Anyone Just Back Who Used the GAC?

[MEM]

Has anyone recently returned from WDW and used the GAC for your child with a diagnosis on the PDD-Autism Spectrum?

We have used the GAC on four previous trips but recent threads here have indicated that the fastpass line is no longer allowed as an alternate entrance? Is it true or a misunderstanding? I heard that the icons have changed on the card and possibly the special considerations given.

Is this your experience based on a recent trip? I am asking because it will mean a vastly different touring plan for my family later this month and I need to plan.

 

[SueM in MN]

We last used a GAC in March and they have not been changed since then that I am aware of. DisneyLand changed their Special Assistance Card in January to be more in line with the way WDW does it. WDW cards are based on the needs of the person; the ones at DL were all the same, regardless of the needs.

Basically, what WDW did was change the GAC (Guest Assistance Cards) from having a long message that told what accomidations the person with a disability needed. The message was pretty wordy and CMs often didn't take the time to read it (which they really needed to do since the messages all "looked" pretty much the smae with a quick glance). Instead of the long message, they changed to an easy to interpret icon, accompanied by a few words. That makes it easier for the CM to quickly look at the GAC and see what is needed. That change occurred last fall sometime. They did not change the "workings" of the cards; just what was on them. They also did a lot of education so that CMs would know where/what the alternative entrance for their attraction was and how to handle the card.
We used DD's card sparingly when we were there in March, but found CMs were much more knowledgable about what to do with the card than on prior trips.

I don't want to get into a lot of specifics because I have recently been told that some people who do not have special needs have been using information from bulletin boards like this to request a GAC. Sad, but I do believe it's probably true, since I overheard a conversation once between 2 CMs at a show about people with fake Make a Wish cards.

 

[gritzel4]

We took a trip to WDW in July and received a GAC for our DS6 who has ASD. We had no problem's obtaining the GAC at Guest Relations - Son was having a melt down just waiting in that line . We were able to use the Fast Pass lines and only had one problem on our last day with an irrate woman who threw a fit because the CM made her family wait 10 minutes until thier fast pass times arrived - yet CM let us (and I quote) "waltz in because we flashed a card". After the ride - she stalked us and demanded to know what the card was and how she could get one. I smiled and walked away.

All the CMs were great - especially Pete from the Pirates of the Carribean. He took us around the back entrance and was very helpful.

Hope you have a great trip.

 

[Safari Steve]

Just wanted to throw in that -especially with the alternate entrance GAC- the procedures for each attraction can change based on attendance and staffing, so the FastPass entrance may not be the most appropriate route sometimes. The CMs at each attraction will direct you in the most appropriate way. No promise or guarantee is made that immediate access will be granted, and it is possible that you will wait longer than the standard queue when using an alternate entrance.

 

[SueM in MN]

Originally posted by Safari Steve
Just wanted to throw in that -especially with the alternate entrance GAC- the procedures for each attraction can change based on attendance and staffing, so the FastPass entrance may not be the most appropriate route sometimes. The CMs at each attraction will direct you in the most appropriate way. No promise or guarantee is made that immediate access will be granted, and it is possible that you will wait longer than the standard queue when using an alternate entrance.

We have seen exactly what Safari Steve is talking about.
The alternative entrance is meant to be an appropriate entrance based on the needs of the person with a disability. For someone who gets a GAC that allows use of alternative entrances, that usually means a quieter, less crowded place to wait. Sometimes, we've waited longer than the currect standby line time, but just in a spot more suited to our needs. Sometimes, we have waited the same amount of time as the standby line , but in a more private place. Sometimes, we've been given a card with a time to come back. And, at times, we have used the fastpass return line. But, not always. And, if you talk to a lot of people, you will find that the procedure is not an "always- the-same,written-in-stone" type thing. In order to meet the needs of the guests and the attraction, it has to vary based on conditions.

 

[barrysprot36]

We came back from WDW on 10th Aug, we had been there 14 nights. Our DS is 12 & has to use a wheelchair as he gets so tired. We went to City Hall in MK to say (with medical letters) what disabilities he has inc. ASD & * (this is so no-one can copy). They gave us a card straight away that said we could use alternative entrance where available.

When we got a fast pass for one ride we were told we didn't need to do this with the GAC card. Also one cast member told us we didn't need to wait in line for characters, just show the card although when we tried to do this the next time the cast member there told us to wait in line. We did wait in line for the rest of the time.

