Replacement for GAC

[mefordis]

That was what I was trying to wrap my head around...how is this easier than regular FP system?
OK...instead of FP machine go to Kiosk. I assume your disabled child must be in attendance at the kiosk. With FP one person could take all of our keys/tickets and get the number of FPs we need and return to the rest of the group. Why would I drag my son back and forth to kiosks? Only one attraction per kiosk trip, right?

As Luv Bunnies post continued...for a successful trip I must carefully calculate pathways we use, amont of time exposed to extreme crowds, avoidance of some noises.
Trotting back and forth to kiosks. No thanks.

We have ALWAYS tried to use FP system if possible, anyway. But there are times when there is not appropriate waiting place and so many other reasons that go with a 16 year old boy with severe autism that I don't feel like writing the thesis, the immediate alternate entrance has been a valuable resource. He can have more space, often we can let others pass if my son needs time to calm, etc.

I wish we could "relax" and have a snack, go in a shop, enjoy the sites...my so is just prey to sensory experiences that will overload him.

The rumored new system will cut down on abuse, but also seems it will reduce the assistance it was intended to.

We have a January trip planned. Another family scheduled a WDW trip to spend time with us and has purchased airline tickets, if not for that I think I would postpone or cancel until I know if DAS will help us.

I am furious with those who abused the GAC. I would be willing to sign a limited HIPPA waiver, present documentation and allow my son's picture to be taken. I think if Disney is providing a service that is in addition to ADA compliance, it seems they could require documentation to receive the additional assistance. I'm not an attorney, but if no documentation is required to have the strict ADA compliance rights, could they ask for documentation for those requesting assistance that exceeds requirements?

I know. I am trying to figure this out myself for a friend of mine who had neck surgery and always was able to use the FP line or exit to get on the ride without waiting.

From what I read you can hold only one at a time, so that means to ride pooh you may have to wait 45 mins, then go back to the kiosk to ride another ride.

 

[englishrose47]

I will be travelling next month with a group of 8 Developmentally Disabled , their lists of disabilities are varied and numerous , from physical walking limitations , to visual , to straight out major behavioral . While some would patiently wait others wont . I agree the GAC abuse warranted some changes , but couldn't they have made it simple such as when you go to Guest service the first day , you don't have to go back and have lots of kiosks so walking back and forth isn't a problem . I don't even begin to truly understand this , but hopefully it will become second nature. I do intend to call Special Needs and get the low down and will report , what I am told !! I am confident they will have the most current info!!

 

[Sunnywho]

That was what I was trying to wrap my head around...how is this easier than regular FP system?

The regular fastpass system is being discontinued once fastpass plus is fully implemented. So even if it is just as difficult as the current fastpass system, it's still an assistance since the regular fastpass won't be available. Compared to regular fastpass too, we would sometimes get a return time hours in the future or not be able to get a fastpass because they'd run out. Here it will always be available. For my family's health issues, this will work.

 

[treehugnmama]

We have used gac in the past. my children's issues are sd,asd,ocd,adhd,dcd, heart condition and anxiety. I think I got them all lol most of them belong to one child who is very very behind gross motor stairs are hard. She looks 9 and perfectly "normal" ( i hate that term)

I think this will work just fine for us. We understand we have to air. She can't take the smells, and the heat of people to close she gets very clausterphopic in lines....if we can go wait elsewhere and return I am thrilled We usually try to utilize rope drop and things like mnsshp so we don't have as long of waits. She can only do 3 hours in a park and it gets to be too much it is very expensive to do the parks that way but it it is what it is. We go at open and leave by noon.

the most helpful thing the gas did for us was at toy story mania we avoided the stairs. We usually waited longer in that area than if we had a fast pass but it was worth it for her to avoid the stairs. I think this does make it a more "equal" experience.

 

[Objectivity]

Could this create a loophole for those who are visually impaired/legally blind but with vision?

If I understand correctly, those with wheelchairs didn't need GAC cards because their impairment was visible and the ADA requires integration with the non-impaired whenever possible.

The ADA provides those legally blind (or with a variety of other physical disabilities) with the same expectation of integration. If a system is created that makes different types of waits based on type of physical disability, that could create a window for non-compliance complaints.

It's not going to be easy to create a system that is fair and unabused and treats all physical disabilities in a uniform manner.

