Guest Assistance Pass

[amasonmom2four]

Mike, Be sure and let the CM at Guest Services know your son has seizures. The CM told us that they didn't want her to have a seizure waiting in a line where we couldnt get her out quickly.
Angela

 

[ducklite]

I was able to get one on our past trip. I have severe asthma which is aggravated by heat and particularly direct sunlight. (I know, weird.) If I can be out of the sun on super hot days, I'm usually OK. They stamped it to allow me to wait in shaded areas.

As it turned out, we were there over July 4th, and it was too hot for me to take the chance on the parks for the most part, I tried to go to the MK early one morning, and by the time I got in the gates it was directly to first aid for an attack.

But they are still giving them out. I didn't have a doctor's note, but would have been more than happy to pull out the inhalers to show them

Anne

 

[lj.brewis@virgin.net]

Hi,

Trying to read through all of the posts re GACs but am getting a little confused.

My son has Cerebral Palsy and is completely wheelchair bound although small enough to carry for very short periods, e.g transfer from wheelchair to ride. He has a specially adapted wheelchair which looks more like a fancy stroller so I'm a bit concerned that CMs or other people won't believe its a wheelchair.

Do we need a GAC or can we just speak to a CM where necessary to obtain entrance through an alternative entrance if mainstream access is not available.

We are more than happy to stand in line with everyone else as long as we can take the wheelchair with us.

What happens when you get on one side of a ride but exit on the opposite, I presume these are classed as the non-mainstream rides with alternative access.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Welcome to disABILITIES.

Generally a person in a wheelchair will not need a GAC unless they also have an "invisible" disability (such as poor hearing). However, since his wheelchair looks like a high-end stroller it would probably be a good idea to get a GAC which allows use of a stroller as a wheelchair. This will help (if needed) to prevent arguements.

You would have to take him to Guest Services at the first park you go to. They will then issue the GAC which is good for him and up to five additional people in the party. It is valid in all four parks for the length of stay.

If you are using Disney Transportation having the GAC can be used to let drivers or loaders realize that you have a wheelchair.

Many rides where you exit on a different side than you enter will have you go thjrough a special line to the exit, and you will board from that side.

 

[SueM in MN]

Besides what Cheshire Figment posted, here's a link to a past thread about boarding that explains how it works.
This
link to the official Disney website should also be helpful. It's information for mobility disabilities. Some of the rides in MK have completely separate entrances for people with disabilities because (in order to have your wheelchair close by when you exit), you need to board at the exit. The rides at the Studio and at AK were mostly built with accessibility in mind. For most of the rides at those parks (and the newer ones at MK and Epcot), you will wait in the regular line until just before boarding. At that point, you will be directed to an alternate entrance.

 

[dpic]

SueM, although you posted your reply quite a while ago to my question, I wanted to thank you for your help. I looked into a portable seat to take along. What I found is a little three legged camp stool. It will fit in one of our backpacks and doesn't weight that much at all. I wanted something that will be out of the way unless I needed it. This way if any attractions have an area to use it, I can just sit and wait for our turn. When not is use, it's in the backpack--smushing the snacksbars . That was a great suggestion.

Thanks again.

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks, Dan for your thanks.
I had not thought of a small, foldable camp stool. That's a good idea.

 

[chinamommy]

Originally posted by Cheshire Figment
Welcome to disABILITIES.

Generally a person in a wheelchair will not need a GAC unless they also have an "invisible" disability (such as poor hearing).

I know that it SHOULDN'T happen, but I have had CMs insist on seeing a GAC for my son who uses a wheelchair (which looks like a wheelchair). So, we had to leave the attraction, backtrack to GS, and get the GAC.

So, my advice would be: Just get the GAC.

I'm glad to hear that the program was not eliminated -- that was the rumor that I had heard.

 

[SueM in MN]

I know that it SHOULDN'T happen, but I have had CMs insist on seeing a GAC for my son who uses a wheelchair (which looks like a wheelchair). So, we had to leave the attraction, backtrack to GS, and get the GAC.

So, my advice would be: Just get the GAC.

I'm glad to hear that the program was not eliminated -- that was the rumor that I had heard.

The confusion about the program ending was that Disneyland changed their program. Because DL is a lot less accessible than WDW, you did need a special card (theirs was called the Special Assistance Pass) to use the accessible entrances. All the SAP cards were the same, so someone who needed only an accessible entrance (but had no problem waiting) got the same card as someone with multiple disabilities who could not wait in the regular line. Because many of DL's attractions don't have accessible lines, they ended up with "special" lines for people with SAPs. DL got rid of the SAP and replaced it with the Guest Assistance Card, similar to what is used at WDW. The GAC is based on the needs of the person it is issued to and what the GAC says is determined by the needs. For example, there is a stamp that allows a stroller to be treated as a wheelchair, there is another one that allows use of the accessible entrance for someone without a wheelchair. You only get the messages that are applicable to your situation.
There are a lot of rumors out about DL having eliminated the SAP, most of them just saying they got rid of it, but neglecting to mention that they replaced it with something else.
At DL, from what I have read, it is probably worth a trip to Guest Services to inquire about a GAC. They are still figuring out how the program works and there are times when people with wheelchairs have been told they need a GAC and times when the wheelchair is the GAC.

