Can someone please tell me what the handicap pass is for?

[Disney Dider]

Thank you.

 

[Huff]

Are you referring to the pass available from Guest Relations for those with a disability? There is no one single pass. It is stamped with the type of assistance an individual may require. It is then shown to CM's at attractions who will provide assistance as needed. For instance, some attractions at DL have stairs. If an individual cannot handle stairs then a pass is given instructing CM's to allow alternative ways to board and exit the attraction. Again, it depends on an individuals disability as to what pass and what assistance is given. If you're trying to bypass lines and wait times it won't work! Use FastPass for that.

 

[mechurchlady]

At WDW and DLR it is a cardstock paper that lets Cast Members know that a guest is disabled and what type of limitations such as no stairs or deaf.

The Guest Assistance Card is known as the GAC and is only for guests that have hidden disabilities not for people with canes, crutches, rollators, eCVs or wheelchairs. It is an easy way for the guest to get service they need without having to repeat over and over their limitations.

 

[Disney Dider]

Well, thanks for the info... I guess. We do have a child with a disability and I am sort of offended at your comment. I thought this board was for asking questions.

 

[Disney Dider]

At WDW and DLR it is a cardstock paper that lets Cast Members know that a guest is disabled and what type of limitations such as no stairs or deaf.

The Guest Assistance Card is known as the GAC and is only for guests that have hidden disabilities not for people with canes, crutches, rollators, eCVs or wheelchairs. It is an easy way for the guest to get service they need without having to repeat over and over their limitations.

THANK YOU!! That's exactly was I was looking for!

 

[Disney Dreams]

Disney Dider - I am not sure which comment above offended you, but if I may try to help as a third-party....

Members here are very helpful and I assure you that mechurchlady's post was not meant to upset you in any way. I have read her comment and am not sure what upset you, but encourage you to clarify a bit so that we can assist you further with the answers you are seeking.

This section of the DIS boards has very hellpul people and I feel confident that no offense was meant. Please try again?

- Dreams

ETA: Ah, your last post posted while I was typing my reply. Glad you got the info you needed.

 

[Disney Dider]

If you're trying to bypass lines and wait times it won't work! Use FastPass for that.

This is what upset me.

 

[fairycat]

Well, thanks for the info... I guess. We do have a child with a disability and I am sort of offended at your comment. I thought this board was for asking questions.

They didn't mean to offend, the issue is sadly many people do take advantage of the GAC I have seen it first hand I think if you (as you obviously do) need it for a real disability they wanted to help, but it seems they also wanted to make sure it was out there that others are not as honest sadly.

The good thing about the GAC is it is good for your whole group (up to 6 I think??). It is very helpful, and the parks really work with you. I have used it with my friend's disabled daughter.

 

[Disney Dider]

Thanks. I guess it just struck a nerve. I just want to make our trip as easy as possible for my 8 year old without explaining over and over his problems in front of him.

 

[LavenderPeach]

Yes, I agree with Disney Dreams, everyone here is very helpful and I don't think anything was meant to be rude or offensive. It was unclear from your first post why you were asking about the GAC. Like Dreams said, it is helpful to give a little background info when asking a question so that we can answer your question more accurately. Have fun planning your trip and please feel free to ask more questions!

 

[Disney Dreams]

Thanks. I guess it just struck a nerve. I just want to make our trip as easy as possible for my 8 year old without explaining over and over his problems in front of him.

Understandable. We are a fun bunch here. Occasionally things will be read wrong, but if made aware, people will try to explain what they meant.

The GAC card explained above takes care of your concern of having to explain over and over again. You will go to City Hall upon arrival. You will explain to them what exactly your son's needs are to enjoy the Park. (People have ALL SORTS of different accommodations that are needed.) They will issue you a GAC that ha certain symbols on it, depending upon your son's situation. Each symbol gives different types of "assistance privileges" (side entrance, wheel chair, stroller as wheelchair, etc.....). From that point, your son just shows that card throughout the entire visit. No further explanations needed.

- Dreams

 

[Huff]

If you're trying to bypass lines and wait times it won't work! Use FastPass for that.

Did not intend to offend. Just posted it for clarity to all who read this thread. Abuse of the GAC is at times out of hand. I fear such abuse will eventually cause those of us such as your child and I that do have diabilities to be unable to use such assistance in the future.

