A story of fast pass abuse

[SueM in MN]

My 7 year old fractured her foot last month, and was non weight bearing until last week. She is still in a walking boot, but when I asked her ortho Dr about our upcoming trip, he said it was ok, but she would need a wheelchair due to the amount of walking. Then he said, you will go to the front of the line for everything.

I am taking the wheelchair, but the only arrangements I have requested is a ground floor room since POR preferred rooms do not have elevators. I was very specific in telling them I did not need a handicap room, as she is now weight bearing and mobile. I did not want to occupy a room, that somebody truly needed. I plan on collapsing the wheelchair to board the bus and stand in line with everybody else, as well as park the wheelchair and wait in line for the attractions.

Hopefully she really won't need it. She is very excited because everybody keeps telling her how she will go to the front of the lines. I am the grinch because I keep telling her that is reserved for people who truly disabled, which she is not and she should be thankful for that.

The only benefit I see, is I now have a place to keep a small cooler for water, and can plop her in at closing and head for the busses without worrying about her.

Mobility Access: Most of the lines are wheelchair accessible thru the regular line (called Mainstream Lines).

The information in italics is the information about Mainstream Lines from the WDW page about Mobility Disabilities:
Walt Disney World Resort strives to provide mainstream access whenever possible; that is, all Guests utilize the main entrance to the attraction. However, accessibility varies from attraction to attraction within Disney Parks. The Guide for Guests with Disabilities and Park Guidemaps use symbols to indicate boarding procedures for each attraction. In addition, Guests should contact a Disney Cast Member at each attraction before entering. Mainstream queues can be found at these attractions at Walt Disney World Theme Parks. (it then goes on to list the Mainstream attractions).

Most attractions for all parks are listed as "Enter through standard queue" for attractions without Fastpass or "Obtain a FASTPASS OR use Standby Queue" on the Guide for Guest with Disabilities maps for each park. There is also a large red box on the maps which says "Guests with any mobility or queue related assistance needs are encouraged to use the Disney's FASTPASS option where ever possible." There is the same explanation about how to use Fastpass as on the regular park maps.
These are the attractions in each park with a different method of access other than the regular line, as listed on the map:
MK

WDW Railroad:Enter using ramp on the RIGHT on Main Street

WDW Railroad:Enter using wheelchair ramp on RIGHT at Frontierland

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Obtain Fastpass or see Host for options. If FASTPASS is not available, enter thru access on RIGHT

Country Bear Jamboree:Enter thru door on LEFT

Hall of Presidents:Enter through door on RIGHT

Liberty Square Riverboat:Enter through exit on RIGHT or LEFT

it's a small world:Follow directional signs to designated load area

Peter Pan's Flight:Obtain FASTPASS or see host for options. If Fastpass is not available, see a host for options.

Prince Charming Regal Carrousel:Enter through exit on RIGHT

Dumbo:Enter using ramp on RIGHT

Tea Party:Enter through exit on RIGHT

Space Mountain:Obtain a FASTPASS or see a host for options. If FASTPASS not available, enter through queue on RIGHT

Epcot

Spaceship Earth:Enter through the exit on the RIGHT or LEFT

Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the 3 Caballeros:Enter through the Standard Queue. Follow directional signs to designated load area.

American Adventure:See a host or hostess for access to second floor

Impressions de France:Enter through LEFT side of entrance hallway

Studio

Great Movie Ride:Enter through the Standard queue. A host will provide directions in the pre-show area

Studio Backlot Tour:Enter through the standard queue and stay to the RIGHT

Fantasmic:Enter through the standard queue and stay to the RIGHT

Animal Kingdom

Wildlife Express Trainroceed through standard queue. A host will direct boarding

The Boneyard:Enter through the designated access gate

Everything other than these attractions I have listed say to enter through the mainstream or standby queue. Even when entering thru these 'special' entrances, the wait is usually the same, sometimes longer and sometimes shorter, but not usually much shorter. Sometimes (like for Fantasmic, Hall of Presidents, Great Movie Ride, Country Bears, Wildlife Express Train), the special entrance only puts you on the side of the attraction where you will not be crossing over traffic to get to the accessible area. So, the wait is the same, just thru a different door.
The maps are very easy to read (although the type is small) and I recommend if they go, that they get one for each park. The access information is listed right on the map with all the other information. There are icons that show which attractions you can stay right in the wheelchair or ECV for the whole attraction and which you need to transfer to a ride car.

 

[AndreaA]

Maybe it is just late at night but I'm throwing my two cents in...

I appreciate the OP's story cause I think everyone can agree that there are people who hear about the GAC and falsify info to obtain what they believe is a fast pass...those who fake any disabilty should be ashamed but they are the ones who have to live with it...

But not only does this thread seem more appropriate for the disabilities board but I'm kind of hoping the moderators close it...between comments about fidgety kids/bad parenting/over medication and now "real" disabilities....both come off as offensive and not what I believe the OP intended. I'm not judging those who posted that..just asking if those responses are really necessary?

