help me help my friend (questions about disabled guests)

[Teki]

A Friend of mine at work today announced that he his girlfriend and a couple of there friends were going to Disneyland the week after I was I was super excited for him but he said he wasnt looking foreward to it! He told me it was because of his bad hip he walks with a bad limp and its often painful for him to stand for long periods of time, he does ok walking but standing is painful. He also finds it embrassing to need to rent a wheel chair (Im not sure why this is I wouldnt mind sitting while in line lol) I told him that I was pretty sure disney would do something to accomdate his needs and make his trip more magical but having combed through disneys site I cant seem to find anything for his specific situation. Has anyone else delt with a simmilar situation? What can be done to help him out? Thanks in advance for any help you might give

 

[skiingfast]

He should go to guest services in either park and ask about a Guest Assistance Card. He doesn't need to explain his situation just what he needs. He can present this card to the CM at attraction and they will tell him where to go. Enter through the exit to avoid a long wait, how to use an elevator to avoid stairs in the que, or where there are benches to sit on. It's very simple. Get the GAC at Guest Services, present it to CMs at attractions/shows.

 

[Teki]

I thought he should be able to get a GAC I just didnt know if he needed to bring any proof Thats fantastic though!

 

[Happy 2 B Me]

After just 2 days of trying to keep up with grand kids and daughter and son-in-law I rented a 4 wheel electric cart. I paid $135 for 5 full days. i rented from dockerts in the Anaheim area. They took about 90 mins to deliver to bell staff and then I just picked it up. Left it at Bell service when we checked out. Having the ECV sure made my vacation easier. Kids used to wait until I caught up with them and that made me feel like I was holding them up, which I was. I have never needed an EVC before but due to a medical issue this trip I did. ( I used to be the one that would go early to get family fast passes) My husband once had a DR. that said do not use all your energy to get to the ball game -- get an EVC to make transportation easier so you can enjoy game once you do get there. Wise DR. Husband is full time electric wheelchair now so we fly his with when we travel. Hope this helps. Hope they have a wonderful time

 

[ArchOwl]

A Friend of mine at work today announced that he his girlfriend and a couple of there friends were going to Disneyland the week after I was I was super excited for him but he said he wasnt looking foreward to it! He told me it was because of his bad hip he walks with a bad limp and its often painful for him to stand for long periods of time, he does ok walking but standing is painful. He also finds it embrassing to need to rent a wheel chair (Im not sure why this is I wouldnt mind sitting while in line lol) I told him that I was pretty sure disney would do something to accomdate his needs and make his trip more magical but having combed through disneys site I cant seem to find anything for his specific situation. Has anyone else delt with a simmilar situation? What can be done to help him out? Thanks in advance for any help you might give

Just so you know, Disney will most likely tell your friend that if he has a problem standing, he will need to rent a wheelchair or ECV. That is Disney's answer to almost all stamina complaints. A GAC would be offered to avoid stairs, but the GAC is not intended to avoid lines or waiting. Therefore, it might be best to ask your friend to considering getting a wheelchair or ECV.

It is true that you do not need any kind of proof, but you do need to be able to explain the assistance you need. And if that assistance has to do with inability to stand, Disney will tell you to rent an assistance device.

Here are links to read in the disabilities forum that explain this in greater detail:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=595713
Post number 6 is about the GAC and Post 14 is about Disneyland specifically.

I just want you to be informed about what exactly Disney's policy is on this to avoid any surprises. I hope your friend will rent what he needs in order to have a good trip!

 

[oumagic]

Amen! My parents went with us last year and have handicap stickers for their cars due to mobility issues (dad knee from war injury and mom's back). Neither wanted "assistance" and they physically had a rough time. I made their hotel reservation at Grand Californian and asked for a accessible room but told Disney not to say anything in the "special requests" and they handled it wonderfully. However, I could not get either of them to get an ECV. My mom was really in bad shape on day 4 and my dad actually elected not to go with us on day 5 (he had huge blisters on one foot starting day 3 that I attribute to him limping around the park). I probably would be like them and not want an ECV but hopefully not. If he will bite the bullet, he will have a much better time at the park if he doesn't have hip problems while there.