Tell me about GAC?

[KPeveler]

The OP has already said she has a toddler who will presumably be under most height requirements

[nikki27]

Thank you all. Yes, we have a 2yo who will be under height restrictions for some rides and would use the baby swap for those rides if DH wants to ride. We will play all the rest as we go. Thanks for the ideas.

[lanejudy]

Originally Posted by nikki27

I have been lurking WDW websites for awhile and we have our first family trip scheduled for January. We are staying on-site but may drive and park at the parks because of my husbands issues. Is there specific criteria for a GAC? Do you need a Doctors note/memo? My DH has severe anxiety issues with crowds and on anything that moves unless he is the one driving it to include trams, buses, boats etc. he will likely not ride any rides...will have to see how it goes. Just looking for a way to ease his anxiety/panic issues and enjoy our 1st family trip to WDW. Any insight/help is appreciated. Thanks

Just wanted to point out that if you do decide to request a GAC, a Drs note will be of no value and the CM likely won't look at it, you/he will have to explain his NEEDS rather than a diagnosis. You'll want to do some thinking about what accomodations might help him with regards to rides and attractions. As others have mentioned, GAC is only used for rides/attractions - it has no value for WDW transportation (monorail, buses, trams, boats, etc.), restaurants, parades, and such. Just be prepared before arriving at Guest Relations to know what exactly you are requesting - how they can help.

Good luck with your planning and enjoy your vacation!

[SueM in MN]

If you haven't already checked out the disABILITIES FAQs thread, you will want to look at post 6 on that thread. It is all about GACs.

You can find that thread near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature.

[Just_Trish]

Originally Posted by Piper

The FAQs are "on the boards"--at the top of the disAbilities board, you will see stickies. The FAQ thread is one of them. You don't need to go to "the website."

I think she meant accessing it from a real computer instead of from her Ipod. I know lots of things don't show up right when I log on using my Kindle...

[SueM in MN]

Originally Posted by Just_Trish

I think she meant accessing it from a real computer instead of from her Ipod. I know lots of things don't show up right when I log on using my Kindle...

From the context, I think she meant going to the Disney official website.
Disney actually does not publish anything about Guest Assistance Cards, so there is no information there.

[Sunnywho]

I can tell you about what I have done to accommodate my own needs.

There is a Diamond Auto pass that AAA gives out. It can be purchased off of ebay but that may be against the rules. The Diamond Auto pass allows you to park in special parking next to handicapped parking that is close enough that you do not have to use the trams. Very helpful for the parking situation, especially with a stroller and any disability that the trams would worsen but walking is ok.

At Magic Kingdom, there is still a need to take a monorail or a boat. The boat takes a long time. I would recommend the monorail because it does not take as long. It might be possible to walk to the contemporary and then walk from there to the park, bypassing the need to take the monorail. I'm not entirely sure about that or how long it would take.

I've had some scrutiny over why I'm asking for a GAC and I've also had over-and-above offers of more stamps than I needed. I think it depends on who you get. At the Magic Kingdom, it's better to go to City Hall to request than to request it at Guest services outside the park. If you are given a GAC, keep it to show the next trip you go because then they will know what you are asking for and that it was granted in the past.

I would recommend going to guest services and explaining it just as you have here. Severe anxiety with crowds and rides. Then let them decide if there is anything they can do. You will not know if you don't ask. I don't think you are trying to take advantage of anything.

I definitely though recommend not using the Disney buses with his anxiety issues. The buses can be incredibly crowded, standing-room only.

For rides, consider looking up the length of rides. Splash Mountain for example is a long ride. Dumbo is a short one. Another thing too is that Disney has so much more to do even if he does none of the rides at all. Lots of shows, dining, characters, etc.

Enjoy your trip.

[tigress1980]

The gac is changing. Please be aware of this. Gr at dak gave my brother a hard time when he asked last week. They said people have been taking advantage of it. He has severe scoliosis and cant walk long distances. Just ask and see what they can do

[livndisney]

Originally Posted by tigress1980

The gac is changing. Please be aware of this. Gr at dak gave my brother a hard time when he asked last week. They said people have been taking advantage of it. He has severe scoliosis and cant walk long distances. Just ask and see what they can do

This is not new-Disney's answer to mobility issues has always been to use a wheelchair or ecv.

[SueM in MN]

Originally Posted by livndisney

This is not new-Disney's answer to mobility issues has always been to use a wheelchair or ecv.

This is true.
In most cases, a GAC is not going to shorten the distance walked or provide a place to sit.

Someone who needs those things really needs to consider a wheelchair, ECV or some other type of mobility device. The reason WDW recommends a wheelchair has been on their website and park maps for a long time -

"STAMINA OR ENDURANCE CONCERNS
Some Guests may be concerned that they do not have the stamina to wait in Walt Disney World attraction queues. We strongly suggest these Guests consider using a wheelchair, personal scooter or Electric Convenience Vehicle (ECV), as the distance between the attractions is much greater than the length of the queues."

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/plain-text/

[KPeveler]

A GAC will not help distances walked or time standing. In fact it can increase both, depending on the attraction.

[Piper]

Originally Posted by KPeveler

A GAC will not help distances walked or time standing. In fact it can increase both, depending on the attraction.

True! When I had extended family with me, they often rode twice in the time it took me to ride one time!

[scmomof2]

Originally Posted by lanejudy

Just wanted to point out that if you do decide to request a GAC, a Drs note will be of no value and the CM likely won't look at it, you/he will have to explain his NEEDS rather than a diagnosis.

I just wanted to let you know that back in April when I was requesting a GAC for my daughter, a Drs note *was* asked for which surprised me. I hadn't brought one because it was not asked for during a previous trip. If I didn't have a Drs note she wanted to see the previous GAC that was issued. So for our upcoming trip I am bringing both items. We'll see what they ask for this time

eta: I am happy to report that this time they did not request the doctor's note. They did notice my previous GAC which I had in hand, and very promptly issued another one. Very good experience overall. I think I just had an inexperienced CM last time.

[LockShockBarrel]

Originally Posted by scmomof2

I just wanted to let you know that back in April when I was requesting a GAC for my daughter, a Drs note *was* asked for which surprised me. I hadn't brought one because it was not asked for during a previous trip. If I didn't have a Drs note she wanted to see the previous GAC that was issued. So for our upcoming trip I am bringing both items. We'll see what they ask for this time

You could have easily asked for a manager her because the CM is legally not allowed to ask for any sort of proof when providing equal accommodations.