Is there a medical fast pass thing?

[gary4jenn]

I vaugely remember some comments on a "pass" if you need it for medical or other reasons (Autisim, etc).

Anyways- I booked my late September trip back in February and recently had emergency back surgery. I blew a disk in my back so bad that if I didn't have ER surgery I was going to be paralyzed in my right leg and lose permanent function of my bladder and bowels. Yeah me~

So I am recovering and doing my physical Therapy twice a week but recovering from back surgery isn't a fast experience (much to my disappointment).

I am wondering if there is still some way to have the abilty to use this medical pass thing if I need it in the parks if my back flares up. I am the only adult with my kids so no help there and I just don't know how imy back will react with lots of walking, standing and carrying a backpack all day. I don't want to diaaapoint the kids or cancel. This is my 22nd trip to the world so I am not looking for an easy way to get to the front of the line but a way to be able to still enjoy my time as much as my back can handle it.

 

[BrianD]

Because your situation is due to injury and not from some other kind of disability, you will not need to worry about getting a guest assistance card (GAC). You will just want to rent a wheel chair or ECV, and most attractions are either wheel chair accessible or have a separate wheel chair entrance.

 

[Nancyg56]

I really don't know how Disney handles this situation. I think that you would get help if you head down to the DISabilities boards. Those folks have a lot of experience so they can give an accurate answer as well as practical advice navigating the parks. Good Luck!

 

[gary4jenn]

Hmmm- I don't think my kids are old enough to push me in a wheelchair and I don't think I can wheel myself- that motion really won't be good for my lower back. I appreciate you idea though and I don't know how my back will react two months from now. I just wanted to know my options, if there were any~

 

[rgf207]

Hmmm- I don't think my kids are old enough to push me in a wheelchair and I don't think I can wheel myself- that motion really won't be good for my lower back. I appreciate you idea though and I don't know how my back will react two months from now. I just wanted to know my options, if there were any~

I would suggest renting an ECV then. Noone will have to push you as they are motorized. Disney really doesn't issue medical "FastPasses" anymore. Many people took advantage of these. They really don't need to as most of the queues are wheelchair accessable.

It sounds like a full day walking in the parks is out of the question and since your kids can't push you, an ECV is your best bet. Disney is very accomadating so you will be fine

 

[marimario]

I'm in similar situation, but I will have my Lumbar surgery after our Disney vacation. But walking all day is imposible for me, therefore I went to the dissability forum to get some inf. There I got the name of the company where you can call an make arragement to rent a electric scooter, they take it to the resort you're staying and they pick it up on you check out date.

Also, waiting on line for too long it might be imposible, check the chair cane. This is a cane that will help for support and it concert in a small chair that you can use while waiting on line

Hope this help you and have a great Disney vacation

 

[Selket]

I suggest posting this on the disAbilities board here as there are many people there with various issue who can offer suggestions.

I think (from what you've said) that the majority of advice would be to rent a scooter (electric) from an off-site company that you can have exclusive use of. I think if you rent them from the park you wouldn't be sure to get one that day, etc. I believe many people in somewhat "temporary" situations balk at renting a scooter but this is certainly a time when it is needed. Even if you just use it to get between the rides (then park it and walk through the que) it would still save much wear and tear on yourself.

 

[KPeveler]

there is no "medical fastpass"

There is a Guest Assistance Card for invisible disabilities... those things that cannot be helped by a wheelchair or ECV... such as autism

It sounds like an ECV would work great for you - you can even park it and walk some, such as through non-ECV accessible lines (POTC you must use a park wheelchair or walk).

As a disney veteran, you know how much walking there is - you can get a fastpass for Soarin and you still have to walk almost a mile in the building, through the line to the ride, and back out again!

Especially for Epcot and AK, GET AN ECV!!!!

PM me for any advice on wheeling in Disney (done it walking and with a wheelchair) and definitely check out the FAQs in the disability board!

 

[ssawka]

Because your situation is due to injury and not from some other kind of disability, you will not need to worry about getting a guest assistance card (GAC). You will just want to rent a wheel chair or ECV, and most attractions are either wheel chair accessible or have a separate wheel chair entrance.

