- Feb 24, 2010
- 1,915
- 2,471
I don't think you all understand how many times the old policy of Guest Assistance cards got abused. Speaking as a former cast member, anything from "I have anxiety issues" to "I am clearly physically or mentally impaired" would get you that card. It is a very wide range that falls under "needing special assistance"' and there isn't a way to deny someone a card if they really forcefully ask for it (no one is going to tell a guest NO You aren't physically/mentally disabled enough....heaven forbid someone draws up some papers saying they are actually in need and you deny them service. Disney is not going to walk into that lawsuit). All of my friends that worked attractions hated that card and are very happy that the policy is getting changed. It is a false pretense that you get to walk right on rides through the exit with that card anyways. It can actually take LONGER riding with guests that need special assistance because you may have to wait for special vehicles to accommodate the guest, the loading point may need to be slowed/stopped to get that guest on and off, you may need to wait for a designated cast member to go over and assist your party, etc etc etc.
For most guests that actually need and used those guest assistance cards, they will be fine planning out their day just like every other guest. It's really not that hard of a concept, and if you have someone that cannot wait in line or wait to come back, then either ride a different ride, plan to visit at a time where there are not lines (cough, September, cough), etc.......there are ways to figure out what will work for your party if you do the research.
Example: The parent that researches online, calls Disney Vacation Planners, gets information on how Disney can help make their child's birthday special (and they will be wonderful and magical and helpful and truly try to make your kid's day special)
vs.
The parent that shows up at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique saying "It's Suzie's birthday so you HAVE TO get her a princess makeover appointment RIGHT NOW" when appointments have been booked for months, there's already 50 kids in there and cast is already shorthanded, but no "YOU RUINED HER BIRTHDAY AND ITS ALL YOUR FAULT"
Disney will do as much as they can to help guests, but it is not easy work to please every single person out of hundreds of thousands of people that speak 50 million different languages and have 50 million different needs all at the same time every day. Next time you are at Disney and see a cast member, tell them thank you for working (many times 8+ hours, on holidays, in the rain, heat, with enormous crowds).....they will always remember your kindness.
For most guests that actually need and used those guest assistance cards, they will be fine planning out their day just like every other guest. It's really not that hard of a concept, and if you have someone that cannot wait in line or wait to come back, then either ride a different ride, plan to visit at a time where there are not lines (cough, September, cough), etc.......there are ways to figure out what will work for your party if you do the research.
Example: The parent that researches online, calls Disney Vacation Planners, gets information on how Disney can help make their child's birthday special (and they will be wonderful and magical and helpful and truly try to make your kid's day special)
vs.
The parent that shows up at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique saying "It's Suzie's birthday so you HAVE TO get her a princess makeover appointment RIGHT NOW" when appointments have been booked for months, there's already 50 kids in there and cast is already shorthanded, but no "YOU RUINED HER BIRTHDAY AND ITS ALL YOUR FAULT"
Disney will do as much as they can to help guests, but it is not easy work to please every single person out of hundreds of thousands of people that speak 50 million different languages and have 50 million different needs all at the same time every day. Next time you are at Disney and see a cast member, tell them thank you for working (many times 8+ hours, on holidays, in the rain, heat, with enormous crowds).....they will always remember your kindness.