Anyone had trouble getting a GAC?

[KathyRN137]

We have been to WDW three times with our autistic son and never had any difficulty obtaining a GAC when we explained the accommodations needed. Brought a doctor's note, too.

If this happens again, politely ask to speak with a supervisor in Guest Services; it appears that this CM was either misinformed or that he misunderstood what accommodations you were requesting.

Kathy

 

[DaisyD]

My mom didn't have any problem getting one two weeks ago but did get the wrong one at first. The CM gave her one that lets her use all standard wheelchair entrances. She doesn't use a wheelchair. She cannot stand too long but does try to walk a bit. We get to Pooh and the CM tells us that we cannot use the fasspass lane like we have alway done in the past because we were given the wrong type of GAC. All the other CMs let us use the fasspass except the one at Pooh the rest of the day. The next day we stopped again at the guest service and was given a pass with two arrows on it. That pass allowed us to use all alternative entrances which meant all fasspass entrances and handicapped ones if they had one. It was wonderful to be able to allow my mom to bypass those lines and avoid the heat. The CM also told us to keep the GAC from trip to trip and that they will just issue the same type with new dates for us.

 

[dclfun]

Juliah- in a sense what you are describing is stamina and endurance concerns even WITH the use of a wheelchair which would necessitate the use of a GAC vs. just using the w/c for alternate entrances. ---Kathy

 

[SueM in MN]

Juliah- in a sense what you are describing is stamina and endurance concerns even WITH the use of a wheelchair which would necessitate the use of a GAC vs. just using the w/c for alternate entrances. ---Kathy

That's what I was trying to say, but you said it much better.

 

[Juliah]

Sue and Kathy,

You both said it well! Thank you--now I get it.

Any suggestions on what to say in order to obtain the GAC under those circumstances?

 

[taximomfor4]

Juliah,
I will try to answer from the explanations I got from Guest Services. CM's are NOT supposed to send people with GAC's through the Fastpass line all the time. In fact, she assured me that there is no stamp for that at all.

What many with autistic kids need is somewhere to wait other than the crowded, loud, hustle and bustle line. I know, for my dd, she will completely freak out after just 10 minutes with people jostling and the constant din of many conversations. Let alone the decorations and lights in many lines. A quiet or less busy place to wait is not the same as not waiting. We definitely attempt to get FP, for FP attractions. That is what is written on the bottom of the FP cards, so we do it since that is Doing Our Part. For us, the GAC is better for, like, Haunted Mansion because we cannot do the stretching room -- waaaaay to overstimulating.

For us, the wait for some rides (Spaceship Earth) is often very long, but we don't go through the spacey lit-up line -- we wait in a quiet spot away from others. We often wait quite long, even when the ride is walkon for the regular line but the stimulation in that line is crazy for dd.

THere are, I must say, many rides we miss because of the line and lack of FP (teacups comes to mind). We have not ever even seen anyone to ask, as nobody is near the exit.

I know they CM's should be having you wait the "Average weight time" for the standby line, and THEN let you through the FP line. If they have not done that, and just govern the GACs like golden fastpasses, then they are doing a dangerous disservice to the GAC...the abuse could become rampant.

I hope, in my rambling, distracted way that I answered your question -- from my own perspective and experience.

 

[DaisyD]

Juliah,
I will try to answer from the explanations I got from Guest Services. CM's are NOT supposed to send people with GAC's through the Fastpass line all the time. In fact, she assured me that there is no stamp for that at all.

What many with autistic kids need is somewhere to wait other than the crowded, loud, hustle and bustle line. I know, for my dd, she will completely freak out after just 10 minutes with people jostling and the constant din of many conversations. Let alone the decorations and lights in many lines. A quiet or less busy place to wait is not the same as not waiting. We definitely attempt to get FP, for FP attractions. That is what is written on the bottom of the FP cards, so we do it since that is Doing Our Part. For us, the GAC is better for, like, Haunted Mansion because we cannot do the stretching room -- waaaaay to overstimulating.

For us, the wait for some rides (Spaceship Earth) is often very long, but we don't go through the spacey lit-up line -- we wait in a quiet spot away from others. We often wait quite long, even when the ride is walkon for the regular line but the stimulation in that line is crazy for dd.

