What's this?

[Commando]

During our recent trip, we saw several groups go through FastPass lines with a card (white with blue writing) that I've never seen before. They just showed it, and went right on through. I got a quick look at one of them, and on the top it said something like "Disney Appreciation Card" or "Customer Assistance Card." I'll also add that the group got the card back, so it wasn't a child-swap card or a FastPass, and none of the group was in a wheelchair, ECV, or on crutches.

It also wasn't a "head of the line" pass that I've got from customer service before (long story). You turn those in at the FastPass line, and don't get it back (too bad, huh?).

Has anybody every seen or heard of this? Is it some kind of VIP pass?

Next question: How do I get one?

 

[swclark]

I'm not sure.. but it kinda sounds like the new cards they were testing to update the wait times more accurately. Maybe someone else can explain better.

But maybe not, because it sounds like they kept them with them all day.

What I had heard was that they swipe the card at the beginning of the line and then again when you get to the end of the line and the computer will update the wait times - but now that I think more.. it wouldn't necessarily be the fast pass line, but more likely the "regular line". So maybe I'm all wet

 

[mickeysaver]

There are certain medical conditions that make it harder to have a magical time at WDW. The lines can be a problem. So, with a note from your doctor explaining the need for such a pass, you can stop by guest services and get guest assistance card. Mickey

 

[Commando]

Mickeysaver, that may be it. After reading your post, I now remember that the top of the card read "Guest Assistance" pass or card.

Now I'm curious as to what medical or physical conditions might qualify. I realize that some medical conditions are not "obvious" to the outside world, but everyone that I saw in the groups using the card seemed (at least to my untrained eye) to be in great shape....even riding Rock N Roller Coaster.

 

[WDWAurora]

Commando, it definitely sounds like the Guest Assistance Card. When we went in March, my grandmother was still recovering from knee replacement surgery. She absolutely looked as though nothing was wrong with her walking around the park, however getting onto some rides was quite difficult, as her knee didn't yet bend totally, and she had a lot of difficulty with standing for periods of time, which is why she got the card. She was able to get it because her knee requires her to carry a card from her doctor at all times anyway, due to its metal content (which can set off detectors at airports, wal-mart, etc) so she had a note with her. Without it, she wouldn't have been able to do anything on that trip. Guest assistance cards are a great thing when used correctly. (note: we did not get one in May, even though she still could have, as she didn't need it...We don't want to take advantage of a system that really helps a lot of people!)

 

[Piglet]

When my DD was on her Make A Wish trip, our entire family was able to use the fast pass/ Wheelchair Access line with out a fast pass. My DD looks okay on the outside but has many issues with heat and could have seizures. There are a lot of medical conditions that you can't tell just by looking at someone. My DD looks and acts normal, but that could quickly change. Just go to a Children's Hospital or take a tour of Give Kids the World Village.

Melinda

 

[chipscinderelly]

When my friend and I were at Disney for a convention we were waiting in the fast pass line for Rock N Rollercoaster at MGM. The guy behind us ended up being a VIP guide and when we exited the ride he handed us two front of the line passes good one time for anyride. It was neat to use them once.

I know they are not the same as the above passes, but it was a paper card.

Julie

 

[InstImpres]

Originally posted by chipscinderelly
The guy behind us ended up being a VIP guide and when we exited the ride he handed us two front of the line passes good one time for anyride. It was neat to use them once.
[/B]

That's interesting since if you read the material, they claim this never happens but I know just from my MK Family Magic Tour it does happen. It is pretty odd though that they have "extra passes" to hand out.

JMHO
Sandy

 

[Commando]

On one trip we had a certain "issue" at Epcot that I had to complain about to Epcot Guest Relations. The CM there apologized for my trouble and then gave me 4 "head of the line" passes (good for any ride at any park). If I remember correctly, they were yellow or gold and about the size of a calling card (or maybe a bit bigger).

 

[PhotobearSam]

My husband needs to have both knees replaced and both hips...

He looks great from the outside but standing in line for an hour would end our day.

What most rides do now is you go up to them with the guest assistance card and they give you a little piece of paper that marks on it the time to ride(like a fastpass) but it's for the time you would have spent in the stand-by line...

For instance, we went to Jungle Cruise...The stand-by wait time was for 45 minutes...We can't stand there for 45 minutes so they gave a card that let us come back in 45 minutes...(Fastpass was not working that day)

It's just a little help for the people who need it but they don't just hand them out to anyone.