Handicapped lines at Disney

[lajspeech]

I had the same thing.. horrible plantar fasvitis and a huge heel spur. I did disney twice with it, Here's what I suggest:

1. take your anti inflamatories religiously

2. buy and bring an ice pack with you... the kind you can fill with ice from the ice machines at the hotels. Every night when you get home ice your foot for 30 min.

3. buy underwrap and athletic tape and tape your arch and heel every morning. bring MUCH more tape then you think you will need... you go through it! and it helps. I never taped at home unless i was running but it made a huge difference at dis. Essentially your taping your foot flexed so the muscles stay flexed and never have the chance to tighten up and cause the pain.

4. stretch all day.. every time you sit, stretch before you get up. Try not to unflex your foot for extended period of time (dont let them hang on Soarin, when sitting to eat keep your foot at 90 degrees, etc)... same idea the muscles wont shorten up and tighten.

5. Ask your podiatrist about ESWT. (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy). Its done by an outside company that comes to the podiatrists office, its covered by insurance (tho may need pre approval) and it essentially healed my plantar fascitis without surgery after a year of pain and 2 cortisone injections did nothing... Its a non-invasive procedure sortof like an ultrasound machine on steriods... Its not exactly painless, but the numb your foot before shocking it so its not too bad, The procedure lasts like 20 min and you walk out of the office on your own. Recovery is like 6 weeks of no running or strenuous walking, so do it after you get home or well ahead of time. During recovery there is also NO ICE and NO ANTI INFLAMATORIES allowed. Souds unfathomable right? But it is supposed to be inflamed as part of the healing process. The shockwaves casue pinpoint tissue dammage and when it heals it heals the fascitis! Amazing! I still have the heel spur, but it doesnt hurt anymore! The tissue around it healed and isnt stressed anymore!

6. Good luck! Other than the above I think what one of the PPs saif about bringing a small collapsible seat that would fit in a backpack is a great idea! i would definitely have done that!

 

[danielle.st]

I think you should get one of those cane/foldable seat things. I saw a couple people with them in waiting areas for shows (I remember in particular a woman had one in It's Tough To Be A Bug, in the waiting area) and I was so jealous!
Then just play it by ear. If the seat isn't helping enough and the pain is too much, rent a scooter or wheelchair.
Don't spend the whole trip in pain, that's not fair to you or to your family.

 

[Leajess99]

I have been to WDW with my feet in severe pain from PF and arthritis as well. My best recommendation is before you go try out several different kinds of shoes/sandals and see if you can find some that will be most comfortable. I actually had more problems with the orthotics as the way my feet are and the shoes they were never really comfotable. I found tnat New Balance Tennis shoes worked best as well as Teva Sandals. Last trip my sister went with 2 sprained ankles and my middle child had her foot bothering her as well. Since no one wanted to be in a wheelchair or ECV we all toughed it out and took it slow. Soaking the feet and icing them at night helped as well.

Good luck and if you don't want the wheelchair or ECV just take it slow and sit whenever you can. Take lots of breaks. I cannot use Aleve so I ended up using Advil liquigels as they do not hurt my stomach like most other Nsaids do.

 

[KPeveler]

Guest relations can issue you a Guest Assistance Card. This will generally enable you to different means of entry to Haunted Mansion and fast pass access to attractions that have fastpass lines.

You don't need a doctors note or anything. Just go to Guest Relations at any park, explain to them your problem and EXACTLY what assistance you need. If your foot problem doesn't allow you to stand for extended periods of time, explain that to them.

If the pain is that much of an issue, I'd just rent a scooter

Though it may have been different in the past, if you tell Guest Relations today you cannot stand for extended periods of time, then they will tell you to rent a wheelchair or scooter. The GAC will not shorten wait times, and it definitely will not shorten distances.

 

[D Duck Fan]

I've had surgery for bone spurs. I know how painful they can be. I definitely would rent a wheelchair or ECV.

Good Luck!

 

[SueM in MN]

Though it may have been different in the past, if you tell Guest Relations today you cannot stand for extended periods of time, then they will tell you to rent a wheelchair or scooter. The GAC will not shorten wait times, and it definitely will not shorten distances.

