Dying Friend's Wish

[KathyFP]

My best friend of over 20 years has just been given 4 - 6 months to live. Her wish is to take her two daughters to Disney (5, 9).

I am trying to help her plan the trip. If I can get my DD out of school we may go with her. Both of her daughters have special needs and she could really use the support. Although financially it would be a strain – I know that it would mean a lot to her.

What are the crowds like for the week of May 7 – 16?

The other issue is accommodations for special needs children. Her 5 year old is autistic. I can’t see her waiting in very long lines. Does anyone have any suggestions???

 

[Leota]

The time frame will be very nice. You might want to ask the question regarding special needs on that Board. But I do believe there is a Guest Assistance Card for those types of circumstances. Check at Disabilities Board for details.

I'm sorry you guys are planning this trip under such circumstances. I hope it brings some Joy to you all, esp. your friend & her children.

 

[Mom to a Princess]

While I have no experience planning a trip with special needs children I do konw that many people do. You may want to visit the disabilities board. They have tons of advice,tips, and suggestions as to how to make the best of disney.

Here's a hug for you and your friend.

 

[TDS373X]

There are things that can be done for your friends daughters a GAC pass for one. I also have a daughter that is on the Autism spectrum you may want to also post this on the DISabilities board there are lots of wonderful people there with lots of great advice for you. As for crowds May is a wonderful time to go. We'll be there too....accept my sympathies for your friend but what a great friend she has to try and make this magic happen for her and her family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

 

[rangebob]

I can sort of answer the question about the Autism. I have a friend that their son has Down Syndrom and frieks out while in line. Go to Guest Services and explain the circumstances and they will give you a guest assistance card and they will allow you to go through the express pass line or even use the wheelchair entrance.

 

[Schmeck]

A Guest Assistance Card is not a 'front of the line' pass, and is not meant to shorten anyone's wait in line. It is a stamped card that gives the CM at the attraction entrance an idea of how to assist someone with special needs.

If waiting in a long line is difficult, the best option is to use Fastpass as much as possible. A GAC could get the user a quiet spot to wait, or they could be given a certain return time (kind of like a fastpass, but not as flexible, IMO) but they are not always going to get to use the Fastpass queue.

I hope the OP and her friend and family have a wonderful trip, and make very special memories.

 

[SueM in MN]

As the others said, you can get information and ask questions on the disABILITIES Board (there is a link in my signature).
The disABILITIES FAQs thread that is stuck near the top of that board has a section that tells all about Guest Assistance Cards (GACs).

 

[civileng68]

I just want you to know that we'll be praying for your friend and her family. That's a very sad situation..........especially with two children. Just sad. Life is so unfair sometimes........just so unfair. I get chills thinking how emotional that viewing of Wishes may just be.

 

[mouseplanner]

I'm in tears over this...so, so sad. You are a very special friend to help with these plans and I hope that this trip comes to be. As a mom I know nothing makes you happier than to see your kids happy. We'll be there the same week and I'll be thinking of you and praying for some Disney Wishes and Disney miracles to come true. Take care.

 

[Polyfor30th]

I am deeply sorry for your friend and her family. It is a blessing to have someone such as yourself as her friend. I also wanted to mention a reference guide by the folks from the Passporter, they have an edition (besides the original Passporter) written specifically for families with special needs children, relatives, etc. Deb from allears is one of the authors. Take care!

 

[WDWLinda]

I hope you can make it and go too...take lots of pictures of her with her daughters, they'll appreciate them for years to come.

So sorry to hear about this sad situation, I hope you can all still enjoy the trip.

~Linda