Changes coming to Disneyland and Walt Disney World GAC system- Confirmed

First, I want to thank all of you for your patience in waiting for us to verify the news that went out this weekend. As a newer site we aren’t on the Disney Media email list quite yet.  Second, I would like to thank Leanne Jakubowski for reaching out to reply to my questions on this weekends news.
Here is a quick recap: This weekend an email went out from Leanne Jakubowski  the Director of Social Media at Walt Disney World Resort and it made many of us raise our heads and pay attention, but unfortunately DSNAD did not originally receive a copy of the message that was sent out.
I took the time to message Leanne last night to confirm that this email had gone out and that the info in it was correct because as a newer Disney based blog we didn’t want to start off on the wrong foot when it came to such important information.  Also, as a Journalism major I am a huge fact checker.
Well, Leanne was wonderful enough to reply in a quick and magical manner. Here is a quote from that message “I completely understand the desire to double check on this. I can validate that the information in the email is accurate. We will be publishing a blog post on the Disney Parks Blog later this week when we have more information on the program to share.
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. Below you will find the informative email that went out this weekend.  And 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/

The Original Email that went out the weekend of 9/21/13 to select bloggers from Leanne in regards to GAC changes:
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.

~Autumn

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