letter and any other info

[Csquigley]

We will be going to Disney World very soon, and of my 4 children we have one with disabilities that can walk assisted only, and we use a stroller for longer distances. I have been told to check in and get a pass, my question is that I have been told differing opinions as to whether I need a doctors note to get the pass (that the stroller is used as a wheelchair). Can anyone tell me for sure?

Also, any other tidbits of info that might be helpful during our stay.

Thanks!

 

[SueM in MN]

If you check out the disABILITIES Board, post #6 is all about Guest Assistance Cards (which is the name for what you are asking about). It is not a pass (meaning it doesn't give extra of faster access ). it is a card that tells the the Cast Members (CMs) that you need some extra assistance for your needs. You may get a card or you may get a sticker to put in the stroller that identified it as a stroller being used as a wheelchair.

You do NOT need a letter from a doctor. They are not allowed to ask for one as proof that you we assistance related to your disability; this is part of the ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act), so anyone who tells you that you must have one is not aware of the law (which passed in 1991)
You may choose to bring one if it makes you feel more comfortable, but that is up to you and the CMs might not look at it at all. In fact, most people who have posted about taking one said that the CM did not want to see it. If you bring a letter, it should focus on your child's needs not on the diagnosis that is behind those needs.whether you bring a letter or not, you need to be prepared to talk about your child's needs at Guest Relation. There is more information about this in the disABILITIES FAQs thread in post 6. The thread is near the top of this board or you can use the link in my signature.

 

[mechurchlady]

No you do not need a doctor's note to get the GAC. Read the FAQs stickied on this board as they are very helpful.

You will get the tag for the "stroller as a wheelchair" which will let cast members (CM) know immediately that the stroller is allowed in line. You tell the CM what the child's limitations are. Calvin and I went to Disneyland and I said that he could not do stairs and was hard of hearing. They gave him the GAC that had two stamps that indicated hearing limitations and stairs limitations.

Check FAQs for anything else you need like bed railings for a child for example. The special diet section will help you will any dietary problems.

If you cannot take some kids on rides because of age or height then you can have one person babysit the kids while the rest of the party rides. This is called the Baby swapping pass. How to use it varies but one example is where the babysitter returns with one companion through the fastpass line and another over at DLR is through the exit. City hall or other guest services can answer any questions you find unanswered. The GAC can be picked up inside or outside the parks at the park's Guest Service window.

 

[SueM in MN]

Wow Sue is fast, I was still typing when she posted.

LOL
I'm off today, so I'm home and able to type fast.

 

[mechurchlady]

LOL
I'm off today, so I'm home and able to type fast.

ARE you sure you do not have that saved on a note pad as that would be very easy, lol. I did cover some other stuff. Calvin never knew about anything I knew like that the parks will hold your wheelchair in storage when you rent an ECV. It was so nice to have him in awe of my genius like knowledge of parks.

To orignial poster: Do not forget to check out the list of companion bathrooms in parks as they are large and roomy for dealing with a disabled person. Private too.

 

[SueM in MN]

No note pad. In fact, I typed it all out on the teeny, tiny little keyboard on my ipod touch. Not the easiest thing to type on - although I LOVE the word prediction on it.

We did have Comcast here today to change our phone. The new combined phone/internet modem is MUCH FASTER than our old one.