Autism and Disney

[SueM in MN]

I'm sorry, but there is no reason, legal or moral, why a person with a disability should have better access than a person who does not.

The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) calls for equal access, not superior access.

There is one line for Guest Relations, when you get to the front of the line you then go to the next available Guest Relations Cast Member. The only location where this can be a problem is at the Magic Kingdom of the line is going outside and down the stairs, and a person needing any assistance (not just disability related) is in a wheelchair or ECV; in this situation they have to use one of the side ramps and then join the line.

What you are asking for is not available at WDW. GS has one line.
You do understand that to get the GAC the child does not need to be in line with you, just visable to the CM when your turn arrives. So it is possible to have the child with the need wait off to the side(with another adult), while you wait in line for the GAC. You can also get the GAC outside the park at the GS windows at the entrance. "Outside" also gives more opportunity for "other" waiting area for the child with the need.

Even with a GAC, there is still time spend waiting in line as it is not a front of the line pass.

Correct.
There are times when the lines are longer than others. If you think the line is too long for you to wait, there are several options:
- come back at a different time when the line might be shorter
- have one member of your party wait in line while another adult waits off to the side with the child, where the CM can see the child when it is your turn
- have one member of your party wait in line while another adult waits in another place with the child and then comes into the line when the first adult gets to the front.
- you can bring the child to Guest Relations in a stroller or wheelchair, which will help to keep them separated from other guests. All of the Guest Relations locations are wheelchair accessible.

As was posted, using a GAC does not mean no wait. Many people find that using a stroller or wheelchair make the waits easier because it gives the child a ‘safe refuge’ and also some separation from the other guests.
Even though strollers are not usually allowed in lines, you can bring one in with a GAC or a sticker that allows “Stroller as Wheelchair.”

You can finds more information about this in post 6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread.

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

I, myself have autism and we've had no problem getting it. I was diagnosed at almost 4 and I'm now 16.

 

[anne thomas]

My son is severely disabled and we didn't need the GAC, all the CM's knew what to do without showing the GAC. I just felt very bad for those in the very long line.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

My son is severely disabled and we didn't need the GAC, all the CM's knew what to do without showing the GAC. I just felt very bad for those in the very long line.

? ? I don't understand, You never once had to show it. Is your son in a wheelchair? Or special stroller? To where you would not have to show one?

 

[Friend of a Mouse]

I would second what Sue says. I went on my honeymoon over Christmas last year. After the first couple of rides for the day, we never waited in standby, just by utilizing the FP system. We would get FPs for the rides we wanted, and hit the rides that didn't have it first thing in the morning. We were able to finish Fantasyland in the first hour without waiting in a single line. Then before going to the FP ride, we would get the next FP. By going early in the morning and getting FPs, we avoided a lot of wait times. That seems like it might be the way to go for you.

Anne Thomas, I am also confused as to why you never had to show a GAC. If you were using a standard wheelchair entrance and had him in a transport chair or wheelchair, then I could see it. But if you were trying to use the alternate entrances or a regular stroller, I can't believe that no one would ask you for a GAC. I have made exceptions in the past where the need was obvious, but it was always follwed with, "I can do it this once, but when you are done, I very highly suggest you go to guest relations and get a GAC".

 

[anne thomas]

No my son is not in a wheel chair or stroller, he is 21 and it is very obvious he is disabled, I was never asked for GAC and all CM's we encountered knew exactly what to do for rides and Meet and Greets. I just do not feel anyone waiting in line should have a problem with a disabled person having a line for GAC only, it would save time for the person who has lost his ticket or the person who has lost anything. It would also speed up the GAC line, it just seems practical.

 

[livndisney]

No my son is not in a wheel chair or stroller, he is 21 and it is very obvious he is disabled, I was never asked for GAC and all CM's we encountered knew exactly what to do for rides and Meet and Greets. I just do not feel anyone waiting in line should have a problem with a disabled person having a line for GAC only, it would save time for the person who has lost his ticket or the person who has lost anything. It would also speed up the GAC line, it just seems practical.

Please understand, this is NOT how WDW handles disabilities. It is WDW policy to show a GAC to have non wheelchair/ecv needs met.

Once again I would encourage you to read the FAQ in this sticky as I see this was your first trip.

