Guest Assistance Cards ending, to be replaced with Fastpasses?

[Granny square]

Nice description. No special kiosks and a description of the plan for wheelchairs.

 

[buckeev]

I think Disney Assistance System does sound better.

X2...

 

[MinnieLovesMickey12]

Saw this article and though you might want to check it out. http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201309/3695/

 

[Justin Jett]

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/disney-parks-disability-access-service-card-fact-sheet/

Disney Parks have an unwavering commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment and accessible experiences for guests.
Disney Parks is modifying the current Guest Assistance Card program, which provides access to attractions for guests with disabilities, so it can continue to serve the guests who truly need it. The new program is designed to provide the special experience guests have come to expect from Disney. It will also help control abuse that was, unfortunately, widespread and growing at an alarming rate.
The new Disability Access Service (DAS) Card will replace the Guest Assistance Card on Oct. 9. Guests at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort can request a Disability Access Service Card at Guest Relations. DAS Cardholders will receive a return time for attractions based on the current wait time.
Disney Parks has long recognized and accommodated guests with varying needs. Guests can visit Guest Relations to discuss their individual situation, and Disney Parks will continue to provide assistance that is responsive to their unique circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Disability Access Service Card and how does it work?
The DAS Card is designed to accommodate guests who aren’t able to wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including non-apparent disabilities). A Disability Access Service Card will be issued at Guest Relations main entrance locations and will offer guests a return time for attractions based on the current wait time. As soon as the Guest finishes one attraction, they can receive a return time for another. This service can be used in addition to Disney’s FASTPASS Service and Disney FastPass+ service.
What will Disney Parks do if a Guest is concerned the DAS Card doesn’t meet their needs?
Disney Parks have long recognized and accommodated guests with varying needs and will continue to work individually with guests with disabilities to provide assistance that is responsive to their unique circumstances. Guests should visit Guest Relations to discuss their individual needs.
Who will be eligible for a Disability Access Service Card?
Disney Parks’ goal is to accommodate guests who aren’t able to wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including non-apparent disabilities). Guests should visit Guest Relations to discuss their assistance needs.
How will guests get a Disability Access Service Card?
A Disability Access Service Card will be issued at Guest Relations main entrance locations. Guests will participate in a registration process, which also includes having their photo taken.
Why is Disney Parks doing this?
Disney Parks is modifying the current Guest Assistance Card program so it can continue to serve the guests who truly need it. The new program is designed to provide the special experience guests have come to expect from Disney. Disney Parks also hopes it will help control abuse that was, unfortunately, widespread and growing at an alarming rate.
Does the DAS Cardholder have to be present to obtain a return time at an attraction?
No. Another member of the DAS Cardholder’s travel party may obtain a return time but the DAS Cardholder must board the attraction with his or her party.
Where do DAS Cardholders go to receive return times?
At Disneyland Resort, guests will go to Guest Relations kiosks located throughout the parks to receive a return time. At Walt Disney World Resort, guests will go to the attraction to receive a return time.
Does a DAS Cardholder have to ride the attraction at the exact return time listed?
No. Return times are valid until redeemed by the DAS Cardholder.
How long is a DAS Card valid?
A DAS card is valid for up to 14 days depending on a guest’s ticket entitlement.
Is a DAS Card issued at one Disney theme park valid at other Disney theme parks?
Yes, the card will be valid throughout the resort at which it was issued.
Why doesn’t Disney Parks ask for proof of disability, such as a doctor’s note?
Disney Parks takes Guests at their word and there are legal restrictions around asking for proof.
Is this the only service available to Guests with disabilities?
Disney Parks offer a variety of services to guests with disabilities, such as Disney’s Handheld Device that offers assistive listening, captioning and audio description. Additionally, Disney Parks has developed a “Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities.” This serves as a tool on how best to experience its theme parks and is expected to be available online by mid-October.

Disney Parks will continue to provide excellent guest service and accessible experiences. Guests should visit Guest Relations at any park should they feel they need assistance due to a disability.
Does a Guest whose disability is based on the necessity to use a wheelchair or scooter need a DAS Card?
No, a Guest whose disability is based on the necessity to use a wheelchair or scooter does not need a DAS Card. Depending on the attraction, the Guest will either wait in the standard queue or receive a return time at the attraction based on the current wait time. For some attractions at Disneyland Resort, these guests will go directly to an alternate entrance. Guests with additional needs should discuss them with Guest Relations.
Will Disney Parks continue to provide a service to wish-granting organizations?
The change will not affect those who are visiting on trips organized by wish granting organizations. There is a separate program for children with life-threatening illnesses.

