Disability Passes

[diseyore]

We need some advice. Sorry this is so long....
My 16yr old daughter has severe fibromyalgia and Lupus. Last time we were at DW in April we rented a wheelchair for 3 of the 5 days. We had problems at MK when we got a fast pass for the Pooh ride then went to Peter Pan. The CM told us we had to get a fast pass or could not get on the ride. I explained we already had a pass and could not get another. I did not mind waiting for the wait time like any other person would. Th CM told me some people use the wheelchairs to CHEAT! and I needed a disablity pass to get a pass to come back at a later time. My daughter pulled out her Access Bus pass (for disabled bus passengers) and she apologized but told me to go to City Hall since this was not what she was referring to. She also apologized for not realizing she was actually disabled. When I got there they could not understand why the CM sent me there because a wheelchair is to be your pass, but gave us a disablity card. She trys to act and look so normal and this was horrible to deal with while on vacation. I understand she looks perfectly health and beautiful, but if she had to stand in line the whole time there is no way she would enjoy the trip. We needed that card many times to use for disablity seating for Fantasmic and other areas because she looks perfectly healthy. We are headed to the World again the 2nd week of September. She says she doesn't want to rent a chair because sitting in the chair makes her stiff and sore too. Will they give you a disablity card at City Hall to use the handicapped entrances even if you don't have a wheelchair? She thinks if she doesn't have to climb stairs and could sit while waiting for the rides where people will not run her over, she may not need the chair. (I have my doubts but want to let her try)

On a positive note, we met some of the most wonderful people in the disabled areas. They are so kind and friendly.

 

[Talking Hands]

Tell your daughter she needs the chair. I have fibromyalgia, diabetes and osteoarthritis and there is no way I can do the parks without my power wheelchair. It would be too much for me to do all day. I get the GAC for 2 reasons.
1. some castmembers don't recognize my power wheelchair as a wheelchair but as an ECV and try to make me transfer
2 I also am hard of hearing and need to use reflective captioning or the sign language interpreters and that is not always in the same location as the wheelchair seating.

Get a GAC from guest services. Castmembers at the rides should not be determining whether or not your child is disabled. At Guest Services explain your daughter's needs and ask for the card. A standard wheelchair can go through the mainstream lines so unless you have a GAC or fastpass you cannot go through the fastpass line.

One other note. I don't know if your daughter drinks diet sodas but if she does please take her off them to see if her fibro symptoms lessen. When I stopped all products with nutrasweet (aspartame) my symptoms improved dramatically. I had 1 diet coke recently and had a huge flare. That's off my diet permanently.

 

[SueM in MN]

Lisa already gave you some excellent advice, so I'll only add a bit.
You might want to rent a wheelchair from one of the off site places because you will have it for other places (like DD, Pleasure Island, or even just your resort).
Here are the rental places that DIS posters have reported renting from:
Care Medical:
http://www.caremedicalequipment.com/

Walker Mobility:
1-888-726-6837
www.walkermobility.com

RANDY'S Mobility is in Kissimmee 407-892-4777
http://randysmobility.com/

Colonial Medical
http://www.colonialmed.com/about_cms.html

As Lisa mentioned, many of the lines are "Mainstream Acess" so wheelchair users wait with their wheelchair in the same line as everyone else without having a GAC. For some people, being able to bring the wheelchair into the line is really all they need. Some people have additional needs that make it difficult to wait in line. That's what the GACs are for. There are GACs that allow the user to wait out of the sun and/or heat (which may be necessary for your DD). You can also get one that would allow her to avoid stairs. Even with a GAC you are asked to get/use fastpasses for any attractions that have fastpass, if possible.

You've already been there, so you know that the distances at WDW are immense and realistically, your DD won't be able to get along walking that much. I'd suggest she use the wheelchair for distances and walk in restaurants and shops. That would allow her to walk in the places that are hardest to manouver a wheelchair. If you have a fastpass, so you know the wait won't be too long, walking in lines could be an option. There areonly a few rides/attractions that have a place where someone can sit and wait for their turn close to the ride.

 

[JudithM]

On my last trip to WDW I got a Guest Assistance Card (GAC) on my first visit to a park (Studios). I was able to walk around the park that day without renting an ECV. I felt a bit awkward because I had a GAC about using the fastpass entrance, but I did not have a wheelchair or ECV with me at the time. Even when I went to Fantasmic, I told a CM that I have a GAC - of course it was for fastpass, but they let me sit up top - I'm not supposed to do a lof of stairs. CMs were fine with it . I don't know about anyone else here, but I have always found the CMs at the Studios to be very aware of handicapped/disabled guests & to provide excellent guest service. Enjoy your next trip!!

 

[diseyore]

I will again try to get her in the chair, but, at 16 it is difficult and she can be very stubborn. She wants to and trys very hard to look perfectly normal, and after all is done we both pay the price if she doesn't take care of herself.

She already stopped the diet or any soda, but it made no difference. I have many friends who are watching for anything that might help. I know taking her to her favorite place will be one thing to keep her spirits up and give her something to look forward to.

Thanks again.