Another GAC question... :)

[ilovefh]

My mom recently became interested in a GAC so I wanted to post here and get some advice from people with experience. I've read the stickie as well.

I have two friends, lets call them Sally and Jane.

Jane also has mobility issues (horrendous arthritis at a young age and needs a knee replacement but feels she is too young for that). She has a handicap placard that she uses to help with parking. She explained all this to the CM and was told get a wheelchair. She said "Thanks" and went on her way. She didn't want to argue with the CM about it but knows she will never rent a wheelchair, and most certainly won't rent one once a week to come to the parks. She just stays for a shorter amount of time instead.

Sally has a mobility issue (nothing close to Jane's issues) and went in to explain her need for a GAC. At first they told her to rent a wheelchair. She explained that she could not afford one and the majority of her time in the park was spent alone. They advised her to wheel herself around. She explained she did not have the upper body strength to get very far doing that. After giving her a hard time a little more they issued her GAC. (not sure of the accommodations on it)

My mom also has severe arthritis in her knees and thinks she is too young for a replacement. She's had surgery on both knees already. She also has a handicap placard to help with parking. When she spoke to Sally she was interested in asking about a GAC but was discouraged when she talked to Jane because their mobility issues are very similar. She will not use a wheelchair and it is solely due to pride. In fact, DH is a CM so when they come with us (which is the majority of the time) we can get a free wheelchair, so it isn't a cost issue. She thinks she is too young for one.

So is this something she should ask about? Her main problem is standing in lines for a long time. The other day we got in line for Splash and the sign said 35 minutes. The wait was over an hour and by the time we reached the ride she was in horrible pain. It would be nice for her to be able to sit somewhere with one person in our party while the rest of us wait in line. Is that an option? (I know, a wheelchair would be GREAT for this, and we've been encouraging her to rent one for YEARS, but she just refuses.)

She said she'd get a letter from her doctor explaining her needs, but I told her I didn't think they can ask for that. She also doesn't want to be made to feel like she is lying or pulling one over on someone so she is hesitant to ask.

Any advice?


ETA: I wanted to come back to add the reason why I am asking is because she doesn't want to walk in and have the CMs make her feel like she is trying to cheat the system. She is very proud and RARELY asks for help or allows anyone to help her. If she does it has to be understated help and I think that is what she is hoping for, that they'll listen and then give her her options and not make try to make her feel bad.

 

[stitchlovestink]

My mom recently became interested in a GAC so I wanted to post here and get some advice from people with experience. I've read the stickie as well.

I have two friends, lets call them Sally and Jane.

Jane also has mobility issues (horrendous arthritis at a young age and needs a knee replacement but feels she is too young for that). She has a handicap placard that she uses to help with parking. She explained all this to the CM and was told get a wheelchair. She said "Thanks" and went on her way. She didn't want to argue with the CM about it but knows she will never rent a wheelchair, and most certainly won't rent one once a week to come to the parks. She just stays for a shorter amount of time instead.

Sally has a mobility issue (nothing close to Jane's issues) and went in to explain her need for a GAC. At first they told her to rent a wheelchair. She explained that she could not afford one and the majority of her time in the park was spent alone. They advised her to wheel herself around. She explained she did not have the upper body strength to get very far doing that. After giving her a hard time a little more they issued her GAC. (not sure of the accommodations on it)

My mom also has severe arthritis in her knees and thinks she is too young for a replacement. She's had surgery on both knees already. She also has a handicap placard to help with parking. When she spoke to Sally she was interested in asking about a GAC but was discouraged when she talked to Jane because their mobility issues are very similar. She will not use a wheelchair and it is solely due to pride. In fact, DH is a CM so when they come with us (which is the majority of the time) we can get a free wheelchair, so it isn't a cost issue. She thinks she is too young for one.

So is this something she should ask about? Her main problem is standing in lines for a long time. The other day we got in line for Splash and the sign said 35 minutes. The wait was over an hour and by the time we reached the ride she was in horrible pain. It would be nice for her to be able to sit somewhere with one person in our party while the rest of us wait in line. Is that an option? (I know, a wheelchair would be GREAT for this, and we've been encouraging her to rent one for YEARS, but she just refuses.)

She said she'd get a letter from her doctor explaining her needs, but I told her I didn't think they can ask for that. She also doesn't want to be made to feel like she is lying or pulling one over on someone so she is hesitant to ask.