 

[englishrose47]

Could this create a loophole for those who are visually impaired/legally blind but with vision?

If I understand correctly, those with wheelchairs didn't need GAC cards because their impairment was visible and the ADA requires integration with the non-impaired whenever possible.

The ADA provides those legally blind (or with a variety of other physical disabilities) with the same expectation of integration. If a system is created that makes different types of waits based on type of physical disability, that could create a window for non-compliance complaints.

It's not going to be easy to create a system that is fair and unabused and treats all physical disabilities in a uniform manner.

I agree but it also needs to address Intellectual Disablities (Formely calld Mental Retardation )which at least in the agency I work for includes austism, aspergers and CP

 

[crashbb]

Could this create a loophole for those who are visually impaired/legally blind but with vision?

If I understand correctly, those with wheelchairs didn't need GAC cards because their impairment was visible and the ADA requires integration with the non-impaired whenever possible.

The ADA provides those legally blind (or with a variety of other physical disabilities) with the same expectation of integration. If a system is created that makes different types of waits based on type of physical disability, that could create a window for non-compliance complaints.

It's not going to be easy to create a system that is fair and unabused and treats all physical disabilities in a uniform manner.

I don't see how. Different disabilities are different and, thus, require different ways to make the experience as much like the the experience of a non-disabled person as possible. Making lines through which a wheelchair can pass does this for someone in a wheelchair. The new DAS is an attempt to do so for those for whom the line is still a problem.

The rule of the ADA is that things need to be done to make the experience of someone with a disability as equal to the experience of the non-disabled as possible - not that the experiences of all disabled people have to be the same. Reduced wait times, unlimited FPs, or FOTL are not part of the ADA. Though, I admit, that for my family the GAC did work pretty much as an unlimited FP in the past - we definitely had a better experience (in terms of wait times) than those who didn't need a GAC (which is more than the ADA requires).

 

[englishrose47]

Something I have had an issue with which I do believe would be covered by the ADA, is those darn moving entrance things, many times we have been ignored when we ask them to slow them down or stop them . I don't see how this new system is gonna improve that !!!

 

[crashbb]

Something I have had an issue with which I do believe would be covered by the ADA, is those darn moving entrance things, many times we have been ignored when we ask them to slow them down or stop them . I don't see how this new system is gonna improve that !!!

Weird. Other than Peter Pan and TTA (which they cannot do), we've never had a problem. The proposed changes should have no bearing on that.

ETA - I didn't mean this to sound like I don't believe you, I totally do. It is just that you shouldn't have had problems.

 

[Objectivity]

I agree but it also needs to address Intellectual Disablities (Formely calld Mental Retardation )which at least in the agency I work for includes austism, aspergers and CP

Absolutely, and in most cases it sounds like a more flexible fast pass is a viable option.

For non-wheelchair physical disabilities, that could cause unintended new complications. All it would take is one idiot CM saying to someone not in a wheelchair is not truly handicapped.

Whatever they create needs to be flexible for each specific need and not lump everyone into the same system.

 

[MinnieLovesMickey12]

Supposedly, Disney will make special arrangements for kids with Autism that won't involve the kiosk and stamp.
I sent a note to guest relations asking if they could clarify because we're planning an April trip. When I hear from them, I'll post their response.

I don't think so. Because if they give special treatment to the kids with autism, i.e. same old use it as a fastpass GAC benefits, then everyone will still abuse it and pretend their kid is autistic. Disney can't require you show proof. And they can't give one disability better assistance than others because the other disabilities think theirs trumps yours and so on. I doubt there will be any variation in the new program. I do believe it will be the same for everybody unless it is something like a vision impairment or you can't do stairs.

Because all of the ppl I know that abuse the old GAC from firsthand knowledge are all ppl who pretend their kid is Autistic to get the GAC. That gets you the good stamp of alternate entry that does work as an unlimited fast pass. And everybody knows it. Just what I think is going to happen.

This new system will still give ppl with disabilities equal access it just stops giving them better and faster access than everyone else gets.

 

[StacyMarie]

I don't think so. Because if they give special treatment to the kids with autism, i.e. same old use it as a fastpass GAC benefits, then everyone will still abuse it and pretend their kid is autistic. Disney can't require you show proof. And they can't give one disability better assistance than others because the other disabilities think theirs trumps yours and so on. I doubt there will be any variation in the new program. I do believe it will be the same for everybody unless it is something like a vision impairment or you can't do stairs.

