There has been much speculation and rumors flying around regarding changes to the current GAC System available at Disney Parks to disabled guests. I purposely didn’t comment on this subject, because I was waiting for a more official word, instead of spreading rumors and gossip. I try to give you accurate information, so I appreciate your patience while I was waiting for official Disney confirmation. Courtesy of our friends at Disney Dreaming with Special Needs and Disabilities, we have some new information for you.
This is the email that went out a few days back, and one of our Mods, Autumn, did a double check to make sure this info was accurate.
In our continued efforts to keep you in the loop of Disney experiences that touch families, we would like to share an upcoming change in the Guest Assistance Card. Disney has an unwavering commitment to making our experiences accessible to all Guests. After careful consideration, we will be replacing the Guest Assistance Card with the new Disability Access Service Card on Oct. 9 to create a more consistent experience for all our Guests while providing accommodations for Guests with disabilities. Until Oct. 9, we will continue to use Guest Assistance Cards. We look forward to sharing more information about the Disability Access Service Card as we get closer to implementation.
We know that you often share news from Disney with other moms so we have prepared the following questions and answers.
We appreciate your support and look forward to sending you more details as we get closer to October 9th.
Sincerely,
Leanne Jakubowski
Frequently Asked Questions:
How will the new Disney program work?
The Disability Access Service Card will offer Guests a return time for an attraction based on the current wait time. Guest Assistance Cards will continue to be in effect until Oct. 9. We look forward to sharing more information as we get closer to implementation.
Did Disney receive assistance in developing the Disability Access Service Card?
Yes, Disney is engaging disability groups, and Autism Speaks was instrumental in providing feedback as we developed this new process.
Why is Disney making these changes?
Given the increasing volume of requests Disney receives for special access to our attractions, we are changing our process beginning Oct. 9 so that it creates a more consistent experience for all our Guests while providing accommodations for Guests with disabilities.
Who will be eligible for a Disability Access Service Card?
Our goal is to accommodate Guests who aren’t able to wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including non-apparent disabilities).
Will Guests on wish trips also use Disability Access Service Cards?
No. Guests who are visiting through wish-granting organizations will have access through a separate program.
What should Guests do if they have concerns?
Guests should contact Guest Relations to discuss their assistance needs.
So it seems the rumored changes are coming. We will be keeping an eye out for the official Disney Parks Blog post when it comes out to ensure you have all the information you need on this topic. As always we encourage you to communicate your concerns or thoughts directly with Disney Corporate.
Walt Disney World Guest Relations
P.O. Box 10000
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
[email protected]
Disneyland Guest Relations
P.O. Box 3232 Anaheim, CA 92803-6161
Email can be sent through https://disneyland.disney.go.com/help/email/
Thank you Autumn Barnes for this confirmed information!
Michele also contributes theme park news for Fox 35 Orlando 11pm news and on the radio on WDBO.
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