At WDW, most (but not all) lines are wheelchair accessible. Most were designed with or renovated to use "Mainstream Lines" - which is where the entire line is accessible. There may be a pull off point just before boarding where wheelchair guests are routed to the accessible boarding area. If that is all you need, you don't need a GAC. If you go to Guest Services to ask about one, you will be told you don't need one and they will (in all likelihood) not give you one. If they do give one under those circumstances, it's usually just stamped with "may use accessible entrance", which you can do with a wheelchair without the stamp.
If you are following the "normal ride path" with a wheelchair and a CM says you need a GAC to follow the Mainstream line, the CM is wrong and you should ask to talk to someone higher up. That has happened to us once in 16 years of visiting with a child who uses a wheelchair. It was at Splash Mountain where the regualr line reaches a stairway. The CM told us we could not bypass it because we would be "skipping a part of the line". I pointed out that there was no way for DD's wheelchair to get up the stairway and that we were standing in front of a gate with a wheelchair symbol. After getting another CM, we were allowed thru, but the CM needed some education.

If you are trying to enter a Mainstream ride somewhere other than the regular path (like entering the fastpass return line when the regular line is accessible), you will be told (correctly) that you need a GAC to do that. One of the points of confusion is that the fastpass line is the only accessible line for some rides/attractions. People who go on one of those attractions first might think that the fastpass return line is where they are supposed to go for all attractions. But then they get confused when the next line they try to do that, the CM says they need a GAC.

CMs are very unlikely to cofuse an adult size wheelchair and say it can't be brought into line. But, a small child's wheelchair may look very "stroller-ish" to the CMs, even if it looks very "wheelchair-ish" to the family using it. So, for small kids in wheelchairs (especially is they don't have 2 large rear tires), it would be a good idea to get a GAC that allows use of a "stroller as a wheelchair".

 

[chinamommy]

At WDW the 2 points where we and another family I know with an adolescent in a wheelchair have had difficulties with CMs are Splash Mountain (just what you describe, Sue) and the Pooh honey pots ride.

 

[pampam]

For dpic, I was able to buy a knapsack that converted to a seat. The seat frame is on the outside of the knapsack. I got it at a sporting goods store. It's ideal for us, or anyone else carrying a knapsack. It cost about $20. I keep it on the back of my daughters wheel chair, and use it for waiting in lines and parades. Worth its weight in gold.

 

[Mike Bartenhagen]

Sue,

What a great explination for the use of a GAP for a child in a wheelchair. Thank you, it really made things clearer for me. I have asked a similar question before but if you could clarify something for me I would appreciate it. My son has one of those wheelchairs that looks like a stroller. He turned 2 in January and can walk very well, he does stumble some but does good. The reason that we have the chair is that he is at about a 12 month cognative level so he dosen't walk with much purpose he just wonders and he can't keep up with the family. Going through regular lines will never be a problem for him in terms of waiting with everyone else but my main concern is that we are always able to keep the chair with us because of it's cost (1600.00) and the fact that if it disappeared it would impact the rest of our trip. Here is the situation that I am wondering about. There are 11 of us going. If we come to a ride that has a seperate wheelchair entrance will we be able to bring the chair in the regular line with us? It does fold up. I guess basically I am wondering if there are times that strollers will not be allowed somewhere and we could still bring the chair. I want us all to stay together and use the regular entrances because that is probably all we will ever need but I don't want to have to leave Broc's chair in stroller parking.

Mike

 

[SueM in MN]

If we come to a ride that has a seperate wheelchair entrance will we be able to bring the chair in the regular line with us? It does fold up. I guess basically I am wondering if there are times that strollers will not be allowed somewhere and we could still bring the chair. I want us all to stay together and use the regular entrances because that is probably all we will ever need but I don't want to have to leave Broc's chair in stroller parking.