Any advice?

okay, I can tell you pretty much what you are going to hear which is:

1. she needs to not consider it defeat and rent a wheelchair or ECV
2. maybe use a rollator type device so she has a seat to rest wherever she may need one especially in line.
3. a GAC cannot accommodate having her wait somewhere else seated and then join the rest of the party when it is time to board an attraction
4. a GAC isn't meant to shorten the wait times. and while this is VERY true, there are times it does and there are times it doesn't.
5. a Dr's letter's is of no use as they are not allowed to look at it. GACs aren't about diagnosis but are about accommodations/needs.

Unfortunately no one can control how another feels. Hopefully if she chooses to pursue a GAC, she will not feel she is 'cheating the system' but only she can control that. If she talks to a cast member at guest service and the conversation seems to be going 'South' my suggestion would be to end it early and to try again at another time with another CM. To me, it sounds like she would benefit from one but my opinion doesn't count... I wish you well in working with her to make your trip as enjoyable as possible for everyone!


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[ilovefh]

okay, I can tell you pretty much what you are going to hear which is:

1. she needs to not consider it defeat and rent a wheelchair or ECV
2. maybe use a rollator type device so she has a seat to rest wherever she may need one especially in line.
3. a GAC cannot accommodate having her wait somewhere else seated and then join the rest of the party when it is time to board an attraction
4. a GAC isn't meant to shorten the wait times. and while this is VERY true, there are times it does and there are times it doesn't.
5. a Dr's letter's is of no use as they are not allowed to look at it. GACs aren't about diagnosis but are about accommodations/needs.

Unfortunately no one can control how another feels. Hopefully if she chooses to pursue a GAC, she will not feel she is 'cheating the system' but only she can control that. If she talks to a cast member at guest service and the conversation seems to be going 'South' my suggestion would be to end it early and to try again at another time with another CM. To me, it sounds like she would benefit from one but my opinion doesn't count... I wish you well in working with her to make your trip as enjoyable as possible for everyone!


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It's funny you mentioned #2. I thought that when I read about it in the stickie. (I had had seen them, but never knew the name.) I read about it and thought, wow, that would be great for her.

But, if she thinks she is too young for a knee replacement there is no way she would be seen using a walker. She is one stubborn woman!

This is the same woman who had both knees operated on at once to get the surgery over with. I was at home with her after and I went downstairs to put some laundry in and when I came back upstairs I found her in the kitchen with her crutches. When I asked her what she was doing she said she was getting Cheezits. I asked her why she didn't wait for me to get them for her. She said she was fine to get them.

I just feel bad for her because she loves doing all the rides, but waiting in line for long period of time is just getting harder and harder on her. I just wish she'd stop being so proud and let us help her.

ETA: I told her she and my dad should rent ECV's (he has similar issues, but not as bad) and they could be the cute couple riding their ECVs and holding hands! She did not love that suggestion!

 

[peemagg]

The whole thing is to get her to look at these devices as a tool to help her, not a form of giving up. Put it to her this way maybe and she might see things a bit differently: If she needed to drive a nail, what would she do? She of course would get a hammer. She has trouble walking, so a wheelchair or ECV is a way for her to get around. Nothing more, nothing less.

Just as an FYI, I do understand where she is coming from. I am 43 and have not been able to walk hardly at all in the parks since 2008. I now need a wheelchair or scooter for any distances. That was not an easy change, but looked at the equipment that I need to get things done as tools to help me accomplish the tasks I am trying to undertake.

I would suggest a ECV instead of a wheelchair for your mom. This would give her the freedom to go where she wants to go and not rely on others to push her. Wheelchairs to some means a loss of freedom and choice. I think that once she understands that they are just tools, and tries one (even in a grocery store), she will probably change her mind. Besides, ECV's can be really fun to drive when you have lots of open space and put the thing in the fast speed!

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

I'll go a bit broader than just the WDW on this, but bear with me.

In this case it really does come down to her being her own worst enemie or her best friend. SHE is the one that is being very wrongly so called "stubborn". Too young? One could call that kinda arrogant when knowing the world is filled with kids that will never ever walk one step. She knows disabilities and health do not ask for your age and do not discriminate. She knows it happens at all ages. Yet, she holds herself to other standards then others? Having been there and done that, I can't say anything else but that SHE holds the real keys here, nobody else does.