Because all of the ppl I know that abuse the old GAC from firsthand knowledge are all ppl who pretend their kid is Autistic to get the GAC. That gets you the good stamp of alternate entry that does work as an unlimited fast pass. And everybody knows it. Just what I think is going to happen.

This new system will still give ppl with disabilities equal access it just stops giving them better and faster access than everyone else gets.

Exactly! Equal access, not better or faster. People were abusing the system, using it as an unlimited FP. It clearly states on the card that it does not provide instant access to an attraction. Disney is just revamping the system so the wait times are fair across the board, disabled or not. It makes abuse of the system less appealing.

 

[englishrose47]

Weird. Other than Peter Pan and TTA (which they cannot do), we've never had a problem. The proposed changes should have no bearing on that.

ETA - I didn't mean this to sound like I don't believe you, I totally do. It is just that you shouldn't have had problems.

I agree but other escorts have had the same problem and it is very annoying !!! We have been told they can't slow it down and another day with different CM's as soon as they see us they slow it down without being asked , so my guess is Disney needs to re train the cm's , so many of our folks have gait issues , balance issues and sight issues !!!

 

[kanadar]

As many have said before, this system is set up to be fair for all. Having the kiosks is not like a fastpass, as your return time will be just the posted wait time for the ride. They are taking out you waiting in the line and allowing you to return. With fastpasses as we all know, you could get a fastpass at say 12, and your return time might not be until 2 or later. They are following what they are supposed to and taking your wait OUT of the line. Unless you are going in peak times or planning on going to say toy story mania, your wait is going to be less than an hour. I see no problem with this system. It makes things fair and that is exactly what ADA is for.

 

[jimmysmom74]

Everyone should look at SueM update on the disABILITIES board. She explains Disney's official word on the DAS very nicely. It also shows that Disney involved many organizations in the development of the DAS, such as AUTISM SPEAKS. They also are committed to make all disabled families' trips "magical". I think that the new system will still have flexibility and meet individual needs.

 

[newdeal]

I have zero doubt that this is terribly abused. Even people who have a disability tend to vastly overstate what is actually required in order to get front of the line access on all rides. I am curious to know how these changes will actually affect wait times. I am very glad to see that they are cutting our abusers though and causing people who can't wait in a line to still wait, but to do something else while they wait instead of standing in a line. Perhaps they will have more impossible/sorcers of the magic kingdom/phineas and ferb type interactive adventure games at all parks in order to kill time for these people while they wait for their DAS time to come up

 

[emtmom0104]

I am easing into it the more I read but still straddling a fence. I do not really like having to go to a kiosk over and over to get a stamp before heading to a ride. Both of my kids are ASD, my oldest carrying a couple of other Dx and a Service Dog. I wonder exactly the locations and how long this would take. To lug kids, SD back and forth once they are visually locked on a location just to get another stamp is going to get old. I can see the need for change, I do. But I do not really see how making the trek each time it is needed then back again. Perhaps it is the way my kids tour. They are visual. They ride what they see next. Forget maps and fp. They do not understand it and to compare them to others is not even doable.

So if I got this semi right based on different blogs and different wordings, we see X, we find nearest Kiosk, we wait for said stamp, we go back (forget shops and such we are one track non transitional kids and my oldest eats on timed schedule), wait, get in line, ride, repeat. I think I got the idea? But that would get so old. I can see my oldest melting down really fast about the 3-5th time I say lets go back to the kiosk. I can see the Dog looking at me like really human are you lost? lol... I can see (and I hate to use the word normal but I will) I can see normal ppl riding rides with out having to check in at a kiosk before each one. How is that even close to equal access. Ii think they are on the right track to curb abuse but I do not know if this is quite it yet.

Where would everyone be waiting? Have I missed this somewhere? I do not want to be in the sun somewhere with the SD and my oldest. You know the lack of shade, seating. Already stated my oldest has to eat certain times and foods. Dog is large. I do not also want to mess up someone elses vacation by setting off a known trigger for my kiddos if I can help it. I just do not know how to plan for our upcoming trip now at all.