Don't mind me... I'm just thinking while typing here....
IF you want to keep the stroller with you:
Strollers are generally not allowwed in lines or in any building that house attractions (ie, the Land, Living Seas). There are a few lines where strollers are allowed in, but those are generally lines that have a long path (like the Safari or Bug's Life at AK) and they have a stroller parking lot somewhere within the line.So, you keep the stroller for a certain distance and then turn it in to the CMs along the way.
With a GAC, you could bring the wheelchair that looks like a stroller in line with you; without a GAC, you most likely could not, even if it folds. The reason would be that your wheelchair looks too much like a regular stroller and the CMs are not likely to recognize it as a mobility device. Besides, if they let you in without a GAC, they would hear about it from all the other guests who would also want to bring their "strollers" in line with them.
Even if you are in line with it with a GAC, they are likely to get arguements from other guests who want to bring in their "stroller" too.
GACs are issued for a maximum number of 6 (5 plus the person witha disability), so if you used one, chances are good that you would be separated for at least some rides/attractions. Most of the rides don't really have a separate wheelchair entrance- it's more like waiting in line with everyone else and then going to a separate boarding area instead of procedding to the regular boarding. So, you would be able to wait with the rest of your party thru much of the wait. But, each line might be different, so you'd have to plan on the fly.

If you don't take your stroller in line:
1- First of all, check if your homeowners or renter's insurance covers it (at least if worst comes to worst, you would not have to cover the cost yourself).
2- You could lock it and leave it in the stroller parking. You can't lock it to anything, but a lock going thru 2 wheels, thru the seating area or thru to make it not foldable would make it much less desireable for anyone to steal.
3- It's not likely anyone would take yours by mstake since most people take one by mistake that looks like their stroller. But, marking it with things like Mylar curling tape at the pushbars and other things that make it "sand out" make it less liekly that someone will take it.
4- Would he be able to ride sometimes in a regular (either rental or less expensive) stroller? That might be an option for days when you are going to MK or another park where you would be taking him in and out of it numerous times during the day. THat way, you could use his device for the times when you have more control of it and rent one for the times when you would have to leave it.

Also, keep in mind that if you leave it in the parking area and can't find it right away, chances are good that a CM has just moved it. They do that to keep the fire/evacuation lanes clear and to keep things tidy as people add and remove strollers.
Also, anyone who tries to take a stroller from the parking area doesn't really know if the real owner is in line and will be for another 30 minites or whether they will be coming out in the next 2 minutes.

 

[bexareaglecheryl]

I am so glad I found this site. I have been worried for weeks about how well I'm going to manage the parks. I too am one of those people who 'looks' perfectly healthy on the outside. I have a very painful bladder disease which requires quite a bit of pain medication. Standing for long periods causes mucho pain. I don't need a wheelchair or anything, but any chance where I might be able to sit or get into a faster line would allow me to really enjoy the trip.

The only thing is that I am so nervous about asking for the pass since most folks have never heard of my disease or what effects it has on the body. I have to take morphine to make it through my breakthrough pain. I am on methadone and a host of other meds for the pain associated with my disease.

In this case should I get a doctor's note explaining a little bit more about my disease and my use of morphine if I get over exerted, have to stand for long periods or have to stand in the sun (the medications I take cause an adverse reaction to the sun)? I don't want to seem like one of those people who take advantage. I do have a handicapped car sticker, would it be helpful to take that with me when I get the card?

I'd love to hear some advice.
Thanks.
Cheryl

 

[SueM in MN]

You don't need a doctor's letter, but can take one if it will make you feel more confident.
You also don't have to tell them your diagnosis or medical history.Just be able to explain the problems as you did in this post and you should do fine.
The Guest Assistance Card is not meant to (and usually won't) shorten or elimminate your wait in line. What it does is provide more appropriate conditions based on your individual situation. So, there really isn't anything to "take advantage" of. You are just having accomidations made for your disability.

 

[Mish]

We were there in September. I had a Medical Stroller for my son. I went to Guest Services with a doctors note. I was given a GAC with a picture of a stroller = a picture of a Wheelchair. I was asked for my card only a few times. Most cast members knew what the stroller was. The land building asked for it, Disney quest asked for it and at fantasmic they asked for it. The girl at Fantasmic was very rude and loud when she asked to see it. Most places if you said you had to use your stroller as a wheelchair they let you right in. It was helpful.

 

[dpic]

Originally posted by pampam
For dpic, I was able to buy a knapsack that converted to a seat. The seat frame is on the outside of the knapsack. I got it at a sporting goods store. It's ideal for us, or anyone else carrying a knapsack. It cost about $20. I keep it on the back of my daughters wheel chair, and use it for waiting in lines and parades. Worth its weight in gold.

Thanks, pampam, I'll check into that.

One more thing, SueM, is the GAC something I should have in a lanyard around my neck or is it something I carry and show when asked?

Thanks.

 

[SueM in MN]

Originally posted by dpic
Thanks, pampam, I'll check into that.

One more thing, SueM, is the GAC something I should have in a lanyard around my neck or is it something I carry and show when asked?

Thanks.

We carry DD's in a convenient spot to get it out. It's larger than a pass (about 3" by 5"), so I personally think it's kind of large to carry around the neck, although I have heard of a few people who use a lanyard. It's also made of card stock, so you would need something to protect it.