Article: Is Disney Dissing the Disabled?

[Objectivity]

Yes! And if CHANGE in their routine is such a horrible experience for the child, along with waiting in lines and not liking crowds etc...then why in the world does dragging them to WDW sound like a good idea to anyone? Sounds like a set up FOR disaster...not a vacation.

By your definition, every day of those parents lives is a disaster. It's not something they choose to go through at Disney, it's something they have no choice about every day. They want to go to Disney in an effort to give their child a taste of normal, something you take for granted with your extreme case of entitlement. They don't deserve a better experience than you, but accommodations to ensure they can get as close to the same experience is entirely appropriate.

Stop worrying that someone may be getting something that you are not. Their existence, in no way, makes your life less complete.

Now, if you want to complain about legitimate system abusers - those without legitimate medical diagnoses or those who use old cards to cheat the system - then you'll find few people disagreeing with you.

You know, I probably wouldn't feel like this if there weren't sooo many people out there claiming that their child is on the spectrum, when probably half of them just have behavioral issues. I've seen it, and I'm all too aware that people are not doing their jobs as parents these days. I just don't buy that every other kid nowadays has something wrong with them that makes it okay to not ever have to do anything they don't want to do. If things are THIS bad then the human race needs to stop breeding because all of these kids are going to grow up and breed themselves and within just a few generations we are going to be nothing but arm flapping, upset, I can eat nothing but pizza and nuggets people. And as odd as this sounds, I'm not even trying to be mean or insensitive! Just honest!

Wow. Where is your medical degree from again? There's probably a lot in what you're saying that I would agree with, at some level, but it's so clouded by hate that thinking that makes me feel bad about myself.

It doesn't matter what you buy and what you agree with. Disney is not going to make policy based on the opinion of a person (or group of people) who have purposefully decided to not educate themselves but instead choose to make decisions based on outdated, uninformed and discriminatory opinions.

 

[MidwayState]

AMEN to that

One little spark

P.S. Midway's quote was 6 posts in. She quoted NO ONE that I can see in this thread to THAT POINT

I'll tell you this it's most un-disney

What does who I quote have to do with anything? I'm reading along and speaking my mind just like everyone else. When I agree with someone I agree, and when I don't I don't. Just because YOU don't like how I do it makes it wrong? Puuhleeze! My Helen Keller comment was because all these people are painting a picture of having kids that absolutely can NOT learn how to wait in line and that is the mental image that comes up for me of what their child is like. I think they are exaggerating and that was my point. If a child can NEVER comprehend anything, then wouldn't that be what that looks like?

 

[MidwayState]

Think about what you're typing.... no person here wants the run of the parks. THINK about that for just ONE second

If my child has to wait we won't be going back to Disney because it won't work for us.....that is what people are saying point blank. I don't know about you, but yeah, "run of the parks" sounds about right. It didn't take ONE second to come to that conclusion. It's been broadcast over and over that that is how they feel. How is anyone wrong in coming to that conclusion if it's been drilled into our heads over and over again? Some people will NOT do WDW if they can't get their kid on every ride instantly and in some cases multiple times in a row. What don't YOU get?

 

[MidwayState]

Helen Keller comment I agree completely inappropriate. The unicorn snowflake after being explained I really don't think was meant negatively or to hurt anyone. Sadly until you have a child or parent with a disability they just won't understand and trying to explain it won't make a difference. There just isn't anyway to explain it.

Sadly you missed the many many people that have already explained that they DO have a child or parent or spouse with disabilities but yet they STILL don't take advantage of the GAC!!! Is there an smiley somewhere that is ripping out their own hair here?

 

[MidwayState]

I think the pot is calling the kettle black. I reported you too. Everyone is trying to cope on a daily basis. One group of people does not have the trophy for 'most disabled', but that's how many of the parents with autistic children come off. To me, it comes of as a guilty conscience, but that's just my opinion.

I'm pretty sure you're on some HOA board somewhere too.

 

[Spoot]

Sadly you missed the many many people that have already explained that they DO have a child or parent or spouse with disabilities but yet they STILL don't take advantage of the GAC!!! Is there an smiley somewhere that is ripping out their own hair here?

Well, we do take advantage of the GAC (and I see no reason to feel ashamed that we do). However, we are also fully aware that the old ability to use it as an unlimited fast pass was a serious bonus (and we never used it to loop rides or more than once on the headliners). Also, my family is not threatening to never return now that the system has been changed - we will make the new system work (actually, I don't think that it will be hard to do so).

 

[MidwayState]

I think a more interesting and relative question is what actually qualifies someone for a GAC?

The psychiatric community is in a state of flux because what defines autism has changed so much over the years. Recently there was a paper suggesting 25% of children were autistic.

