Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Disney Parks Disability Access Service Card Questions Answered


As most of you know, today Disney Parks implemented the much talked about changes to their guest assistance program. Here is an overview of the new program:




DISNEY PARKS DISABILITY ACCESS SERVICE CARD QUESTIONS

Disney Parks has long recognized and accommodated Guests with varying needs. Guests can visit Guest Relations to discuss their individual situation, and Disney Parks will continue to provide assistance that is responsive to their unique circumstances.

What is a Disability Access Service Card and how does it work?
The Disability Access Service Card is designed to accommodate Guests who aren't able to wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including non-apparent disabilities). A Disability Access Service Card will be issued at Guest Relations main entrance locations and will offer Guests a return time for attractions based on the current wait time. As soon as the Guest finishes one attraction, they can receive a return time for another. This service can be used in addition to Disney's FASTPASS Service and Disney FastPass+ service.

What will Disney Parks do if a Guest is concerned the Disability Access Service Card doesn't meet their needs?
Disney Parks have long recognized and accommodated Guests with varying needs and will continue to work individually with Guests with disabilities to provide assistance that is responsive to their unique circumstances. Guests should visit Guest Relations to discuss their individual needs.

Who will be eligible for a Disability Access Service Card?
Disney Parks' goal is to accommodate Guests who aren't able to wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including non-apparent disabilities). Guests should visit Guest Relations to discuss their assistance needs.

How will Guests get a Disability Access Service Card?
A Disability Access Service Card will be issued at Guest Relations main entrance locations. Guests will participate in a registration process, which also includes having their photo taken.

Why is Disney Parks doing this?
Disney Parks is modifying the current Guest Assistance Card program so it can continue to serve the Guests who truly need it. The new program is designed to provide the special experience Guests have come to expect from Disney. Disney Parks also hopes it will help control abuse that was, unfortunately, widespread and growing at an alarming rate.

Does the Disability Access Service Cardholder have to be present to obtain a return time at an attraction?
No. Another member of the Disability Access Service Cardholder's travel party may obtain a return time but the Disability Access Service Cardholder must board the attraction with his or her party.

Where do Disability Access Service Cardholders go to receive return times?
At Walt Disney World® Resort, Guests will go to the attraction to receive a return time.

Does a Disability Access Service Cardholder have to ride the attraction at the exact return time listed?
No. Return times are valid until redeemed by the Disability Access Service Cardholder.

How long is a Disability Access Service Card valid?
A Disability Access Service Card is valid for up to 14 days depending on a Guest's ticket entitlement.

Is a Disability Access Service Card issued at one Disney theme park valid at other Disney theme parks?
Yes, the card will be valid throughout the resort at which it was issued.

Why doesn't Disney Parks ask for proof of disability, such as a doctor's note?
Disney Parks takes Guests at their word and there are legal restrictions around asking for proof.

Is this the only service available to Guests with disabilities?
Disney Parks offer a variety of services to Guests with disabilities, such as Disney's Handheld Device that offers assistive listening, captioning and audio description. Additionally, Disney Parks has developed a "Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities." This serves as a tool on how best to experience its theme parks and is expected to be available online by mid-October.
Disney Parks will continue to provide excellent guest service and accessible experiences. Guests should visit Guest Relations at any park should they feel they need assistance due to a disability.

Does a Guest whose disability is based on the necessity to use a wheelchair or scooter need a Disability Access Service Card?
No, a Guest whose disability is based on the necessity to use a wheelchair or scooter does not need a Disability Access Service Card. Depending on the attraction, the Guest will either wait in the standard queue or receive a return time at the attraction based on the current wait time. Guests with additional needs should discuss them with Guest Relations.

Will Disney Parks continue to provide a service to wish-granting organizations?
The change will not affect those who are visiting on trips organized by wish granting organizations. There is a separate program for children with life-threatening illnesses.


Gayle is a Disney Gal that loves churros for breakfast, still gets giddy with delight at the first sight of the “Disneyland next exit sign”, loves the overwhelming emotions and memories that come with each and every return to the Happiest Place on Earth and dreams of one day being the Captain of the Jungle Boat. To learn more about Gayle, click here

Go Over the Rainbow With "The Wizard of Oz"


"And the Dreams that you dare to dream,
Really do come true...."