This may or may not be true, but don't let anyone on this board decide whether or not you need a GAC. That is for you and the CM at Guest Services to decide. That being said, you should know that almost all lines are handicap accessible. Although there are different possible uses of the GAC card, they generally are not intended for physical disabilities, unless you cannot transfer to the ride vehicle or are using a stroller as a wheelchair for a child. The GAC is more for people who cannot wait in the regular line for various reasons. Also, it should be noted that the GAC is not a "pass", you may have to actually wait longer than if you go through the regular line. As others have mentioned, check out the Disabilities! board.

 

[Brian_WDW74]

I've moved this thread to the disABILITIES! board. I'm sure you'll get lots of helpful information here.

 

[gary4jenn]

Thanks for all your answers. I DO appreciate them. Since my children are younger and I want to keep them close I don't think an Electric wheelchair will be helpful. I would too busy trying to drive it and it would be too easy to lose my kids in a crowd. I will just take it slow and not do too much. It's not like I've never been there before

I would never want to abuse a service that is for people who are differently abled.

Thanks!

 

[KPeveler]

if you need a service, then you are not abusing it. I suggest going and talking to guest services, and seeing what they can do. You'd be surprised how many parents have scooters, so people here may have advice!

there may be a few rides with an alternate waiting area where you can sit. you can also bring a wheelchair, push it through the parks,and then just push yourself through the flat parts in lines - it would also give you a seat for street shows, parades, fireworks, and pre-shows that are longer, like muppets...

just an few thoughts

 

[Schmeck]

You don't mention how old your kids are, but if you are the only adult with them, and your back flares up, I would think the last thing you should do would be go on an attraction. What if you can't get off, slip and fall, etc? If you are the only one there with your kids, who will be there to take care of them if your back gives out?

 

[going/again]

I vaugely remember some comments on a "pass" if you need it for medical or other reasons (Autisim, etc).

Anyways- I booked my late September trip back in February and recently had emergency back surgery. I blew a disk in my back so bad that if I didn't have ER surgery I was going to be paralyzed in my right leg and lose permanent function of my bladder and bowels. Yeah me~

So I am recovering and doing my physical Therapy twice a week but recovering from back surgery isn't a fast experience (much to my disappointment).

I am wondering if there is still some way to have the abilty to use this medical pass thing if I need it in the parks if my back flares up. I am the only adult with my kids so no help there and I just don't know how imy back will react with lots of walking, standing and carrying a backpack all day. I don't want to diaaapoint the kids or cancel. This is my 22nd trip to the world so I am not looking for an easy way to get to the front of the line but a way to be able to still enjoy my time as much as my back can handle it.

if your still having problems go to guest services and explain your siuation they may issue you a GAC

 

[LMC]

You don't mention how old your kids are, but if you are the only adult with them, and your back flares up, I would think the last thing you should do would be go on an attraction. What if you can't get off, slip and fall, etc? If you are the only one there with your kids, who will be there to take care of them if your back gives out?

This is one of my first thoughts. You did not mention the age of your kids but this could be a huge risk!! Secondly, are you really going to ride the rides that soon after back surgery? If you are able to get the GAC it only applies to you so if you personally are not going on an attraction and are only going thru the que line with your kids, there is no benefit really. The que lines are now ECV, WC accessible so that would be what I would do and definately not ride any rides and risk injurying myself. Of course, if your kids are old enough to que by themselves, you can sit in a nice shady area and wait while they go on the attraction. If you do have an EVC, you may need the GAC for priority seating at shows if you can not get out of the EVC and walk to a regular seat.

 

[SueM in MN]

If you do have an ECV, you may need the GAC for priority seating at shows if you can not get out of the EVC and walk to a regular seat.

there is more information about Guest Assistance Cards (GACs) in post #6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of this board - there is also a link in my signature to get there.

If you have a wheelchair or an. ECV, you don't need a GAC to access any of the wheelchair seating areas for shows. There are some spots designated for wheelchairs and ECVs, but they are first come, first served. There is no priority seating. If you arrive when there are still spots available, you will get a spot; no need for a GAC.