I am a mom to two children with autism and ADHD...I also work in a public school and in homes as an ABA therapist and SpEd 1:1 aide. I have worked with children and teens with all different needs...Autism, Down's Syndrome, Angelman's syndrome, ADHD, cerebal palsy, hydroencephaly, mutism, and various processing and mood/behavioral disorders....trust me when I say that everyone of those children have a very real disability...I could never begin to compare them. Each child's needs are theirs alone and can't be put into a line of who has it worse.

This is a board about Disney.. and I very much appreciate that there are threads to help those access a GAC if they fill that is right for a guest in their party. But no one should be made to feel like they have to justify it and that is what has happened here.

I get that in a forum like this everyone has different opinions, it's what can make forums great. That being said do we really need to pass judgement on others when we don't even know what the situation truly is outside a few sentences in a post?

This all bears repeating. And boy am I glad I asked about getting a GAC for one of my twins down in the disABILITIES forum. The attitude I've seen on display here is EXACTLY what makes me hesitate to do so, despite the fact that it would no doubt make our trip less stressful. He works hard (and is still twice as likely to be chastised as his brother) at keeping his emotions/actions in check due to sensory processing disorder, and if I want to make things a bit easier for him on a family vacation, then that is my choice and my right. If others want to martyr themselves, have at it.

And if people want to judge my parenting, so be it. It took me a LONG time to even admit that there was something "up" with him, and having it confirmed was not some celebration. The fact that I have one twin who is perfectly average in his behavior and one who will shut down emotionally/physically or explode into a rage when pushed/crowded/overwhelmed tells me otherwise. Oh, and feel free to lend a hand if he goes into an hour-long cycle of alternately crying, shouting, hitting and needing to be cuddled.

 

[Liberty Belle]

This all bears repeating. And boy am I glad I asked about getting a GAC for one of my twins down in the disABILITIES forum. The attitude I've seen on display here is EXACTLY what makes me hesitate to do so, despite the fact that it would no doubt make our trip less stressful. He works hard (and is still twice as likely to be chastised as his brother) at keeping his emotions/actions in check due to sensory processing disorder, and if I want to make things a bit easier for him on a family vacation, then that is my choice and my right. If others want to martyr themselves, have at it.

And if people want to judge my parenting, so be it. It took me a LONG time to even admit that there was something "up" with him, and having it confirmed was not some celebration. The fact that I have one twin who is perfectly average in his behavior and one who will shut down emotionally/physically or explode into a rage when pushed/crowded/overwhelmed tells me otherwise. Oh, and feel free to lend a hand if he goes into an hour-long cycle of alternately crying, shouting, hitting and needing to be cuddled.

Probably wont help much, but I wanted to let you know that I understand completely. As I said above, my son has ADHD, pretty severe SPD (but at ten, it's getting a little better), and anxiety with panic attacks. He has a lot to fight against and often acts undesirably, but he is an amazingly, gifted, wonderful child, as I'm sure yours are.

 

[mcberry]

I try not to get too worked up about this. Obviously if the system is abused that's not good, but generally speaking I don't think the system is abused. This is, largely, a philosophical debate, as wait times are not appreciably affected by guests with disabilities (real or faked).

 

[larryz]

Abuse is in the eye of the beholder.

 

[Fab4@disney]

Well said and I totally agree with you

Maybe it is just late at night but I'm throwing my two cents in...

I appreciate the OP's story cause I think everyone can agree that there are people who hear about the GAC and falsify info to obtain what they believe is a fast pass...those who fake any disabilty should be ashamed but they are the ones who have to live with it...

But not only does this thread seem more appropriate for the disabilities board but I'm kind of hoping the moderators close it...between comments about fidgety kids/bad parenting/over medication and now "real" disabilities....both come off as offensive and not what I believe the OP intended. I'm not judging those who posted that..just asking if those responses are really necessary?

I am a mom to two children with autism and ADHD...I also work in a public school and in homes as an ABA therapist and SpEd 1:1 aide. I have worked with children and teens with all different needs...Autism, Down's Syndrome, Angelman's syndrome, ADHD, cerebal palsy, hydroencephaly, mutism, and various processing and mood/behavioral disorders....trust me when I say that everyone of those children have a very real disability...I could never begin to compare them. Each child's needs are theirs alone and can't be put into a line of who has it worse.

This is a board about Disney.. and I very much appreciate that there are threads to help those access a GAC if they fill that is right for a guest in their party. But no one should be made to feel like they have to justify it and that is what has happened here.

I get that in a forum like this everyone has different opinions, it's what can make forums great. That being said do we really need to pass judgement on others when we don't even know what the situation truly is outside a few sentences in a post?

 

[Ametista]

On medicine for being active because we drug our kids now instead of teaching them how to behave.!

If you had ever raised a child with anxiety disorder, SPD, or ADHD you would have never typed those words. That is the exact ignorance that make having a child with a conduct disorder so difficult for us parents who spend every minute of our lives trying to help a child with it. Lack of parenting? More like 4 or 5 times as much work as parenting a "normal" child. I have one of each and believe me, I know.

