Guest Assistance pass

[mom4scrapbooking]

I am not trying to stir problems! I just need anyone's input on it. I have a bad leg. Had surgery have a canaveral bone, 12 screws, and 27 pins. I am thinking of using this pass when we go as I can't stand for a long period of time. I think it is unfair for my kids to have to go back to the hotel or not enjoy Disney due to my leg. I have even thought about not going back. Can anyone give me any idea about the pass and what it entales. Can you ride the ride over and over again? I know nothing and really need help!

 

[disneyfaninaz]

The GAP will allow you and up to 4 or 5 of your family to enter rides through specially marked handicapped entrances. You can get a pass at City Hall when you enter the park. Sometimes there are waits at these entrances as well (especially Pirates), but not as long as the regular queues. You will not be allowed to just ride over and over again, you will have to disembark and renter the line if you want to ride again.

You might want to check the DISabilities board here at the DIS for more information.

 

[LisainCalifornia]

What Wendy has told you is correct. There is no pass that will let you ride rides over and over again without getting off. Basically, when you go Disneyland you will see there is always a line (usually near the exit of the ride) that has wheelchair access symbol. This is where you line up, and you usually have to wait for a while, just not as long as the regular line. You would show your GAC (Guest Assistance Card) to the CM who is working the line, and they would put you in the proper loading area for the ride.

Only you can decide if your disability is severe enough to need a Guest Assistance Card. You can go to city hall the morning of your visit, and the CM will issue you a card based on your specific needs. You might also consider renting a wheelchair for the day, which is what we did for my sister in law who had a very similar situation to yours. You don't need documentation from a doctor, but it can't hurt to have something with you if it helps you to state your case.

 

[reynmagsmom]

The GAC pass has been a godsend for us our 19 yr old is autistic as well as he is mentally 3 in the body of a grown man, wait and crowds are not our friend but for the last 10 years we have been able to enjoy a trip a year just about to the fullest extent because of this pass, Pirates does tend to be the longest wait and California Adventure is mostly handicap accessible, make sure you read the guide they give you at Guest Relations for all the info you will need and as disneyfaninaz said check out the DISabilities thread for great helpful tips.

 

[momtotwolittleones]

What is the criteria for getting the pass? We are going with my FIL, and he has Parkinson's - walking and standing are very hard on him. We're having a hard time getting him to agree to get the wheelchair. I think he feels too embarassed. But we really want him to get to experience this with his grandkids, since it will be the one and only time he gets to go with them.

Do we just ask for the card at Guest Services, or does he have to bring something from his doctor if he's not in a wheelchair? There will be 9 of us traveling - my MIL, FIL, SIL, her dh and her dd, me, dh, and our two kids. Will they let us all get on and ride together using his pass?

I don't care about going over and over again, and we will spend plenty of time in the park without him, but it would be really nice if he was able to participate more on the one or two days that he does go.

 

[reynmagsmom]

No need for note from dr. Just take him to Guest Services and explain his Parkinsons and with a wheelchair it is usually automatic, are you renting offsite? A scooter may be better for him, and there are several places around DL that will bring it to your hotel and pickup at end of your stay we have yet to need this service and my son has his own wheelchair but I have heard great things about the outside companies you can do a search to find the threads about them 1 I can remember is deckerts(sp) Good luck and have a great trip!!

 

[anonymousegirl]

To Mom4Scrapbooking and Momtotwolittleones,
The official Disney policy concerning mobility and stamina issues (that you both have) is to rent a wheelchair or ECV. Please look in the DisAbilities section for a sticky that will explain how a GAC works.

And normally a GAC allows the holder and 5 other family members to ride together. And I have seen larger families try to ride together and the CM only allowed the GAC holder and 5 others to ride and sent the other 5 to the regular line entrance.

I really encourage you both to check the Disabilities section.

 

[mom4scrapbooking]

Thanks all! I think the plan will be to rent a wheelchair when i get there.

 

[Funball]

I am not trying to stir problems! I just need anyone's input on it. I have a bad leg. Had surgery have a canaveral bone, 12 screws, and 27 pins. I am thinking of using this pass when we go as I can't stand for a long period of time. I think it is unfair for my kids to have to go back to the hotel or not enjoy Disney due to my leg. I have even thought about not going back. Can anyone give me any idea about the pass and what it entales. Can you ride the ride over and over again? I know nothing and really need help!

omg OP!!! wow ..yeah you need a GAC. it is a godsend!! it really is. i have aspergers syndrome( a form of autism) and it effects me in different ways, but with the GAC for you it can help you cause you can put ur family on the card, up to 6 people and they can wait with you. i really think for your sake you should totally use this pass.

 

[SueM in MN]

There is more information about Guest Assistance Cards in post #6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. You can find that thread near the top of the disABILITIES Board or follow the link in my signature to get there.
The information in post #6 was written about WDW, but the Guest Assistance Card is basically the same at Disneyland, especially at DCA, which was built with accessible line.
Disneyland is less accessible and because it is an older and smaller park than those at WDW, there are more attractions with special wheelchair/handicapped entrances.
That doesn't mean no wait though, just that you will be in an accessible place that will meet your needs better while you wait.

There is also a post in the disABILITIES FAQs thread that is specifically about Disneyland, including links to the DL Disability information.

As was already mentioned, for problems with walking and standing, WDW and DL recommend using a wheelchair or ECV. The reason is that there are really few places to sit, even with a GAC unless you have a wheelchair or ECV with you. And, you will be walking a lot more outside lines than you will in the lines.

 

[reynmagsmom]

Whatever you decide enjoy your trip but for what it's worth I would for sure go the wheelchair or ECV route it will make your trip all the better.