THere are, I must say, many rides we miss because of the line and lack of FP (teacups comes to mind). We have not ever even seen anyone to ask, as nobody is near the exit.

I know they CM's should be having you wait the "Average weight time" for the standby line, and THEN let you through the FP line. If they have not done that, and just govern the GACs like golden fastpasses, then they are doing a dangerous disservice to the GAC...the abuse could become rampant.

I hope, in my rambling, distracted way that I answered your question -- from my own perspective and experience.

My mom has issues besides fatigue. She cannot tolerate heat much and has to stay out of the sun. In all the years we have gone and have gotten a GAC we have always been allowed in the fasspass line. This isn't something new. It is the alternative entrance. When we go to Haunted Mansion we get to the handicapped entrance and go right to the stretching room. We have never been asked to stay anywhere and wait til the time has passed as if you are waiting in the regular line. Disney has always done this for us and those that get a GAC with the alternative entrance. I highly doubt the GAC could be in danger of this as it has been happening since fasspass was invented.

 

[taximomfor4]

My mom has issues besides fatigue. She cannot tolerate heat much and has to stay out of the sun. In all the years we have gone and have gotten a GAC we have always been allowed in the fasspass line. This isn't something new. It is the alternative entrance. When we go to Haunted Mansion we get to the handicapped entrance and go right to the stretching room. We have never been asked to stay anywhere and wait til the time has passed as if you are waiting in the regular line. Disney has always done this for us and those that get a GAC with the alternative entrance. I highly doubt the GAC could be in danger of this as it has been happening since fasspass was invented.

I was only saying what the GAC's say on the bottom of them. The card itself, not the stamp.

I don't mean to say the GAC is "in danger" ... I just mean that WDW directs us, on the GAC, to get FP where available, so I do that. It also clearly states that it is not intended to lessen waiting times, and sometimes they are not kidding!

I feel like, with the GAC, they are offering a wonderful tool that gives my dd the ability to take a WDW trip. If WDW wants me to get a FP where available, I will happily continue to do so.

I know from reading these boards that I am not the only person with GAC who has been given the slip of paper. Maybe some of the others will come to share their experiences.

 

[BillSears]

I know from reading these boards that I am not the only person with GAC who has been given the slip of paper. Maybe some of the others will come to share their experiences.

I don't get a GAC because I use a wheelchair. However on rides where the wheelchair accessible line is the fastpass line and the fastpasses are already given out for the day or I can't get a fastpass because I have one for another ride I have always been given a slip of paper with a return time eqaul to the standby line wait time.

I've always felt that all of those with a GAC should be doing the same since the GAC isn't supposed to be a front of the line pass. But...I've learned some tolerance from reading the boards here and I try not to judge others.

 

[taximomfor4]

But...I've learned some tolerance from reading the boards here and I try not to judge others.

You and I are much alike, I think. I cannot believe how much I have learned from these boards in the past year and a half! (And I don't just mean what I learned about WDW!) It's definitely what keeps me coming back. Sometimes I am amazed to learn how much I have left to learn.


...............Now back to your regularly scheduled message board!!

 

[DaisyD]

I don't get a GAC because I use a wheelchair. However on rides where the wheelchair accessible line is the fastpass line and the fastpasses are already given out for the day or I can't get a fastpass because I have one for another ride I have always been given a slip of paper with a return time eqaul to the standby line wait time.

I've always felt that all of those with a GAC should be doing the same since the GAC isn't supposed to be a front of the line pass. But...I've learned some tolerance from reading the boards here and I try not to judge others.

In all our visits, usually 30 days a year every year we have never been given any slip of paper. I've never heard of such a thing. I do hope no one is judged for something they have NEVER experienced. When we first started using a GAC we simply flashed it to the CMs and let them tell us what to do as we were unfamiliar with the whole process and what was to happen. We have been told over the years by the CMs that this particular GAC is exactly for going through the fasspass when that is an alternative entrance. I do know the GAC has on it about it not being a head of the line deal and it never is. Getting in with other fasspass users still has us waiting. We don't get ahead of those with fasspasses which I wouldn't think happen. I see nothing wrong with showing the GAC to the CM at the entrance to the ride and letting them tell us what to do. It has always worked for us and we will continue to do so.

 

[SueM in MN]

I was only saying what the GAC's say on the bottom of them. The card itself, not the stamp.

