Update on prior post about Guest Pass and Shoe Boot

[nicumom2]

I posted a month or so ago asking for tips about using steps with a shoe boot - I was told by a cast member on this site that I would not be allowed any special privilege that the passes were for people with invisible disabilities. Well, I don't remember the exact quote. She was trying to offer helpful advice, but implied I was out of luck for any guest pass. Long story short - we just got back - and Guest Services could NOT have be NICER! I had the stupid shoe boot and steps are hard. I can handle lines just fine, just not steps. They still gave me a pass to use - we did not abuse it. It was a magical experience and I'm very grateful. Prior to the trip I also emailed Disney World and rec'd a reply that told me by all means to use the wheelchair entrance when I saw one - and that I didn't even NEED a guest pass, that the cast members should see my boot and just know automatically that I'm "allowed" - I was worried going down about the prior post and thinking I would have no way around steps. I'm so thankful I emailed them and so thankful for each cast member who made our trip magical. Thank you Disney World Cast Members, you are the BEST!!!
ETA: The email from Disney World told me if I'd feel better having the pass - then to go to guest services when I got there - and they'd give me one just to have so I'd feel better. I was going to feel nervous walking thru the entrance w/o a pass - and was just so happy with the kindness of everyone at Disney.

 

[Bete]

I'm glad you were able to avoid steps and get more out of your trip.

 

[Kellykins1218]

Glad you had such a wonderful experience. Disney does go out of their way to offer help to those that need it. Just another reason to love Disney World!

 

[ttintagel]

special privilege that the passes were for people with invisible disabilities. Well, I don't remember the exact quote. She was trying to offer helpful advice, but implied I was out of luck for any guest pass. .. Prior to the trip I also emailed Disney World and rec'd a reply that told me by all means to use the wheelchair entrance when I saw one - and that I didn't even NEED a guest pass, that the cast members should see my boot and just know automatically that I'm "allowed"

So what you're saying is that the post you read here - which said that if you had a disability that was apparent to the eye, you wouldn't need a GAC - was correct.

 

[nicumom2]

So what you're saying is that the post you read here - which said that if you had a disability that was apparent to the eye, you wouldn't need a GAC - was correct.

No, the info they gave me was not correct. They said I would not be given a fast pass / medical pass - but I did get one.

 

[livndisney]

No, the info they gave me was not correct. They said I would not be given a fast pass / medical pass - but I did get one.

You posted on a thread that is over a year old. Additionally the assistance card changed last fall. You may want to read the stickys if you have another trip planned.

 

[nicumom2]

Yes, I noticed it was over a year old - but noticed the person had several posts - so thought they might be on this board a lot. I know they change policy quite a bit. I had a friend there just last week with a broken foot and they gave her a Fast pass for everything. I think it can be hit or miss with the cast member that you speak with at guest services. Yes, we are going again soon, and thank goodness I don't need a shoe boot this time.

 

[OurBigTrip]

Yes, I noticed it was over a year old - but noticed the person had several posts - so thought they might be on this board a lot. I know they change policy quite a bit. I had a friend there just last week with a broken foot and they gave her a Fast pass for everything. I think it can be hit or miss with the cast member that you speak with at guest services. Yes, we are going again soon, and thank goodness I don't need a shoe boot this time.

That's too bad...the last thing they need to do is turn the DAS into the GAC.

 

[SueM in MN]

I'm going to close this thread at this point -

The Guest Assistance Card (GAC) was discontinued in October 2013 and replaced with the DAS (Disability Access Service). NEITHER ONE WAS/is a 'disability pass'. Both were meant to give access that meets a guest's needs related to their disability, not to be a pass.
Since lines/attractions are accessible to wheelchairs and other mobility devices, in most cases, guests with mobility related needs will be waiting in the regular lines (or Fastpass line, if they have Fastpasses for that attraction.

DAS is not a 'Fastpass for everything'. It is a way to wait outside of the line for guests who have disability related problems with waiting in lines. Someone with only mobility needs (like a broken foot) would generally get the suggestion to rent a wheelchair or ECV because using DAS could actually make more walking for them. If someone can't do stairs or need things like moving walkways slowed, they don't need a DAS; they would talk to the CM at the entrance to the attraction.

Using DAS, the wait time is based on how long the wait is in the regular(also called Standby) line.
You can find out more information about how DAS works at WDW in post one of this thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3178976

There is a similar thread about Disneyland, which has DAS FAQs in the first post.