 

[OurBigTrip]

It is basically just going to hurt the people who REALLY need it as with anything else. The people who cheat and lie are ALWAYS going to find a way around things. Just people who REALLY deserve the cards are going to suffer and it makes me so OUTRAGED that people think it is FAIR for people with disabilities to WAIT with everyone else. They have no clue what these kids and adults have to deal with on a daily basis.

What anyone has to deal with on a daily basis should have no bearing on what their experience should be at Disney World. The two are completely unrelated.

Watching a group of six skip to the front of the line, and then ride the same ride multiple times while my kid is still waiting to ride even once is ridiculous and shouldn't be permitted.

No one that is visiting Disney is any more special than anyone else, and no one should get privileges that continuously and negatively impact the experience of other guests.

 

[Spoot]

What anyone has to deal with on a daily basis should have no bearing on what their experience should be at Disney World. The two are completely unrelated.

Watching a group of six skip to the front of the line, and then ride the same ride multiple times while my kid is still waiting to ride even once is ridiculous and shouldn't be permitted.

No one that is visiting Disney is any more special than anyone else, and no one should get privileges that continuously and negatively impact the experience of other guests.

Personally, I have no problem waiting for a child visiting with Make-A-Wish (or similar organizations) to get an extra special privledge.

In general though, I agree with you - the GAC/DAS is not about making up for the difficult daily life someone people have, it is about granting equal access. I'll admit, we benefited from the "unlimited fast pass" that it became (at least for us), but I understand that that is not what it was designed to be.

 

[Justin Jett]

My challenge to any non-disabled people who are celebrating the change would be to spend a day touring the parks in a wheelchair and not transferring out of the wheelchair for rides. See what the experience is really like.

 

[OurBigTrip]

Personally, I have no problem waiting for a child visiting with Make-A-Wish (or similar organizations) to get an extra special privledge.

In general though, I agree with you - the GAC/DAS is not about making up for the difficult daily life someone people have, it is about granting equal access. I'll admit, we benefited from the "unlimited fast pass" that it became (at least for us), but I understand that that is not what it was designed to be.

Agree 100% on the Make a Wish kids or similar organizations...my previous posts on this subject mentioned them as well, just neglected it this time.

 

[Spoot]

Agree 100% on the Make a Wish kids or similar organizations...my previous posts on this subject mentioned them as well, just neglected it this time.

And I realize that my post sounded like I was accusing you of not caring about MAW kids, which wasn't my intent! Just commenting on the difference between children touring as part of a MAW trip and others needing assistance (as we do) when it comes to what the pass should be doing.

 

[OurBigTrip]

I think in this case it's appropriate for you to use the DAS system. It would not be appropriate to put others in harm's way simply because you don't want to wait to ride. This is the onus that is on the user of the DAS system.

Disabled or not, if someone strikes me, pulls my hair, spits on me, or anything else in a line, I am going to report them and insist they are removed immediately, and I will need a good reason why I don't press charges on them as well. Physical assault, whether by the disabled or by the abled, is not appropriate in the public space. Not by children, and not by adults (though I think most people tend to give more leeway to children).

Just be aware that some people might have a history that would lead them to press charges on someone who spits on them or punches them in a line.

Well said and I agree 100%!! This attitude of "If I can't skip to the front and get exactly what I want, I'm going to stand in line and let everyone suffer with me" is not going to go over well.

Some kid (or adult) spits or hits me or my DD because they don't want to wait in line, and I'm going to be calling the police, disabled or not.

 

[OurBigTrip]

And I realize that my post sounded like I was accusing you of not caring about MAW kids, which wasn't my intent! Just commenting on the difference between children touring as part of a MAW trip and others needing assistance (as we do) when it comes to what the pass should be doing.

Understand completely, no problem!

 

[Justin Jett]

From the mobility side alone, without additional disabilities. There aren 1 maybe 2 Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles per attraction. Imagine going though a regular queue (waiting the posted wait time) only to find 2 or 3 wheelchairs ahead of you. Waiting for each chair to load, ride, and unload. It is not like getting to the boarding area and boarding the next vehicle in line. Having 1 or 2 vehicles available adds to the posted wait time. Then, some people have additional "invisible" disabilities as well.