GAC wil do very little if nothing here. Most bothersome will be the distances she will have to cover. No GAC will shorten those. I know it is not making me popular with everyone, but claiming a GAC for that does seriously raise my eyebrow. Sure, she can deny the facts and unneededly cheat herself out of what she could be doing when using a proper mobility aid. But...... for what ecaxtly? So called pride? It is one thing to make an informed, weighed decision to make it unneedingly hard on oneself and conciously weigh and accept the consequences that come with that. Yet; that is not what she does. She just sticks to ignoring, holding onto a "I'm too young" as an excuse to face facts that will be there to stay. Time to get her head out of the sand and face the facts. Doing WDW with a wellinformed choice to muddle through and pay the physical and likely emotional/psychological price for it, or so called "give in" and use a mobility aid, do whatever her heart desires without being held back by physical limitations and at the end of the day facing a whole other range of backlash.

Purely looking at cold facts, she has a multitude of options. That line thing? No problem whatsoever, enough solutions. From mobility aids to just "simply" keep moving. Something that will happen anyway as most lines slowly keep moving, but even when a line drops dead, you can "walk in place" when keeping the need into account and keeping enough space. And there are more ways of making it doable. In the end it does boil down to wanting to see -or if not aware being shown- those options for what they are or not.


You can try and help her with the accepting part, but in the end the real and hard work is something only she can and has to do. You also have your own acceptance to work through to. The best gift you can give yourself AND her is to go through that sooner rather than later. To learn that you can offer help, but it is up to her how she wants to deal with this. Including deciding to go down paths that include learning a lesson the hard way. Learning that it is not for you to feel bad, responsible or whatever about choices SHE makes in this. It is not something you made her do. Her choice, her consequences. I know it can sound harsh, but in the end you are not only not helping her for feeling bad about consequences of a choice she made, but you run the risk that because of that feeling you might end up facilitating her being able to close her eyes to the facts. If you end up the one feeling bad and from that doing anything and all to solve the consequences of her choice, why would she chance what she is doing?

Just like underhelping can be harmfull, so can overhelping. Not just in practicle things, but also in the emotional and relational things. In a way her struggle with acceptance now becomes "your problem", because you now feel bad and kinda try to solve things by finding info to make things better. Don't get me wrong, I can totally understand the sentiment. But be aware that you also have a process of acceptance of yourself to go through and that both of you can only work out your own process and not the other ones. It's a huge struggle for loved ones to accept that wellmeant help sometimes can harm and to stop that and not feel bad about out. But trust me, it indeed is a good thing for both of you in the end.

If you agree -let's face it, I only have 2 postings to go by so could be very wrong- that she is struggling with acceptance, what you could do is actively discuss this sentiment. WDW might be a perfect "excuse" for it. If she does find acceptance difficult -which is only human and common enough- and does dare to admit it to herself and you, there are so many great options available nowadays to help her with and through that. Making her aware of those options is something you can do, allthough it is up to her to make use of it or not.

And as a "youngster"? In my experience is acceptance is much more important, powerfull and a bigger part of life-quality than the factual disability. My health might be a lot worse of than it was years ago, but I can honestly say that I experience a much higher quality of life, enjoy things much more and make much more of the options I do have compared to all those years ago when factually my health was much better than it has become. No greater gift to oneself than acceptance, IMHO. Same goes for acceptance for loved ones. That trap of out of love helping in a long term not so helpfull way is a difficult one also for those around me. Yet, those that have come along accepting that more, do help me out more in the long run with that. And sure enough, it is something they also find less difficult than those that have more problems with drawing the line to begin with (very open subject here because I actively bring it up frequently).

 

[Piper]

First of all, I don't know how she feels she would be cheating the system as there is no front of the line for wheelchairs or ECVs. It won't shorten the time waiting..just make it more comfortable.

Second, age has nothing to do with needing surgery, a wheelchair or ECV (as she found out.) I was only 12 when I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and probably had it for several years before that (from remembering and looking at pictures that show swollen knees) but my mother was in denial. An observant PE teacher and a good school nurse finally forced her to take me to a doctor. The school nurse set up the appointment with the pediatric rheumatologist and told mother she would pay out of her own pocket if I was okay.

