Handicapped lines at Disney

[jemmouse]

LOL, I have a house full of children who played every prank ever seen on AFV. I just hate that people think they can abuse that system.

Hmmm....What by chance were you referrring to about abusing the system? I am sure this wasen't meant for me, so I was curious if this post was placed in the wrong spot...

 

[SueM in MN]

There's a moving ramp at the American Adventure?

My husband and I were talking about this yesterday. Neither one of us remember having to go to another floor to see the presentation/movie after listening to the Voices of Liberty in the lobby area. But then...we're gettin' old and that was 5 years ago.

It would be wonderful if I can leave my scooter outside after listening to the Voices of Liberty and then walk into the theater. If there's a moving ramp, I think I can manage it.

There is not a moving walkway, but you do have to go upstairs. The Voices of Liberty perform on ground floor, where you enter the building. The entrance to the American Adventure theater is on the 2nd floor. When it is time to let people get into the theater, the CM downstairs opens access into a large hallway which has escalators and stairs to get to the second floor, then you cross the area around the open rotunda to get to th entrance to the theater. That includes another hallway with a steep (non moving) ramp that goes down into the theater, which is also steeply ramped.
When the show is over, there is a steep ramp going back down tonground level.

Guests with wheelchairs or ECVs take an elevator up (usually at least 10 minutes before the show). You can park around the railed area overlooking the rotunda to watch the singing group.
There is more information and pictures in the Epcot FAQs near the top of the disABILITIES Board. The information about American Adventure is on page 2, in post 24.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Just like many of you have stated in previous posts about them saying to rent a ECV or wheelchair, that does NOT give them the right to deny you for a GAC

What's been said in numerous posts is, if the Guest's need is stamina-related, Walt Disney World's recommendation is to use a mobility assistance device. Presumed shorter walks or waits in line aside, there are long walks BETWEEN attractions.

If the Guest has additional needs not resolved by the mobility assistance device - and you might want to ask non-confrontational questions on the disABILITIES forum, because while I'm not going to identify them, there are such people right here on the DIS - they can and do get GACs, based on their individual needs, not on any diagnosis. Even a doctor's note means nothing. What would it say? "Kaytieeldr needs to go to the front of every line because she has ___"? That means nothing to a Cast Member - or it shouldn't, unless the CM has medical training. "Kaytieeldr needs to wait in a shaded area due to a sun allergy"? Frankly, my medical condition isn't any CM's concern - and I'm 100% capable of saying, "I need to wait in a shaded area".

 

[jemmouse]

What's been said in numerous posts is, if the Guest's need is stamina-related, Walt Disney World's recommendation is to use a mobility assistance device. Presumed shorter walks or waits in line aside, there are long walks BETWEEN attractions.

If the Guest has additional needs not resolved by the mobility assistance device - and you might want to ask non-confrontational questions on the disABILITIES forum, because while I'm not going to identify them, there are such people right here on the DIS - they can and do get GACs, based on their individual needs, not on any diagnosis. Even a doctor's note means nothing. What would it say? "Kaytieeldr needs to go to the front of every line because she has ___"? That means nothing to a Cast Member - or it shouldn't, unless the CM has medical training. "Kaytieeldr needs to wait in a shaded area due to a sun allergy"? Frankly, my medical condition isn't any CM's concern - and I'm 100% capable of saying, "I need to wait in a shaded area".