Same goes for the obese ECV rider. Disabled or just morbidly obese? Which came first? does it matter?

How bad should the autism be to qualify for a GAC? I have enocholiphobia, should I get a GAC because of that???

Just playing devils advocate here....

That is the entire issue IMO. People have been getting the GAC for anything from "my child can't handle being told no" to "I am insulin dependent". It's gotten ridiculous the excuses people use to skip the line and now Disney agrees and is trying to put a stop to it. Simple as that. Now the abusers are all in uproar because "technically" they DO have some form of what people MIGHT consider a disability so they think the rug has just been jerked out from under them.

 

[MidwayState]

That was my first comment in this thread and your comment was very judge mental of me. You cry people don't understand then tell me help me to understand because I truly don't see how they function in normal day to day life if a child can't wait more than 5 seconds for anything

Thank you! The reason you aren't getting an answer is because they would be embarrassed to admit that they have no good answer. They want to go to the front of the line over and over again because lets face it...who wouldn't? But they would feel like schmucks admitting that it's just super convenient and an awesome perk. That would make them look like jerks right? So the one or two that did answer claim that they never ever leave the house to do anything whatsoever so they never ever have to deal with their child having to wait on anything so waiting only ever applies at WDW. Or at least that is exactly what I have gathered from following along in this thread. If they meant to imply anything else, then they didn't do a good job of getting their point across I suppose.

 

[MidwayState]

Well, we do take advantage of the GAC (and I see no reason to feel ashamed that we do). However, we are also fully aware that the old ability to use it as an unlimited fast pass was a serious bonus (and we never used it to loop rides or more than once on the headliners). Also, my family is not threatening to never return now that the system has been changed - we will make the new system work (actually, I don't think that it will be hard to do so).

I appreciate your honesty. There is nothing wrong at all with using the GAC when needed. What I think everyone has a problem with are the people that have admitted to using it like you said to loop rides multiple times because Johnny just can't be told no, and letting him do what he wants is a better alternative than exposing everyone to his outburst. As if they are doing us some sort of favor? You are a prime example of someone that isn't an abuser. the only people that are mad are the ones that do abuse the GAC and now they are mad that WDW stepped in and made it harder for them to do so. You are confused about it because you aren't part of the problem. No one is upset that there is a GAC system in place. We're upset that it's been ruined and the ones that ruined it are the ones throwing a fit.

 

[MidwayState]

Warning here: I am going to make a generalized statement...

The argument of being able to only do so many attractions in a short period of time, is NO argument at all. The GAC/DAS was not created for that, it was never meant for that.

Where in Disney (website, brochures, moms panel, anywhere) does it say that each guest is entitled to a certain amount of rides?? There is no ride quota or minimum.

There are lots of guests that for whatever reason can not stay all day at a park. Disability or not. People with babies or young kids that need to nap, and elderly people are just 2 examples of many.

I don't think that anyone can expect Disney to let people go in lines and base the wait times on how long each individual family can spend in the park. That is ludicrous.

Yes because what is to stop people from then saying, "But I NEED to ride XYand Z before noon because we are going to Universal for the rest of the day. Disney isn't going to cater to whatever else plans you have....handicap or not. We ALL have excuses to why we want to skip the lines in that case. It's just dumb...use your heads. It's not Disney's problem that you brought someone there that can't handle the set up. They've done the best they could and went above and beyond and people took advantage....privilege gone.

 

[Granny square]

I appreciate your honesty. There is nothing wrong at all with using the GAC when needed. What I think everyone has a problem with are the people that have admitted to using it like you said to loop rides multiple times because Johnny just can't be told no, and letting him do what he wants is a better alternative than exposing everyone to his outburst. As if they are doing us some sort of favor? You are a prime example of someone that isn't an abuser. the only people that are mad are the ones that do abuse the GAC and now they are mad that WDW stepped in and made it harder for them to do so. You are confused about it because you aren't part of the problem. No one is upset that there is a GAC system in place. We're upset that it's been ruined and the ones that ruined it are the ones throwing a fit.

