[tigger_90503]

I heard that disney has made it hard to get a special assistance pass.
What are there new requirements?

[tinkerbell]

It is not hard to get at WDW, I have heard they are no longer giving them at DL.
You go to Guest Services at any park .. ie MK and explain what reasons you need a GAC. In my husbands case ( he has multiple sclerosis) while he can walk short distances using his cane he can not stand for very long, and has problems with moving walkways. The card does not let you go to the front of the line. What the card does is allow you allow you and up to six people to use handicapped entrances or FP return if there is no handicapped entrance.

[MickeyMac]

I had a hard time at AKL getting one, but I think it was just because of the CM involved. I was recovering from a broken ankle, couldn't stand still for long periods, needed to elevate leg often. She told me to just use FastPass, but that didn't adress my need to elevate (it's the standing still for long periods that killed me.)

I went to the MK and asked for one for my Dad (on meds and can't tolerate the heat) and they issued one for him immediately.

They are generally pretty good about it.

[tigger_90503]

my mom is having sugury in may and still wants to go to DLR with us a few weeks after. last time we went we had no problems but I have heard that DLR changed the rules was wondering if we needed a Dr. Note or something

[karliebug]

Can you get this GAC at your resort when you check in ,or do you need to go to the park to get one? Also, is it good for length of stay at all the parks or do you need a new one for each park?

[tigger_90503]

one covers all the parks, just tell them how long you will be staying and they can make the pass good for several days.


Jill

[tinkerbell]

tigger 90503, If you are going to DL, I found this info about the new rules concerning the SAP at DL
In general, Disney issues a Special Assistance Card to visitors who have ambulatory impairments, such as crutches, braces, canes or wheelchairs. Visitors with certain “invisible” diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and autism, qualify, as do the legally blind.

The largest group excluded under the new policy are those with so-called “endurance” issues, including back problems, bone or joint pain, arthritis, and heart conditions. Cast members say that this group represents over half of the Special Assistance Passes issued under the old policy, and accounts for most of the suspected abuse.

When visitors now tell the City Hall representatives that they “cannot stand in long lines,” cast members suggest that they rent a wheelchair. At Disneyland, those who do then receive a Special Assistance Card, which allows them to use the wheelchair accessible entrance for those rides where the main queue and entrance is not accessible. At Disney's California Adventure, where all of the rides have wheelchair accessible lines, the Special Assistance Card is not necessary, and is not being issued.


Call ahead – Contact Disneyland directly before you book your trip, and explain the accommodation you need. If the cast member tells you that you will be eligible for a Special Assistance Card, make sure to get that cast member's name, and if possible get that reply in e-mail.

[tigger_90503]

thanks for all the help

Jill

[disneydana]

Originally Posted by tinkerbell

tigger 90503, If you are going to DL, I found this info about the new rules concerning the SAP at DL
In general, Disney issues a Special Assistance Card to visitors who have ambulatory impairments, such as crutches, braces, canes or wheelchairs. Visitors with certain “invisible” diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and autism, qualify, as do the legally blind.

The largest group excluded under the new policy are those with so-called “endurance” issues, including back problems, bone or joint pain, arthritis, and heart conditions. Cast members say that this group represents over half of the Special Assistance Passes issued under the old policy, and accounts for most of the suspected abuse.

When visitors now tell the City Hall representatives that they “cannot stand in long lines,” cast members suggest that they rent a wheelchair. At Disneyland, those who do then receive a Special Assistance Card, which allows them to use the wheelchair accessible entrance for those rides where the main queue and entrance is not accessible. At Disney's California Adventure, where all of the rides have wheelchair accessible lines, the Special Assistance Card is not necessary, and is not being issued.


Call ahead – Contact Disneyland directly before you book your trip, and explain the accommodation you need. If the cast member tells you that you will be eligible for a Special Assistance Card, make sure to get that cast member's name, and if possible get that reply in e-mail.

Does this apply to WDW in FL also?

[tinkerbell]

DisneyDana the only changes to the GAC at WDW has been to make them easier for CM's to understand what the needs are. But its important to make sure that when you get the GAC you make it understood what the needs are, so those can be put on the GAC.

[Eeyores-Girl]

Originally Posted by MickeyMac

I had a hard time at AKL getting one, but I think it was just because of the CM involved. I was recovering from a broken ankle, couldn't stand still for long periods, needed to elevate leg often. She told me to just use FastPass, but that didn't adress my need to elevate (it's the standing still for long periods that killed me.).

Yeah they apparently don't think having lupus is good enough either, I was told the same thing at AK this year and MK last year.

They look at me and because I am young (and really young looking) they don't get it that my immune system is destroying my body and i can't run around like a teenager.


They told us I could get a $30 scooter which I can't drive.



Really, scooters and wheelchairs should be FREE. If you need one of those things, you're likely not rich enough to afford it!

[tigger_90503]

I understand the deposit thing. but I your right they should be free.

[Eeyores-Girl]

A deposit would be fine, I can understand that too. But to profit from someone's disability is kinda . . . shifty.

WalMart doesn't charge a person to use their scooters!

[tinkerbell]

I cant see where disney could supply free EVC's. The Wheel Chairs are not free ..nor are strollers ..why ...because you can bring your own. as for Wal mart and other places supplying free EVC's they are limited .. the cost of free EVC's would mean an increase in everything else at WDW. not to mention ..there are people that would use them and not really be in need of them.

[Eeyores-Girl]

I would even be fine with a SMALL charge, like say $10/day. But c'mon, it's Disney! Do they really need to make a profit from this too? Not everyone OWNS a wheelchair or scooter as it's not necessary in their daily lives.

I just think the price is a little out of reach for some and that's a shame. *shrug* When both people in your party could benefit from having one, $30 each is REALLY pricey. That $60 could pay for the hotel room for one more day, ya know?

Yeah, and WalMart has limited ones - - - but so does Disney! We couldn't get one at MK. We went to the CP for lunch and then had to leave.