Abuse of the "3 letter word" - I'm on a TEAR!

[mdvlprof]

If your DS needs a separate entrance for other reasons, that is why you get a GAC.

Exactly. Wheelchair is not substitute for getting GAC. Learned that the hard way.
170# 6 ft adult[barely] with myriad problems besides WC needed GAC.

Even so, WDW is still tops for people with disability.

 

[SueM in MN]

If the only need is mobility-related and to bring the wheelchair in lines, then a GAC is not necessary. Most lines at WDW are mainstreamed, meaning a wheelchair or ECV can be maneuvered through the regular queue. If your DS needs a separate entrance for other reasons, that is why you get a GAC.




You can ask, but they may not allow a larger number to be written on the GAC. Depending on the ages of the children, they might make an exception for a party of 7 - 2 parents and 5 children. However, as long as there are at least 2 adults in the party they may feel that you can split up. Unfortunately, nobody on this board can make that determination for you in advance and you'll just have to ask when you get there.

Enjoy your vacation!

If you have needs that are not met by just having the wheelchair in line, then you would need a GAC.
But, if your needs are met by having the mobility device in line, then you don't need a GAC.

The designated 'mobility entrance' listed on the Guidemap for Guests with Disbilities is the entrance that can be used by someone with a visible need (walker, cane, wheelchair, ECV, service dog, etc) without a GAC.
You can get these maps at Guest Services, at the park entry map kiosk and sometimes at your WDW resort ( you often have to ask because thy may be behind the desk, not with the other maps at the resort).

If a guest is trying to enter in another place, they will be either told they need a GAC or that is not an entrance. I've seen people try to come into the exit because they think that is the 'handicapped entrance' (I know some had been to other parks where that was the case and they just assumed Disney was the same.)

If you are told you need a GAC to use the entrance with a wheelchairs, my first step would be to check the Guidemap for Guests with Disabilities. If the entrance I was asking to use is the listed 'Mobility Access', I would show that to the CM. If they still say no, I would ask for their manager/supervisor. Doing those things usually clears things up.

We have been asked for a GAC a handful of times at WDW:

Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh - we had Fastpasses for our whole group and the CM at the front of the line said she could not let us in with DD's wheelchair unless we had a GAC. I showed her our Fastpasses and was getting out the map which said "Enter through the Standard Queue or Obtain Disney's Fastpasses." As I was getting the map out, another CM overheard and told the first one that guests with Fastpasses need to be allowed into the Fastpass line with a wheelchair, GAC or not.

Splash Mountain - we waited in the regular line until the line reached a set of stairs. At that point, there is a gate with a wheelchair symbol that allows guests to bypass the stairs. We waited there for a while, then a CM came along and said we needed to continue in the regular line. I pointed out that we couldn't go ny farther with DD's wheelchair because of the stairs and that DD was in a wheelchair because she can't walk.
The CM said it didn't matter; she could not let us use the wheelchair gate because "that would be cutting". I asked her how she expected us to continue in the regular line with a wheelchair and stairs and she repeated the same thing.
At that point, I asked for her manager and the CM repeated the same thing to the manager, who basically said "What?! They can't go any farther! You need to open the gate for them."
The CM actually argued with the manager for a few minutes. The manager apologized to us and let us know the CM would be re-educated. The CM was still arguing as we passed thru the gate to the accessible waiting area ( where we actually did wait as long as it would have taken us to get on using the entrance with stairs if DD could walk).

 

[WildabouttheMouse]

If you have needs that are not met by just having the wheelchair in line, then you would need a GAC.
But, if your needs are met by having the mobility device in line, then you don't need a GAC.

The designated 'mobility entrance' listed on the Guidemap for Guests with Disbilities is the entrance that can be used by someone with a visible need (walker, cane, wheelchair, ECV, service dog, etc) without a GAC.
You can get these maps at Guest Services, at the park entry map kiosk and sometimes at your WDW resort ( you often have to ask because thy may be behind the desk, not with the other maps at the resort).

If a guest is trying to enter in another place, they will be either told they need a GAC or that is not an entrance. I've seen people try to come into the exit because they think that is the 'handicapped entrance' (I know some had been to other parks where that was the case and they just assumed Disney was the same.)

If you are told you need a GAC to use the entrance with a wheelchairs, my first step would be to check the Guidemap for Guests with Disabilities. If the entrance I was asking to use is the listed 'Mobility Access', I would show that to the CM. If they still say no, I would ask for their manager/supervisor. Doing those things usually clears things up.