Well once again here we go....I have to say writing with you brings back so many days at college, doing trial debates.....Thanks for the memories. I truly believe that what you write you believe to be true. BUT I was never at one time asked to get a ECV or a wheelchair, so I guess there are exceptions to every rule. Your advice for asking " non confrontational questions" noted, but I can handle myself. What works for some with the individual needs great, but for others diagnosis, great. I really don't think any doctor would actually discredit themselves by writing, someone has to go to the front of the line, that is just plain SILLY.
To be quite honest, when I originated this thread, I NEVER would've thought that I would've had this response. My hubby always reminds me that when an email is read the tone of the voice isn't heard and therefore it can create anomisty and varying differences to how the actual poster meant to say something. I often forget this because in my field, I am to defend and not back down, so sometimes I need to remind myself to step back and look at the bigger picture. I can only reiterate my experience with how I was handled at WDW. Your mentioning of the rules well they didn't react to me in that manner. Does that upset you? I feel that by reading your posts that it does. Right now in my life I am having physical limitations in my daily life, I am hoping they will go away in time and that I can function again the same as I did months prior. But for now, I asked for assistance and was thankful that I was granted some. The CM's I dealt with were very kind and understood what it was I needed. I also did list some quotes where it spoke about mobility being grounds for a GAC. Also it did say having documentation would help but would not necessarily be looked at. Mine however was, does this make it wrong? ANd in whos eyes does it make it wrong? The CM at MK was trained to do her job or else she wouldn't be in that position to grant a GAC. I have never worked at WDW have you? If you did then maybe at that time in your prior employment history that is how they did things, but all I know is I was there from March 18-March 24th I received a GAC, I had a doctors note, they saw it, I was never asked about a ECV or wheelchair. That is my story, the end.
When you read this step back and please come away with that I am not on the attack, I am just stating the facts that I was given and did offer material in an earlier post to support my defense. As you have stated there is no pixie dust here, or something on that level. I am sure I will be hearing from you, so until then maybe one day we will agree to disagree.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

WHy are they asleep at the wheel? Have you yourself ever had a GAC? If you have then you would know why the lines were shorter.

Sounds like someone on here isn't on the money themselves. Have you ever read a GAC? It will state right on it a GAC does not shorten waits or lines. And yeah; I've had them before. A GAC isn't meant for it, period. Don't believe me, I don't care. But IMHO it is a bit foolish to think WDW themselves have it wrong on their own forms and procedures.

And as long as I'm on the subject, I'll throw in a stick. Call me shortsighted, but I do not see any need for assistance with regards to stamina and mobility that would not require a person to use a mobility aid while touring the parks, yet would require they have to have shorter waitlines. I can see where standing still in line can be a problem for some, whereas walking isn't so much. No problem, alternate waitingarea where one can sit down and the problem is solved. No need to shorten wait. Coming down to walking, stamina etc? I just have a very hard time seeing where it's the distance and energy spent in any lines are such a problem yet touring a park isn't. Touring a park (heck even getting into the park, depending on the park and mode of transport used) uses up a lot more of distance than any ride line does.


Sue; the 'last and first' of Peter Pan, is that a standard procedure or a bit of a "see how a day presents itself and deal accordingly"? I'm def. interested in doing PP but with the need to transfer combined with a moving walkway it aint going to happen the 'regular' way. I would def. want to check out that 'first and last' option on our next trip if it's an option. Would be top!

 

[SueM in MN]

Sounds like someone on here isn't on the money themselves. Have you ever read a GAC? It will state right on it a GAC does not shorten waits or lines. And yeah; I've had them before. A GAC isn't meant for it, period. Don't believe me, I don't care. But IMHO it is a bit foolish to think WDW themselves have it wrong on their own forms and procedures.

And as long as I'm on the subject, I'll throw in a stick. Call me shortsighted, but I do not see any need for assistance with regards to stamina and mobility that would not require a person to use a mobility aid while touring the parks, yet would require they have to have shorter waitlines. I can see where standing still in line can be a problem for some, whereas walking isn't so much. No problem, alternate waitingarea where one can sit down and the problem is solved. No need to shorten wait. Coming down to walking, stamina etc? I just have a very hard time seeing where it's the distance and energy spent in any lines are such a problem yet touring a park isn't. Touring a park (heck even getting into the park, depending on the park and mode of transport used) uses up a lot more of distance than any ride line does.


Sue; the 'last and first' of Peter Pan, is that a standard procedure or a bit of a "see how a day presents itself and deal accordingly"? I'm def. interested in doing PP but with the need to transfer combined with a moving walkway it aint going to happen the 'regular' way. I would def. want to check out that 'first and last' option on our next trip if it's an option. Would be top!