Third, I do understand why she is holding out on using a mobility device to help her....I did that for years. My mother instilled the idea that it would be "weak to give in" and wouldn't even allow them to brace me for scolosis and lordosis. When I finally "gave in" and did what the doctor was saying, I realized that it really enhanced my life. I could do more, see more and feel much better while I was doing it.

Now I look back and really regret the wasted years--both as a child when I was in too much pain to run around and play and as an adult when I didn't listen to the doctors and tried to do things the "normal" way. Yes, I have a very high pain tolerance, but who knows if I would be "this bad" if the doctor's advice had been taken?

 

[ttintagel]

I'd love to have my bad joints replaced while I'm still young enough to enjoy them!

 

[WheeledTraveler]

I agree with the others that this is going to be an acceptance issue. I'm in my late 20s and have been using mobility aids for day-to-day life for about 10 years. Prior to that, I spent some time fighting using them (largely due to family pressure) and limiting myself as a result. I was lucky in that around the time that I really needed to start using a mobility aid regularly, I was exposed to some really positive influences that taught me that using a wheelchair or ECV wasn't giving in and didn't make me "less". Yes, I use a different method to get around, but that's not a value judgement on me. I've noticed over time that I'm actually often much happier than the people I know with the same medical condition I have who resist using mobility aids. They end up feeling far more limited because they won't use the aids, but I've done all sorts of things I'd never have been able to dream of doing (including quite a bit of international travel) without a mobility aid.

I go through periods of feeling offended by people who seem to see mobility aids as this horrible thing to be avoided. If they feel like they're less if they need to use one for WDW, what are they saying about me when I have to use them to get around my house? I know many people have higher standards for themselves than others (I'm certainly one of those people), but the more mobility aids are seen as a personal failing, the more I feel like that means that those of us who need them must be seen as less by those who are fighting using them. Ultimately, though, I think I just end up feeling sad about it. Your mother and friends obviously have people around them who just want them to be able to do what they want to do, regardless of what assistance they need to do them. So many other people are fighting to even get that support (it's taken most of 10 years for me to get that support from my parents) that it's sad when people who have it can't get over their own heads enough to allow themselves the things that make their lives easier. It's extra sad when it's WDW that is part of the limitation because WDW is so fabulous about being manageable with mobility aids.

I do think using something like a car analogy might make the most sense to your mother, however. Most people who go to WDW walk a minimum of 6 miles a day (there are ride queues that are 1/4 mile long and cannot be shortened in any way). If you were going somewhere 6 miles away, most people would drive. Is it really any different to "drive" the 6 miles using an ECV at WDW than it would be to drive a car to a store 6 miles away? It's still about being able to do something in a manner that allows you to function with the least discomfort possible.

 

[ccgirl]

My mom recently became interested in a GAC so I wanted to post here and get some advice from people with experience. I've read the stickie as well.

I have two friends, lets call them Sally and Jane.

Jane also has mobility issues (horrendous arthritis at a young age and needs a knee replacement but feels she is too young for that). She has a handicap placard that she uses to help with parking. She explained all this to the CM and was told get a wheelchair. She said "Thanks" and went on her way. She didn't want to argue with the CM about it but knows she will never rent a wheelchair, and most certainly won't rent one once a week to come to the parks. She just stays for a shorter amount of time instead.

Sally has a mobility issue (nothing close to Jane's issues) and went in to explain her need for a GAC. At first they told her to rent a wheelchair. She explained that she could not afford one and the majority of her time in the park was spent alone. They advised her to wheel herself around. She explained she did not have the upper body strength to get very far doing that. After giving her a hard time a little more they issued her GAC. (not sure of the accommodations on it)

My mom also has severe arthritis in her knees and thinks she is too young for a replacement. She's had surgery on both knees already. She also has a handicap placard to help with parking. When she spoke to Sally she was interested in asking about a GAC but was discouraged when she talked to Jane because their mobility issues are very similar. She will not use a wheelchair and it is solely due to pride. In fact, DH is a CM so when they come with us (which is the majority of the time) we can get a free wheelchair, so it isn't a cost issue. She thinks she is too young for one.

