Should we get MD note?

[Jonell]

Our vacation is coming up next month and the crowd prediction calender keeps rising. This is making my husband a little anxious about our trip. Last trip he was able to get a GAC that met his needs perfectly. He is worried that this trip the same type of stamp may not be issued to him. With the crowd levels being so high he will not be able to enjoy attractions without the GAC. Should I be on the safe side and get a MD note explaining his disability? Will the CMs even look at it? Thanks

 

[MinnieVanMom]

If you have his last GAC bring it with you to Guest services and then they have a basic idea of what your DH will need.

I do bring a Dr. note but most of the time they don't look at it. I don't even think they are allowed but it is more for me than them. I know of people taking advantage of the GAC and it makes me sick. With our note, at least we have it.

Have a wonderful trip.

 

[Jonell]

Thanks. We don't have the last GAC, but I do remember the type of stamp that was on it. I agree some people do take advantage of the GAC. Since my DH disability is not visable I was wondering if the CMs may question it and I should bring the MD note.

 

[dntd]

I don't think they can legally deny it as many disabilies are hidden.

 

[SueM in MN]

If you look in post #6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread, you will find a whole section about Guest Assistance Cards.

You don't need a doctor's note and, as has already been posted, the CM is likely to not want to see it. If it would make you feel more comfortable having a note from the doctor, you can bring one with you. Whether or not you have a old GAC or a note from the doctor, he will still need to go to Guest Relations and explain his needs.

You may want to look into a planning service like Tour Guide Mike (there is more information on the Theme Parks Board and a link to his website). Planning services like Tour Guide Mike help you to be in the quietest part of the quietest park. Many people have posted that using a service like that has helped them more than a GAC (many of the people specifically had family members with autism spectrum disabilities). GACs can only help with attractions and often do not shorten the wait. Planning services can help with things GACs can't, like generally getting around without crowds close by and being in restaurants and rest rooms.

 

[DCDisney]

Somehow I seem to get different stamps each time but it hasn't seemed to matter. I got questions from 1 CM at toy story mania but when I got to the next CM he sent me right through to the normal accessible ramp I went to on previous trips. I only use the GAC for shows and certain rides with stairs or crowds of pushing people though so only a handful of times per trip.

 

[seashoreCM]

All you need to do is explain in English what you have trouble doing without the notations on the GAC.

However a doctor's letter can kibitz you.

 

[MinnieVanMom]

I learned a new word today Kibitz. Thanks for the enlightenment.

 

[MinnieVanMom]

Perhaps save your GAC this time. The CM's are very nice and just explain what accommodations your child will need not his DX.

 

[Jonell]

Thanks everyone. I think I will ask my DH's doctor to give us a note explaining his need for a GAC card just in case. I read on another board about someone recently being denied a GAC by a CM. My DH works hard so we can visit WDW often and it would be terrible if he could not enjoy the attractions with us.

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks everyone. I think I will ask my DH's doctor to give us a note explaining his need for a GAC card just in case. I read on another board about someone recently being denied a GAC by a CM. My DH works hard so we can visit WDW often and it would be terrible if he could not enjoy the attractions with us.

I have been at Guest Relations waiting in line twice when I saw someone who was denied a GAC.
The first case, they had a letter from the MD which was just a blanket letter saying the patient has 'xxxxx and can't wait in line.' when asked for more details about what the needs were, the person could not provide any further information. In the second case, they had no letter, but also were not able to explain what the needs were or really answer any questions from the CM. There is not a requirement for WDW to provide a GAC just because someone asks for one - needs the person can't or won't explain don't have to be provided.
If he can explain his needs for a GAC and if WDW has a way to provide those needs that are reasonable, he should not have a problem getting a GAC.

For many reasons listed in previous posts, I would recommend checking into things like touring plans and using Fastpass. Those will actually be helpful in more wats and more situations than a GAC would be.

 

[Jonell]

I have been at Guest Relations waiting in line twice when I saw someone who was denied a GAC.
The first case, they had a letter from the MD which was just a blanket letter saying the patient has 'xxxxx and can't wait in line.' when asked for more details about what the needs were, the person could not provide any further information. In the second case, they had no letter, but also were not able to explain what the needs were or really answer any questions from the CM. There is not a requirement for WDW to provide a GAC just because someone asks for one - needs the person can't or won't explain don't have to be provided.
If he can explain his needs for a GAC and if WDW has a way to provide those needs that are reasonable, he should not have a problem getting a GAC.