This is what Disney says about endurance concerns:
STAMINA OR ENDURANCE CONCERNS FOR GUESTS WITH DISABILITIES AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

Some Guests may be concerned that they do not have the stamina to wait in Walt Disney World attraction queues. We strongly suggest these Guests consider using a wheelchair, personal scooter or Electric Convenience Vehicle (ECV), as the distance between the attractions is much greater than the length of the queues.

 

[LSUfan4444]

Though it may have been different in the past, if you tell Guest Relations today you cannot stand for extended periods of time, then they will tell you to rent a wheelchair or scooter. The GAC will not shorten wait times, and it definitely will not shorten distances.

Different from September 2009?

 

[jharrowell]

Hi Jenmouse,

Sent you a PM.

 

[Pooh Bear Hugs]

As a PP said there are a few different levels of GAC we are lucky (and unlucky) enough to get the highest one which does bypass most lines. There again we miss out loads of the ride experience, que themeing and general joys of Disney. We also have much shorter days due to the issues we to deal with in our daily lives. We would give up the GAC in a heartbeat for a normal life.

If you need a WC get one, if you need A GAC get one most importantly have a great time.

 

[Pooh Bear Hugs]

This is what Disney says about endurance concerns:
STAMINA OR ENDURANCE CONCERNS FOR GUESTS WITH DISABILITIES AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

Some Guests may be concerned that they do not have the stamina to wait in Walt Disney World attraction queues. We strongly suggest these Guests consider using a wheelchair, personal scooter or Electric Convenience Vehicle (ECV), as the distance between the attractions is much greater than the length of the queues.

Not much help when you are already in a WC increadibly weak and unable to wait in long ques. If things have changed and the GAC is gone we will be unable to do Disney parks any more as it will be impossible.

 

[goofyernmost]

Let me start off by saying that the following action and opinion is mine and mine alone. I don't feel that being handicapped (oops, sorry..."challenged") means that one should stay hidden away and not get the most out of life that they can, especially those permanently challenged.

I recently had an accident that required surgery on my knee and surrounding area. I had a trip to WDW scheduled with my Daughter and her family. The accident happened in October and the trip was in December. When it first happened I targeted the trip date to get in a position to be able to go anyway. By the time the trip came around I could walk again but very slowly and very carefully. I thought it over and decided that this wasn't the place to go if a lot of walking was required or the use of a scooter or wheelchair was the only way to get around. Just my personal choice, I understand, but I know that had I gone I wouldn't have had much enjoyment from it and I also understand that I was aware that I would eventually recover the use of my right leg so that future trips could be planned. So consequently I canceled for that trip.

I don't care how many GAC's, or artificial methods of transportation are available...it just wasn't going to be worth it to me. Sometimes I am a total creature of habit and I know that if I couldn't tour in the manner that I was used too, it would just not be worthwhile for me.

Yet another disclaimer...the above was not in anyway an attempt to tell people that they shouldn't go or give any advice. It was simply a story about my situation and my feelings about the issue. Everyone else, please feel free to go to Disney in whatever manner you choose. You have my blessing.

 

[livie1205]

Though it may have been different in the past, if you tell Guest Relations today you cannot stand for extended periods of time, then they will tell you to rent a wheelchair or scooter. The GAC will not shorten wait times, and it definitely will not shorten distances.

I removed post because I was asked to edit...

 

[kaytieeldr]

Not much help when you are already in a WC increadibly weak and unable to wait in long ques. If things have changed and the top GAC is gone we will be unable to do Disney parks any more as it will be impossible.

There is no such thing as a "top" GAC. The GAC is stamped according to Guest NEED. Even two Guests with the same diagnoses, conditions, issues may have different needs and so, get GACs with different stamps.

 

[Pooh Bear Hugs]

There is no such thing as a "top" GAC. The GAC is stamped according to Guest NEED. Even two Guests with the same diagnoses, conditions, issues may have different needs and so, get GACs with different stamps.

GACs are there for those who need them depending on level of need.

 

[limabeanmom2003]

I recommend you rent a ECV. There are companies that will deliver it to your resort for you to use for your entire trip. Don't worry about what other people will think, your comfort comes first.

