DLP and the GAC

[MinnieVanMom]

I don't follow over here very much since moving.

Now we go to Disneyland Paris and I wanted to share the policy for the GAC.

To get one you must show a letter from the Dr. and it has to be within 90 days of the park visit.

They don't have the issues with HIPPA in Europe and I believe that if you really do have a disability, you have seen a doctor, usually more than one. So who care about having to show a letter.

They do ask a few questions about the disability and are professional but not overtly friendly.

With GAC in hand we are able to, when needed, use it to help DS have a good day in the park.

I wish the USA parks could also put terms and conditions on the GAC and cut down on the abuse. DLP doesn't seem to issues like WDW with the GAC. But they do have other issues. That is for a different forum.

We do plan to return for a magical stay at WDW next year and we have picked an off time, less crowds, but will still bring our Dr. Letter with us for the GAC in the States.

 

[lanejudy]

Laws in Europe are much different than the laws in the U.S. and really can't be compared. There are pros and cons to each, with no "perfect" solution. Also, I believe at DLP you do truly get FOTL or close to it, which is not provided by the GAC in the U.S. parks.

I'm glad you and your family get to enjoy DLP and will have a chance to visit WDW next year. You may bring the doctor's note if that makes you more comfortable, but Guest Relations likely will not even look at it.

 

[KPeveler]

As posted, the cast member most likely will not look at a letter here. A GAC is intended to provide EQUAL access, which is why proof cannot be required. It is actually not HIPAA but the ADA which provides that protection. The GAC does not give FOTL access or anything like that, so it is considered equal and not special access.

 

[KPeveler]

They don't have the issues with HIPPA in Europe and I believe that if you really do have a disability, you have seen a doctor, usually more than one. So who care about having to show a letter.

I care. Yes I have seen a doctor. I have seen many. But I cannot imagine having to carry documents on me saying I am really disabled. Because I am still disabled when I leave Disneyland. I should not have to prove to anyone I really need things like my wheelchair. The ADA was written to protect us all the time. Disney is just a special situation.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I was aware of this rule prior to my trip last year to DLP.

I travel with my personal ECV. In Europe, that by itself is not sufficient to show I have a mobility disability. To get to use a line that did not have stairs I had to get the Access Pass.

Rather than a note from a doctor, I brought along my Disabled blue hang tag, as well as my driver's license and was able to show that my DL# was on the expiration sticker of the hang tag. But without that I would not have been able to do some attractions.

And, as a side note, they do not rent ECVs at DLP and I have not heard of any outside rentals.

 

[tinkerpea]

It's not only DLP that works like this in Europe every theme park in the UK requires you to show a letter from either the DLA ( disability living allowance) or from your consultant, some tines a handicap badge will do but more often then not you need a letter from specialist and the badge!

Lego land UK in just one example, the accommodations given at Lego land are the same ones that are given at Universal you get a book and the Attendant marks down the time that you can come back depending on the que length!
It was not always this way at some places you used to just go to the exit but that stopped a few years ago.

Many other theme parks work the same way.