I'm right here with you. This is extremely frustrating for me and I know that my ASD son will be absolutely miserable if we have to keep going back to get one FP at a time and getting him to understand he has to keep waiting will cause serious meltdowns. What about a day he has had enough?? Their going to deny him getting on a ride simply because he's had enough and is done for the day. So we don't get on the rides we want to do at that point and ruin our day because he doesn't understand waiting and why we have to keep going back and forth to the kiosks. Not a very Magical experience at all for any of us

 

[WDWBlaze]

I'm right here with you. This is extremely frustrating for me and I know that my ASD son will be absolutely miserable if we have to keep going back to get one FP at a time and getting him to understand he has to keep waiting will cause serious meltdowns. What about a day he has had enough?? Their going to deny him getting on a ride simply because he's had enough and is done for the day. So we don't get on the rides we want to do at that point and ruin our day because he doesn't understand waiting and why we have to keep going back and forth to the kiosks. Not a very Magical experience at all for any of us

I am truly not trying to mean or snide here, but if he has had enough why not just call it a day. I have to been to Disney with both babies and elderly. If either has had enough we leave or maybe a mid-day break. It's how most families deal with it. Never ruined our day.

Also I no idea how old your child is but they will learn, yours more then most dealing with his disability, things don't always work how we would like. I have explained everything from "not tall enough to ride with he rest of the group" to "because your not old enough" to "because I say so". I know it not the same, but the melt downs are similar. If this is the system, it's the system.

 

[emtmom0104]

I am truly not trying to mean or snide here, but if he has had enough why not just call it a day. I have to been to Disney with both babies and elderly. If either has had enough we leave or maybe a mid-day break. It's how most families deal with it. Never ruined our day.

Also I no idea how old your child is but they will learn, yours more then most dealing with his disability, things don't always work how we would like. I have explained everything from "not tall enough to ride with he rest of the group" to "because your not old enough" to "because I say so". I know it not the same, but the melt downs are similar. If this is the system, it's the system.

We aren't lucky enough to be able to stay on property. I'm not even sure how to respond to this. I shouldn't have to explain my child to anyone. Every child with ASD is different from the next. So basically we won't be going again because we can only do 1-2 rides in the time we are there because he is focused on one thing and one thing only. I have no problems with a good part of this change, I don't mind providing proof, I don't mind having my childs pic taken, I would be happy to get a printed disability card from the dr if that's what it came down to, I don't mind having to wait (within reason for him) but to have to trek back and forth and maybe get 1-2 rides seems like a waste for us to even spend money. I'm sure I'm going to get flamed but it is what it is.

 

[MinnieLovesMickey12]

We aren't lucky enough to be able to stay on property. I'm not even sure how to respond to this. I shouldn't have to explain my child to anyone. Every child with ASD is different from the next. So basically we won't be going again because we can only do 1-2 rides in the time we are there because he is focused on one thing and one thing only. I have no problems with a good part of this change, I don't mind providing proof, I don't mind having my childs pic taken, I would be happy to get a printed disability card from the dr if that's what it came down to, I don't mind having to wait (within reason for him) but to have to trek back and forth and maybe get 1-2 rides seems like a waste for us to even spend money. I'm sure I'm going to get flamed but it is what it is.

According to everything I have read about the new system, the days of you being able to get a GAC and use it as an unlimited fastpass are over.

I am sure it is going to affect a ton of families with autistic kids who are use to being able to just walk right onto a ride. But so many able bodied ppl started faking disabilities so they could have their family also get to just walk right on rides that it has to stop.

I don't see why you would only be able to do one or two rides in a day. You will be able to pull a DAS fast pass as well as walk right up to any ride and get a regular fastpass. Then you can find a ride that has a less than 20 minute wait and ride standby.

If you have child who can absolutely NOT WAIT in any line whatsoever, then I think this new system is probably not going to work for you. But it is what it is. It is a new fair system that allows everybody equal access to all the attractions.

The GAC card was never meant to be an unlimited fastpass or front of the line pass but that is exactly what it became. And to get a benefit like that was too enticing to able bodied ppl. If YOU don't have to prove your kid is autistic, THEY don't either. All they have to do is fake it and they are given the same access as you.

Which is getting out of hand the sheer number of ppl with GAC's using the fastpass line.