 

[Schmeck]

GACs are there for those who need them depending on level of need.

I think the word 'level' is what others are objecting to - there's no caste system to a GAC, just different stamps for different ways to make the attractions accessible to guests with needs not met by a wheelchair or ECV. When you use the term 'top', it makes it sound like a superiority complex.

 

[kaytieeldr]

GACs are there for those who need them depending on level of need.

I fully understand the purpose of the GAC. It's not about "levels" of anything. It's about SPECIFIC needs. Again, two Guests with identical conditions and identical diagnoses may have different NEEDS.

The purpose is to provide as equal as possible - not exceptional - access to the attractions. That's why Guest Services has a variety of stamps for the GAC, to indicate to the attraction Cast Members what the individual Guests' NEED/S may be.

 

[jemmouse]

I have taken many of your suggestions to heart. I did speak with my doctor on Friday and he himself was personally outraged by many of the issues I had told him. His biggest concern is there are many people who just move slower, having mobility issues, can't stand still for a length of time or need more support and really can't tolerate the pushing that can occur while waiting in aline for a ride.He definately feels that there are many components to being handicapped! There are so many that are invisible to the eye its whats going on inside an individual that is more of concern.His concern about people diagnosing others situations is like aticking time bomb. For instance why is it when there are handicapped parking spaces at malls, restaurants and such that we see a person getting out of their car who aren't in a wheelchair , and don't have crutches but just their own 2 legs.They are given permission stating they can have a closer proximity to reach a store. That is what I was asking for. My doctor did say he would give a written note explaining how it would be beneficial to my health issue at this time to be allowed to be granted in a handicap line at Disney versus the main entrance. My condition as many who have this and which there are many varying degrees of PF is that it is hard for me to stand still in a line, I need to stretch and walk, and even on certain days right now in my recovery I also know that I just need to rest it with no weight bearing, but I should be the one to make that decision not a CM who has no medical background.But he was definately adamant about trying to get me some sort of assistance that would alleviate some extra pain that could be helped. That is why there are handicapped areas. Their is no one defining defintion to being handicapped. It is not a position I would like to be and feel so sorry for those that have issues. It is not up to any one of us to judge someones health. I personally know that I would swap my crappy feet for healthy ones at any given moment, but that is unrealistic and these are the cards I was dealt and I am just trying to create a magical day with my family. Again if there are no different lines than I will just sit that ride out, but if there is a long entrance with many hills such as Haunted Mansion then I would like to be allowed to use the handicapped entrance. I am sorry for those who keep sending the rules of the GAC card, when I wrote this thread I never before of even heard of a GAC card, all I know is it is state law to offer handicapped lines, parking spots, wheelchair accesible to every public domain, and Disney is a public domain. I am gonna go on this trip with my head held high and my feet wrapped and secured and pray that I won't have any issues but if I do,I know I will have the support of my doctor and hope that Disney will cooperate with my doctors diagnosis and concerns. I want to thank all of you for your words of wisdom I have even done some of the stretches you have suggested and it defiantely helps to talk to others and learn more about this.

 

[disneydentist]

Again if there are no different lines than I will just sit that ride out, but if there is a long entrance with many hills such as Haunted Mansion then I would like to be allowed to use the handicapped entrance. I am sorry for those who keep sending the rules of the GAC card, when I wrote this thread I never before of even heard of a GAC card, all I know is it is state law to offer handicapped lines, parking spots, wheelchair accesible to every public domain, and Disney is a public domain.

Actually, while the entrance to the Haunted Mansion can be fairly long, it really doesn't have "hills." The Haunted Mansion has a separate entrance (it's actually the exit) for wheelchairs since there is no way (in practical terms) to get a wheelchair from the entrance area to the exit.

I also beg to differ about state law requiring "handicap lines." That may be true where you live but under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) the issue is about access. This can be separate (as with many older, retrofitted attractions) or equal (mainstream). There is no requirement for a separate handicap line if the the mainstream line is handicap accessible.

