How difficult has it become to get an assistance pass? About This Page:

[Lilyian]

In the past, I have needed a special assistance pass due to very apparent needs: fractured foot once and a high risk twin pregnancy. It was always very easy, and the Disney staff was very friendly about it. Lately, I have been reading that they are making changes and it is becoming difficult to get a pass. The reason that I ask is that I have been diagnosed with a very rare autoimmune illness (mastocytosis) which is triggered by many things...one of them being extremely hot temperatures and fatigue. If I have a severe attack, I basically end up in the ER by ambulance (which I did last winter, there...no fun!). Generally, we only go to Disney in the winter, so it is not (usually) an issue. Now we have a trip to Florida for a wedding in June, so we are going to Disney then as well (since we are AP holders). Other mastocytosis patients who I correspond with have told me to go on the trip, but simply take precautions (get in the shade, drink lots of water, get into the airconditioned rides, takes lots of rest stops). They have told me not to let this disease run my life, or else I will be a hostage to it always. I agree, and I am not going to cancel a family vacation because I have this illness. The problem is that now I wonder if I will have a hard time getting a pass to use the alternate entrance (and thus avoid waiting in lines). I know that standing in line in the sun down there for a long time will certainly kick in the worst of my symptoms, and once that happens it is similar to anaphalactic shock, except that I get chills and pass out. Do you think I can explain this to the guest relations desk at the park and they will understand? One big problem is that this is an invisible disease. To everyone else, I look like a very healthy energetic 30 something woman. This seems so stupid to worry about... and even more stupid is that STRESS will trigger the chemicals to release in my system as well....and here I am stressing! LOL

[MickeyMAC]

I would take a letter from my doctor stating the disease. We did this with my husband because his heart problems were not apparent but very real. They were great to help us. Good luck and have a great trip--wishing you the very best.

[Jennifer2003]

I got a pass on my trip last time at the suggestion of COusin ALex the cast member for my claustrophobi and IBS...they gave it to me no problem. for this trip, i will show them my old pass, ask them to recreate it for my May 7-12 stay.

Good luck!

[dj2]

from what i've heard others say (i have no first-hand knowledge), it is illegal for anyone at WDW to ask to see an md's note. you just explain what your needs are (e.g., can't wait in sun) and they work with you to accomodate them.

i believe that for the fatigue part, they will instruct you to use a wheelchair or ecv. for the sun, they'll be able to provide you with a shaded area to wait at each ride/attraction. if you have other needs, just explain them to the cm at guest services.

[stonewall]

It may not be legal for a CM to ask to see an MD's letter, but if you are not shy about your problem, it would make the process a whole lot easier if you just had a brief note from your doctor,written on his/her Rx pad. They have tightened restrictions for the passes, due to abuse, which makes it difficult for those of us who really need them.Since Florida and June equal heat,stress and crowds, consider if getting a little more use from your AP's is worth taking a chance on having a major attack and spending the rest of your trip in a strange hospital. Spending time at your resort, relaxing by the pool might be a terrific alternative.
As for taking an old pass back on another trip and asking for another one- that might not work,especially if you have a "hidden" disability. The CM's can't be expected to know if you originally received it because you were dealing with a broken ankle, or if you have an ongoing heart condition. Again, if you really think you'll need a SA Pass on this trip, once again, I would suggest taking an MD's note with you.

[DebbieV76]

When we were there in February, we took a letter from the boys' doctor stating their need for the Pass. The CM was very helpful and we had absolutely no problem at all. I think it would have been fine without the letter, but it was a stress-reliever just to know that I had it. Also made it easier to request one: "I am here to request a special assistance pass for our stay. Here is a Doctor's note explaining about the boys' disorder." Cuts right to the chase.

I know what you mean about not wanting the disease to run your life. I would keep an eye on the weather for your trip. If it is going to be especially hot, just plan on going very early (when it is the coolest) and packing it in by 11 or so--earlier if it gets too hot. That's the beauty of having APs when you have special needs, you can go for just a partial day - early am or later in the day - when the weather best suits your particular situation.

Above all...Have FUN!!!

[Lilyian]

Thank you all! I am seeing my specialist next week, so I guess that I can ask him for a note. I feel like a kid, asking for a doctor's note! LOL. Oh well, I can't wait to go again. I think I enjoy it as much as my little children. We will be very careful about the heat, though...that was yet another reason to stay over at YC so that we could relax at the pool if it gets too hot!

[homeschoolmom]

I have a nonapparent illness also--pulmonary hypertension. It leaves me with little stamina or energy. I did have a Dr. note with and told them so, but they never asked to see it. They were very understanding, as were the CMs on all attractions on which we used the pass. It was not at all difficult to get the pass or use it. Go for it, take care of yourself and have a wonderful trip

[Lilyian]

Thank you everyone! I just had my appointment with my doctor this week. I did not ask him for a note, but he is sending me a letter on his letterhead that is a description of my illness and the protocol that the ER should take should I end up there during an attack (which has not happened since I started my new meds, knock on wood!). The letter will eliminate any possible problems by paramedics or ER docs who want to argue about my symptoms with me (yes, it happens, because they have never heard of or are unfamiliar with this disease) instead of giving me the necesary meds...because if I end up calling an ambulance, then it is because I am going into anaphylactic shock. Plus, I have to get a medic alert bracelet. So, I am sure that if I have to pull out my "evidence", those will suffice. I am glad to hear from you all, though, that Disney is just as nice about this sort of thing as they used to be!