Barry

 

[Safari Steve]

Sorry about the misinformation regarding character greetings. The GAC has never been for character greetings as it is simply operationally impossible. Correct information regarding the GAC is constantly repeated to CMs, but it's difficult to get 50,000+ people all on the same page about everything.

 

[reikimom]

I wanted to thank everyone here for the GAC information that was provided. Our trip last year to Disney was kind of a nightmare because our son (then 11) was ramping up to a diagnosis of bipolar disorder but had not yet been diagnosed and was not on proper meds. He had a very hard time with the crowds and waiting, etc., and had several horrible meltdowns at the parks. This year I had his psych practitioner write out his dx (BPD and ADHD) on a prescription pad and I took it with us to the parks. I got two separate GACs because we went on different days and did not know what our schedule would be ahead of time. The first day (Epcot) I did not have him use the card at all. He had a little bit of a hard time and by the evening was pretty much a mess. The second day (MGM) I got one again, still not planning on using it. When we were getting in line for Who Wants to be a Millionaire, the CM saw the GAC in the backpack pocket and sent us right over to the fastpass line. For the rest of the day we used the card and the CMs were all wonderful. As a result my son really enjoyed that day and was in great shape even at the end of the night. I was very clear to him that we were not going to abuse the card, and he was fine with that.

Also, just for anyone's info, I also used his dx paper to get pre-boarding on Southwest Airlines. Because they don't assign seats, he usually works himself up into a complete panic before we even get on the plane. Southwest was very good about letting us preboard and he had much better flights because of it.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

I have a handicapped placard that I use occasionally. I have good days and bad ones. I am careful not to use it when I do not really need it and when I do I try to use the furtherest handicapped parking spot as many are more disabled than I am.

I am wondering if it would be right or wrong for me to get a GAC card to use in a similar manner. Sometimes I need one, sometimes I don't and it is subject to change hour to hour sometimes, depending on many factors.

There are many degrees of disability and I would not want to do someone else worse off out of anything. BTW, I look pretty darned healthy usually.

Slightly Goofy/Linda

 

[reikimom]

Hi Linda,

I would definitely get one. There is no obligation to use it....you may carry it with you the whole time and never need it. However, if using it is going to make your visit more pleasant and prevent future problems (like using up all of your energy in one day and then not being able to enjoy the parks after that) it is worth it. My son has an invisible disability. To look at him you would not know that he has difficulty (unless he is having an extreme meltdown), but he has an extremely difficult time holding it together for an entire day of hot sun and crowds. I would not have used it if I thought he didn't need it. The whole family suffers when he has a tough time., and once he loses it, it's pretty much over for the day. The GAC helped him, and us, prevent potential problems and really be able to enjoy our family trip. Isn't that vacation is all about?

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

reikimom. thank you for your input. I try awfully hard to do what is right but sometimes it is hard to know what is right. I often ask myself if I really need a closer space or are being lazy or something. I hope not.

I am usually alright going into the parks but after a bit it gets very hard. We are staying for 16 days so that we can meander and have lots of sitting time, when needed.

I will sit in a wheelchair when the times comes but hope to avoid it as long as possible. With my weight (even though I have lost a lot) it would not be good for me not move at all.

I am glad to hear that you were able to accomodate your son and make it easier for all concerned. If he had a meltdown it would not be good for anyone around him either. LOL I have days like that myself. Hope you get to come back soon.

SG/Linda

 

[Figaro]

Hi, Slightly Goofy!

My understanding is that the GAC's are for people with non-visible disabilities and are not given out for stamina problems or difficulty with walking due to pain or other problems. The WDW Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities advises people that have difficulty with stamina or are unable to walk the distances at WDW should rent a wheelchair or ECV. I use a wheelchair and before the majority of lines were shaded, would need a GAC so that I could wait in a shaded area out of the sun, since my medications make me so incredibly sun sensitive.

At the top of the board is a great FAQ with a lot of good information on renting ECV's/wheelchairs from off-site vendors.

Hope you have a great trip!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi Figaro

I have COPD and fibromyalgia so how I feel really depends on a lot of things. If I had something that would hold other people up by not using a wheelchair I would but since I do not and the exercise, while wearing sometimes, is good for my condition I am staying out of them. I have lost about 90 pounds and while it has helped quite a bit there are some things that will never change. The GAC seems made for me as I can use it when needed or appropriate and it does not cause anyone else any inconvenience since I am not going to the head of the line or anything.