Thumbs up

 

[BigAlsGal]

I've been a teacher in Newtown, CT for 18 years, and also have two children with autism. One of the things I frequently say to my students is that fair doesn't mean everyone gets the same thing, fair means everyone gets what they need. Imagine what "equal" would look like in a typical classroom...the kids above grade level would be bored because they already mastered the curriculum, the at-risk children struggle because they don't have the tools to be successful, and the few "typical" children get what they need. This "equal" treatment would be a huge disservice to the bulk of the children. Fair would mean differentiating instruction so that each and every child gets what they need at their level. This may not be that different. In my case, fair would be waiting in the regular queue with my high-functioning daughter for Enchanted Tales with Belle, while my more affected son gets his sensory needs met using the GAC to ride Astro Orbiter. He wants to ride it, because it does fulfill a need...some sensory experience I can't quite understand that is satisfied both by the vertical elevator ride and the spinning cars. We won't ride it repeatedly, but we will revisit it over and over over the week. And we won't be gloating...we will be exhaling. With relief. With gratitude. Someone understands. Maybe fair does mean everyone gets what they need. I truly want that for every child,

I get what you're trying to say but education is vital, disney is not. Disney is a vacation destination. An amusement park. Food is a need. Love is a need. Riding a ride over and over because a child "needs" it is not the same thing as a child that needs food.

We are throwing that NEED word around so much its lost its meaning. I was taught IN SCHOOL that needs are 1. Clothes 2. Food. 3. Shelter 4. Love.

Need to ride a ride over and over. Or need to have immediate access?........please with all due respect.......give me a break.

 

[Disneylvr]

Well, we do take advantage of the GAC (and I see no reason to feel ashamed that we do). However, we are also fully aware that the old ability to use it as an unlimited fast pass was a serious bonus (and we never used it to loop rides or more than once on the headliners). Also, my family is not threatening to never return now that the system has been changed - we will make the new system work (actually, I don't think that it will be hard to do so).

Our family used GAC just like you did and share your feelings about the new system. We are anxiously awaiting reports starting tomorrow on the new DAS. Our daughter has what many term as low functioning autism (non-verbal etc...) but she is capable of learning that not everything can and will happen the instant she wants it, even in Disney. However, shorter waits were very helpful but waiting somewhere outside the long, over stimulating lines for a return time will probably work well too. We remain optimistic that Disney trips will still be an option for our family and we will be giving the DAS a try in the future.

 

[MidwayState]

I assume that the letter link quoted above is the one your referring to. If I am correct, why in fact it does say that...

"When we go to the parks, it's never an all-day affair. Like many children with ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome, and other autistic strains or afflictions that cut social outings short, we're there for a couple of hours at best.

Armed with charter annual passes and the Guest Assistance Card we've been able to tackle a lot before it's time to head out as the crowds storm in. We were never able to conquer as many rides and attractions as all-day guests despite paying as much. The new Disabled Assistance System will make visits by parents of autistic children even less productive before meltdowns and stern looks from judgmental park guests cut short treks even shorter."

Thank you. I would have never been able to find that post again. SO THERE OP! lol just kidding.

 

[sbelyo]

If my child has to wait we won't be going back to Disney because it won't work for us.....that is what people are saying point blank. I don't know about you, but yeah, "run of the parks" sounds about right. It didn't take ONE second to come to that conclusion. It's been broadcast over and over that that is how they feel. How is anyone wrong in coming to that conclusion if it's been drilled into our heads over and over again? Some people will NOT do WDW if they can't get their kid on every ride instantly and in some cases multiple times in a row. What don't YOU get?

What I don't get is why you're so hostile in this thread? All I wanted to point out is that some of your posts can offend people based on post #6. If they see it's coming directly from you and you haven't given some background on your statement it appears that your "Dissing" the handicapped.

I agree no one should have the run of the park, no one should be able to loop rides. If your posts are meant to agree with that then you don't have to be so hostile

 

[Disneylvr]

What I don't get is why you're so hostile in this thread? All I wanted to point out is that some of your posts can offend people based on post #6. If they see it's coming directly from you and you haven't given some background on your statement it appears that your "Dissing" the handicapped.

I agree no one should have the run of the park, no one should be able to loop rides. If your posts are meant to agree with that then you don't have to be so hostile

 

[MidwayState]

Now, I take offense at this statement:

I would think they should acknowledge it because his son is physically unable to wait in line. It has nothing to do with what he spent on a ticket.

you didn't quote what I was responding to. The op said that "despite paying the same amount for a ticket his son can do less that the average child because they can't stay as long." I responded to it the way it was put out there. It's not WDW's problem if you bring someone that can't stay long. That is your choice to do so. WDW is open the same amount of hours for everyone. They can't help that you can't stay. That's pushing it.

That of course is a matter of your own opinion on how it feels to be crippled. I can assure you that after laying down and resting my disability does not go away. That's something you might want to consider before making a statement like that.

You have missed the jest of my entire post I believe. I was making a point that we ALL can come up with reasons to want front of the line access and if they bend the rules for this person, then they would have to bend the rules for things like "my feet hurt". It's just getting carried away and Disney obviously agrees because they are now doing something about it.