We have been asked for a GAC a handful of times at WDW:

Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh - we had Fastpasses for our whole group and the CM at the front of the line said she could not let us in with DD's wheelchair unless we had a GAC. I showed her our Fastpasses and was getting out the map which said "Enter through the Standard Queue or Obtain Disney's Fastpasses." As I was getting the map out, another CM overheard and told the first one that guests with Fastpasses need to be allowed into the Fastpass line with a wheelchair, GAC or not.

Splash Mountain - we waited in the regular line until the line reached a set of stairs. At that point, there is a gate with a wheelchair symbol that allows guests to bypass the stairs. We waited there for a while, then a CM came along and said we needed to continue in the regular line. I pointed out that we couldn't go ny farther with DD's wheelchair because of the stairs and that DD was in a wheelchair because she can't walk.
The CM said it didn't matter; she could not let us use the wheelchair gate because "that would be cutting". I asked her how she expected us to continue in the regular line with a wheelchair and stairs and she repeated the same thing.
At that point, I asked for her manager and the CM repeated the same thing to the manager, who basically said "What?! They can't go any farther! You need to open the gate for them."
The CM actually argued with the manager for a few minutes. The manager apologized to us and let us know the CM would be re-educated. The CM was still arguing as we passed thru the gate to the accessible waiting area ( where we actually did wait as long as it would have taken us to get on using the entrance with stairs if DD could walk).

WOW, I had a similar experience at Splash Mountain this past June. I had my scooter, due to limited mobility, as I wear a brace. When we got to the steps no one was there to help open the gate (we also had fast passes). I almost tipped in the scooter getting around the crowd and hurt my knee. By the time we got to the area where we could go through the CM made the statement to my family and the family ahead of us with a family member in a scooter, "I can't send too many of you up, too many wheelchairs freak them out". The CM had us wait for about 20 more minutes. My husband was livid by this time and after the ride did go to guests services to discuss sensitivity training for the CM's at Splash Mountain. When they offered something, my husband stated that was not why we complained, but to let them know how people were being treated who have a disability. I have not used as GAC as I do not feel I need one, as I can transfer and can go through lines with the scooter. But should not be penalized either. That time at Splash Mountain really spoiled my feelings for a ride I have always enjoyed.

 

[mdvlprof]

Winnie the Pooh - CM was downright rude. Supervisor wasn't much nicer. Was so bad, we went to guest services to complain. And to get GAC [just for insurance].

Didn't let a couple bad apples ruin the whole trip, tho. When there's so much WDW does right, even when not required by law.

 

[BSchaal57]

I am one that is going to have to use a ECV OR Wheelchair also as I have a condition called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). I am so stressed over the fact of using one as I hate the thought of people having to wait for me to board the buses at the resort and then I have been standing in line waiting to get on a ride at WDW a few years ago, before my health issues got so bad, and hearing people make comments of how nice it would be to have something wrong with you so you could get in front of line and not have to wait. That made me so angry! NO ONE that really has a medical condition wants to be in this shape. I am sure the little girl with CP (saw her post earlier) would do anything to be able to run and get in line and not have to be in the handicap area! I just pray that I don't have to hear lots of comments about me holding up people while I am boarding the buses at AOA!

 

[ttintagel]

I am one that is going to have to use a ECV OR Wheelchair also as I have a condition called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). I am so stressed over the fact of using one as I hate the thought of people having to wait for me to board the buses at the resort and then I have been standing in line waiting to get on a ride at WDW a few years ago, before my health issues got so bad, and hearing people make comments of how nice it would be to have something wrong with you so you could get in front of line and not have to wait. That made me so angry! NO ONE that really has a medical condition wants to be in this shape. I am sure the little girl with CP (saw her post earlier) would do anything to be able to run and get in line and not have to be in the handicap area! I just pray that I don't have to hear lots of comments about me holding up people while I am boarding the buses at AOA!

A couple of years ago, a little boy of about 4 looked and pointed at my ECV and said, "I want one of those!" His grandmother pursed her lips, gave me the side-eye, and said, "Yeah, it sure must be nice." I gave them a huge smile and said, "It is! It's great! You want to trade my broken foot for your good one so you can have one of these?"

The little boy just smiled and laughed and went on his way, because he was just an innocent kid who saw something with wheels and liked it. But the grandmother looked properly ashamed and looked away. It was a magic moment.

 

[WildabouttheMouse]

I am one that is going to have to use a ECV OR Wheelchair also as I have a condition called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). I am so stressed over the fact of using one as I hate the thought of people having to wait for me to board the buses at the resort and then I have been standing in line waiting to get on a ride at WDW a few years ago, before my health issues got so bad, and hearing people make comments of how nice it would be to have something wrong with you so you could get in front of line and not have to wait. That made me so angry! NO ONE that really has a medical condition wants to be in this shape. I am sure the little girl with CP (saw her post earlier) would do anything to be able to run and get in line and not have to be in the handicap area! I just pray that I don't have to hear lots of comments about me holding up people while I am boarding the buses at AOA!

