Ulcerative colitis

[MAlfano]

Hi. Any suggestions for someone traveling to Disney that has ulcerative colitis? Do you know if guest services will allow me to get a special pass since I prob won't be able to wait on long lines etc

Thanks

[BrerGnat]

You might be eligible for a Guest Assistance Card, but if you go in there saying you can't wait in long lines, they will deny it. There is no GAC available that will decrease wait times, and wait times may be longer using the GAC. When you go to ask for a GAC, you have to tell them what accommodation you need, not what your condition is. It is up to you to state the accommodation that would help you most, and I am not sure there is a GAC that would assist with UC, unless you are okay with simply waiting in an alternate area, which would make it easier to bail out and find a restroom, should the need arise. If so, mention that.

UC/Crohn's is a particularly tricky situation to deal with, as you know. I know, from personal experience with IBS, it can be very unpredictable. However, I've just learned that sometimes, I have to bail on stuff I want to do, or have been waiting a long time for. It really is unfair a lot of times.

I've worked around my issues by using Fastpass, primarily, and simply avoiding any lines that are longer than about 30-45 min. I kind of know when I shouldn't get in a long line. I also make it a point to know where the nearest bathroom is at all times.

To be frank, I'd be more concerned with having to wait in RESTROOM lines than anything else.

[buzznwoodysmom]

You might be eligible for a Guest Assistance Card, but if you go in there saying you can't wait in long lines, they will deny it. There is no GAC available that will decrease wait times, and wait times may be longer using the GAC.

I don't know Natalie, my FIL had a GAC on our trip in February and he went through all the FP lines with it. Not once did he have to wait longer because of the GAC.

[BrerGnat]

I don't know Natalie, my FIL had a GAC on our trip in February and he went through all the FP lines with it. Not once did he have to wait longer because of the GAC.

Denise, our experience using the GAC has been that we ALWAYS wait less time, even though it's not "supposed" to be that way. We have honestly never waited more than 5 minutes for an attraction, even when we volunteered to wait longer to be fair.

My point was, if you go into Guest Services with the line "I can't wait in long lines", they will not simply give you a GAC for that. You have to have a more compelling accommodation need.

And, not all GACs have the same stamp on them. There are several types of GACs. Your FIL's GAC probably indicated that the FP lines would be an acceptable alternate, however, for us, that is not an option, as the Fastpass line does not eliminate crowding and/or dark queues, both of which set off our son, so our GAC does not have us use FP lines.

For the OP, Fastpass line use may be indicated for the situation. However, sometimes FP lines are 15-20 min long, and that can potentially even be an issue for someone with UC.

[buzznwoodysmom]

Thanks for the explanations Natalie. We have never used the GAC in the past, and only used it a few times for the kids to ride a few rides with their grandparents on our trip.

Even with the GAC my FIL still had some issues with noise and crowding in the FP lines. He suffers from PTSD from his time in the military. The crowds and noise in the lines often gave him great anxiety, and he'd often have to close his eyes to cope with it. Perhaps he should have had different accommodations, as his issues sound a bit like what your children experience.

[BrerGnat]

Thanks for the explanations Natalie. We have never used the GAC in the past, and only used it a few times for the kids to ride a few rides with their grandparents on our trip.

Even with the GAC my FIL still had some issues with noise and crowding in the FP lines. He suffers from PTSD from his time in the military. The crowds and noise in the lines often gave him great anxiety, and he'd often have to close his eyes to cope with it. Perhaps he should have had different accommodations, as his issues sound a bit like what your children experience.

Yeah, perhaps he didn't adequately anticipate how his issues might flare up even in FP lines. For us, most of the time, the rides we go on don't even have FP, so it's a moot point. My son is not a daredevil. I only know through my own experience that many FP lines would set off my son, so in the future, I will know that will not be an option for him unless his issues resolve by the time he is ready to tackle the thrill rides.