DLP and GAC

[MinnieVanMom]

Perhaps Cheshire will know this ?. Is there a GAC program in DLP and can I expect the same as WDW for the ques?

 

[mechurchlady]

I do not know the answer but this is something you can read.
http://www.disneylandparis.com/uk/good_to_know/park_information/advice_and_restrictions.htm

http://www.disneylandparis.com/uk/good_to_know/special_requirements/disabled_visitors.htm

Access to attractions at Disneyland® Park
Go to City Hall or the Guest Relations Window with the people accompanying you. A Cast Member (Disney employee) will advise you as to which attractions are the most easily accessible and will provide you, if required, with an Assisted Access Card facilitating your access to attractions and to be used exclusively within Disneyland Park. Since some queue lines are not wheelchair-accessible, special entrances are provided. The Assisted Access Card reserved for disabled guests (except for guests with temporary disabilities) allows holders and up to three companions to use these special entrances. It does not entitle you to priority access to attractions and shows. Cast Members at the attractions will tel you which entrance is reserved for you. For technical reasons, not all attractions at Disneyland Park are accessible to disabled visitors

Same applies to the studios which is supposed to be totally wheelchair accessible.

 

[nobodies36]

DLP has totally different rules. Basically, for help you have to prove your disability to be able to obtain an Easy Access Card.

FOREIGNERS: European disabled parking
badge or medical certificate in French or
English issued less than 3 months ago and
signed and stamped by the doctor,
certifying the person’s disability and
stating whether or not they need to be
accompanied by a third party in order to
get around.

If you can do this and show proof, you will also be able to buy (at the gate) a reduced price ticket for the disabled person and a free one for a helper (also applies to free and discounted AP's) depending on the disability.


Anyway, you can find all the info here:

http://www.disneylandparis.com/BROCHURE/SPECIALNEEDS/uk/catalogue/data/catalogue.pdf

I personally have never been, but from what I understand, it should be the same in regard to queues, but you will have to prove a need for it is all.

HTH.

 

[MinnieVanMom]

Thank you for the information. Does that mean I should bring our US parking placard? What about brining our old GAC from WDW? I will go and get a Dr. Statement to bring along just to cover all bases.

 

[nobodies36]

Thank you for the information. Does that mean I should bring our US parking placard? What about brining our old GAC from WDW? I will go and get a Dr. Statement to bring along just to cover all bases.

I'd bring it all to be on the safe side.

 

[MinnieVanMom]

I am a bit miffed that they cover physical issues but not autism and spectrum disorders in the information about tickets and the french version of the GAC.

 

[nobodies36]

I am a bit miffed that they cover physical issues but not autism and spectrum disorders in the information about tickets and the french version of the GAC.

They still may, and just not mention it there. More likely, they may have put it under what they term as 'mentally disabled' (please note, not my personal opinion on ASD). I think they are using those words to cover everything that isn't someone with a notable physical disability.

 

[mechurchlady]

It would be best to take with you a certificate from you doctor stating that your kid has a disability. You could take the placard with you but I would take both to be on the safe side. Remember that this is not America and you should se what Tokyo Sea and Tokyo Disneyland are like. The disabled cannot ride 90% or more of the rides there even though it is newer than Paris. At least they are doing something for the disabled but apparently not enough. Do write them and see what else they can offer you.

 

[SueM in MN]

When you look at the published information, keep in mind that the American parks have very little printed/internet information about GACs and how special needs are handled. Also, WDW and DL don't have anything in writing about how they handle autism and other needs that are not physical.

I visited DLP in November of 2007. It was just me and our past foreign exchange student from Belgium, so we had no one with us who had any special needs.
I did look at the park with 'accessibility eyes' and I also stopped in Guest Relations to ask about their services for Guests with Disabilities. I explained why I was interested in the information and spoke with a very nice French young lady and she also called over the Supervisor to talk to me too.
They were quite aware of the GACs from the American parks and said that if I brought my DD (who I told them a little about just to get an idea), they said I would probably find a very similar experience in Paris compared to WDW.