Thank you to the people who run this board and offer such helpful information. Without you I would have never known about the GAC and how it worked. I had never asked about such help in the past because it was my understanding that all handicapped people went to the front of the line and I was not comfortable with that.

See you in October. Won't win a footrace but will be moving anyway. LOL

Slightly Goofy/Linda

 

[Nik's Mom]

We had a GAC on our last trip, but they never asked for a doctors note. Did they change that policy? Do I need a doctor's note now? Should the doctor just write what his disability is, or should he give more detail?

 

[SueM in MN]

Some people feel more comforable asking for a GAC with doctor's letter, but it is not a necessity.

 

[mommie2angels]

Safari Steve or anyone else that can answer this. We very seldom have a problem with the rides. We have two daughters in wheelchairs who are not able to walk or stand. One of the wheelchairs folds up and the other one doesn't. We love the Pirates of the Carribean but it's very hard to carry our oldest daughter whose wheelchair doesn't fold up. She is not able to support herself enough to use one of the wheelchairs provided at the entrance of the ride. Is there not an alternate entrance at all to this ride? gritzel4, can you tell me more about the entrance ya'll used. Thanks in advance!

 

[Safari Steve]

Pirates does not have an alternate entrance. Sometimes , if the queue is excessively long, GKTW families might be escorted around the building in an effort to bypass the queue (remember why these folks truly can not spend excess time in queues), however, this is not the standard procedure for 99% of guests as it goes through off-stage Non-Guest areas. In any event, this procedure would not help a person whose wheelchair does not fold, as the load/unload areas are on opposite ends of the building. Regardless of how one gets to the loading area, the chair they use (if they use one) must be folded and placed in the back of the boat. It seems like the CM made an exception for gritzel4 which they are not required -nor encouraged- to make (for whatever reasons, I will not speculate).
Sorry.

 

[SueM in MN]

One time, when it was exceptionally quiet and exceptionally well staffed, we were able to keep DD in her own wheelchair for the whole line. The CM then took her wheelchair to the unload area and it was waiting for us. That was once, a long time ago and I doubt that it's more than a once in a lifetime experience. As Steve mentioned, the load and unload areas are actually in 2 different buildings, so it would require a special set of circumstances (and quite a bit of CM time) to move a wheelchair from boarding to unloading. The unload is even a floor below the load area. There is no way to load a wheelchair party at the exit and then ride on thru to the regular boarding area for Pirates (after the unload arrea, the boats go thru an area with only enough clearance above them for the boats to go thru).

If your non-folding wheelchair is not too big or too heavy, there might be an alternative. On our last trip, we explained to the "greeting" CM that DD just would not be able to ride in one of the loaner wheelchairs and she is much too big to carry. The CM looked at DD's non-folding wheelchair and said that if we could take DD out for boarding, they should be able to load it on board the boat since the wheelchair was narrow, not too long and not that heavy. The final decision would be the load CM's, so we might have to wait in line and then not be able to board. At the boarding and exit areas, we still had to deal with the metal bars that separate the areas into rows for orderly boarding. When we got to loading, the CM had us get on, he saved the row behind us and lifted the wheelchair into that seat. He said it was not that much harder than hoisting in one of the rental folding wheelchairs. The wheelchair rode with us and at the exit, the CM took it out so we could put her back in.
Another alternative that we have used in the past is to have one of us sit in the loaner wheelchair and hold DD. Then get out at boarding, have the CM fold the wheelchair and load it into the boat. That worked OK for a few years while DD was small enough to hold (sje's much too big to do that now) and we had enough people to push the wheelchair.

 

[Poohnatic]

I've used the GAC twice in the past two weeks.

No problems getting an appropriate one for my ASD son. Now that we live an hour away, we only needed them for the day.

Sometimes we wait longer in the alternative area, but segregated from the crowds. My son can be okay in a line, but more often, he isn't. The only one that we can consistantly go through without a meltdown is Peter Pan's Flight...probably because he can see the 'boats' the whole time he's waiting in the queue.

Suzanne

 

[sadeeyore]

Hi
We used the GAC during our two week stay (14th - 28th August) this year, for our DS who is eight and has autism. The wording is a little different on the GAC but it didn't make any difference to how we were treated. It worked really well . Although we didn't need to use it as much as we have done on our previous holiday as it wasn't so busy.
Also went to Universal and used their GAC which worked really well too .
Had an amazing time at both parks