Special assistance passes

[signtalker]

Im after an email address to discuss the passes, whilst all websites give a number to phone, im after an email address, im interested on getting one of these for my son, who has multiple disabilities.
And just wanted to email them direct to find out the critera for getting the passes, and also how i get one, and do i need proof of disabilites?
Anything you could supply would help, but i think ive exhausted websites on these.

Jules

 

[SueM in MN]

Welcome.
I am not aware of an email address. There was one, but people who used it reported that they were thanked for their interest in WDW and told to go to Guest Relations in any of the parks to discuss Guest Assistance Cards.
What we can share with you is the real life experience of people who have gotten Guest Assistance Cards.

CLICK HERE for FAQ about Guest Assistance Cards.
teri looked through all the threads we had about GACs and summarized it in the FAQ. It should answer all questions you posted. I can vouch that the inforamtion is accurate and up to date since we were just at WDW at the end of March and got a GAC.
At the end of the questions, there are links to more threads that might be helpful to you.
Feel free to ask more questions if you think of any.

 

[mccachern]

I broke my leg in three places and won't be able to put any weight on it while I'm in WDW. Would I be able to get a GAC? Would it help me in any way?

 

[joe.hurley]

Mccachern,

So sorry to hear about your broken leg. Hope it gets better real soon!

About Disney World, don't cancel that trip! The general rule I've found is that there isn't any real "criteria" for getting one, it's just a matter of demonstrating (by words or action) to the CMs at Guest Services that you are in need of one.

The other folks on this board may have other opinions, but I kinda think that someone who shows up on crutches with a leg in a cast isn't going to have to do all that much explaining. That kind of disability is, well, kinda hard to miss.

You might want to consider renting a scooter from one of the many area outfits that rent these things. If you are staying in a Disney hotel, this is particularly convenient, as they will deliver to the hotel and it will be there when you arrive, so it'll be ready for use.

Having been on crutches a few times, I think that you would find it much much easier to get around in a scooter than trying to hobble on crutches. Take it from someone who tends to wilt easily, you won't realize how much walking there is at WDW until you've actually started doing it.

Hope this helps! Sue and wheelsie and others, please feel free to add to what I've said.

Regards,

Joe Hurley

 

[mccachern]

Thanks Joe. Yes, I definitely am going to get a scooter. I know that I can't hop around on one foot all day--I can't even do that at home. I'm just trying to figure out how the guest assistance card will help me? Do I show it to the CMs so they can give me special help getting on and off rides?

 

[Nanajo1]

Sorry to hear about your leg. If you use a wheelchair or scooter and you do not have any other medical problems you probably would not need a GAC. Guest relations would tell you to use the mainstream lines at the attractions that are accessible and to use the w/c and ECV lines when directed by a CM. The GAC/SAP is for the medically fragile, those who can not wait in line,or in the sun due to physical limitations such as Lupus or those who have difficulty with lines due to autism or other emotional issues. You do not have to have a MD note. Guest Relations CM would ask why you needed GAC. As I said, if it for mobility issues and you have a w/c or ECV you may be told you don't need one.

 

[SueM in MN]

I agree with Nanajo. If you use a wheelchair or ecv, you will already be using the wheelchair entrances to rides. Even with a GAC, you will be asked to use FastPass as much as possible. IMHO, a GAC would not get you any more assistance than not having one.
The wheelchair (and especially the cast) will clue the CM in that you might need some extra time boarding. CMs can't physically help you with boarding, but can help in other ways. In many cases, you can bring the wheelchair or ecv very close to the ride car for boarding and the CM will move it out of the way after you have boarded. They can sometimes slow or even stop the moving walkway and they will hold boats securely so you can board. While you are waiting to board, watch the loading process. That will help you see what type of help you need so you can help the CM know what will work. You will find that many rides board in the same way, so once you have ridden a few times, you will recognize things that will help you get on the next ride.
have fun.

 

[mccachern]

Thanks. Are the wheelchair entrances easy to spot? Are they separate from the other entrances? I guess I'm still a little nervous about this all.

 

[teri]

Please be sure to check out our FAQ which has answers to many of your questions, plus tips for making your trip easier. Just click on the link in my signature. And feel free to ask questions!

Many attractions hve mainstreamed entrances, so the wheelchairs and scooters go in the regular line. The CMs will guide you to the appropriate seating areas or ride entry points. Many times the alternate entrances are not well marked, but the idea is that the CMs are supposed to be guiding you there from the main queue area. Disney does not have signposts, for the most part... part of the mystique is the element of discovery as you go around corners and see new things. So, the whole idea of the Guest Assistance Card (GAC - they don't call it a Pass any more) is that it is a signal to the CMs to assist the guest in the most appropriate way.

As you will read in the FAQ, you don't need medical documentation, although many of us carry a doctor's note anyway as backup. Not everyone with a medical condition or disability needs the GAC, so be sure to read about it to see if it is appropriate for you.

 

[JudithM]

I rented an ECV at WDW several days last week. Any time I approached an attraction while using the ECV, a cast member would either approach me & let me know what I needed to do or the CM would open the swinging gate (as opposed to the turnstile). The CMs we encountered last week were exceptionally heplful & we appreciated it very much.

 

[mccachern]

I am glad to hear that they were so helpful because this is all really worrying me.

 

[JudithM]

Mccachern, please do not worry - ok, I realize that is easier for me to say that for you to do, but try not to worry. I have been going to WDW about twice a year for many years. Llast year I was diagnosed with a knee condition. On this trip we found cast members in general at both the parks & the resorts were friendly to guests regardless of whether or not there was a special need. We spoke to CMs & Disney is pushing guest service! Don't hesitate to just talk to a CM if you don't understand or know what to do or where to go.

 

[mccachern]

Thanks for reassuring me.