? about disabled guest

[94bruin]

My assistant and her family are going to DL for the first time on Sunday (yes, yes, I've warned her.) Her husband had polio as a child and now walks with a limp. (without crutches, I think). I don't think they are planning on renting any sort of ECV.

Is there any special pass that would allow him to avoid standing in long lines?

My own cousin was also a polio sufferer, but he walks with a crutch. When they visit DL, he rents an ECV, so I know his mobility issue is more apparent.

Not sure if there is anything to make my assistant's husband's visit easier since his disability may not be as apparent.

Thanks in advance for any help. I want to give my assistant as much advice as possible to make their trip as pleasant as possible.

 

[skiingfast]

She needs to go to guest services in either park. Tell the CM she needs a Guest Assitance Card, and explain her needs to the CM. The CM will mark the card appropriately for her. She can give the card to CMs at an attraction entrance and she will be directed where to go. She can use it at shows as well. The card will let upto 6 people go with her.

 

[94bruin]

Thanks for this info, skiingfast. You are always helpful in your replies.

Would this be City Hall in DL? They are only planning on doing DL.

If they get the Guest Assistance Card, is there still need to tell them of the Fastpass & Child-swap systems?

They are only there for one day and since this is their first visit, I don't want to overwhelm them. Not even sure how many rides they will actually go on. Their kids are 16, 14 & 6 mos.

For the parade, I'm assuming they have to stake out a spot early, just like everyone else, right? How about for Fantasmic?

 

[Huff]

Guest Services is in City Hall at DL or just inside the gates on the left at DCA. Disney's standard response for stamina issues is to recommend an ECV. I too have health issues but I do understand that a Guest Assistant Card is not intended to shorten attraction waits and at many it may cause a longer wait. The CM's at guest services are not generally medically knowledgeable so they just need basic info as to your needs. They do not need Dr's notes etc. As PP said, go to guest services and explain the issue and they will give you an appropriate card.

 

[starshine514]

I would still explain FPs to them. DH uses an ECV and we still use them. Also keep in mind that there will be times when not everyone in the group wants to ride something.

 

[ArchOwl]

City Hall is where you would ask for a Guest Assistance Card. However there is no assistance for shorter wait times. It says right on the GAC that it is not intended to shorten wait times. Disney will tell you to rent a wheelchair or ECV if you can't walk long distances. There are accomodations for other concerns such as avoiding stairs or for extra time boarding or leaving a ride. If any of these are concerns, then they can express them at City Hall. I would tell them to talk to the CM at City Hall and tell them what help is needed. If they go in and ask for a shorter wait time they are likely to give the wrong impression to the CM.

You may want to caution them about how much walking DL is. It is not unusual for DH and myself to walk 10 miles in a single day. Even if you cut that down, that may be more than he can do comfortably. He may need an ECV/wheelchair anyway. Many of the lines at DL are not handicapped accessible and require alternate entrances for those in wheelchairs. Some of them are longer waits than the normal line ( Pirates, space, and it's a small wolrd) and others may be shorter. But at least he would have a place to sit.