Question for my blind friend.

[Planecrazy4dis]

My friend is completely blind and he is taking his family to WDW for the first time. He is not bringing his seeing eye dog, but he will have his walking stick with him. I was wondering if anyone knows if he will be allowed to go through the designated lines for the disabled, for the shows and rides? Thanks.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

I would think so yes - if they call at Guest Services after they enter the park they can get a GAC (guest assistance card) which is for guests with 'special needs' etc

 

[Belle1962]

If you hop over to the DISabilities board there will be more people who will have first hand experience and can anser your question.

 

[2Xited4Disney]

Just to let you know this person may bring their service dog (s) Disney world is MORE than happy to accomadate. ALso this person will be able to get a front of the line pas good for their lenght of stay

 

[SueM in MN]

Just to let you know this person may bring their service dog (s) Disney world is MORE than happy to accomadate. ALso this person will be able to get a front of the line pas good for their lenght of stay

Accomidation for Service Animals is required by law. People have posted at the disABILITIES Board that WDW goes above and beyond the requirements of the law regarding Service Animals, so if he brings his dog, he won't find a lot of problems.

He will not be able to get a "Front of the Line Pass" though. It is a common misconception that people with disabilities get front of the line access. The only Front of the Line passes at WDW and Disneyland are for children on WISH (Make a Wish and similar organizations) trips and some people who can spend limited time in the parks (often because they require battery operated life support equipment).
Most attractions don't have a designated line or entrance for people with disabilities. Most of the lines are "Mainstream Lines" which means they are handicapped/wheelchair accessible. In some case, people with disabilities are pulled out of the line (usually close to the regular boarding area) to board ride cars at a different place. Often, this is because the regular boarding area involves moving walkways or steps that make it difficult/impossible to negotiate with some disabilities.
The Guest Assistance Card (GAC) that JohnnySharp2 is a tool for the CMs to be able to tell what sorts of assistance/accomidations are needed by people with disabilities that are not readily visible. They should see his cane and route him to the appropriate entrance without needing a GAC. You can visit the disABILITIES Board for more info about GACs and there are also several recent threads (on the first or second page) about touring with visual disabilities.

 

[Planecrazy4dis]

Thanks everybody for your help. I'll post this in the disABILITIES forum as well.