Cheshire Figment checked it out about Peter Pan and that was what he was told by the area manager. I don't know how you would arrange the first of the day, except for possibly talking to the CM at the front of the Fantasyland rope drop.
The end of the, from what I understood, you talk with a CM at the attraction and they will direct you when to come back. Cheshire Figment posted more about it on the disABILITIES Board.

I'm writing on my iPod, so I can't quote easily, but for the OP, I'm glad you got what you needed to enjoy your days.
To clarify though, the website you quoted 'rules' from is not an official source, it is someone's opinion, the same as the posters on this thread and the information which I wrote on post #6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread.
I have had WDW Guest Relations CMs read over that information for me periodically so that it does stay up to date and accurate.
I have never said WDW would require anyone to rent a wheelchair or ECV, only that using one is their usual response to stamina or endurance concerns about waiting in lines. That is their published information and many people over the years have been given that advice when they inquired in the parks about a GAC. That same statement is printed on rhe park maps for Guests with Disabilities:
"If you are concerned that you so not have the stamina to wait in our queues, we strongly suggest you consider using a wheelchair or ECV as the distance between our attractions is much greater than the length if our queues. "
that is why people have posted that repeatedly.
As I posted before, without bring a place to sit into line, there are many attrractions which involve standing and waiting without a place to sit - all of the shows which have a preshow area where guests stand to wait for the theater to empty and be shown in for the next show. Some if them may have a wheelchair that can be borrowed for the wait, but that is not universal.
And, using a GAC does not usually shorten the distance walked, plus does nothing for the distance getting between attractions, which adds up to a lot of walking. There have been people over the years who posted that they did get a GAC, but it was not useful because it did not provide a place to sit or provide a shorter walk. Those are the reasons most people posted what they did on this thread.

My DD does use a wheelchair and a GAC, for multiple problems besides mobilty that she needs assistance with. I also know that several of the people who posted on this thread also use GACs, so we are talking about our experience.

I was also one of the peer reviewers for the first edition of the Passporter disability book. And at least one of the other people who posted on this thread was a peer reviewer of the current edition on Open Mouse by Passporter.
That does not make any of us the final authority, but even the information posted on Disney's own website by their Disney Mom's panel has a disclaimer that says it does not represent the official Disney policy.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I really don't think any doctor would actually discredit themselves by writing, someone has to go to the front of the line, that is just plain SILLY

You would actually be surprised. It's got absolutely nothing to do with discrediting oneself . Doctors would - and apparently have - simply written such letters in response to patient requests. One of my own specialists thinks, innocently, that because I use an ECV when I travel, that I automatically get front of the line access.

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

You would actually be surprised. It's got absolutely nothing to do with discrediting oneself . Doctors would - and apparently have - simply written such letters in response to patient requests. One of my own specialists thinks, innocently, that because I use an ECV when I travel, that I automatically get front of the line access.

entirely. Heck, we have docs who remove organs unecessarily, writing a note is a no thinker for some. And, OP, yes, I was directing my posts to you. You have posted information that is contrary to all the official information. Not only that, yes, we have gotten a GAC for my mom. The CM stated they could not ask or read a doc's note. And the GAC does state that it is not to skip lines. So, disinformation is NOT helpful for those that NEED assistance.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Sue, thanks for the info! Knowing Cheshire Figment, the info will have been correct at the moment of checking (we all know things can chance at any moment). I'll go and talk to the on duty CM when at MK and see what options,if any, I might have.

Again, thanks for tipping me (and probably enough others) on this, I would've never even considered it knowing they usually only stop the moving walkway in case of an emergency.

 

[SueM in MN]

You would actually be surprised. It's got absolutely nothing to do with discrediting oneself . Doctors would - and apparently have - simply written such letters in response to patient requests. One of my own specialists thinks, innocently, that because I use an ECV when I travel, that I automatically get front of the line access.

Yes, doctors do write those notes. I have personally been behind people who were arguing with the CM. In Guest Relations because "my doctor wrote a prescription that says I need to skip the lines and ca't wait."