 

[OurBigTrip]

I love this part of the letter.........

"As with any change, there will be a period of adjustment, particularly for those families who have developed and refined their preferred ways of enjoying our parks with their loved ones over the years."

As if "those families" are just being picky because they are set in their ways.

How about "especially for those families who have challenges we can't imagine when visiting our parks, but who have, through trial and error, developed the best plan possible for their loved one."

Don't forget to add "...regardless of the negative impact on other families that are in the park."

 

[Justin Jett]

This board has its hot topics too . . .

S E G........oh I'm sorry, sir.

 

[mrsksomeday]

From the mobility side alone, without additional disabilities. There aren 1 maybe 2 Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles per attraction. Imagine going though a regular queue (waiting the posted wait time) only to find 2 or 3 wheelchairs ahead of you. Waiting for each chair to load, ride, and unload. It is not like getting to the boarding area and boarding the next vehicle in line. Having 1 or 2 vehicles available adds to the posted wait time. Then, some people have additional "invisible" disabilities as well.

I can totally agree with this. I tour the parks with someone that does NOT transfer and you are right we normally have added wait times.

 

[disney david]

My challenge to any non-disabled people who are celebrating the change would be to spend a day touring the parks in a wheelchair and not transferring out of the wheelchair for rides. See what the experience is really like.

Justin Jett (Skip Poter) don't let people bring you down you never let anything ever hold you back you do stuff most people wish they could do. You get your self on a Amtrak train and to Disney when their some able bodied people who couldn't do it. your an inspiration to us all and I hope your not letting anyone bring you down. Disney will be their to help they will never let you down this my be new and their my be things that they still need to work on and they will. your right skip the sad thing is the people who are happy now wont be when they my one day have to deal with it and they wont know what to do. once again skip your like a hero to me you never let your disabilities stop you from doing anything you never let anything hold you back. you say your going to Disney you do no matter what you put your mind to something and the sky the limit i wish more people would be like you this world would be a better place.


i go to Disney to have fun and enjoy my time just like anyone with a disabilities do. they have the same right as i do to ride the rides. if that means they go ahead of my then fine i am still going to get to ride the ride if it take an extra 5 min i great with it i am at Disney i am their to relax and have fun. if a kid or adult who needs to get on before me then great but guest in wheelchairs who cant transfer wind up spending more time waiting so they should be given a chance to get on in a timely manor.

 

[ZehnJahren]

From the mobility side alone, without additional disabilities. There aren 1 maybe 2 Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles per attraction. Imagine going though a regular queue (waiting the posted wait time) only to find 2 or 3 wheelchairs ahead of you. Waiting for each chair to load, ride, and unload. It is not like getting to the boarding area and boarding the next vehicle in line. Having 1 or 2 vehicles available adds to the posted wait time. Then, some people have additional "invisible" disabilities as well.

I really can't imagine how frustrating this must be and how singled out I would feel after waiting the full time with everyone else and then getting additional time tacked on, right at the end. I hope there's a better way that they're going to morph into, somehow.

 

[SueM in MN]

I can totally agree with this. I tour the parks with someone that does NOT transfer and you are right we normally have added wait times.

Our DD is small enough to lift without a real lot of difficulty, but she's not a 'dead weight' lift. Depending on her muscle tone and excitement level, it can be like lifting a rag doll or a squirming mass of swinging arms send legs.
So, as much as possible, we use attractions where we don't have to transfer her. We also experience the increased waits for the accessible ride cars.
I think the new system might help somewhat because people will be more spread out. I hope they have some way of equalizing those waits if it doesn't.

We are really happy they have some where we don't have to transfer DD. There are a lot more now than 15 years ago.

 

[mrzrich]

Apparently there is a demonstration planned tomorrow Morning at DL. The planners have invited news crews etc. I personally wish the planner of this protest would have waited to see how everything goes rather than adding to the stress of the first day roll out.

 

[sunset7132]

I have no problem getting that new card and getting a fast pass instead of first online.. Never need an assistance before but We are coming after I had knee surgery. I can walk short distances But need to sit frequently. I will be very grateful for card to give me a time to come back so I can sit in between. That will make it so much easier im depressed enough needing an ECV at disney. Damn.