Medical Fast Pass???

[Omma]

I received not so great news this morning at the doctor - I need to have foot surgery - SOON. As soon as he told me all I could think about was our upcoming trip to WDW!

I'll be having surgery just 7 weeks before we go. I immediately asked him if I would be able to do all the walking which would be required and he said I would be in a walking boot which should help AND that he can give me a "medical certificate" which would allow us to go to the front of fast pass lines while we are there. He said he has had to do it for other patients before. Has anyone heard of this???

I really don't want to cancel our trip! And since our kids are younger I guess getting in, doing stuff fast and going back to put my foot up while they swim would be a good idea. But have any of you heard of or had experience w/ medical notes or what not?

 

[Twingle]

I think what your doctor might have meant was the GAC (Guest Assistance Card). There is a sticky (I think) about it on the Disabilities board.

 

[Omma]

I didn't even know there was a DISabilities board! I'll go ask over there. Thank you!!!!

 

[fortheluvofpooh]

I received not so great news this morning at the doctor - I need to have foot surgery - SOON. As soon as he told me all I could think about was our upcoming trip to WDW!

I'll be having surgery just 7 weeks before we go. I immediately asked him if I would be able to do all the walking which would be required and he said I would be in a walking boot which should help AND that he can give me a "medical certificate" which would allow us to go to the front of fast pass lines while we are there. He said he has had to do it for other patients before. Has anyone heard of this???

I really don't want to cancel our trip! And since our kids are younger I guess getting in, doing stuff fast and going back to put my foot up while they swim would be a good idea. But have any of you heard of or had experience w/ medical notes or what not?

I have not heard that but want to wish you good luck with your surgery. I noticed in your siggie, you are surprising your kiddos with the trip. I had a sign made up by Pat on I think it is the disigns board, and it said Surprise We are going to Disney world TODAY. It was great. you should check out that board. Have fun on your trip.
Lori

 

[thepeach80]

This was 15 yrs ago, so things might've changed, lol, but we went right after my dad had broken his leg and since he had to have a wheelchair we did get to go to the front basically of all the lines b/c we couldn't take his wheelchair through the lines. I hope you heal fast!

 

[SueM in MN]

This was 15 yrs ago, so things might've changed, lol, but we went right after my dad had broken his leg and since he had to have a wheelchair we did get to go to the front basically of all the lines b/c we couldn't take his wheelchair through the lines. I hope you heal fast!

Things have changed a lot and most of the regular lines are now fully wheelchair accessible. The only people who go to the front of lines are children on WISH trips, and some of them don't even. It depends on their needs.
15 years ago, many of the lines were not wheelchair accessible, so there was only one way in, which was sometimes not the regular line.
As attractions were renovated or added, they added accessible lines, called "Mainstream Lines" because users of wheelchairs and ECVs go in the main line with everyone else.
AK and the Studio were built with Mainstream lines. Epcot and MK had them added, so that many of the lines at those parks are "Mainstream" too.

 

[gr8tvacation]

When you get there, go to Guest Services & explain to them your situation. You should be able to get a Guest Assistance Pass/Card. It's not really a fast pass so to speak. However, in many cases you are able to bypass & enter thru a handicap access where lines were much shorter. This was a life saver for us b/c dd had just been released from the hospital a day before our trip! Everyone was extremely helpful and understanding!

Good Luck! Have fun on your trip & hope your surgery goes well!

 

[mommy-on-the-move]

I'm sure i read GAC's only give seperate access/easier access but you still have to wait in the line and get to go on the ride when the rest of your group come to the front of the regular line (so yourself and a companion wait in the GAC entrance until the rest of your group get to the front, so you don't get on the ride any quicker you just get a wheelchair accessible way onto the rides- I think, i could be wrong though)

 

[Schmeck]

A GAC is not intended to shorten anyone's wait in line - it is intended to allow equal access for all. For someone who has difficulty walking (and there's a lot of walking between attractions at WDW, much more than in the queues) the standard WDW reply is to rent a wheelchair or ECV.

 

[surfgirl]

Instead of making yourself miserable, could you wait an extra month or so until you heal and postpone your trip ?

Call customer service with the airlines (I assume you are flying ?) and very nicely explain the situation and see if there is any flexibility...

I know you probably wouldn't WANT to postpone... but if it is your first trip, don't you want it to be magical in every way ?!?

 

[Piper]

When you get there, go to Guest Services & explain to them your situation. You should be able to get a Guest Assistance Pass/Card. It's not really a fast pass so to speak. However, in many cases you are able to bypass & enter thru a handicap access where lines were much shorter. This was a life saver for us b/c dd had just been released from the hospital a day before our trip! Everyone was extremely helpful and understanding!

Good Luck! Have fun on your trip & hope your surgery goes well!

Often the wait is not shorter, it is actually longer! If you cannot transfer, you must wait for an accessible ride vehicle. Even if you can transfer, you must often wait because only a certain number of guests with mobility problems can ride at a time because of possible evacuation issues.

I often see people who were behind me in line exit a ride as I am getting on!

 

[Omma]

Oh I have thought of this! We are having scheduling issues w/ school/dh's work/etc. The kids don't know we are going yet so that is a plus if we have to change it. Dh and I are having a "meeting" about it tonight after kids are in bed. It is a really hard decision...we are just so excited to go and everything is "set". But you are right...I envisioned myself running through the park (okay not running but you get the idea) with the kids in the middle of the magic.

Thanks for all of your suggestions, everyone! Truth be told - I'd rather not need a GAC or a ECV or anything else so postponing might be our answer. But if it is going to make it another year before we can go I will be so sad.

 

[gr8tvacation]

Often the wait is not shorter, it is actually longer! If you cannot transfer, you must wait for an accessible ride vehicle. Even if you can transfer, you must often wait because only a certain number of guests with mobility problems can ride at a time because of possible evacuation issues.

I often see people who were behind me in line exit a ride as I am getting on!

Piper, you are probably right. I failed to mention that my husband & I are also disabled. So, our situation may have been a little bit different since the 3 of us have serious medical issues. We also planned our trip during an off peak time in hopes of not having to do the GAC unless absolutely necessary.

OP, maybe waiting until after surgery would work better. Then you wouldn't have to worry about being separated from your group while waiting in the lines. However, I know it would be hard to postpone since you your already excited about going.

Either way, I hope it goes well for you!!!

 

[tjmw2727]

I say go and if you need to use a wheelchair or ECV use it. You will not be separated from your family - you will use the same line for FP and Standby and be seated together in shows. Since you can transfer you won't have to wait any longer than you would have if you didn't have the surgery.

Many visitors see the park in a wheelchair or ECV and have a great time!

TJ