1st time traveling w/ special needs..what is a GAC card?

[JenniferS.]

This past Oct. my 6 yr old was diagnosed with Lupus (autoimmune disease). It has been attacking her joints mostly and she has been very arthritic. She tires very easily and is in pain almost daily and sometimes has to be carried. She is on 5 meds. We are going to WDW in December and I was wondering what the GAC card is and what does it do? We are bringing her a stroller because she is still small enough to go in one, so we don't need a wheel chair or anything. Any info would be appreciated.

[BrerGnat]

FYI, the GAC card is designed for people with "hidden" disabilities. This will be the case with your daughter, since she will not be using a wheelchair, so a GAC is definitely going to be helpful for you. What you need to ask for is a GAC for "Stroller as Wheelchair". This GAC will allow your child's stroller to be treated as a wheelchair, so instead of having to park it at attractions and leave it outside, you will be able to keep her in it in the lines/waiting areas and it will be allowed everywhere wheelchairs are allowed (like the Land pavilion at Epcot, where strollers are not permitted...you would be able to bring it in there).

All you need to do is go to Guest Relations on your first day, and the pass will be issued for the length of stay. You don't need to go into the particulars of your daughter's condition, and you don't need any sort of paperwork or proof of her lupus. It's up to you how much you want to share, but you do need to give the CM enough information to understand what her needs will be and how the GAC can help her in the theme parks.