Kindermouse
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 6, 2016
- Messages
- 1,357
You can discuss your anxiety issue with cm at city hall or the one in DCA. They can issue a guest assistance card. You get return times for rides rather than waiting in crushing lines. No medica proof needed. Just explain how your symptoms will be helped by doing it this way.
I agree with going to city hall-they are a fabulous and understanding bunch of CM's there. I think they got extra sensitivity training because it takes a special person to make me feel comfortable talking about my sons issues in front of strangers in crowded room. If you feel uncomfortable talking in front of others they will also happily talk to you off to the side of the counter for more privacy. You would tell the CM what symptoms you experience and how you feel those symptoms would make it difficult for you to have equal access to the attractions. for instance I told them that my son has great anxiety in crowds and thus he has a hard time waiting for extended periods in places that he feels he couldn't escape if he needed to or in close proximity to others where people breath on him. He also wouldn't be able to remain in the line for extended periods because his compulsions would require him to do various actions. though he can repress the urge to perform his compulsions for short period he cannot suppress them in excess of 20 minutes. the initial suggestion was to have him wait outside of the line while I stood in line and to have him join me in line when I got to the front. I then explained that being alone in the park without anyone on hand to help him if he had a panic attack could be dangerous to his physical and mental health. they gave me the pass and we went on our way.
One clarification though. The old GAC system in now called DAS (Disability Access Services) just so you dont ask for the wrong thing and have to stand there while they explain the difference between the old system and the new though it works as described above. you get a return time that is equal to the standby time minus 10 minutes. It is minus 10 minutes because there is still a short wait. you return to the fast pass or wheelchair entrance for many rides.