So is this something she should ask about? Her main problem is standing in lines for a long time. The other day we got in line for Splash and the sign said 35 minutes. The wait was over an hour and by the time we reached the ride she was in horrible pain. It would be nice for her to be able to sit somewhere with one person in our party while the rest of us wait in line. Is that an option? (I know, a wheelchair would be GREAT for this, and we've been encouraging her to rent one for YEARS, but she just refuses.)

She said she'd get a letter from her doctor explaining her needs, but I told her I didn't think they can ask for that. She also doesn't want to be made to feel like she is lying or pulling one over on someone so she is hesitant to ask.

Any advice?


ETA: I wanted to come back to add the reason why I am asking is because she doesn't want to walk in and have the CMs make her feel like she is trying to cheat the system. She is very proud and RARELY asks for help or allows anyone to help her. If she does it has to be understated help and I think that is what she is hoping for, that they'll listen and then give her her options and not make try to make her feel bad.

YOu've already been given some good advice. But, as others have said, for mobility issues they recommend a wheelchair or scooter. A GAC is not a front of the line pass. Can you imagine all the guests that would say they had mobility issues so they didn't have to wait in line.

As others have said, md notes don't matter. Your mom needs to state the needs she has not the disability.

 

[buffettgirl]

I just want to pop in and address the end part :

ETA: I wanted to come back to add the reason why I am asking is because she doesn't want to walk in and have the CMs make her feel like she is trying to cheat the system. She is very proud and RARELY asks for help or allows anyone to help her. If she does it has to be understated help and I think that is what she is hoping for, that they'll listen and then give her her options and not make try to make her feel bad.

What the Guest Services people are doing is giving her the best option - get a wheelchair of ECV for her mobility issues. She definitely shouldn't think she's being judged as abusing the system, but at the same time, she should realize that they ARE giving her the best option she could have for getting her needs met. They are really trying to meet her needs (and the needs of her friends who asked on their own trips).

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The normal and official Guest Relations response for any stamina/mobility situation is the recommendation that the person rent a wheelchair or ECV.

And being local, I would suggest that the people manage to invest a few hundred dollars in a small transportable ECV. Not only will they be able to use it around the parks, but when they go to any large mall, etc.

 

[Love Tink]

I'll be the only one to say this (having read the same responses over and over on this board for years) but my husband - who turned 40 this year - has requested GACs at both WDW and DL several times in the last few years - basically ever since I started coming to disboards and learned about them.

My husband has had several back and neck surgeries and has issues with pain and stamina. He has a handicap parking placard. But he does not need a mobility device for regular life (yet).

He refuses to consider a wheelchair or ECV on vacation for personal reasons and I would never force him to get one. I have sympathy for the mental and emotional response to those devices in the mind of someone who knows he is headed there, inexorably, sooner rather than later. If he wants to put it off as long as possible, I understand.

But (here's the part that won't be popular) my husband has never once been told, at WDW or DL, to rent an ECV or a wheelchair. It's never even been mentioned. He explains his issues and they find ways to help him. Perhaps we have been the world's luckiest people and every CM we've had at Guest Relations happens to be the one who doesn't follow this policy. Perhaps not.

But the GACs have made it possible for my husband to withstand longer days and to enjoy himself more, which means we visit more often. They've been wonderful - and they've led to my husband being more willing to ask for help other places as well. So my suggestion is that you and your mom at least give it a shot. You may get immediate help. You may get the response that seems the more standard one for people on this board (and, if so, I agree with the PP who simply suggested you try back a couple of hours later). But there is absolutely nothing wrong with asking.

 

[I Love Pluto]

Mobility issues don't come with age. If they did, we would not have any handicapped children.

You are writing on a Disabilities board - to people who have disabilities - that your friends don't want to give in & be "disabled". It is difficult for any of us who have disabilities that require wheelchair or ECV use to feel "bad" for someone who wants to prove that they can tough it out (and we cannot).

I often wonder what is in someone's mind when asking advice such as this. I wear glasses to see. Others wear glasses to see. I have never heard anyone ask if they should get a pair of glasses, or "tough it out" & not "give in" to poor eyesight. Why should mobility be any different? You have a need, or you don't.

Try looking at mobility needs the same way you would if you needed glasses to see. The answer is obvious for glasses. Mobility needs are also just as obvious. I hope you & your friends will have a GREAT time at WDW - no matter which path you choose!

