What/where on Guest Assistance Card? About This Page:

[Carousel96]

I will be at EPCOT with my family and my brother's family in Dec. They are counting on us to be the "resident experts" in our group, but this special needs stuff is something I am clueless about.
Sister-in-law is "Pooh sized" and it has taken a toll on her knees. She has pretty significant mobility issues and has knee replacement surgery scheduled for January. She plans to rent a motorized scooter for the day at EPCOT because the park is so big.
What is this Assistance Card you're talking about? Do we need one in addition to the scooter? Or do we need one to get one? Where does she get it? What kind of Dr note will she need?

[Lilyian]

The card is given out at Guest Services at any park. The motorized scooter is generally rented out at the same place as the strollers and wheelchairs. (When you enter the park, it is on the left.)

I always require a guest assistance pass because I have a rare disease and my trip is affected by it. I have never had a problem getting my pass; sometimes I have a doctor's note and sometimes I don't. It reduces stress on me to have an note simply describing my illness and how it affects me. It is a generic note, not one specifically directed for my Disney trips. Is it necessary to have the note? I doubt it, but it makes life easier. My illness is quite invisible, and you would never be able to tell that I have it. Thus, a doctor's note for me is helpful just in case I got a cranky CM who didn't believe me.

I am under the impression that if you have a wheelchair or motorized scooter, then it is more apparent that you have mobility issues. Getting the pass will make your sis-in-law's life so much easier, though, so that she doesn't have to keep explaining your situation over and over.

[iamgrumpy]

You can get Guest Assistance Cards at any of the 4 theme parks at the Guest Services Window/Counter. Its good for the guest with the need to have it and up to 6 family members. I would recommend having a dr's note just so its easier in case they ask why she needs it the dr can just put what her limitations or needs are and there isn't a question. They may not ask for the note but for your peace of mind why not have one.

The Second piece of advice I can give is to maybe pick up a a copy of the Passporter's Special Needs Guide which you can find in the Passporter Store Passporter Store-Special Needs Guidebook-Click here!

This covers all kinds of disabilities some that you would think of right away and others that you didn't realize they could accomadate and can. It covers People of Size (pooh's) and mobility issues, from the resort your staying in (disney owned) to the restaurants, to thet parks. I found it very helpful in planning my Trip in December.

My mom had knee replacement in October 2005 and we went about things all wrong on our trip in May in terms of how to help her out so now we know better for December.

Any questions please feel free to ask or pm me!

[Teresa]

In our experience, you don't need a note from the Dr. They won't even read it. As one CM once told me, they aren't Dr.s and so can't decide who needs a pass and who doesn't.

But, be prepared to just say "I can't stand or walk for anything over ____ minutes. I will have a scooter as soon as we can get one rented"

Also - you might want to look into renting a scooter from an outside source. The ones at WDW aren't necessarily very comfy for those of Pooh size (my dad and step-mom would never have fit on one) and there is NO guarntee that they will have one available.
Also, although EPCOT IS the largest park, there is a lot of walking involved with all of the other parks. Step-mom actually said no to a scooter the first day. She spent a day at MK, and the next morning cried (literally) in relief when DH ordered her a scooter from the same place we got Dad's (have no clue the name).

[Dale_Loves_Mickey]

As was just mentioned CM's can't even look at a note from a DR. If I remember correctly it has something to do w/ legality, but that's not important. If and when you ask for a G.A.C. you will need to go through a brief explanation of the situation, but once you have the card you will not have to do this again.

We had one because my DD has A.D.H.D. and has trouble keeping in controll in a crowd. Be warned: Even with a G.A.C. there are folks out there who will not be understanding. Both Cm's and guests,. If you can't get the help you need from one CM, move on to another CM in the same area. Sometimes they are new and don't know, sometimes they have a bad day and take it out on you, and sometimes they are just plain mean.

A note about the ECV's. Guests will inevitably be oblivious to her need to get through the crowd w/out running someone down. There is no way to be polite in 90+ degree weater. Trust me, I did it in August with my DM in a wheelchair. Have someone who is "LOUD" try to walk in front and when you come across a group who won't move, have them say something in a very loud voice like "Excuse me. We just want to get through please." I am over loud and was not so polite all the time, but it does work. The folks parted like the waters for Moses on most every occasion.

Good Luck and have a blast while you are there.

[stonewall]

PLEASE check out the "Sticky" thread at the beginning of this forum. This question gets asked at least once a week and I've tried to move some of the info there as well as to a thread on ECVs and Wheelchairs.
Also, if you use the "search" feature on this site you can gain even more answers and information.
Have a great trip! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]