Way back when, times were different; they were a much simpler time.  There were three channels on TV to watch, cartoons were only on Saturday mornings and once a year, the most magical of events occurred. For one magnificent night, my life was filled with Munchkins, flying monkeys and Dorothy took me over the rainbow to the Land of Oz.  I lived for that moment when “The Wizard of Oz” would come into my living and then for months on end I would sing and reenact every scene and every song, much to my mother’s chagrin.  It wasn’t until 1966, when I went to the neighbor’s house across the street that I discovered that low and behold, part of my most beloved movie was in color, thus adding an entirely new dimension to my world.
         Over the years, this beloved and timeless classic has been a part of me and everything I held dear.  Imagine my delight when after so many years the time finally came that the movie I held so dear went from the small screen in my living room to the big screen of our local movie theater. To be able to have my Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion larger than life and to be so completely and totally immersed in the story is one of the moments in time that I will hold close to my heart for as long as I live.
         But just when I thought it couldn’t possibly get any better, thanks to the genius of the legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber, will be bringing this American classic to the stage in San Francisco with not only the original songs that are so much a part of my childhood, but also with new music from Mr. Webber as well as the great Broadway composer Tim Rice.




 If your anywhere in northern California than you too can click your heels together and join Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Dorothy and her little dog Toto, as they journey through the magical land of Oz to meet the Wizard and obtain their hearts’ desires. Watch out for the Wicked Witch of the West and her winged monkeys as you rediscover the real story of Oz in this fantastic musical treat for all the family.  If you’d like to be off to see the wizard too, opening night is October 16th and will run through October 27th. Purchase tickets at www.shnsf.com or by calling the Audience Services line at 888-746-1799.

Gayle is a Disney Gal that loves churros for breakfast, still gets giddy with delight at the first sight of the “Disneyland next exit sign”, loves the overwhelming emotions and memories that come with each and every return to the Happiest Place on Earth and dreams of one day being the Captain of the Jungle Boat. To learn more about Gayle, click here

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Wordless Wednesday - October 9, 2013


TO THE DISNEY GALS WORDLESS WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP!
THE THEME OF THE DAY IS
FOOD, WINE AND MUSIC!

Disney Gal Beth:



Alpha and Omega 2 - A Howl-iday Adventure DVD Review & Giveaway!


Kate and Humphrey and their three wolf cubs (Stinky, Claudette and Runt) are happily preparing to celebrate their first winter holidays together when their smallest cub, Runt, mysteriously disappears.  They must now go on a new journey across the wilderness to find and bring back Runt before the winter festivities begin at home.  It’s their greatest adventure yet, filled with action and suspense as well as plenty of the humor and heartwarming moments that made the original Alpha And Omega so popular.  While their adventure does not end exactly as planned, in the end Kate and Humphrey discover that for the holidays, “Home is where the family is.”

I was recently given the opportunity to review this movie, and truly had no idea what to expect going in. I was a little worried that having not seen the original, I may have a hard time following, and that this might be a cheesy Christmas movie. I'm happy to report, neither was the case. The very first preview before the feature movie was the trailer for the original Alpha and Omega. It fills you in on all the back stories to give you a better sense of how this wolf family came to be. The movie itself is a 45 minute adventure filled with moments of challenges and decisions that children can relate to. I really like the messages carried throughout the movie; standing up for yourself, choosing right over easy, teamwork, and most of all, family will always be there for you. There's is even a little "bathroom" humor that will have the younger crowd laughing over and over. Check it out:




Are you ready to snuggle up with your children and enjoy this heartwarming movie? Well you are in luck! Alpha And Omega 2: A Howl-iday Adventure is being released today, Tuesday, October 8th and is available exclusively at Walmart locations nationwide for the suggested retail price of $24.99 for Blu-ray and $19.98 for DVD. The Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD contain all-new special features that include a behind the scenes look at the making of Alpha and Omega 2, fun wolf trivia and an “Are you an Alpha or an Omega?” quiz plus a sneak peek at future Alpha and Omega adventures. 

How would you like to save $3.00 off the price of the DVD? Click here for printable coupons.

Better yet, how would you like your very own copy for FREE? Enter to win the Blu-ray Combo Pack or DVD for your family in just a few simple steps:


a Rafflecopter giveaway

* I received the above mentioned DVD for review purposes and  for being a part of Entertainment New Media Network, however all opinions are my own*

Kelly is a Disney Gal who loves finding fun and adventure on the High Seas aboard the Disney Cruise Line. Whether it's pampering, para sailing or the unlimited Diet Coke, she enjoys all the ships have to offer. She is currently wearing down Commodore Tom to allow her to blow any of the ships' musical horns. As of now, he is disinclined to acquiesce. To learn more about Kelly, click here.