I don't mean to say the GAC is "in danger" ... I just mean that WDW directs us, on the GAC, to get FP where available, so I do that. It also clearly states that it is not intended to lessen waiting times, and sometimes they are not kidding!

I feel like, with the GAC, they are offering a wonderful tool that gives my dd the ability to take a WDW trip. If WDW wants me to get a FP where available, I will happily continue to do so.

I know from reading these boards that I am not the only person with GAC who has been given the slip of paper. Maybe some of the others will come to share their experiences.

I totally agree with you here.
We have also at times been given a slip of paper with a return time (even when all the Fastpasses have not been handed out for the day). Because of my DD's multiple needs, we do get a GAC that allows for use of alternate entrances.

I also agree with what is written in the disABILITIES FAQs thread about GACs (and I don't agree only because I wrote it)

• the GAC is not meant to be a pass that gives immediate access. In fact, about 6 years ago, they renamed it to Card because when it was called a Pass, people thought it mean front of the line access. It says right on the card that it will not shorten or eliminate waits in line.
• it is meant as a tool to tell the CMs what the person's needs are so that they can provide appropriate accomidation for the person it was issued to. Some examples of accomidations might be a quieter place to wait, a place out of the sun (for those times when the line is in the sun for a prolonged period of time), using a stroller as a wheelchair, avoiding stairs.
• even if you have a GAC, not all accomidations are available at each attraction (especially, some may not have a place to sit)
• because what is stamped on the GAC is based on needs, not all GACs say the same thing.
• think of the GAC like an insurance card, not necessarily needed or used all the time, but there for when you need it.
• even on the same attraction, the GAC is not always handled the same each time.
• Exactly what happens depends on how busy it is, how many other people with special needs are there at the time and staffing. Some times you may be sent thru the regular standby line, occassionally the fastpass line; sometimes the person with the GAC and a member of their party will be given an alternate place to wait while the rest of the party goes thru the standby line - and then meet up with them when they get to the front. Sometimes you might be given a slip and told you can come back at the time written on the slip (usually equal to the standby time); very occassionally, you might be taken right in. It depends on what they call "attraction considerations" (which is basically the things I listed in the second sentence).
• Fastpass is a good way to avoid waits in line. You don't have to be present to get a fastpass, you can send one member of your party ahead with all the park passes to get fastpasses. When you report back to the ride at your fastpass return time, your wait will be 15 minutes or less.

That information was originally written in answers I made to questions about GACs. It came from talking to Guest Services and attractions CMs and guests.
It ended up in the disABILITIES FAQs thread because I got tired of typing it out and because each time I did type it out, I would get PMs/emails from CMs asking what park I worked in because it was so much like what they had been taught/were doing. I even got one from someone working in Guest Relations that asked if I was a Guest Relations Supervisor or just worked in Guest Relations.
That was when I decided it needed to go in the FAQs. I am not a CM at any park and never have been. I'm just a parent of a child with multiple needs and I was interested in getting accurate information out to people with special needs. I figured that the comments I got from CMs meant this was pretty accurate information.

 

[BillSears]

In all our visits, usually 30 days a year every year we have never been given any slip of paper. I've never heard of such a thing. I do hope no one is judged for something they have NEVER experienced.

I apologize if you took my comment as judging you. Like I said I'm trying not to judge anyone because I don't know what peoples needs are and what truely is allowed by the rules. I was just posting my experiences.

 

[SueM in MN]

We have been told over the years by the CMs that this particular GAC is exactly for going through the fasspass when that is an alternative entrance..................................I see nothing wrong with showing the GAC to the CM at the entrance to the ride and letting them tell us what to do. It has always worked for us and we will continue to do so.

NOTE to readers: Not all GACs have the same messages stamped on them or allow the same accomidations. The accomidations are based on the needs of the person the GAC was issued to.

That may be exactly what you have experienced and no one is saying that you are wrong. I think what is being said (at least what I mean to say) is that there is a possibility that someone might be told something other than to come into the Fastpass line when they show a GAC that allows alternative entrances (which is basically what you have said - "showing the GAC to the CM at the entrance to the ride and leting them tell us what to do").
Some people don't understand the "letting them tell us what to do" point and I have seen/heard angry people because they expected they would always be treated exactly the same way at each attraction and on each visit to the same attraction. Depending on conditions when you arrive at the attraction, that might not be the case.