For many reasons listed in previous posts, I would recommend checking into things like touring plans and using Fastpass. Those will actually be helpful in more wats and more situations than a GAC would be.[/Q


Until our last trip I wasn't aware that the GAC even existed. Until then we did use FP and Touringplans. It did not work well for him. During our trip in Feb 2010, which was during Pres Week my husband gave up visiting attractions after 2 days and stayed at the resort while my son and I visited the parks. The GAC last visit was a blessing. Not only did it allow him to enjoy the attractions but helped him not to be so worried about not making it to the restroom before his ostomy started leaking.

 

[livndisney]

As others have said, notes are not required, and most likely will not be read.(A Dr cannot "pescribe" the level of assistance WDW is to provide) Not being able to wait in line is not an accomodation. Your husband will need to be able to explain his needs to GS.

If he needs to leave a line to use the restroom, he can speak to a CM at the line. Having a fastpass would work as well since they are not collected until just before you get on the ride. So if he needed to leave the FP line he could just come back and rejoin the line.

 

[Jonell]

As others have said, notes are not required, and most likely will not be read.(A Dr cannot "pescribe" the level of assistance WDW is to provide) Not being able to wait in line is not an accomodation. Your husband will need to be able to explain his needs to GS.

If he needs to leave a line to use the restroom, he can speak to a CM at the line. Having a fastpass would work as well since they are not collected until just before you get on the ride. So if he needed to leave the FP line he could just come back and rejoin the line.

I agree the MD cannot "prescribe" the level of assistance, but he/she can provide a note explaining the situation what he/she recommends. It's then up to the CM to make the decision. I agree having a fastpass does work and we do use them, but not all attractions have fastpasses. It's not that he cannot wait in lines. Even with the GAC we still had to wait. It's that he cannot wait in lines longer than 20-30 mins without having to leave to go to the restroom. This is what we explained to GR our last trip. He has left the regular lines, squeezed past everyone (he's pooh-sized) and returned, but had to suffer dirty looks from others. This makes him uncomfortable. I'm sure Disney will again accomodate his needs in the best way possible.

 

[SueM in MN]

I have been at Guest Relations waiting in line twice when I saw someone who was denied a GAC.
The first case, they had a letter from the MD which was just a blanket letter saying the patient has 'xxxxx and can't wait in line.' when asked for more details about what the needs were, the person could not provide any further information. In the second case, they had no letter, but also were not able to explain what the needs were or really answer any questions from the CM. There is not a requirement for WDW to provide a GAC just because someone asks for one - needs the person can't or won't explain don't have to be provided.
If he can explain his needs for a GAC and if WDW has a way to provide those needs that are reasonable, he should not have a problem getting a GAC.

For many reasons listed in previous posts, I would recommend checking into things like touring plans and using Fastpass. Those will actually be helpful in more wats and more situations than a GAC would be.[/Q


Until our last trip I wasn't aware that the GAC even existed. Until then we did use FP and Touringplans. It did not work well for him. During our trip in Feb 2010, which was during Pres Week my husband gave up visiting attractions after 2 days and stayed at the resort while my son and I visited the parks. The GAC last visit was a blessing. Not only did it allow him to enjoy the attractions but helped him not to be so worried about not making it to the restroom before his ostomy started leaking.

I didn't mean to imply people should not request a GAC- just that there are many situations where FP and touring plans can be helpful where a GAC can't be helpful. Things like waits for restaurants, bathrooms etc. outside of attractions and general avoidance of crowded areas ( especially outside of attractions).

 

[livndisney]

I agree the MD cannot "prescribe" the level of assistance, but he/she can provide a note explaining the situation what he/she recommends. It's then up to the CM to make the decision. I agree having a fastpass does work and we do use them, but not all attractions have fastpasses. It's not that he cannot wait in lines. Even with the GAC we still had to wait. It's that he cannot wait in lines longer than 20-30 mins without having to leave to go to the restroom. This is what we explained to GR our last trip. He has left the regular lines, squeezed past everyone (he's pooh-sized) and returned, but had to suffer dirty looks from others. This makes him uncomfortable. I'm sure Disney will again accomodate his needs in the best way possible.

This is part of the reason CM's will not review a note.

You have been given some good advice about following a touring plan-this is the best way to avoid waiting in the lines that "don't have fastpass". I hope you have a good trip.