I specifically asked about 'proof' for Americans since I knew from reading the boards here that Europeans are required to have proof. I was told that they realize that Americans don't have any specific 'proof' of disability and they would not expect/require proof from Americans. They would also assume that many Americans might not know that a doctor's letter was needed, so that would not be required either.
I would still bring a doctor's letter written according to the Guidelines that have already been posted (probably not bring the US parking pass, but a past GAC might be useful - I would not show it unless necessary).

I also asked about autism and it is as nobodies36 thought; autism is considered to be part of what they called "mentally disabled" (as nobodies36 mentioned, their term, not mine). They said that people with autism would probably find their needs handled as well in DLP as at WDW.

The Disneyland part of the park reminded me of MK and Epcot when we made our first trip with DD and her wheelchair in about 1988. Most attractions did not have Mainstream access (in fact, I don't think any did), there was little room for any special access and many attractions had handicapped entrances because the 'regular' entrance was not accessible. People with invisible disabilities used those handicapped entrances, if necessary.
The only attractions at the Disneyland park where someone could stay in a wheelchair were Small World (which has a wheelchair accessible boat), the Riverboat and the shows (other than walk-thru attractions).

The Studio had all wheelchair accessible (Mainstream Lines) and even had some separate waiting areas for people who needed some 'space' from other guests. There were ample wheelchair spots for shows and I also saw them directing guests with other special needs to specific spots in the theaters.

These are some other links that are a little similar, but a little different than the ones already posted. These were links from the US site:
http://us.visit.disneylandparis.com/disabled-visitors/index.xhtml


Not sure if this one will work correctly, but it's a web based version of the one nobodies posted.
I will say that the DLP version is very complete. I liked the icons for each attraction and they also gave more information, such as an icon for attractions that include dimly lit areas.

 

[mechurchlady]

DKP opened in 1992 and many of its rides came form DLR and WDW which were pre ADA. Sorry that my links did not help. Still it is better than Tokyo Sea by far.

 

[SueM in MN]

DKP opened in 1992 and many of its rides came form DLR and WDW which were pre ADA. Sorry that my links did not help. Still it is better than Tokyo Sea by far.

Your links were good.

WDW by 1992 was actually starting to make things accessible, but still had a pretty long way to go compared to how it is now.
I was just surprised that it was not more accessible, since a lot was already known about how to make things accessible at that point.
The Studio was good though.

 

[MinnieVanMom]

Bonjour,
Merci' for the great help especially on what the guest relations said about the letter. It is so helpful to have information from a person who has been. Thank you for taking the time to find out about the services. We would have gladly gotten a letter but it takes about a month from office visit, which is required to get a letter.

A friend of ours suggested that since we have been to WDW and DL, not to go to "A french version of an American park". He suggested we use our time to see of interest in France. Humm, good point.

For now I have the information and again, Merci'

 

[mechurchlady]

IT is a version but still something to see like the Labyrinth, the dragon, and they had the first upside down Disney ride. Their Space Mountain is great. I rather go there for a week than eat old cheese and look at old paintings. I am still trying to get someone to send me on a DLP scouting party with Sue as my official handler and wapper, lol.

 

[SueM in MN]

Bonjour,
Merci' for the great help especially on what the guest relations said about the letter. It is so helpful to have information from a person who has been. Thank you for taking the time to find out about the services. We would have gladly gotten a letter but it takes about a month from office visit, which is required to get a letter.

A friend of ours suggested that since we have been to WDW and DL, not to go to "A french version of an American park". He suggested we use our time to see of interest in France. Humm, good point.

For now I have the information and again, Merci'

If you can get a letter, I still would try. Even though I was told that it is not expected from Americans, since they see mostly Europeans, you may need to get a supervisor to get it cleared. In the US, they can't require proof because of the ADA. Europe doesn't have any similar law that I know of.
I forgot to mention, for the Studio part, they did say that someone using a wheelchair and needing only accessible entrances/seating, would not need an Access Card (which is what they call their GAC).

