Gues Assistance Card?

[Caribbeanprincess]

I'm not sure what it's called, but my nephew used this pass last summer because of his condition. I was wondering if my mother could use this too. She never has before because we go during low season times, but this year we had to change our trip from the 18th through the 28th of December and my mother has back and neck conditions that don't allow her to stay up for long periods of time and have worsend through the years. She doesn't ride many thing because of the same conditions, but I was wondering if this could be used for the things she does ride. Would we need to present any evidence to obtain this pass?

Any info is welcome. Thanks!

 

[KPeveler]

You really need to look into renting a wheelchair or scooter for your mother. That is the most crowded time of year, and she will find long lines things other than a few attractions. Here is a list of things that the GAC does NOT work for:
restrooms (20+ minute lines are common at xmas)
restaurants
character line
shows (have to wait for the next show)
parades
fireworks
street shows

If she is not a "ride person" then she will likely spend most of her time doing the above...

Also, she should not expect to be able to sit down on the park benches reliably, as those tend to be crowded at non-peak times. Also during peak times like xmas, some counter service restaurants will not allow you to sit unless you are eating, so she should not count on sitting there either...

Also, for stamina or mobility concerns, disney's policy is to rent a wheelchair or ECV. GACs are handled differently depending on the stamp, the time of year, the time of day, how many people with disabilities are ahead of you, the CM, and other variable factors. While your nephew may have had one experience, it is likely yours will be different. At such a busy time of year, I would guess it to be unlikely that you would receive the same accommodation, or if you did you would not receive it consistently.

Also be aware that the GAC will often make lines LONGER, as they can only allow so many people with disabilities onto the ride at once - for instance, only 3 are allowed on Buzz Lightyear, and if there are already 3 on and there are 5 people ahead of you, you will have to wait for the ride to cycle completely at least twice before you get on (and this is AFTER waiting in the main/FP line). Last time I was there, I waited 45 minutes for Jungle Cruise when the standby time was 5-10 minutes.

I am not trying to be rude or anything, but I want you to be prepared for how crowded this trip will be, and how a wheelchair or scooter will likely be a better choice. I use a wheelchair in daily life, and I can honestly say I enjoy the parks now even more than I did when I was able to walk!

(btw, people walk between 6 and 9 miles a day in disney - a good fact to share with your mom)

 

[SueM in MN]

I agree with everything that KPeveler wrote, especially renting a wheelchair or ECV. If she has trouble standing for more than a few minutes, that is really the only way to deal with it.

There is more information about Guest Assistance Cards in post 6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. Guest Assistance Cards are not meant to shorten or eliminate waits in line (it says that right on the card). As KPeveler mentioned, can sometimes make the wait even longer.
During the time you are going, it will be very busy and there will be very few places to sit, with or without a GAC. This is a link to a thread about attractions at the park with no place to sit.

I suggest looking into a touring plan like TourGuide Mike or Ridemax. Many people have written that TourGuide Mike plans were very helpful for them and they seldom waited more than 15 minutes for anything, even during busy times. The way it works is that TourGuide Mike's plans help you to be in the least busy part of the least busy park. That helps with things like lines in restrooms and restaurants too, so would be very helpful to her.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

Also if you do decide to rent a wheelchair/ECV from an outside vendor, you should probably call as soon as possible to ensure you get exactly what you want reserved, and with the company you want. When attendance goes up, it only follows that these rentals will go up, better to get that squared away than call to find out what you were interested has already been "sold out". I'd also urge you not to rely on renting something at the parks, as all their wheelchairs and ECVs are on a first come first serve basis.

 

[Caribbeanprincess]

We've been there on Christmas before so we know how crowded it gets, however we've learned to avoid the parks entirely on peak days, like Christmas day itself during which we hit the DTD. My mom has considered renting an ECV on a few trips, but due to our economical situation at the moment I don't think it will happen. However, thank you very much on the GAC question. My nephew is a diabetic and on his first visit to WDW last summer he got to enjoy it all with the GAC, something I don't think he would've been able to do without it.

 

[DisneyFreakz]

Disney has now made most of their lines Wheelchair accessible. In the past, many people have faked back injuries to get a guest assistance card. Now they need to wait on the regular line like everyone else even if they rent an ECV. A wheelchair won't guarrantee an alternate entrance (fastpass or exit line) for you.
I myself have many different issues and require an alternate entrance pass.
They have never asked for any documentaion for it but I always offer my documents. I have been to disney a few times at xmas and everyone on this forum is correct, it is very crowded. I have seen them close magic kingdom park at 11am due to crowds.

Hope this helps.