I agree with the other posters that you need to think about what you would do if you have a problem (it may not be a big emergency, just something that incapacitated you).

 

[gary4jenn]

Thanks for all your concerns about my situation. I had back surgery in March and I am a daycare mom so I lift kids and carry most of our groceries but I don't usually stand and walk all day so I was trying to think about any possible issues that may come up. I am one of those people who doesn't let life or pain get in the way of the things I want to do so I just wanted to know my options.

I am meeting up with another family so I am not really on my own every day. As far as a flare up, I was just thinking if it got sore. I already had surgery and I don't have much disk left so it's not like I will overdue it and blow it again. I just know that it gets sore when I do alot and as I work to get it stroger at Physical Therapy, I know I am doing all I can to get to be back to normal.

I am not even sure I will need anything, just was looking at all options. I didnt originally post this on the disABILITIES board ( it got moved here by the MOD) because I am no way disabled and wouldn't ever consider my situation to be anywhere close to what a person who is differently abled has to go through each day.

It looks like I will just go slow, go early, nap, go back late in the evenings and actually try to relax. My kids are 6, 8 and 10 and I am thinking I may rent a stroller at times for the youngest since I can't carry him anymore and he will get tired.

Heck- I may actually not come completely wiped out from this Disney trip. Thanks!

 

[SueM in MN]

I am not even sure I will need anything, just was looking at all options. I didnt originally post this on the disABILITIES board ( it got moved here by the MOD) because I am no way disabled and wouldn't ever consider my situation to be anywhere close to what a person who is differently abled has to go through each day.

It looks like I will just go slow, go early, nap, go back late in the evenings and actually try to relax. My kids are 6, 8 and 10 and I am thinking I may rent a stroller at times for the youngest since I can't carry him anymore and he will get tired.

Heck- I may actually not come completely wiped out from this Disney trip. Thanks!

Most of the requests for this type of information end up on the disABILITIES Board. We're the place with the most information. Whether it is a permanent or temporary disability, the things you might need are the same.

You may find that pushing a stroller actually helps because it gives you a little support while you are walking.

Good luck on your trip.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I am not even sure I will need anything, just was looking at all options. I didn't originally post this on the disABILITIES board ( it got moved here by the MOD) because I am no way disabled and wouldn't ever consider my situation to be anywhere close to what a person who is differently abled has to go through each day.

I'm sorry but this is wrong. You are disabled!

Just as everybody who wears glasses for vision correction is disabled. You just don't think of it that way. Those of us who are regulars on this board try to not think of ourselves as disabled but just having special needs to be as everyone else.

But the normal (and official) suggestion from Guest Services for a mobility or stamina situation is the suggestion to rent a wheelchair or ECV. If you go to Post #2 of the disABILITIES FAQ you will see lots of information about wheelchairs and ECVs, including Disney's fees and recommended off-site locations.

 

[clanmcculloch]

I am not even sure I will need anything, just was looking at all options. I didnt originally post this on the disABILITIES board ( it got moved here by the MOD) because I am no way disabled and wouldn't ever consider my situation to be anywhere close to what a person who is differently abled has to go through each day.

It looks like I will just go slow, go early, nap, go back late in the evenings and actually try to relax. My kids are 6, 8 and 10 and I am thinking I may rent a stroller at times for the youngest since I can't carry him anymore and he will get tired.

Take another look at how this board is named. I believe it's intentional. It's a board about different levels of abilities for DIS members. We discuss all sorts of different types of special abilities and needs.

If going slow and early and taking breaks in the middle of the day is sufficient for you then that's how you should best handle your unique abilities at WDW. I would suggest you at least bring contact info a company or two that rent ECVs. You may find that after a day or two of walking 5+ miles (something most people don't do in normal life) that you change your mind. Don't wait until you're already suffering as at that point you may even be in too much pain to be able to enjoy the rest of your vacation in an ECV. That just wouldn't be fair to the rest of your family.

The stroller for your son may also be helpful for you. You can use it for extra support kind of like a walker. Take note though that the lines going on the rides can be very long as well so be prepared. Same goes for the lines to and from the busses. If you're renting a stroller in the parks, your youngest will still need to walk to and from the busses.