Guest Assistance Card About This Page:

[Principessa_di_Fata]

This is something new to me. I am familiar with the fact that it exists, I just never thought I'd need to ask for myself.

I'm heading to WDW this week (yay!) and I am having moderate to severe knee problems with swelling, etc. I can walk with a cane, but it is tiring and gets painful after a while. I do not want to do a wheelchair if I can at all help it. I don't want to pay to rent one, and I don't feel I need one at all times. Besides, there's no one to push me around, and I cannot afford a scooter rental at this point.

My question is this... with a doctors note, would I qualify for a Guest Assistance Card? I feel awkward even asking about it because part of me feels I do not deserve one. I can walk, it just hurts. My doctor wants me to lessen the amount of time on my feet as much as possible. He understands that at Disney, that's tough. Fortunately we're very laid-back tourers, but still... lines are lines.

I know people here get really sensitive about people abusing GAC's and I'm not trying to do that. I'm just trying to figure out if I would qualify for one.

My other question is, how many people in your party does it "apply" to?

[Caldercup]

Originally Posted by Principessa_di_Fata

My doctor wants me to lessen the amount of time on my feet as much as possible.

That right there (along with the cane) are reasons enough for you to get a GAC.

A GAC will get you and 5 people in your party into the ride in a way that best accomdates your needs.

Good luck! And take it slow, sitting as much as possible -- and use FastPasses too, as they are often the shortest route into the ride vehicle... even more so than the GAC.

[Principessa_di_Fata]

Originally Posted by Caldercup

That right there (along with the cane) are reasons enough for you to get a GAC.

A GAC will get you and 5 people in your party into the ride in a way that best accomdates your needs.

Good luck! And take it slow, sitting as much as possible -- and use FastPasses too, as they are often the shortest route into the ride vehicle... even more so than the GAC.

Thanks for the response. I will definitely utilize fast passes as much as possible. Honestly this time of year, the rides rarely have a long wait (at least not the ones we ride), so I plan on only using it when I'm really hurting and when the line is really long. I just thought it would be nice to have as a back up.

[jams67]

We used to be able to get one for each of my kids. DS1 is autistic with medical issues and DS2 is diabetic with other medical issues. We used to be able to get one for both but when we were there in December I was told that they are giving them only to guests with cognitive issues so DS2 isn't eligible anymore. I imagine it is probably because so many of the queues are more ECV and wheelchair friendly. Certainly doesn't hurt to ask though.

This time of year though crowded are pretty low and you will probably find minimal waits anyway. Just take it easy. Have a great time!

[Caldercup]

It seems Disney does not feel that Type 1 Diabetes requires the accomodation anymore -- although I'd argue that a kid who might faint if they have a sudden drop in blood sugar in a long, not easily-escapable line (or needs to test their blood while in line) are both reasons to have an alternate area to wait.

I wouldn't expect front of the line access or the use of the FastPass line, but I'd like to avoid the windy, cramped Toy Story queue area or the extremely dark, long queue area of Space Mountain. It was impossible to get out of safely when my son got lightheaded and needed to sit ... RIGHT NOW!

(It's good to see you on again, my friend!)

[Kobeychiev]

I have some knee issues, no cane, and I was able to get a GAC just by asking. If you need it and explain what's going on, they will accommodate you. You should definitly get it, and use it, even if the line looks short. My knee was hurting after a little while with the GAC and we had to slow down. Good luck!

[fluffybunny]

I always get a gac. I have a panic disorder. Waiting in lines sends me over the edge. They give me an alternate entrance pass to avoid the line. They technically can't ask you what the disability is or ask for proof.

[DebiDebiDebi]

I was at WDW last month and partway through my trip I had to make a trip the ER with cellulitis in my foot. The Dr told me I had two options; stay in the hotel or use a wheelchair. We rented a chair at our resort (SoG) and used it for 3 days. I chose not to try to get a GAC. We found that we were taken to the proper entrances by CM's when needed, and directed to areas that would accommodate the chair. Otherwise my chair fit through all the lines and we had no issues.