I have also seen posts on CM cast member boards where they talk about those kinds of notes. And have seen plenty of times in my more than 11 years
on the DIS boards where people have posted that their doctor told them they would five them a note so they would not have to wait.
There have also been posts and PMs over the years where people were upset because they had made a special visit to the doctor (and has to pay for it) and then the CM would not look at the note.
CMs are not forbidden to LOOK at a note from a guest. Many do not look at the notes, because they are not medical people and most of the motes are not that helpful (this is information I have gotten from CMs ).
They ARE forbidden to ask or require a note in order to give accommodations. That is according to the Americans with Disabilities Act.

 

[Feralpeg]

OP, I've suffered from the same condition for years. My suggestion is to have cortisone shots in your heels just prior to your trip. They make a world of difference. It sounds horrible, but it really isn't that bad to have it done. Good luck!!

 

[livndisney]

Here is one of the rules that I have found concerning the GAC. So I guess this explains what I had said in a previous post.

You may wish to have a doctor’s note written stating the nature of the problem and the need for special assistance. If you prefer, the note does not have to reveal the actual diagnosis. In fact, the diagnosis is not needed for the cast member to determine what type of GAC you should be issued. It should focus on the special needs you may have with your condition.


Who Is Eligible for a Disney Guest Assistance Card?
Anyone with a disability or special needs is eligible for a GAC. Guest Relations issues GAC with different stamps to let cast members know what type of assistance is required. Disney doesn’t and can’t require a doctor’s letter or other proof of a disability – the Americans with Disabilities Act ensures this.

As Deb Wills and Debra Martin Koma note, in their comprehensive PassPorter’s Open Mouse for Walt Disney World and the Disney Cruise Line, a Disney GAC card is generally intended for guests with “invisible,” or non-apparent, disabilities. They are not necessary for guests with visible disabilities, such as guest who use wheelchairs or ECVs; that said, those guests should request a GAC if they have additional disabilities.



Read more at Suite101: Disney's Guest Assistance Card (GAC): Walt Disney World and Disneyland for Guests With Disabilities http://accessible-travel-attraction...sneys-guest-assistance-card-gac#ixzz0jv4X0Du7


Guests should be prepared to provide information about their special needs when the card is being issued. Whether or not a guest provides documentation, Guest Relations cast members will likely ask questions in order to determine the appropriate GAC stamps.

Types of information useful for issuing a GAC include a guest’s:

•Mobility and stamina, especially related to walking, standing, and stairs


Read more at Suite101: Disney's Guest Assistance Card (GAC): Walt Disney World and Disneyland for Guests With Disabilities http://accessible-travel-attraction...sneys-guest-assistance-card-gac#ixzz0jv4uuTtv

I have done my research and PLUS I did just come back so I do know first hand. Just like many of you have stated in previous posts about them saying to rent a ECV or wheelchair, that does NOT give them the right to deny you for a GAC.
This is a very serious matter as one had posted before. No one should take advantage of this. BUT just because one does not use a ECV or a wheelchair does not mean they don't need additional support. ANd I believe I have posted the support I needed for my story.

One thing that needs to be pointed out: What you quoted is not Disney "rules". The site you are quoting is written by freelance writers. They can write anything they want. It doesn't make it true. The info you are quoting is not based on any Disney info.

As far as "doing your research", there are several posters here with vast knowledge of Disney with Disabilities. Their information is based on truth. Information gathered on several trips. Info gathered from talking with actual CM's and management.

And at the end of the day, the fact remains the GAC states right on it "NOT intended to provide immediate access".

 

[bouncy54]

There is not a moving walkway, but you do have to go upstairs. The Voices of Liberty perform on ground floor, where you enter the building. The entrance to the American Adventure theater is on the 2nd floor. When it is time to let people get into the theater, the CM downstairs opens access into a large hallway which has escalators and stairs to get to the second floor, then you cross the area around the open rotunda to get to th entrance to the theater. That includes another hallway with a steep (non moving) ramp that goes down into the theater, which is also steeply ramped.
When the show is over, there is a steep ramp going back down tonground level.

Guests with wheelchairs or ECVs take an elevator up (usually at least 10 minutes before the show). You can park around the railed area overlooking the rotunda to watch the singing group.
There is more information and pictures in the Epcot FAQs near the top of the disABILITIES Board. The information about American Adventure is on page 2, in post 24.

