Guests with disabilities

Started On: 05/01/2010 2:12 am

I will be staying at the Villas in just a few short weeks, and will be accompanied not only by two kids with stubby little legs, but also my husband who is a disabled vet, and my mother-in-law who had a knee replacement surgery a few years ago and still needs a cane. What I'm wondering is a) What would be the best room to request? Near the elevator? As close as possible to transportation? I'm not sure how the buildings are situated. How far in advance can you make room requests? And, b) If I explain the situation very nicely, would I be able to get a fastpass at the concierge desk? I don't expect those to be handed out freely, but last year my husband spent the last day of our trip in bed because he couldn't walk! My m-i-l will very likely need a wheelchair after the first morning because her knee implant gives her a lot of pain. Do you need doctors notes or verification from the VA? I really want this trip to go well! Any advice is very much appreciated!
When you go to the parks you can go to guest services and get a special needs pass that allows you to get through the lines quicker and wait in a different area.

05/03/2010 1:57 am

Hi there! Yep, you can request a Guest Assistance Card (GAC) at guest services, which will allow you to use different waiting areas for the rides. Also, regarding room requests, you can add a room request to your reservation at any time (just call 407-WDisney and tell them your reservation number. They can add any requests right to that. Then, when you get to check-in, reiterate your room requests so they know that you need the requests for health reasons. In your case, if you'll be taking the bus to the theme parks, I would request a room close to the elevator on the right-hand (bus stop) side of the Lodge. Let them know when you call to please note that your requests are for health reasons. Good luck and have a wonderful time. I know you will! --Timberline

http://www.wildernesslodgesite.com

05/07/2010 3:14 pm

It is not only the distance to the rides that are an issue. You can walk 5+ miles in a park easily in a day. The que lines, the walks to the busses etc can be extremely long as well. Disney suggests people with mobility issues get a wheelchair or and ECV. For example the walk to Soarin is very long and painful if you are hurting and a Guest Assistance Card (GAC) does not cut that walking time down. You do not need a doctors note to request the GAC. They can't ask for diagnosis etc. Go to a guest services location in one of the parks with the person you are requesting it for and talk to them about your needs. I would request using alternate entrances and no stairs. Don't assume the GAC will shorten the times either, because in a lot of instances it will not. Utilize the fast pass system, this will cut down on your wait times as well. I hope you have a great trip.

05/20/2010 12:05 am