 

[babnak]

I too read the comment as offensive so it is not just a single reader that felt that way. Just for other posters information; the clarification was enough to ward off ill thoughts. Thanks!

I have a 6 going on 7 year old son with Autism. We contacted Disney and explained the situation, he can not wait in lines for extended periods of time because he tends to incrouch on other space without knowledge and will at time touch others. He is a runner and spins with his arms out when he is over stimulated. He will screech and fall dead weight if he gets over whelmed or bored. We will be obtaining a pass for him to bypass lines because of his disability. We have comfirmation that it is possible or Disney would never be possible for us. Also, you do not have to have evidence of the disability to obtain the pass. We have asked 3 times if we need to bring evidence of his disability and keep getting a resounding no. We will be bringing a letter from his doctor regardless but we are told it is not needed. I am happy that Disney has made this trip possible for us because for years we have been afraid to take him in large over crowded places because he does not handle it well. Disneyland is the greatest place on earth.

 

[cccdisney]

I have a 6 going on 7 year old son with Autism. We contacted Disney and explained the situation, he can not wait in lines for extended periods of time because he tends to incrouch on other space without knowledge and will at time touch others. He is a runner and spins with his arms out when he is over stimulated. He will screech and fall dead weight if he gets over whelmed or bored. We will be obtaining a pass for him to bypass lines because of his disability. We have comfirmation that it is possible or Disney would never be possible for us. Also, you do not have to have evidence of the disability to obtain the pass. We have asked 3 times if we need to bring evidence of his disability and keep getting a resounding no. We will be bringing a letter from his doctor regardless but we are told it is not needed. I am happy that Disney has made this trip possible for us because for years we have been afraid to take him in large over crowded places because he does not handle it well. Disneyland is the greatest place on earth.

My son, who is 5 1/2 with autism, sounds very much like your son. I can confirm that Disney does indeed give you a GAC which is very helpful for the rides.

 

[babnak]

My son, who is 5 1/2 with autism, sounds very much like your son. I can confirm that Disney does indeed give you a GAC which is very helpful for the rides.

Awesome! Thank you! It is difficult to plan some things without stressing about making it as easy as possible for him. I appreciate your reassurance.

P.s. I apologize for my run on sentences in the original post; typing a post while watching for the bus just do not work together well.

 

[Disney Dreams]

I too read the comment as offensive so it is not just a single reader that felt that way. Just for other posters information; the clarification was enough to ward off ill thoughts. Thanks!

I have a 6 going on 7 year old son with Autism. We contacted Disney and explained the situation, he can not wait in lines for extended periods of time because he tends to incrouch on other space without knowledge and will at time touch others. He is a runner and spins with his arms out when he is over stimulated. He will screech and fall dead weight if he gets over whelmed or bored. We will be obtaining a pass for him to bypass lines because of his disability. We have comfirmation that it is possible or Disney would never be possible for us. Also, you do not have to have evidence of the disability to obtain the pass. We have asked 3 times if we need to bring evidence of his disability and keep getting a resounding no. We will be bringing a letter from his doctor regardless but we are told it is not needed. I am happy that Disney has made this trip possible for us because for years we have been afraid to take him in large over crowded places because he does not handle it well. Disneyland is the greatest place on earth.

My son, who is 5 1/2 with autism, sounds very much like your son. I can confirm that Disney does indeed give you a GAC which is very helpful for the rides.

Yep yep. This is what I was referring to when i said, "...Each symbol gives different types of "assistance privileges"..." With autism, a GAC often will allow for bypassing the line, a situation which can be problematic for autistic kids.

 

[Dopey's MIL]

I too read the comment as offensive so it is not just a single reader that felt that way. Just for other posters information; the clarification was enough to ward off ill thoughts. Thanks!

I have a 6 going on 7 year old son with Autism. We contacted Disney and explained the situation, he can not wait in lines for extended periods of time because he tends to incrouch on other space without knowledge and will at time touch others. He is a runner and spins with his arms out when he is over stimulated. He will screech and fall dead weight if he gets over whelmed or bored. We will be obtaining a pass for him to bypass lines because of his disability. We have comfirmation that it is possible or Disney would never be possible for us. Also, you do not have to have evidence of the disability to obtain the pass. We have asked 3 times if we need to bring evidence of his disability and keep getting a resounding no. We will be bringing a letter from his doctor regardless but we are told it is not needed. I am happy that Disney has made this trip possible for us because for years we have been afraid to take him in large over crowded places because he does not handle it well. Disneyland is the greatest place on earth.

