Again please, GAC, need med letter or not for PDD

[mickey'sbud]

Sorry to ask basically the same question again, but I need a little confidence building here.

My son is PDD. 2 years ago when we went to WDW, I had a letter from DR. stating he needs assistance with standing in lines etc. We have had to change doctors. We have had a hard time finding an appropriate doctor for regular check-ups. My point is he doesn't have a doctor currently to write another letter for the purpose of the GAC. To look at my son, no one would notice his issues. He only has a problem when waits are extreme. He can't always understand that we will eventually make it to the ride. I don't mind us taking our turn, but we actually had to bypass rides that were not honored by GAC on our last trip because of the waits. I am aware of FASTPASS. Do we still need GAC? Can we get GAC without a doctor's letter, when his issues are not obvious??? Without the new letter, do you think it would help to show our "old" letter and show the old passes as evidence of the need?

 

[teri]

Yes, you do not really need a letter, you will be OK. many of us take the letters anyway in case there is any problem, but the people at Guest Services are basically polite college students who don't understand any technical details in a doctor's letter, and they don't care about diagnosis. They only care that you get the level of assistance that is appropriate for your family.

Come look at the new FAQ when the server comes back up - just click on the link in my signature - read through the sections on GAC, and the links to the posts about autism and hypersensitive kids.

I hope you have a great trip!!

DIS disABILITIES Discussion Board FAQ under construction!
"My brain takes a vacation just to give my heart more room..."
teri@iluvdisney.com

 

[SueM in MN]

Another back up to teri. The CMs won't ask for (or even look at) a letter if you do bring one. I have heard of lots of people bringing letters becasue it makes them feel more confident, but I have never heard of anyone having to show a letter to get a GAC. Having your old one with you will also help, but I wouldn't show it unless you have a problem. The CM may assume they know what it says without really looking at it and give you a card that does not meet your needs. That happened to us last Sept. We showed the card to the CM, he said the wording had been changed and he was giving us a new card that was "basically the same as your old one, just the new wording." What he gave us was a card that said we would not have to wait in the sun - not much assistance with my DD who is likely to ram people in line with her wheelchair if she thinks the wait is too long. So, tell the CM what your problems are, read the card when you get it and don't show the old card unless they say you don't really need one and you need proof that you have had one before.¿

SueM in MN
Co-Moderator of disABILITIES

 

[momejay]

You don't need a letter sometimes they want to see child. (Mom of 2, 1 autistic & 1 PDD) Just explain what you need to best serve your family.