That said, I have never asked for a front of line pass even though we often don't last more than 2 hours in the parks. That's just park of the fantabulous fun that goes with have a child with anxiety disorder and SPD.

 

[ilovecoasters]

My 7 year old fractured her foot last month, and was non weight bearing until last week. She is still in a walking boot, but when I asked her ortho Dr about our upcoming trip, he said it was ok, but she would need a wheelchair due to the amount of walking. Then he said, you will go to the front of the line for everything.

I am taking the wheelchair, but the only arrangements I have requested is a ground floor room since POR preferred rooms do not have elevators. I was very specific in telling them I did not need a handicap room, as she is now weight bearing and mobile. I did not want to occupy a room, that somebody truly needed. I plan on collapsing the wheelchair to board the bus and stand in line with everybody else, as well as park the wheelchair and wait in line for the attractions.

Hopefully she really won't need it. She is very excited because everybody keeps telling her how she will go to the front of the lines. I am the grinch because I keep telling her that is reserved for people who truly disabled, which she is not and she should be thankful for that.

The only benefit I see, is I now have a place to keep a small cooler for water, and can plop her in at closing and head for the busses without worrying about her.

Most lines accommodate wheelchairs. The only ride at MK that didn't was BTMRR. For that, I was wheeled to the back where I waited 80 mins. Standby was 30.

 

[bocaj1431]

This all bears repeating. And boy am I glad I asked about getting a GAC for one of my twins down in the disABILITIES forum. The attitude I've seen on display here is EXACTLY what makes me hesitate to do so, despite the fact that it would no doubt make our trip less stressful. He works hard (and is still twice as likely to be chastised as his brother) at keeping his emotions/actions in check due to sensory processing disorder, and if I want to make things a bit easier for him on a family vacation, then that is my choice and my right. If others want to martyr themselves, have at it.

And if people want to judge my parenting, so be it. It took me a LONG time to even admit that there was something "up" with him, and having it confirmed was not some celebration. The fact that I have one twin who is perfectly average in his behavior and one who will shut down emotionally/physically or explode into a rage when pushed/crowded/overwhelmed tells me otherwise. Oh, and feel free to lend a hand if he goes into an hour-long cycle of alternately crying, shouting, hitting and needing to be cuddled.

I completely understand and agree with you. I deal with some of the very same issues you spoke of. Only you and others who are in the same situation will ever truly understand the challenges and daily struggles your child and your family go through on a regular basis. Only you know whether a GAC is needed.

I agree abuse of the GAC is sickening. However those who could use it and choose not too; because, they feel their child can learn to not use assistance or accommodations (which I can appreciate the reasoning behind that) that does not mean those who do choose to use the GAC for similar medical, neurological or psychological conditions should feel guilty if they use it. No two people with the same condition are ever the same.

 

[Kristine316]

Abuse is in the eye of the beholder.

I guess for me its pretty simple... if you lie to obtain a GAC card that is clearly abuse. Like I wrote earlier in the thread I know someone who did and to me that is blatantly wrong... on so many levels.

Other than out right lying to obtain a GAC card, if someone feels they need it, I won't judge that. There are lots of different health issues that could make it tough to stand in a long line... I don't know what they are dealing with so, if someone honestly feels they need it, they should definitely get one.

The murky waters of what health issues rise to the level of deserving a GAC is not my concern and in my opinion is no one elses concern but Disney and the person requesting. I am really only interested in shaming those that lie to obtain a card... that is all I care about, the deceivers and cheaters.

 

[autismmom1]

Maybe it is just late at night but I'm throwing my two cents in...

I appreciate the OP's story cause I think everyone can agree that there are people who hear about the GAC and falsify info to obtain what they believe is a fast pass...those who fake any disabilty should be ashamed but they are the ones who have to live with it...

But not only does this thread seem more appropriate for the disabilities board but I'm kind of hoping the moderators close it...between comments about fidgety kids/bad parenting/over medication and now "real" disabilities....both come off as offensive and not what I believe the OP intended. I'm not judging those who posted that..just asking if those responses are really necessary?

I am a mom to two children with autism and ADHD...I also work in a public school and in homes as an ABA therapist and SpEd 1:1 aide. I have worked with children and teens with all different needs...Autism, Down's Syndrome, Angelman's syndrome, ADHD, cerebal palsy, hydroencephaly, mutism, and various processing and mood/behavioral disorders....trust me when I say that everyone of those children have a very real disability...I could never begin to compare them. Each child's needs are theirs alone and can't be put into a line of who has it worse.

This is a board about Disney.. and I very much appreciate that there are threads to help those access a GAC if they fill that is right for a guest in their party. But no one should be made to feel like they have to justify it and that is what has happened here.

I get that in a forum like this everyone has different opinions, it's what can make forums great. That being said do we really need to pass judgement on others when we don't even know what the situation truly is outside a few sentences in a post?

Amen...amen.

 

[Cyrano]

Comments and questions about GAC are best placed in the disAbilities board , so I will close this thread