 

[ttintagel]

I'll be the only one to say this (having read the same responses over and over on this board for years) but my husband - who turned 40 this year - has requested GACs at both WDW and DL several times in the last few years - basically ever since I started coming to disboards and learned about them.

My husband has had several back and neck surgeries and has issues with pain and stamina. He has a handicap parking placard. But he does not need a mobility device for regular life (yet).

He refuses to consider a wheelchair or ECV on vacation for personal reasons and I would never force him to get one. I have sympathy for the mental and emotional response to those devices in the mind of someone who knows he is headed there, inexorably, sooner rather than later. If he wants to put it off as long as possible, I understand.

But (here's the part that won't be popular) my husband has never once been told, at WDW or DL, to rent an ECV or a wheelchair. It's never even been mentioned. He explains his issues and they find ways to help him. Perhaps we have been the world's luckiest people and every CM we've had at Guest Relations happens to be the one who doesn't follow this policy. Perhaps not.

But the GACs have made it possible for my husband to withstand longer days and to enjoy himself more, which means we visit more often. They've been wonderful - and they've led to my husband being more willing to ask for help other places as well. So my suggestion is that you and your mom at least give it a shot. You may get immediate help. You may get the response that seems the more standard one for people on this board (and, if so, I agree with the PP who simply suggested you try back a couple of hours later). But there is absolutely nothing wrong with asking.

I don't know what they've been putting on your husband's GAC, but it isn't the "front of the line" stamp, because that doesn't exist.

 

[stitchlovestink]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Love Tink

I'll be the only one to say this (having read the same responses over and over on this board for years) but my husband - who turned 40 this year - has requested GACs at both WDW and DL several times in the last few years - basically ever since I started coming to disboards and learned about them.

My husband has had several back and neck surgeries and has issues with pain and stamina. He has a handicap parking placard. But he does not need a mobility device for regular life (yet).

He refuses to consider a wheelchair or ECV on vacation for personal reasons and I would never force him to get one. I have sympathy for the mental and emotional response to those devices in the mind of someone who knows he is headed there, inexorably, sooner rather than later. If he wants to put it off as long as possible, I understand.

But (here's the part that won't be popular) my husband has never once been told, at WDW or DL, to rent an ECV or a wheelchair. It's never even been mentioned. He explains his issues and they find ways to help him. Perhaps we have been the world's luckiest people and every CM we've had at Guest Relations happens to be the one who doesn't follow this policy. Perhaps not.

But the GACs have made it possible for my husband to withstand longer days and to enjoy himself more, which means we visit more often. They've been wonderful - and they've led to my husband being more willing to ask for help other places as well. So my suggestion is that you and your mom at least give it a shot. You may get immediate help. You may get the response that seems the more standard one for people on this board (and, if so, I agree with the PP who simply suggested you try back a couple of hours later). But there is absolutely nothing wrong with asking.

I don't know what they've been putting on your husband's GAC, but it isn't the "front of the line" stamp, because that doesn't exist.

You are right about that, there isn't a front of the line stamp. But there is a stamp that does tend to shorten your wait time. And when given that stamp, you (general you) tend to get a little lecture from the CM at guest services that it isn't a FOTL stamp, etc....
Now if that stamp didn't exist apparently there wouldn't be such an issue with people 'cheating the system' now would there? We (members of the Dis) can debate until we are blue in the face about whether it shortens your wait time. I agree there are a few circumstances that increase your wait time exponentionally like having to wait for a special ride vehicle. But if you just have that stamp, but don't require a special ride vehicle it can decrease your wait time significantly. That is my opinion speaking from my experience. Your experience could be different but you can't say it won't decrease the wait time because in MY experience Most of the time it does.


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[LockShockBarrel]

I think the thing to remember here is that yes everyone does have difference experiences with the GAC, be it what stamps you get or how short or long your wait is, but no matter how many times you read that someone had good luck with it, you can't count on it.

That sounds a little muddled, even to me but I can't think of a better way to put it. I guess I mean you should plan on waiting the full time posted for attractions and then just be thankful if it's shorter. This is why so many newbies get confused, I think. Person A says one thing, person B says another and since what person B sounds better the newbie may fool themselves into thinking that's how things will happen for them.

I guess my long rambling point is...Newbies- you just have to go and try it. You may find you wait less, you may find you wait more. To those who have gotten the GAC, remember that everyone has difference experiences with it and that just because you've seen it be one way each time you go, others see it a different way and at some point, you may find things will go different for you.

