Fastpasses and disabilities

[Sugarbug]

Hi, planning a trip for the last week of July. One of my kids has a disability that requires him to use crutches all the time. I was reading that you can get a special pass to wait in a separate area for your turn to get on the rides. I was wondering how this works when combined with fastpasses.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Have you checked this board's FAQ thread yet? You really should, it provides a lot of great information.

But briefly, Disney's recommendation for guests with mobility/stamina issues is usually a wheelchair. Generally, there's no separate area to wait.

 

[Piper]

You have probably read some of the information from other sites that is unfortunately not true. Here is a link to the FAQs (post 6 is about GACs.)

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=595713

There is a LOT of walking at WDW--there are no seats available at any of the few alternate entrances (except maybe Spaceship Earth)--frequently you wait LONGER in the designated HC lines than others do in the "regular" lines--most attractions are mainstreamed and everyone either uses the main line or FP line--there is NO front of the line pass and the GAC states on it that it isn't used to get on rides faster.

Your best bet is a WC that you rent off site and can tailor for his height and weight.

 

[jdb in AZ]

If you're flying, you might want to rent a wheelchair in your hometown so your child can use it in the airports and the hotel as well as the parks. Getting a child-size wheelchair should be more comfortable than any full-size chair you could rent at the parks too.

 

[SueM in MN]

Besides what the others posted, the best way to avoid waiting in line I to use Fastpasses and a good touring plan.. Many people recommend easywdw.com or touringplans.com

Even if you don't follow a plan exactly, it will help you to be in th least busy part of the least busy park.

Guests with visible mobility needs ( wheelchair, crutches, walker, ECV) will be directed to the accessible boarding area. Most of the lines are Mainstreamed, which means that the majority of the line is accessible to all guests nd you will be using the same line as everyone else. The few with Handicapped entrances, like Spaceship Earth that was mentioned, don't need a GUest Assistance Card to access that area. Guests are directed there by CMs when they see a mobility need.
With the exception of a few attractions like that, most do not have a place to sit nd wait unless the guest has a wheelchair/ECV or rollator with them.

Other posters mentioned the distances - that is very important. Most guests walk between 3 and 9 miles a day at WDW, so anyone with difficulty walking will have difficulty at WDW. A Guest Assistance Card doesn't shorten the distance walked.

 

[Sugarbug]

I was planning on getting a special needs stroller for him, but I am not sure whether we will need a Guest Assistance Card or not. BTW thanks for the links I will start there.

 

[jmartinez1895]

If you use a stroller ( this applies to regular strollers being used as well) then you will need to go to guest services and let them know that it is being used as a wheelchair. They will give you a sticker for the stroller and a GAC that allow you to use the stroller in places that you normally would have to park it ( such as ride lines and shows).

 

[Vickie46]

We actually traded pins in Guest Relations and I was really surpised on how many request they get for those Guest Assistant cards or passes.... I was shocked on who was said no too and others who got them... One Mom came in with her daughter in a wheelchair with a hurt foot and she was told she didn't need a pass to just go thru the handicap line.. or wheelchair line but then the next guy came in with legs hurting and got it... I know they have standards and rules but just shocked on how many people ask for them..

 

[a1tinkfans]

We actually traded pins in Guest Relations and I was really surpised on how many request they get for those Guest Assistant cards or passes.... I was shocked on who was said no too and others who got them... One Mom came in with her daughter in a wheelchair with a hurt foot and she was told she didn't need a pass to just go thru the handicap line.. or wheelchair line but then the next guy came in with legs hurting and got it... I know they have standards and rules but just shocked on how many people ask for them..

not all disabilities show, perhaps his leg issue was more than the rest of us could see.....I just appreciate that they will listen to folks needs and help them as best as they can

 

[buffettgirl]

not all disabilities show, perhaps his leg issue was more than the rest of us could see.....I just appreciate that they will listen to folks needs and help them as best as they can

And, to add to that, the guy in the wheel chair did not NEED a GAC if his only need was to enter lines in an accessible manner. His wheelchair is the visible 'cue' that is needed.

 

[SueM in MN]

It's also possible that the guy was planning on parking his wheelchair and walking in lines. If that was the case, he would need a GAC to avoid stairs and board at the accessible boarding areas. With the wheelchair parked, he would not be able to do that unless he had a GAC.

But, with a wheelchair and just needing the accessible entrances, he would not need a GAC.