[kurtholley]

I got a GAC last year. Had surgery on both my knees and talked to my Doctor about waiting in lines. he wrote me a note incase I needed one. when we went to city hall at MK they didn't even ask for it. also wore some of those knee braces you can get at the drug store and it helped out for a little while.

Still did have swelling in them,but just relaxed in the hot tub and pool at the resort and that helped a lot

[Caldercup]

The CMs won't ask for (or look at) a note from a doctor. I guess Disney doesn't want to put CMs in the position of having to read medical information...

They will generally ask you want kind of accomodation you think would work best for your needs/difficulties and suggest what policies/procedures they have in place.

[MMMD]

I think you should get a GAC, just in case. Take it easy and have a great trip.

[Teddy862321]

Lately I have been having some issues with the heat. I get nauseated, lightheaded and sometimes vomit when I am out in the heat or sunlight for too long. I get dehydrated easily too. If I could wait in a shaded area that would be great. Also, I get disoriented and bump into things in the dark labyrinth queues (like on Indy). If I could just skip the switch backs, but wait that equivalent elsewhere, I'd like that too. I am afraid to ask for the GAC, because I don't want them to say "Well, it's summer, it is gonna be hot and sunny everywhere". I heard DLR doesn't have a "shade" stamp, only WDW. Plus, if I have anxiety, if I get turned down for a GAC, I will feel embarrassed and ashamed. I don't mind waiting in an alternate spot for the duration of the queue. I actually do NOT want a shorter wait, I want to wait the same. If I got a GAC, I am afraid it will be anxiety provoking if people in line stared at me because they believed I was faking. I don't know what I should do.
I can only think of a few rides that I would need the shade card, because most lines are shaded anyway. I will only use it if I need it. Anyone have feedback?
I am discouraged to not get the GAC. I am afraid to try. I am afraid the CM won't understand me. I am very passive and sensitive. If I am told no, I would likely cry for an hour.

[mechurchlady]

CMs are very nice people and they will not turn you down if you present your case properly. Try to word your request so that the CM understands that you are not a whiner but actually have a reaction to the sun. Explain that you have difficulty seeing in the dark so you have trouble with dark lines like Indiana Jones at DLR. Disneyland tries to keep their stamps a secret so I am not sure what is available. For the train at Disneyland we were to wait in the sun but then they allowed us to wait in the shade elsewhere. At Disneyland there is no shade for Dumbo and Casey JR.

Get the GAC as it comes in handy and will make your trip more pleasant. If you are in Disneyland feel free to post and we all can try to help you have a safe and fun trip.

WDW is a bit different but again they will not say NO. They will help you get the right GAC.

[Geri Alexander]

I had knee surgery, and I have a lot of issues with stairs or standing for a really long time. Usually, if I get the GAC card from MK they stamp it some way that I qualify for entrance in the fast pass line (which usually has no stairs). I use it at all four parks that way. However, for some reason, if I get the darned thing at HS, they stamp it a different way, and they give me a wheelchair at the front of each entrance (they have them sitting there), and I have to sit in it while my husband pushes me through the line. I am no sure what the difference is. I state my accommodations the same at each place. But either way, they both give me a GAC card and all CMs have been very accommodating.

Honestly, Teddy, I don't even notice other people. My husband and I are always having such a great time with each other at WDW I'm oblivious to what ever else goes on around me! And I only use the GAC when I absolutely need to. I try to go around and get FP just like everyone else. But after a few days, my knee starts killing me and giving out while I'm walking. If you need a card, you need a card. It isn't anyone else's business why you need it. They'll get their kharma back for being ugly.

[misty hailey]

I was told last year by my oncologist to get one but I didnt for fear people would say ugly things because I looked perfectly healthy. I had just finished chemo & was still weak. I wont make that mistake again. Do whats best for you