So, the things I wrote about the GAC not always being handled the same are not what should or necessarily will happen, but what could happen .

We have gotten slips of paper a number of times when we showed the GAC to the CM at the entrance to an attraction. It may be that you came at times when they were able to take you right away and we didn't. We have had trips where we rode something one day and were sent to the Fastpass line and rode the next day and got a slip of paper with a return time. I have talked to/written to many other people who had the same experience. Attractions I can remember we have gotten slips before were Haunted Mansion, Voyage of the Little Mermaid, Test Track and Living with the Land. I have seen people get slips at Spaceship Earth.

From talking to CMs, I know some of the reasons they might give out slips with a return time include:
- the waiting area is too full
- there were already as many people with special needs in the attraction as fire rules allow
- the number of CMs were at the minimum for the attraction and if we came back later, they would have more staff and could better meet our needs

Someone coming to the parks at a busy time might be more likely to run into one of those situations. Someone coming at less busy times might never run into those situations.

Some of the reasons they might bring someone into the Fastpass line right away might include:
- there are a lot of CMs at the attraction right now, but they will be starting breaks soon and will be at minimum later on; if they load you now, you would be done before they start breaks
- no one is waiting in the special needs or loading area
- the Standby line is short (so your wait would be pretty much the same, no matter which line you were in)

I know from talking to CMs that they give out the GAC that allows alternate entrances rather sparingly and people have been told in the past to not always expect to use the alternate entrance right away.

When we got our first GAC that allowed us to use an alternate entrance, the CM gave us a little set of 'instructions' that they asked us to please follow:
The first thing was that if the standby line was 15 minutes or less, we should always use that and not use the GAC, if possible.
The second thing was to treat the GAC as insurance, not necessarily to use it on every attraction.
After Fastpass came into being, I asked if that changed the use of the GAC and was told they would appreciate people to get and use Fastpasses, if possible and use the GAC for times when it was not possible for us to get a Fastpass.

We got our first GAC for DD quite a few years ago and I have talked with people who got one about the same time (around 1999) who got the same instructions. People I have talked to who have gotten GACs more recently have mostly reported just being given a GAC and not told too much about how to use it.

Although Fastpass has changed things, in the past, WDW has at time highly restricted giving out GACs because there was the impression/perception that 'too many' were being distributed. That's the 'danger' that was mentioned.

 

[taximomfor4]

People I have talked to who have gotten GACs more recently have mostly reported just being given a GAC and not told too much about how to use it.

SueM, We got our first GAC last March (2005). You are right, we were not told much at all about it. We were told to show it to the first CM at the attraction for standby waits of 15+ minutes, if no FP were available.

That said, I have not ever had a problem getting a GAC for DD's more apparent needs, just her more subtle ones. But I HAVE had problems using it!! Beauty and the Beast show comes to mind. That was just ugly!!

Oh, and who could forget our fiasco at Tarzan ROcks (Thanks, MommyToMJ for rescuing our confused doopahs that day!) And Festival of the Lion King too. (Noticing the theme with shows, here? DD8 cannot handly rides well at all so we don't do many of them).

 

[MightyMom]

Having just returned from a June trip to Disney World I will tell you our experience with the GAC.

Our son has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. He also has a visual impairment.

Upon arriving at the Magic Kingdom the first day I went to town hall and spoke to a cast member. I didn't have to explain his mobility issues since it was obvious because he was in a wheelchair. I only told her about his visual impairment and asked for a GAC that would allow him to sit towards the front in any show or ride.

She gladly gave us a GAC with two stamps.
1) Allow guests to sit in the front row of theaters or ride vehicles were applicable.
2) Guests can use an alternate attraction entrance where available.

We did use the GAC on several occasions. I am thankful that such a system is operation. I am also fearful that the overuse and misuse of the GAC will end this operation.

I was waiting at the accessible entrance to Big Thunder Mountain with my son and my niece. As we were waiting a rather large party came in and stood behind us. There was a older woman in a wheelchair who told all the younger people around her that she did NOT want to get on the ride. One of the people in her party told her she could chicken out at the last minute, but to stay with them so they could gain entrance without waiting.