 

[Disneyadore]

If you can get a letter, I still would try. Even though I was told that it is not expected from Americans, since they see mostly Europeans, you may need to get a supervisor to get it cleared. In the US, they can't require proof because of the ADA. Europe doesn't have any similar law that I know of.
I forgot to mention, for the Studio part, they did say that someone using a wheelchair and needing only accessible entrances/seating, would not need an Access Card (which is what they call their GAC).

Please get a letter from your Dr.

The system in France works whit % and I did read many complaints about this system.

 

[syko]

I have been to DLP 60 times and they are great for disablities.
Yes you will need to take proof, DR. letter or parking badge will be fine. Autism and spectrum disorders are covered as they are considered disablities in the EU, you just need your proof.
If you go shopping in France and you are in a wheelchair (or have a mobility problem) you will be called to the fornt of ther line to pay!!!!!

 

[SueM in MN]

Just out of curiosity, are the last few posters from the US?

 

[syko]

I am.

 

[Absimilliard]

My mom (who travels in a manual wheelchair while on vacations) visited DLP last year and here's how it goes...

If your only need is a wheelchair, then yes, Studios is completely mainstreamed.

For Tower of Terror, you have a small door in the lobby that will bypass the turnstiles and send you to the right library, which loads the ground floor elevators. The left library is not accessible, as it leads to the third floor elevators, which has a large staircase.

Rock n Roller Coaster is easily accessible. The accessible car is row 9 here, not row 3 as in Florida. Also, unlike Florida, this one doesn't feature scenery during the ride. Instead, it uses lights, strobes and the part where the coaster take place is filled with smoke to simulate a rock concert. So, if smoke and strobes do not go along with you, I'd suggest you skip it.

Like in FL, you will be allowed first in the preshow for Armageddon and then in the main show, placed at a specific spot where the floor barely moves. Lots of close fire and smoke are used in this attraction.

Moteurs! Actions! stunt show is similar to the one in Florida, but the seating bleacher is smaller and all wheelchair guests are placed front row at the bottom, usually on the right side. One word of advice: the fire effects are a lot more intense here and the drivers love to burn rubber...

Tapis Volants is a clone of Flying Carpets over at the Magic Kingdom.

Cinemagique and Animagique are shows. Animagique is a black light puppetry show while Cinemagique is a show combining live actors, a movie and live effects. One word of advice: the seats in those theaters are small.

Cars 4 roues Rallye is a tea cups like ride using small cars. The cars are very small and not very comfortable for adults.

Crush Coaster has a mainstream line until you reach the stairs to the loading side right after you enter the building. The ride load very slowly (capacity is a third of Everest or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to give you an idea) and the ride requires guests to be able to walk and navigate stairs to ride.

Disneyland Paris:

All rides except the new Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast ride are not accessible through the entrance and require access through the exit. Buzz Lightyear is accessible.

Space Mountain Mission 2 exit is behind the submarine, where the large hangar is. Go where the on ride pictures are and follow the exit path to the station near the cannon.

Big Thunder Mountain exit is where the onride picture booth is. Follow the path to the station next to the lake.

Pirates of the Caribbean exit is at the left of the entrance, down a bit. Look for a ramp leading down to a shop and you're at the right spot.

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril handicapped entrance is right next to the entrance. You'll see a door and ropes with the universal wheelchair sign to the left of the big sign.

For Star Tours, see the greeter. He'll take you through a door to the fast pass line and then to an elevator leading up to the departure hall.

Small World exit is to the left of the big sign. You'll see a building and that's where you go through.

Peter Pan's Flight has the same restriction as Crush Coaster sadly. If you can walk, its a lot easier to board than WDW since the boats stop in the station.

Hope this helps.

 

[MinnieVanMom]

Merci beaucoup for the information mes ami,

For now we are most likely not going to be going to Disney but plans can change. We do like old cheese and I can't wait to see the Mona Lisa, to gaze at the real painting. Oh, I get chills just thinking about the history, buildings and sites to see.

I am getting a Dr. note to bring along just in case for any reason we many need it and our placard.

It is a long time until we go and we are just hoping nothing bad happens between now and then and we get to go.

Au revior