In a case like yours this may seem inequitable but there is no way to provide separate accomodations for every possible condition. What you are asking for does not exist for quite a few attractions. That's why mobility enhancing devices are suggested. The newer lines are designed with them in mind.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I'm going to respond to only some of your statements, and in no particular order:

Again if there are no different lines than I will just sit that ride out, but if there is a long entrance with many hills such as Haunted Mansion then I would like to be allowed to use the handicapped entrance.

There is little, if any, difference in the elevation or the length of the lines at Haunted Mansion. The reason Guests in wheelchairs/ecvs use an alternate entrance after a certain point is that they won't fit through the turnstile - i.e. simple logistics.

My condition as many who have this and which there are many varying degrees of PF is that it is hard for me to stand still in a line, I need to stretch and walk, and even on certain days right now in my recovery I also know that I just need to rest it with no weight bearing, but I should be the one to make that decision not a CM who has no medical background

A Cast Member with no medical background does not make any decision for you. The CM determines what your needs are - FROM YOU - and acts accordingly. If your needs are fully or primarily stamina-based, Disney's (not any individual Cast Member's) policy is to recommend renting - or bringing, especially since you're aware well in advance of this policy, lest you think it's just to increase their revenue - a mobility assistance device.

Are you aware that there's actually VERY LITTLE standing still in lines at Walt Disney World, that most lines are constantly moving, if at varying speeds? If you need to stretch and walk, you can do so in a small circle; for the times that you just need to rest it with no weight bearing, doesn't it make 100% more sense to HAVE some type of mobility assistance device? What do you propose to do if one of those 'sit with no weight bearing' times happens while you're in line for Soarin'?

Again if there are no different lines than I will just sit that ride out, but if there is a long entrance with many hills such as Haunted Mansion then I would like to be allowed to use the handicapped entrance. I am sorry for those who keep sending the rules of the GAC card,

People keep repeating the information about these things because you don't seem to be agreeing with the policies. First, in most cases there ARE no separate handicap lines, everything is mainstreamed to the extent possible? That when there are separate entrances, it's because the wheelchair or ecv simply won't FIT through the mainstream line? And repeated information regarding the rules of the GAC is for similar reasons: you will be told when you request one and explain your NEEDS that the recommendation is for you to rent a wheelchair or ECV. Also, there is a lot of walking BETWEEN attractions. You say you will sit out attractions with no alternate entrance - but are you willing to enter a park and spend the day just sitting near the entrance while the rest of your family is off having fun? Are you sure?


Rent a wheelchair. If it's a 'stretch and walk' day, you can use the wheelchair for support. If it's a 'no-weight-bearing' day, you can roll.

For instance why is it when there are handicapped parking spaces at malls, restaurants and such that we see a person getting out of their car who aren't in a wheelchair , and don't have crutches but just their own 2 legs

Not EVERY person legitimately in possession of a handicap parking plate or placard needs a wheelchair or crutches. My brother had kidney failure, and this put him in the "fortunate" position of qualifying for an HP plate because he met the required standards in his state. Yes, he would've rather had functioning kidneys - and no, he wasn't a candidate for a transplant (in case anybody was going to ask).

are given permission stating they can have a closer proximity to reach a store.

Common misconception. They (okay, we) are merely given access to parking spaces that GET US OUT OF THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC as quickly and safely as possible. Most of the time, sure, they're the closest spaces - not always. Examples: my credit union's main office, the two HP spaces are at the opposite end of the front of the building from where the door is. That's where the curb cut is, and the handicapped customer isn't required to go into the parking lot to get into the building - you just move up onto the sidewalk, turn left, and proceed across the front of the building, past about a dozen cars.

Ditto for work. The steps up to the front are are in front of the door. The handicapped parking is eight spaces away, because that's where the sidewalk slopes down to parking lot level. So, no, it's NOT always closest proximity. It's SAFETY.

My doctor did say he would give a written note explaining how it would be beneficial to my health issue at this time to be allowed to be granted in a handicap line at Disney versus the main entrance.

Your doctor can write all the notes he and you want. Disney doesn't need or require notes, the Cast Members will probably refuse to look at any note (for privacy reasons), and anyway, the note likely won't mean anything to a Cast Member with no medical background.