I felt that way when I started having to use a scooter 2 years ago, as I tend to hide my brace a lot and can transfer, so I look like I can walk fine, but they do not know the pain that I am in if I walk too much or stand too long. My ankle hurts all the time, I would give anything not to have it or to stand and walk like I use to. You just have to let their stares and comments roll off. Let's hope that they never have to be in a wheelchair of scooter someday. Thank God that Disney is one of the best places if you do have a disability even with some bad moments. This is a great forum to talk about these things and share advice and experiences.

 

[dsneprincess]

A couple of years ago, a little boy of about 4 looked and pointed at my ECV and said, "I want one of those!" His grandmother pursed her lips, gave me the side-eye, and said, "Yeah, it sure must be nice." I gave them a huge smile and said, "It is! It's great! You want to trade my broken foot for your good one so you can have one of these?"

The little boy just smiled and laughed and went on his way, because he was just an innocent kid who saw something with wheels and liked it. But the grandmother looked properly ashamed and looked away. It was a magic moment.

My grandfather was using a scooter when my ister got married (& hated every minute of it!) my DS who was 6 at that time thought it was the greatest toy ever and would try to "Hotwire" and steal it! LOL, boys and their toys!

I agree the grandmother was pathetic and should have been ashamed!

Thanks for spurring my memory on this! I needed it today!

 

[Jperiod]

To the poster with 7, be prepared to split up or do fastpasses. We went with our cousins once, 4 adults and 3 small children, and there was no way they would allow 7. It was frustrating because the cousins frequently wanted to ride together (my son has the pass), so the parents couldn't even go with their own kids. We took turns with one set of parents taking the kids. If the other set of parents wanted to go, DS would have to go again and frequently he didn't want to! It just took forever. We used fastpasses where we could, but toward the end, our families just completely split up because it was getting stressful. What's the point in going with others if you can't ride together? We haven't attempted a family trip since.

At DL, city hall issues the GACs, but that's also where you get the celebration buttons, make complaints, and find allergy info too.

One thing I wondered with the GAC is if there's a policy on riding twice in a row? We were recently at grizzley river run in DCA, standby was maybe 15-20, fast pass (where they let us on) was about 10 or less. The CM said we need to let the standby time go by before riding again and she "should take the gac away," but let us go anyway. Strangely, it HAD been at least 20 min since we entered again because the ride broke down with us on it.

This is a really hard concept for DS with autism to understand and meltdowns ensue. Plus we try to minimize walking and try to do rides twice before moving on so DS gets his "fill" and reduces the asking to go on xyz ride again that's now on the other side of the park. This is especially true for the water rides because we have ponchos, change shoes, etc so it's easier to just get it all done at once.

 

[seidelhd]

To the OP: I'm sorry you are having to deal with this. We used to joke that we should "rent" my DD12 out to friends when they go to WDW b/c of the GAC. She has an extremely rare chromosome abnormality and is in a wheelchair. Her need is fairly obvious and we've never had anyone question it. Since the bad press with that "tour" company that was charging people to gain access to their GAC, we've stopped joking about that. However, meant as a joke or not, I think that what your friend is asking/suggesting is so completely insensitive.

Those of us who truly need a GAC for our family members would give anything to have to wait just like everyone else, if it meant the rest of our lives with our loved one was just as easy. We go to WDW a couple times each year because it is the one place where my daughter and her two younger siblings get things a bit easier than everyone else. Every other day of her life, she struggles and has to work harder than typical kids. While we try to maintain as much of a normal life as possible, her siblings are often not able to do things or go places b/c of their sister.

Our friends and family know and understand this (though we are lovingly known as "those Disney people"). My wife occasionally has to educate another guest in line of this, however. 95% of the time, the Disney CM are wonderful and make all of our family feel a bit extra special b/c of Lily. We'd rather make the 7 hour drive to Orlando than the 30 minute drive to Six Flags (we tried it once with Lily).

Jperiod: Last April, we took my elderly parents with us for Spring Break. That made us a family of 7. The CM at City Hall in Magic Kingdom marked the GAC as party of 7 but warned me that it was up to the CM at the alternate entrance to allow all 7 or not. I don't recall having any problems, but my parents did not ride some rides (including Splash).

