Guest Assistance Cards

[rmom]

Does anyoneknow if I need a note from my daughter's doctor for this?

I have heard that you did not need to produce a note but we were questioned a few years ago when I get it for my other daughter at WDW but I had a note - I think it was because here were so many people that were trying to get them. I don't really want to ask my daughter's cardiologist for a note and she is also developmentally delayed.

I was not going to get one but now an thinking that we may need it.

thanks!!!

 

[LavenderPeach]

It is my understanding that they cannot lawfully ask for a doctor's note. We've never gotten one for DS (who has special needs) but I lurk around the disabilities forum sometimes and this is what I've read.

 

[cccdisney]

We get one for our son every time. They can't legally ask and I have never had a CM ask. In fact, they don't even ask about a dx. When you ask for a GAC they will ask you what you (or the child) needs help with. We always ask for the GAC to be stamped stroller=wheelchair, he doesn't understand lines, can cause harm to himself or others, etc.
So just know what you need before going in and asking.

 

[Grim_Grinning_Girl]

Hi, are you sure you need a guest assistance card? My mother has MS and limited mobility, she travels in her own scooter while at Disneyland and has never used a guest assistance card or has been asked. Also, because we do use the handicap entrance, I don't believe I have ever seen other guests in line asked for a guest assistance card - and I've seen some pretty questionable guests, not that I'm saying there wasn't anything wrong with them, but even then they weren't ask for a card.

I don't think you'll have any issues, but it's good to get as much feedback as possible.

 

[Tinkerbelle's Mom]

I have gotten a GAC before and they cannot ask you for a doctors note. All you have to do is explain your specific need and they will be able to help with you with it.

 

[Anjelica]

I don't know about Disneyland but one time we did get a GAC for my husband as he is legally blind. This was more for closer views of the shows, etc. but in all honesty it didn't really make much of a difference EXCEPT at the Lion King Show. We got to sit up in the handicapped section and he could actually see the show pretty well BUT I've never really found that the Lion King Show has any bad seats to begin with.

I have no idea if we will get one for DL - honestly we weren't even thinking about getting one at this point.

 

[disneynewman]

Hi, are you sure you need a guest assistance card? My mother has MS and limited mobility, she travels in her own scooter while at Disneyland and has never used a guest assistance card or has been asked. Also, because we do use the handicap entrance, I don't believe I have ever seen other guests in line asked for a guest assistance card - and I've seen some pretty questionable guests, not that I'm saying there wasn't anything wrong with them, but even then they weren't ask for a card.

I don't think you'll have any issues, but it's good to get as much feedback as possible.

GAC is geared more towards those guest with non-visable diabilities i.e. autism. We have gotten one for my son for the past 4 or 5 trips and it is a must for us.
To answer the OP, no a doctors note is not needed

 

[bumbershoot]

I don't know about Disneyland but one time we did get a GAC for my husband as he is legally blind. This was more for closer views of the shows, etc. but in all honesty it didn't really make much of a difference EXCEPT at the Lion King Show. We got to sit up in the handicapped section and he could actually see the show pretty well BUT I've never really found that the Lion King Show has any bad seats to begin with.

I have no idea if we will get one for DL - honestly we weren't even thinking about getting one at this point.

When I was researching help for those with lower vision, I found that often it's helpful for entrances and exits. For instance, moving walkways. There aren't that many in DL, but at WDW I found out there are many. So you might be able to go in a different way that avoids that. Also, weird lighting in the entrance that might make it even harder. I know that legally blind doesn't necessarily mean the person absolutely cannot see (it does in the case of my cousin and her two kids, all of whom have had congenital cataracts), so to take confusing walkways out of the equation could make for a more comfortable trip.

Hi, are you sure you need a guest assistance card? My mother has MS and limited mobility, she travels in her own scooter while at Disneyland and has never used a guest assistance card or has been asked.

It's b/c your mom's on wheels that she doesn't need it. Wheelchair/ECV means the alternative entrances are for you. If you don't have wheels, or to make a stroller "into" something that counts as a wheelchair type conveyance, then there's the GAC, so you don't have to explain to every CM at every entrance what exactly you need. It's all there on the card.

 

[SueM in MN]

Those who said that you can't legally be asked for 'proof' of disability are correct.
The information about GACs in post #6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread was written about WDW, but it also applies to Disneyland (there is a link to the disABILITIES FAQs thread in my signature).