Why no doctor notes?

[mirandaperez10]

Hy won't cast members look at signed doctor's notes when it comes to DAS?

 

[emldrl]

The short answer is, because they're not allowed to. It is against the ADA for a person to have to prove their disability in order to receive equal access to something (rides, attractions, transport, etc.) In the case of handicap parking spaces, the disabled person is getting better access, so proof is required.
Hope this helps!!

 

[SueM in MN]

The biggest reason is that requiring it would put them out of compliance with the ADA, as emldrl wrote.

Besides what emldrl wrote, it would be very easy for someone to make up their own fake clinic letterhead and write a letter from a fake doctor.
Disney would have no way of verifying whether the doctor even existed or whether the doctor had written the note.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . it would be very easy for someone to make up their own fake clinic letterhead and write a letter from a fake doctor.
Disney would have no way of verifying whether the doctor even existed or whether the doctor had written the note.

1) I don't believe anyone would do such.
3) People are just too honest.
3) My doctor's note says

To Whom It May Concern;
Although it does not show and others cannot detect it, TheRustyScupper has a serious disease and MUST have immediate access to all rides, Meet-and-Greets, restaurants (with or without a reservation), and be granted front-row access to all parades and shows. Please accommodate him and him 12-member family. As a further point, do not question him or his party about the nature of his malady, as it could inflame him and/or the disease. Signed: Dr. Oz (the one behind the curtain, not the one on TV)​

 

[mirandaperez10]

Oh well my doctor wrote one for me explaining My anxiety disorder since it stresses me out talking about my condition

 

[Gracie09]

Just be prepared for them to refuse to read it and have a back up plan.

 

[lanejudy]

Oh well my doctor wrote one for me explaining My anxiety disorder since it stresses me out talking about my condition

May I make a suggestion, which may save you some added stress? Write out a note yourself, explaining how your NEEDS are impacted by a typical queue environment. Your doctor may not have written anything particularly helpful, since DAS is not diagnosis-based and most physicians write in medical terms and do not actually understand the accommodations available at WDW. CMs at Guest Relations may refuse to read a note from a doctor, but they will read a short, concise note that you write yourself. Cover the main points, no need for extensive elaboration; also be prepared to answer a question or two if the CM asks. But a note written yourself is a much better option than appearing with a doctor's note they refuse to look at.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[aaarcher86]

Oh well my doctor wrote one for me explaining My anxiety disorder since it stresses me out talking about my condition

I would write your own letter as Lane Suggested. They won't look at your note from a doctor and that will just add to the stress.

 

[mirandaperez10]

Thanks for your help guys

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Cheshire Figment posted a thread a while back on why doctor's notes are not helpful. Here's a link to that thread.

 

[Goddesstree]

There were also the doctors who were writing 'prescriptions' instructing Disney to give their patients front of the line access. I'm guessing the doctors were well-meaning, but that led to a lot of anger and disappointment when the guests arrived at WDW and Disney did not accommodate the way the doctor ordered.

 

[ladyjubilee]

I can't speak for now, but in the two times we went pre-DAS, we took letters from my son's doctor. It wasn't about access, but more about his medical needs (heat sensitivity, seizures, etc) in case we got separated. The first time, MK, they took the letter in back and gave us a paper-like wrist band with a number written on it. On the second trip at DHS they took the letter in back to 'make a copy', but no wrist band, they'd never heard of it.

We're not taking a letter this time, but I don't know if they 'never' look at letters. We'd been told they didn't look then too.

 

[cmwade77]

The biggest reason is that requiring it would put them out of compliance with the ADA, as emldrl wrote.

Besides what emldrl wrote, it would be very easy for someone to make up their own fake clinic letterhead and write a letter from a fake doctor.
Disney would have no way of verifying whether the doctor even existed or whether the doctor had written the note.

I am not sure that they would have no way to verify. For example, Disneyland Paris requires a notarized doctors note at least a week in advance. Presumably, this is so that they have time to verify the doctor's note. At least the last time we looked into it this was their policy.

But yes, doctors note would violate the ADA.

 

[OurBigTrip]

I am not sure that they would have no way to verify. For example, Disneyland Paris requires a notarized doctors note at least a week in advance. Presumably, this is so that they have time to verify the doctor's note. At least the last time we looked into it this was their policy.

These are 2012 numbers, but the difference is striking. Magic Kingdom at WDW, ~17.5M, Disneyland Anaheim, ~16M, Disneyland Paris ~11.2M.

I have no idea what the legal requirements are in France, but the expense involved in trying to verify doctor's notes in the American Disney parks would be, IMO, an undue financial and legal burden on Disney.

 

[SueM in MN]

I am not sure that they would have no way to verify. For example, Disneyland Paris requires a notarized doctors note at least a week in advance. Presumably, this is so that they have time to verify the doctor's note. At least the last time we looked into it this was their policy.

But yes, doctors note would violate the ADA.

Disneyland Paris is a much different situation.
Countries in Europe actually have government issued certificates of disability, with different levels of disability that they issue cards for.
People in Europe are used to and prepared for providing proof of disability. And, it's legal there. I expect that there are also probably legal consequences to doctors and individuals who would try to fake the paperwork.

 

[Mrsjvb]

Hy won't cast members look at signed doctor's notes when it comes to DAS?

because anyone can pay someone to fake a diagnosis/list of needs to get special treatment.


Because their policy is that they will not accept one/don't require one.

you have to be able to list your NEEDS. diagnosis is not necessary nor relevant. if you cannot verbalize said need, then make that clear up front when you hand over a note that describes your need

 

[Cheshire Figment]

When I went to Disneyland Paris I was aware of the requirements they had. They had to comply to local laws and not the ADA.

I had to show proof of disability. Just the fact that I was in an ECV would not allow me to use the accessible entrances. I had my state disabled hang tag which had my driver's license number on it. I had to have their disabled pass so I could access the accessible entrances.

And I did write and post to DisBoards an explanation of why we, at Guest Relations, do not ask for doctor's noted.

 

[appleorchard]

When I went to Disneyland Paris I was aware of the requirements they had. They had to comply to local laws and not the ADA.

I had to show proof of disability. Just the fact that I was in an ECV would not allow me to use the accessible entrances. I had my state disabled hang tag which had my driver's license number on it. I had to have their disabled pass so I could access the accessible entrances.

And I did write and post to DisBoards an explanation of why we, at Guest Relations, do not ask for doctor's noted.

Cheshire! So glad to see you're still around!

 

[videogal1]

When I went to Disneyland Paris I was aware of the requirements they had. They had to comply to local laws and not the ADA.

I had to show proof of disability. Just the fact that I was in an ECV would not allow me to use the accessible entrances. I had my state disabled hang tag which had my driver's license number on it. I had to have their disabled pass so I could access the accessible entrances.

And I did write and post to DisBoards an explanation of why we, at Guest Relations, do not ask for doctor's noted.

Well, that's France for you...

 

[CPT Tripss]

1) I don't believe anyone would do such.
3) People are just too honest.
3) My doctor's note says

To Whom It May Concern;
Although it does not show and others cannot detect it, TheRustyScupper has a serious disease and MUST have immediate access to all rides, Meet-and-Greets, restaurants (with or without a reservation), and be granted front-row access to all parades and shows. Please accommodate him and him 12-member family. As a further point, do not question him or his party about the nature of his malady, as it could inflame him and/or the disease. Signed: Dr. Oz (the one behind the curtain, not the one on TV)​

1. It's quite obvious.
2. That you didn't write the note.
3. Style is wrong.