On some attractions (Lily's favorites), we sometimes ask about a "round trip" (i.e. riding twice in a row without having to get out and back in line). As she gets older and larger, it is sometimes difficult to get her out of the ride and into her chair, just to go do it all over again. Usually, her brother or sister will ask the CM. Most of the time, we are successful. The only ride that consistently gets turned down is Test Track. And, we've realized that it is usually a specific cast member saying "No." Last year, he even told my 6yo that he would let her ride once (with a tone of voice that he was doing her a favor for even that). However, since I really despise the re-do of TT, that doesn't bother me.

Splash is another ride where we've had some variable experience. However, we've never had CM expect my wheelchair-bound daughter to climb the stairs. And what would happen to her chair at that point?

sorry for the long post

 

[lanejudy]

WOW, I had a similar experience at Splash Mountain this past June. I had my scooter, due to limited mobility, as I wear a brace. When we got to the steps no one was there to help open the gate (we also had fast passes). I almost tipped in the scooter getting around the crowd and hurt my knee. By the time we got to the area where we could go through the CM made the statement to my family and the family ahead of us with a family member in a scooter, "I can't send too many of you up, too many wheelchairs freak them out". The CM had us wait for about 20 more minutes. My husband was livid by this time and after the ride did go to guests services to discuss sensitivity training for the CM's at Splash Mountain. When they offered something, my husband stated that was not why we complained, but to let them know how people were being treated who have a disability. I have not used as GAC as I do not feel I need one, as I can transfer and can go through lines with the scooter. But should not be penalized either. That time at Splash Mountain really spoiled my feelings for a ride I have always enjoyed.

Definitely not a reason to be rude, but we also have been told at SPLASH that only 2 mobility aids are allowed to enter at a time. I believe it has to do with lack of space to park them since you essentially go in the exit. We've had very long waits at SPLASH because of this. I believe some other rides also have limits on how many "disabled" can ride due to evacuation requirements if the ride were to breakdown or there be an emergency. But again, that's no reason to be rude to guests - and definitely no reason to tell someone in a wheelchair that they must climb the stairs. Unbelievable!

To the poster who asked about riding back-to-back...I don't think there is any "rule" so to speak and ultimately it depends on the CM at the ride. If the stand-by line is particularly long and you managed to have a shorter wait (as mentioned above, not necessarily the case even if standby is short), then you really should wait the length of standby before riding again. JMHO of course, and a 15-20 minute line at standby isn't particularly long, but the CMs may refuse to allow repeated rides.

 

[Cavners5]

We adopted our DD8 when she was an infant. We did not know the extent of her "abilities" until the last few years. We go to DL every year, and sometimes twice. When she was in her stroller..she did very well except for fireworks, and we went and bought her earplugs at Walmart. (loud noises) So last year we decided to go to DL during 4th of July....very crowded (our mistake). She had a meltdown...I did not know what was wrong...kept crying and everything. People tend to think "spoiled brat", even our friends as she has been growing up.

Well a wonderful cast member came up to me and asked what is wrong (DH,DS12,DS16) were already in line for Star Tours. I told her she is having a meltdown because she can't see her dad or brothers. The CM found them in line, pulled them out, and escorted all of us to the holding que. She then waited for us to get off at the exit, and escorted us to City Hall....she explained on our way there, that her little brother was just like our DD. She took the CM in City Hall around the corner, he then came out and explained our pass to us! We had never heard of this in all the years we have been going there. We would just get out of line when she had a meltdown, or if a line was too long...not go. No more breakdowns.

When we were driving back to Nevada, I started realizing that she did not have her safe zone, and immediately started researching what the CM told me.

We are in the progress of getting a diagnosis...and we are reading everything we can. I am also reading these boards to find out if we can take a trip to WDW...I do not want to stress her in anyway.

 

[I Love Pluto]

You have to get a dr note for handicap parking so they should make it legal for things like a GAC.

I totally agree!

 

[Phoebus]

Do children with autism or other neurological disorders qualify for a handicap parking placard? If so, the requirement of producing this evidence might be the answer to DW's woes with respect to the issuance of the GAC. If not, are you saying that children with autism or other neurological disorders that don't garner a handicap parking placard should not have access to the GAC?

 

[Rheinhold]

I had never heard of the GAC until the mother of my son's best friend heard we were going to Disney. She said to my son, "Tell your mother to get the autism pass! She won't have to wait in line!" Neither my son or her son are autistic. My son said this to me and I started researching it and when I discovered what she was doing I was appalled. I explain to my son why of course this is SO wrong. Unfortunately, he can't reconcile how seemingly decent people would lie to get to the front of the line. This family goes to Disney each year and the last time they went I heard the son tell my son, "Lines? Ain't nobody got time for that!" He continually brags how he loops RnR and tells my son he's a chump for not taking advantage of this.

