GAC or not?

**podgirl** · 04-05-2009, 02:04 PM

I haven't been to WDW for 30 years and we are planning our first family trip for Christmas. Our 7 year old boy has severe apraxia, which is a motor planning problem, as well as an overall developmental delay. He's been on rides before at fairs and such and does require a little help getting off rides that he and his younger brother do together. In your opinion would this warrant getting a GAC? Or, do parents go on the kiddie type rides with their kids? I'm thinking of rides like 'The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh' and 'Dumbo the Flying Elephant'.
Thanks in advance for the help.

**disneydame2004** · 04-05-2009, 02:28 PM

Parents definitely ride Pooh and Dumbo with their kids (and sometimes even without them

)

I've only had a little experience with the GAC, but we were able to request and receive one quickly at Guest Relations.

**podgirl** · 04-05-2009, 03:11 PM

Thanks. Would you say that in general parents go on all the rides with their kids then?

**envypeterpan** · 04-05-2009, 03:31 PM

I think it is an extreme rarity to have parents not go on rides with kids. While I was working down there I can only think of one or two times where there were kids going on Peter Pan and Winnie the Pooh without their parents.

**Mickey's#1Fan** · 04-05-2009, 09:05 PM

my brother and i are well into our teens and im almost pushing twenty and our parents still ride peter pan and dumbo with us!

cast memembers have always been helpful with my handicapped grandfather for instance when it comes to assistance on and off rides!!

**BusDriver** · 04-05-2009, 10:29 PM

I am a parent of five, ranging in age from 20 to 6 year old twins, and I ride with them, and sometimes without them. It is especially fun and exciting to see their faces when they are doing and seeing all the magic for the first time. You could get the GAC just in case, but I would still encourage you to ride with your children. Great pictures, videos and MEMORIES that you will cherish forever.

I always ride and enjoy Pooh, and have often ridden Dumbo with them when they were in the age range of your children. Dumbo, the Flying Carpets of Alladin and Astro Orbiter would be about the only rides that come to my mind where parents would ride with their children less than half the time. Just explain your situation to the CM's and they will assist you in any manner.

Remember there are no kiddie rides at Disney, as when at Disney, we are all kids!!!!!
Go and have a blast.

**LockShockBarrel** · 04-05-2009, 11:34 PM

you'll be able to ride anything you want with the kiddies. my advice is if you're at all worried about how things will be handled with regards to the rides, get a GAC, better to have it and have the peace of mind than be worried at every ride you go to.

**little grammy** · 04-06-2009, 10:09 AM

You can even ride Barnstormer in Toon Town if you want to tackle a more "vigorous" ride.

**mini-V** · 04-06-2009, 11:04 AM

"Kiddie rides" is a misnomer started by the likes of a few bloggers who are afraid to ride attractions (like Dinosaur) and want an excuse for not getting on. I've been to WDW 62 times since July 5, 2008. I've been on one ride with a small child. The rest of the time, I've been with other adults or by myself. The only thing that keeps me from going on more rides in Fantasyland are the long lines. Probably the only activities that are specifically for kids are Pirate Training and the Jedi Training Academy; neither of which are rides. Go. Ride. Enjoy.

**podgirl** · 04-06-2009, 10:12 PM

Thanks for the answers. We'll definitely go on the rides with the boys.

**dizneluver** · 04-13-2009, 10:15 PM

I would get it just in case he needs it...and just because you get it doesnt mean you have to use it ...but it would be a pain if you didnt have it and then all the sudden needed it

He can also use the GAC to access entrances where they stop rides for people who need extra time getting on and off rides....and just so you know Castmembers are not supposed to assist guests on and off rides.

I also reccomend the Park Guides for Guests with Special Needs ...each park has one and it will help you know what the GAC can get for you and the Passporter Book WDW for Your Special Needs...they renamed it but I cant remember what its called now

...they list every ride and what kind of seating arrangements the rides have....its a great resource to read in advance so he can know what each rides are and he (and you) can decide in advance what rides you want to ride

(passporter.com)

Any other questions please dont hesitate to send me a private message

HAVE FUN!!!

KD <>< 8(

**Stitch** · 04-13-2009, 10:27 PM

If he has a little trouble getting on and off rides you might want to get the card for rides they are constantly moving like the TTA, the Haunted Mansion, and The Seas.