making eye contact and talking to people, there will be lots more nice people than there will be rude ones.

I noticed the "scooter people" at Disney - dunno if you'd think I stared, though. I had a very nice chat with one lady - her seven year old was running ahead of her shouting, "Make way! Make room for my mom! My mom's coming through!" to her great embarrassment. She couldn't very well get out and catch him, could she? She was a lovely person.

I also was quite annoyed at a pack of three very large men who came barrelling down the middle of the path on their scooters, not paying any attention to the people around them. I thought they were rude. I suspect I didn't stare at them, as much as glared.

So go, have a good time, and everyone around you will have a good time, too. You get back what you give out.

 

[KPeveler]

I have a spinal cord injury, neck injury, fibromylgia, osteo-arthritis, and need need replacements, that is why I need the ECV as I am in chronic pain. I won't go on most rides, just the ones like It's a small world that are not rough. My husband will take the girls on other rides as I cannot be jerked around by many of the rides.

I cannot go on most rides either, but I have found with my wheelchair I can wheel right on to or into so many thing that I do not feel I miss out on anything.

Until this last trip, I did not get a GAC and all my needs were met by my just using a wheelchair.

As a side note, as long as the queue is accessible, you can generally go through the queue with your family, and then simply not ride if you are unable to. There are some pretty cool queues. For example, Expedition Everest has an AWESOME queue, and you can just use the "chicken exit" right before the ride. This means you actually get to spend additional with your family, rather than waiting outside everything.

I cannot be jerked around, bumped, flung upside down, or anything rough, so I get where you are coming from!

Don't be afraid to use the accessible cars/boats too! If you use an ECV you generally transfer to a wheelchair they have waiting there, but it will save your knees from having to climb out of those boats. I love wheeling right on to jungle Cruise and Small World!

 

[lisam427]

this year i will be using an evc the whole trip and renting from an outside company. i had a recent knee injury and there is no way i can walk around disney this year.

last year my aunt who is disabled used a evc for the whole trip. i didnt notice any weird looks or stares from anyone. you should be fine. if people do stare, ignore them. just worry about having a great trip!!! thats what im doing.

 

[ILoveMyGirls]

wow, a kindred spirit i cannot step into or out of those boats. when i was there two years ago i fell at the Gaylord Palms as their floor was uneven and my poor husband had to push me around in a wheelchair (i am large, not an easy thing to do). I did go on the it's a small world ride in my wheelchair.

it is boring to sit and wait but i'd rather be at disney sitting and waiting rather than being somewhere else as i love disney so much. lol

I cannot go on most rides either, but I have found with my wheelchair I can wheel right on to or into so many thing that I do not feel I miss out on anything.

Until this last trip, I did not get a GAC and all my needs were met by my just using a wheelchair.

As a side note, as long as the queue is accessible, you can generally go through the queue with your family, and then simply not ride if you are unable to. There are some pretty cool queues. For example, Expedition Everest has an AWESOME queue, and you can just use the "chicken exit" right before the ride. This means you actually get to spend additional with your family, rather than waiting outside everything.

I cannot be jerked around, bumped, flung upside down, or anything rough, so I get where you are coming from!

Don't be afraid to use the accessible cars/boats too! If you use an ECV you generally transfer to a wheelchair they have waiting there, but it will save your knees from having to climb out of those boats. I love wheeling right on to jungle Cruise and Small World!

 

[ILoveMyGirls]

my knees are shot too. i am renting an EVC from an outside company too. i was thinking of putting a sign on one of those sticks and hold it up if someone stares at me saying something like "it is rude to stare". lol

this year i will be using an evc the whole trip and renting from an outside company. i had a recent knee injury and there is no way i can walk around disney this year.

last year my aunt who is disabled used a evc for the whole trip. i didnt notice any weird looks or stares from anyone. you should be fine. if people do stare, ignore them. just worry about having a great trip!!! thats what im doing.

 

[ILoveMyGirls]

should i bring my disability paperwork to show them?

easier and better access, but not necessarily quicker access.

As an example, some children may need a quieter access to rides; because, they are subject to outbursts. Some people panic with crowds standing in line and get anxiety attacks. Some are prone to heat strokes, etc.

A GAC does not need a doctor's note. You explain your situation in detail at guest services and a CM will see if a GAC will benefit you or not. Being in an ECV onto itself doesn't really qualify you for a GAC; there are other consdierations for it.

 

[KPeveler]

should i bring my disability paperwork to show them?

No, they will not look at it.

I have difficulty verbalizing my needs to strangers, so i wrote my own letter to guest services explaining my needs. It is illegal for them to ask for proof of disability. If your needs will be met by using a wheelchair/scooter, you dont even need to go talk to Guest Services, just go and enjoy the parks!

 

[Holoshed]

No, they will not look at it.

I have difficulty verbalizing my needs to strangers, so i wrote my own letter to guest services explaining my needs. It is illegal for them to ask for proof of disability. If your needs will be met by using a wheelchair/scooter, you dont even need to go talk to Guest Services, just go and enjoy the parks!

You know I was just sitting here thinking about it as I read down to your post at the end. I have a LOT of stuff to go through when I talk to guest services for the first time and I do not want to try to keep it all straight (thank anxiety and a line of people waiting behind you and somethings pushing their way up close to you) and then explain all of the "needs" I have with others listening.

This time I will just write a short easy to read format of what I need the GAC for. I never actually thought of that before for some odd reason.