I would hope you're not comparing being disabled with being poor

again you missed the point. It's a matter of where do you draw the line? I think in this case I can explain it to you but I can't understand it for you. We'll just have to leave it at that.

 

[OneLittleSpark1]

I appreciate your honesty. There is nothing wrong at all with using the GAC when needed. What I think everyone has a problem with are the people that have admitted to using it like you said to loop rides multiple times because Johnny just can't be told no, and letting him do what he wants is a better alternative than exposing everyone to his outburst. As if they are doing us some sort of favor? You are a prime example of someone that isn't an abuser. the only people that are mad are the ones that do abuse the GAC and now they are mad that WDW stepped in and made it harder for them to do so. You are confused about it because you aren't part of the problem. No one is upset that there is a GAC system in place. We're upset that it's been ruined and the ones that ruined it are the ones throwing a fit.

Amen sister! Preach it!

Agreed 100%. I too have said numerous times that I agree there should be a system in place to help those who truly need it. My problem is that most people who do truly need it are the ones saying they are either happy for the changes, or it was good while it lasted and we adjust accordingly with the new rules. I can't even say that I blame people for getting GACs when they didn't really need them, but I do blame them when they get mad that they were caught and will no longer be able to do so.

I don't understand people who write that looping or FOTL is a need, bc it is a symptom/manifestation/whatever of what it is they are disabled with. If your child had PICA, would you let them eat metal, dirt, plastic, etc. bc they can't help it. Who is to say they understand when you tell them they can't?

Or how about if your child was a cutter? Or a drug addict? Or bulimic/anorexic? I could name a million things here that produce some kind of symptom/manifestation/whatever of their disability/disease/illness that is not good, harmful (to themselves and/or others), or just plain wrong, and it still doesn't make it right for them to do.


I again, am going to state...bc plenty of people are missing these two key things about myself (not speaking for others here)...

1.) I myself am disabled
2.) My DD is special needs
3.) I am for having services whether it be a GAC or DAS or sign language, or alternate entrance (whether to have time to board the vehicle, or bc of crowd issues, or whatever, it does not matter to me). I do not even mind that disabled guests are given a time to return to join the FP line. I do not mind if I have to wait a few minutes longer so a handicapped guest can transfer. However, I do not agree and will never agree, with letting someone on a ride first, bc they can't handle waiting and they don't understand. That is and has always been my ONLY beef.

I can not find or come up with, nor anyone I have asked, another disability/disease/illness where we accept and make excuses for the wrong (whether they get it or not, doesn't change whether it's wrong or not. I don't let my child shoplift even though she does not understand that she can't just take things.) behaviors and write it off as, "it's okay, they don't get it, and can't help it". That answer only works so long for some things.

 

[OneLittleSpark1]

Our family used GAC just like you did and share your feelings about the new system. We are anxiously awaiting reports starting tomorrow on the new DAS. Our daughter has what many term as low functioning autism (non-verbal etc...) but she is capable of learning that not everything can and will happen the instant she wants it, even in Disney. However, shorter waits were very helpful but waiting somewhere outside the long, over stimulating lines for a return time will probably work well too. We remain optimistic that Disney trips will still be an option for our family and we will be giving the DAS a try in the future.

Thank you. I would have never been able to find that post again. SO THERE OP! lol just kidding.

Yw!

 

[FairestOfThemAll37]

I may end up regretting posting as this whole thread is a powder keg, but after reading 26 pages here goes...

First off, I have no dog in this race. I am local and go during low crowd times. I get very anxious in crowds so I choose not to deal with them. I will go on a ride or two with fast pass and just avoid the lines on anything else for another time. The affect of any of this on me and my experience is very limited.

I read a lot of threads as I find other experiences interesting and enlightening. All the time I read the thread on the GAC when people would ask questions responses would always say "it's not FOTL access", the GAC won't help if you can't wait, it's not special treatment etc etc etc. people also stated all they want is an alternate waiting place, we don't want FOTL.

Now that the policy had changed a LOT of people seem to be upset that they will have to wait. People saying we absolutely cannot wait, we cannot get a return time. This won't work for us. How dare they!

It seems that somebody isn't being honest in all this. I have seen people being ripped apart on the old GAC threads for asking about FOTL with GAC. So IMHO either it never was and there shouldn't be nearly as many people upset about the new system or everybody was just towing the line and protecting the keys to the kingdom so to speak and are now upset that it's changing.

I don't see how you can have it both ways. Either it was an advantage which is gone in which case own up to that fact. I'd understand being pissed at losing an advantage; nobody likes that. But this whole it was never an advantage that I'm pissed is gone makes no sense.

Regardless of how any one person used it, there were obviously systematic issues that means a whole lot of people were getting an unsustainable advantage to have the rules change.