[Eeyore Tattoo]

I have never heard about this pass, But being one of the many with a illness that you can't see, I would loke to know more. I have trouble with walking to much, standing, and pain..
I would love to have a pass for my upcoming visit. Who do I need to talk to? can I make a request with my reservations?
Thanks,
Haley

[Lilyian]

Hi Haley,
You get the special assistance pass at any of the parks. Just go to Guest Services, and they will give you a pass that basically allows you to enter the ride through the handicapped entrance (which is often just next to the main entrance.) The main difference is that there are no lines in the handicapped entrance. Every now and then the pass does not apply at a ride/attraction, but that is rare. The pass will allow you and your party (up to 6 guests, I think) to use that entrance. So, don't worry about being separated from your family/friends.

[stonewall]

Hello Haley!
The Special Assistance passes are meant to be for the use of guests who could not otherwise handle a visit to the parks- in other words, someone who would need accomodations above and beyond the use of a wheelchair or ECV. Many guests can comfortably get around using those helpful devices and that is that. I have severe RSD in my right knee and wear a full brace, and in addition, deal with rhuematoid arthritis- do I get a pass? You bet! Do I always use it? No. If I am feeling well enough, I'll join the queu and enjoy the time and conversation. Please don't think that I am directing this at you Haley,or anyone else who has contribited to this discussion, but I just don't want anyone to get the idea that these passes are meant to simply allow people to bypass long lines
If you have read through this thread, you will note the suggestion about having a brief MD's note, "just in case"... You can not get one in advance, but rather, must go to the Guest Assistance area in the first park that you visit(such as City Hall in the MK) and then ask the CM to date it for the entire length of your stay.
The pass will allow you and up to five other people in your party to enter attractions through the Fast Pass line, if there is one. Some other attractions, such as BTMRR have a very small sign with the "wheelchair/handicapped" insignia on it and you would head in the direction of the arrow and a CM is usually waiting to help you board.On occasion, a CM is not familair with the Special Assistance passes, and you will have to be patient and explain it to him/her!That happens to me all the time at "Millionaire", where inevitably, the CM tries to heard everyone into one spot- just head to the Fast Pass lane and show them your pass. The one place that I have had real difficulty is on Buzz Lightyear, where the queu is just too tight to accomodate an ECV. I go to the exit, which is where the ECVs and wheelchairs are stored anyway and grab the CM there to help out. Have a great trip and feel free to ask any other questions you may have

[Lilyian]

I will disagree a bit in that the special assistance pass is meant for different purposes for different people. For some people, such as myself and probably others who have "invisible" diseases, the pass is definately for bypassing the long lines. Depending on the illness, this pass can be serving the purpose of preventing a medical emergency by bypassing waiting in long lines in 90+ degree weather. I can guarantee that with my mast cell disease, that would put me straight into anaphylactic shock very quickly. Bypassing the lines would allow me to still be able to take my children to Disney without giving in to my illness. I think that fortunately for those with medical issues, Disney realizes how different every person's needs are, and that is why they are so accomodating.

[stonewall]

I was really hoping that no one would misunderstand me, but I can see that is not the case. The Special Assistance Pass is provided for those people who otherwise might be unable to visit and enjoy the parks. Since no two people are alike, obviously the pass means different things for different people. I too, have one of those "invisible" diseases- rheumatoid arthritis, and I can not wait in long lines in the heat either; sometimes, it is not even a matter of the heat, I just know that I can't push my body past a certain point and must be kinder to myself.The pass allows me to be with my family and do as much as my health permits, and I am grateful for that.
Do some of you remember the misuse of wheelchairs and ECV's in the parks? Well, I do. Groups of teenagers, or others, tearing around the park with a different person in the chair every time you looked. The wheelchairs themselves used to permit a party to bypass the lines, and flagrant abuse was taking place, making it difficult for those who truly needed an accomodation to be properly taken care of. That is why I made the cautionary remark that the pass is not simply to be used by folks who think that they have discovered another way to "beat the system".Should that be observed, we might all lose the accomodation, and I would not want that to happen.
So, by all means, if you need a Special Assistance Pass and it would allow you to experience all that WDW has to offer. please take advantage of the offering and enjoy your visit.
I would love to hear how the pass has made trips more pleasant for those of you that use them, so, somebody please start a new thread and share with us.

[Lilyian]

Thanks for clearing that up. I think that you have expressed our common agreement perfectly. I really had no idea that you were referring to people attempting to beat the system. I think that you have summarized the pass and its intent nicely. --Thank you.