It amazes me how people rationalize how rules don't apply to them and how people who don't take advantage of the rules are somehow not as bright as them.

I wish there were a way to stop people like that family and let people who genuinely need the GAC get it. I just don't know what that is.

 

[I Love Pluto]

Do children with autism or other neurological disorders qualify for a handicap parking placard? If so, the requirement of producing this evidence might be the answer to DW's woes with respect to the issuance of the GAC. If not, are you saying that children with autism or other neurological disorders that don't garner a handicap parking placard should not have access to the GAC?

Good point, Phoebus. Neurological disorders should also be a qualifying criteria. (I have a neurological issue - epilepsy.)

I am sure there will be many more issues not covered by a placard. Excellent thinking. Thanks for pointing that out.

 

[ratlenhum]

Do children with autism or other neurological disorders qualify for a handicap parking placard? If so, the requirement of producing this evidence might be the answer to DW's woes with respect to the issuance of the GAC. If not, are you saying that children with autism or other neurological disorders that don't garner a handicap parking placard should not have access to the GAC?

Yes and no. Some qualify, some dont. We can't do WDW without a GAC for my son but we can't get him a handicap placard. His doctor will only sign off for children with physical issues or who are prone to flight. Because my son will hold my hand and walk with me rather than run off or randomly throw himself on the floor, we can't get one. He really doesn't need one. He can safely walk in a parking lot.

 

[SueM in MN]

Many people who have a handicapped parking permit are using it to park, so would not have it to bring in with them to Guest Services.

There are people who have a handicapped parking permit, but would not need a GAC as well as people who may not have or may not need a handicapped parking permit, but could really use a GAC.

Even showing a Handicapped parking permit would not necessarily prevent someone from using one that is not theirs. I have seen posts and news stories that talk about someone borrowing Grandma's handicapped parking permit to park closer (without Grandma). If people would do that to park closer, they would also do it to get a GAC.

The last point is that according to the ADA, people with disabilities can't be forced to prove their disability to get equal access.

 

[Wishes Count]

And here I was worried about having a party of 7 (me and my wife, 4 children and eldest daughter's friend) being allowed access but it sounds like the CMs are allowing the GAC holder and whoever is with them in regardless of number.

Are the CMs really allowing an unlimited # of people through as long as one has a GAC? I thought it was limited to 6.

According to SueM in the disABILITIES FAQ's sticky thread, this is how it is supposed to work when you have a party that exceeds the limit:

In certain situations, a GAC may be given for more than 6 people - for example, if a family is 2 adults and 5 children, they would make an exception and give the GAC for a total of 7. Anything over 6 people is an exception to the rule.

Just to clarify the rule is Six people. Are parties of 7 sometimes accommodated if there are several small children. Yes. Should you count on it? No. Also at Guest Relations when there is a party of more than 6 we advise them to use fastpasses or ask the CM at the attraction if it is okay if 7 or 8 come in. It is up to the CM at the attraction if they let the extra people in, and is based on the current operation and wait time. That maybe why you saw a larger party going through.

 

[aubriee]

I had never heard of the GAC until the mother of my son's best friend heard we were going to Disney. She said to my son, "Tell your mother to get the autism pass! She won't have to wait in line!" Neither my son or her son are autistic. My son said this to me and I started researching it and when I discovered what she was doing I was appalled. I explain to my son why of course this is SO wrong. Unfortunately, he can't reconcile how seemingly decent people would lie to get to the front of the line. This family goes to Disney each year and the last time they went I heard the son tell my son, "Lines? Ain't nobody got time for that!" He continually brags how he loops RnR and tells my son he's a chump for not taking advantage of this.

It amazes me how people rationalize how rules don't apply to them and how people who don't take advantage of the rules are somehow not as bright as them.

I wish there were a way to stop people like that family and let people who genuinely need the GAC get it. I just don't know what that is.

I've posted before about my coworker's niece who takes her family down there every July and gets a GAC for one of her kids. According to my coworker there is absolutely nothing wrong with any of her six kids, yet they get a GAC every single trip, including one trip my coworker went with them. She swears it got them to the front of every line. Before that trip, when she was telling me what her niece said about getting a card that lets them get on the rides faster, I explained what the GAC was for. She then came back to tell she had spoken to her niece about it and the niece got irate and defensive, saying everyone did it and it was their pediatrician who had suggested it to her and that he too was a Disney fan, who said he also got one every trip for one of his kids, even though there was nothing wrong with them either. The niece said that she had absolutely no guilt about it, since her doctor told her everyone does it, and it was stupid to stand in lines, when you didn't have to.