I called Guest Services yesterday to ask about this very subject and the was put on hold to find out the answer. Her response was to go to City Hall and tell the CM my circumstances and perhaps they might help me. There was NO set plan of action according to what she told me. I found it rather upsetting that it depended on the mood of whoever was working.

In fact, she really suggested to tell CM's on each ride that my little person was just afraid of the rides and get a rider switch pass. But that isn't the case...he would rather die than let someone think he is afraid!

I wouldn't say that I was offended by the first answer but it did seem like fingers may have been pointing somewhere and that's what I want to avoid at the park. I'd prefer not to have to explain all day long why we want to walk thru the que to see all the neat stuff but not always ride.

Does this make sense? She did tell me I didn't need any paperwork from my doctor as proof of the unseen disability.

Thank you OP for asking this question because I now know what to ask for.

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

I can also understand how that comment can be viewed as offensive. Even with a disability many seem to think we are just trying to skip the lines. Even with someone in a wheel chair I still notice the looks, and hear the snide comments. Even on this board I've talked about my experiences with my brother, and him not being able to handle the lines. I didn't exactly get warm understanding comments.

My brother is an adult, but is exactly how someone else mentioned. Can not handle long lines. Even in his wheel chair, and it is because he is severly mentally disabled (has a sever form of autism). It would not only be very unpleasant for him, but for everyone else in line. Most of the rides allow us to go through the exit, or the fast pass line. That helps greatly, even though we still wait, it being shorter helps a lot. Some don't though, or it just depends on the CM working the ride at that time.

I wish people would remember that those with such disabilities can't help what they have, and that their families would love to trade places with you. Be in that long line, with that family member not having to have that disability.

We will be taking my brother again in a few weeks, and I will talk to the CM's about the line issue. Would be nice if they could accomodate him, because he deserves to enjoy the park too. So I'm really hoping that they have added some kind of accomdation for those with autism, that would be wonderful news.

 

[LuvBaloo]

I understand the frustration of people trying to enjoy the park that have valid issues. Unfortunately many people abuse it. Personally I believe that allowing 6 people to bypass a line because one of them is disabled is wrong. I think Disney making it so nice for wheelchair access has encouraged the abuse of the system. The most annoying thing I've seen in the parks, is a family of 6 skip the line because one elderly person in their group is in a wheelchair; then the one in the wheel chair decides not to ride and the rest of her group still gets to go right on the ride. In one trip we saw the same family do that at 3 different rides.

I personally believe, the disabled person and one other can skip the line if the whole family wants to ride, the rest should go through the line and then ride together when they get through the line. Equal access is one thing, preferred access is unfair.

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

I understand the frustration of people trying to enjoy the park that have valid issues. Unfortunately many people abuse it. Personally I believe that allowing 6 people to bypass a line because one of them is disabled is wrong. I think Disney making it so nice for wheelchair access has encouraged the abuse of the system. The most annoying thing I've seen in the parks, is a family of 6 skip the line because one elderly person in their group is in a wheelchair; then the one in the wheel chair decides not to ride and the rest of her group still gets to go right on the ride. In one trip we saw the same family do that at 3 different rides.

I personally believe, the disabled person and one other can skip the line if the whole family wants to ride, the rest should go through the line and then ride together when they get through the line. Equal access is one thing, preferred access is unfair.

Really, families should be split up? How is that enjoying the park as a family, like all other families get to?

Now I agree that all should be riding the ride at least. There are rides my brother won't go on, so we will go stand in line, while someone takes him to do something else. But yes, all 5 of us will be going through the exit in a few weeks on the rides he will go on. We are there as a family to have fun. Not to be split up so that some people won't be upset because we got to go in front of them. I don't get why people are that petty, it's a ride for crying out loud.

Yes, I'm concerned about people abusing things. MAKING up disabilities is a real complaint (I've seen people trade off riding in the wheel chair), not that a family stays together in the park.