I was appalled, but chose to keep my mouth shut since I was way out numbered. The ride attendent approached them and asked how many were in their party... they said six.... but after the attendant counted it turned out there was actually nine.

We were escorted in first, and they were asked to wait outside. I don't know what happened with that party.... but I'm sure it is that kind of party that will eventually lead to the demise of the GAC program.

 

[LisaBi]

NOTE to readers: Not all GACs have the same messages stamped on them or allow the same accomidations. The accomidations are based on the needs of the person the GAC was issued to.

......

Although Fastpass has changed things, in the past, WDW has at time highly restricted giving out GACs because there was the impression/perception that 'too many' were being distributed. That's the 'danger' that was mentioned.

I didn't want to copy your whole post - but thanks! That's a great post -some good insight into why things are different, even on the same day at the same attraction. We also have been given slips of paper in busier times - even without a GAC but with a wheelchair on attractions where the w/c accessbile entrance is the FP entrance (like Space Mountain) or the exit (like TT when the elevator is broken.)

My only problem is DS understanding the "come back later" concept. (He has Downs). I wish they could come up with a system to allow "immediate" access after a wait the child isn't aware of - oh wait, that's FP! But it's usually just DS and I, so I can't send someone else to get FPs.

He's OK if we can get in line but move thru different waiting spots - like TT, where you wind thru the display area (but not too slowly). Then wait in the holding area. Then wait in the "viewing room". The wait at the loading area. But it all that were one single wait in a single area - MELTDOWN! I guess to him, four 10 minute waits is OK, but one 40 minute wait - no way!

The other thing that he's not OK with is "lets go ride attraction X now" - then having to come back in an hour instead. We'd be much better off to get in line and wait than to wait outside. While an hour wait inside might set him off, waiting an hour to even get in line defintely WILL set him off. (Same issue whether we get a FP or a slip of paper). Also, an issue we have with using FP is that I don't know that we'll still be in the park in an hour or two, much less 3 or 4 hours later. Our average park day is only 4 hours - maybe 5 with a meal. We do try to go only during slow times anymore - and that helps SO much!

I just can't plan with him - not even "we'll see B&B, then go ride GMR, then eat dinner". What he does (or doesn't want) to do an given moment changes so drastically. Oh, how many good meals we've missed because of last minute changes.

OK - It's late and I going on and on. Sorry.

LisaB

 

[travelitis]

"I've always felt that all of those with a GAC should be doing the same since the GAC isn't supposed to be a front of the line pass. But...I've learned some tolerance from reading the boards here and I try not to judge others"

I want to commend you for this comment and for realizing that certain disabilities make it too hard for some people to utilize Fastpass. Some people simply could not experience Disney if they had to go get the Fastpass, wait, and then backtrack. A wheelchair is not enough assistance for everyone with mobility issues. Even before we had someone in our family who fell into that category, I was happy to wait a few extra minutes while others, whose circumstances I do not envy, went ahead. In fact, I was glad to see them not wait in the same line.

 

[disneygal66]

Our experience with the GAC was pretty good on our first ever trip in Nov 2005. I have a DS with NVLD, Anxiety and ADHD and a DS with ASD. The CM at DS-MGM didn't even ask us why we needed the GAC- just gave it us. We used it a handful of times to avoid the waits (not a pretty site when they have to wait more than a few minutes) or to be near an exit during shows etc. I have learned that just because a disability is not visible, doesn't mean that it doesn't exist. I am sure that people abuse it and eventually it will be changed in some way but for now, I hope everyone who is entitled to it can get it.

 

[JenJen]

I have asked Disneyland several times to have a "wait time slip" for Space Mountain. I have a friend that can not wait in a crowd because of a mental disorder and the line at the exit of space mountain is really bad. I have offered to get a fast pass and come back to the exit later in the day. Come back when ever they ask. They did it once but it took a lead and a supervisor for them to get it done it was a joke (took 20 minutes and he was so mad he would not ride). We no longer ride that attraction.
We have made a decision not to visit the parks until the 50 th is over and things slow down. We have not been there in months. We lost a few months on our passes :-( But the GAC we were given did not accomidate us enough. The card works great for my spectrium Kids but not for my friend. He needs to be away from the line and other guest. He can not feel like he is surrounded at all. Waiting is not an issue at all in fact at universal we waited for everything they just gave us a time to come back it worked perfect!