Thank you for the link to the pictures. The hallway that leads to the theater looks like it may be quite a distance but perhaps I can manage it. Walking down a hill is not much of a problem for me. Walking uphill is a "no can do" unless it's a very short distance.

 

[livndisney]

Thank you for the link to the pictures. The hallway that leads to the theater looks like it may be quite a distance but perhaps I can manage it. Walking down a hill is not much of a problem for me. Walking uphill is a "no can do" unless it's a very short distance.

sending you a PM

 

[kaytieeldr]

And at the end of the day, the fact remains the GAC states right on it "NOT intended to provide immediate access".

Not a GAC-related experience, but close enough: I was in line at Kilimanjaro Safari. There was one other (large, maybe six or seven people) group ahead of me with a person in an ECV. We were both diverted to the wheelchair loading area. Two parties, that's it. MUCH, MUCH shorter line that the regular queue. Problem? I can't step up or down, so I need to use the ramp/front seats. Apparently, so did they. All of them. There was only ONE accessible truck operating that day. I had to wait for their truck to make its FULL cycle before I could go on the Safari.

Somebody want to explain to me how my shorter line provided me a shorter wait?

 

[KPeveler]

Not a GAC-related experience, but close enough: I was in line at Kilimanjaro Safari. There was one other (large, maybe six or seven people) group ahead of me with a person in an ECV. We were both diverted to the wheelchair loading area. Two parties, that's it. MUCH, MUCH shorter line that the regular queue. Problem? I can't step up or down, so I need to use the ramp/front seats. Apparently, so did they. All of them. There was only ONE accessible truck operating that day. I had to wait for their truck to make its FULL cycle before I could go on the Safari.

Somebody want to explain to me how my shorter line provided me a shorter wait?

Last time I was in MK, I waited 4x longer than the standby wait to get on JC (standby was 5-10 mins, my wait was close to 45). AND I had a GAC. AND a personal wheelchair... What happened to those shorter waits?

 

[livndisney]

Not a GAC-related experience, but close enough: I was in line at Kilimanjaro Safari. There was one other (large, maybe six or seven people) group ahead of me with a person in an ECV. We were both diverted to the wheelchair loading area. Two parties, that's it. MUCH, MUCH shorter line that the regular queue. Problem? I can't step up or down, so I need to use the ramp/front seats. Apparently, so did they. All of them. There was only ONE accessible truck operating that day. I had to wait for their truck to make its FULL cycle before I could go on the Safari.

Somebody want to explain to me how my shorter line provided me a shorter wait?

I completly understand what you are saying.

To further quote the GAC "Additional waits may be incurred at certain attractions due to the need for a special vehicle or other operations concerns". I don't feel the op set a reasonable expectation of life at Disney with disabilities.

 

[livndisney]

Last time I was in MK, I waited 4x longer than the standby wait to get on JC (standby was 5-10 mins, my wait was close to 45). AND I had a GAC. AND a personal wheelchair... What happened to those shorter waits?

Shorter waits only happen on Aprils Fool's day

 

[KPeveler]

Shorter waits only happen on Aprils Fool's day

I should also mention I was there the middle/end of Oct at one of the slowest times of year, so its not like it was mobbed! You know it is a slow day when people were walking on JC!

 

[kaytieeldr]

I completly understand what you are saying.

To further quote the GAC "Additional waits may be incurred at certain attractions due to the need for a special vehicle or other operations concerns". I don't feel the op set a reasonable expectation of life at Disney with disabilities.

Oh, I'm kidding. I don't expect shorter waits. I understand the need for alternate access based on queue design, or boarding restrictions - but shorter wait? Nope. In fact, at Disneyland, I argued - politely! - with a couple of CMs in FantasyLand because I didn't want to board ahead of what should be my turn. I would note who was entering the main line the same time I was using the wheelchair entrance, and try to insist on waiting until that person/party boarded.

Sometimes they let me wait, at least a while; sometimes they - equally politely - 'insisted' I board then