Clear as mud, I know. This is what I get for letting my Ambien script run out...

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

You are right about that, there isn't a front of the line stamp. But there is a stamp that does tend to shorten your wait time. And when given that stamp, you (general you) tend to get a little lecture from the CM at guest services that it isn't a FOTL stamp, etc....
Now if that stamp didn't exist apparently there wouldn't be such an issue with people 'cheating the system' now would there? We (members of the Dis) can debate until we are blue in the face about whether it shortens your wait time. I agree there are a few circumstances that increase your wait time exponentionally like having to wait for a special ride vehicle. But if you just have that stamp, but don't require a special ride vehicle it can decrease your wait time significantly. That is my opinion speaking from my experience. Your experience could be different but you can't say it won't decrease the wait time because in MY experience Most of the time it does.


Posted from Disney Forums Reader for Android

See and here we go. I know I'll be very unpopular by voicing this, but this could get me real mad if thinking about it. One makes a CHOICE to have a more bothersome time by disregarding usage of aids that can make life better. Ones own choice, but IMHO one then has to deal with the consequences themselves instead of looking for others to take care of that.

One claims a need for accomodation in lines, yet there is no such need when it comes to the biggest part of the parks, distances and what not more? That is not a problem because one doesn't want to or can't deal with whatever emotional feeling about it and thus can suck it up, yet that magically disappears when it comes to lines and no more emotional problem whatsoever asking for help? Yeah, call me short-sighted, but at best it does kinda come across as wanting others to take the slack of a decision one themselves makes.

Results? Sure "it shortens waittimes", because there is no such thing as a need for a accessible cart etc etc. Yet, those that use it this way and call "it shortens waittimes" most of the times have no clue about the fact how that does prolongue the wait time for those of us who have no choice but to either wait in that evergrowing huge lines of "but I have needs" until there is such a thing as an accessible cart.

I am more then happy to not be able to ride -having spent all of my stamina for that day waiting in line- if that is the result of the accessible cart being constantly attending to those waiting. It happens, bad luck for me. But I have to say, both this trip and trips before that, it was getting out of hand with not being able to ride because of the fact waits are going pretty mental, yet very few of them need an accessible cart or have other needs that result in them needing that alternate boarding area.

I come from a family where it is like hitting the jackpot to be healthy enough to not deal with major healthissues. One could say, I've been exposed to all kinds of needs, abilities and disabilities from birth on. Automatically including the personal struggles that can come from it. If not enough, that has only gotten bigger and deeper with years of working at the forfront of special needs lobbying, support, gouverning and what not more. It has learned me a lot, including strengthening my vision spelled out above. I will be the first to be on the phone at 3 am if somebody has a breakdown, even if it isn't part of my function or I've finally fallen asleep. I will be the first to know there can be emotional challenges that can seem unsolvable. Somehow have become a pretty "known" name in my part of the world when it goes to going to WDW with any type of disability and do my fare share of handing on what I do know and refer to the proper channels. Have taken quite a few folks "along for the ride" for some hours while on my own trip to be that "security blanket" when first getting their feet wet and still a bit scared.

Call it my blind spot if one will, but this is a hot button for me.

 

[ttintagel]

Now if that stamp didn't exist apparently there wouldn't be such an issue with people 'cheating the system' now would there?
Posted from Disney Forums Reader for Android

The only reason there's an "issue" is because able-bodied people get their noses out of joint whenever they imagine that an accommodation for the disabled is somehow an "advantage." In other words, there ISN'T really an "issue" except in public perception.

Yes, there will sometimes be shorter waits at the alternate entrance. But it all depends on external conditions like time of day, number of people waiting, traffic congestion, etc. You don't get a shorter wait because *you need a shorter wait,* you get a shorter wait *when it works out that way.*

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

You don't get a shorter wait because *you need a shorter wait,* you get a shorter wait *when it works out that way.*

Very well said.

 

[camper06]

I was reading a trip report last week and the poster said they were given a "super fast pass". When someone asked what that was, she stated it was called a Guest Assistance Card! I think she stated that a friend or uncle worked at disney and was able to get it for them.

Is it possible that employees are able to give out GAC's to friends/relatives with a stamp that does give front of the line access?