 

[Jake06]

Hello! We are so excited to be planning our trip for October 2012. My DS6 is diagnosed with Autism. I am wondering if anyone could tell me if they still do the GAC for kids on the spectrum? We last went in 2008, and to be honest we had a terrible experience getting the card for him. He has tons of meltdowns, etc. I was worried about taking the trip with him, and had read here and several other places how wonderful Disney was about these situations. When I took him in to get the card, the CM was really rude about it and said they usually only give it to older kids. I ended up standing there in tears and she did eventually give it to us. To this day, it still bothers me. I really never even request things like this when we go places, but really wanted the trip to be magical for him! We did have a wonderful trip in the end, but I wish our first day wouldn't have started that way. Also, last time I had a note from our doctor and they said they could not look at it. Is this still the case? Thanks in advance

We had the same thing happen to us. We went in August of 2010. My son has Down Syndrome and was just learning to walk. He was very unstable on his feet and very small for his age (3). We did not want to carry him (in the heat). I mentioned this when I made our reservations and they told us to go to GS as soon as we arrived at the park. They would give us a sticker for his stroller. I could not believe how rude we were treated at GS. Our son was present at GS. We went again last year and were surprised at how kind they were. I guess it all depends on who you get. Good luck!

 

[A Mickeyfan]

No my son is not in a wheel chair or stroller, he is 21 and it is very obvious he is disabled, I was never asked for GAC and all CM's we encountered knew exactly what to do for rides and Meet and Greets. I just do not feel anyone waiting in line should have a problem with a disabled person having a line for GAC only, it would save time for the person who has lost his ticket or the person who has lost anything. It would also speed up the GAC line, it just seems practical.

I mean no disrespect, but it is "Guest Services" for all guests, whatever needs need to be attended to. There aren't special lines there for anyone, we all wait our turn there. Your logic would create even more of a hassle. If lost tcket line was empty & GAC was 15 deep when you enter, you would not want to wait on GAC line & wonder why tcket line can't take you. GS works fine the way it is, serving all as they enter, regardless their needs... And that is fair, it is called, first come, first served.

 

[anne thomas]

Just glad we didn't need GAC

 

[2boysandaprincess]

We go to WDW every year with 3 boys who have severe Autism. We have never had a problem getting a GAC. One of the best places to go is the GS at the back entrance to EPCOT. It is always quiet there and we hardly ever have to wait in line.

 

[LWallace2012]

My daughter is 13 years old and is on the Autism Spectrum. We have been taking her to Disney since she was 2 years old. We always take a medication list with us as well as a Doctor letter stating she will be in a wheelchair and so forth. Disney does not require the document from Doctor but it makes it easier to hand them the paper instead of spilling diagnosis in front of other guests.
A few years back my daughter got her service dog, and getting a GAC is still needed as he has a entrance to use as well. I almost always get our GAC from Magic Kingdom they are so nice.

 

[nyprincess]

Hello! We are so excited to be planning our trip for October 2012. My DS6 is diagnosed with Autism. I am wondering if anyone could tell me if they still do the GAC for kids on the spectrum? We last went in 2008, and to be honest we had a terrible experience getting the card for him. He has tons of meltdowns, etc. I was worried about taking the trip with him, and had read here and several other places how wonderful Disney was about these situations. When I took him in to get the card, the CM was really rude about it and said they usually only give it to older kids. I ended up standing there in tears and she did eventually give it to us. To this day, it still bothers me. I really never even request things like this when we go places, but really wanted the trip to be magical for him! We did have a wonderful trip in the end, but I wish our first day wouldn't have started that way. Also, last time I had a note from our doctor and they said they could not look at it. Is this still the case? Thanks in advance

You're going to DISNEY!!!! My youngest son will be 5 in February and is on the lower end of the spectrum. We have NEVER had a problem getting a GAC for him. I walk up to the window with him, tell the CM that he is autistic and needs a quieter place to wait for the rides and they fill out the card. I'm sorry you had trouble last time . Don't let it discourage you though. Shame on that CM for being rude, though. Certainly NOT the Disney way!!

 

[cdunn03]

We have gone to Disney 2 times in the past few years. We have always got a GAC card for my son with no difficulties. I am sorry you had a bad experience with the CM.
We did not use the card all the time. We arrived early and usually could just walk on the rides or at least have a very little wait...

The crowds are worse in the afternoon

 

[acebatonfan]

To begin, my little sister (around 10/11) also has autism, and she was able to go to Disney three times in her life with very little meltdowns while there. The GAC does cover autism (and a doctor's note is not necessary, though my family still provides one when requesting a GAC), and it is a pretty big help, especially if your child needs an area where he, personally, has more space compared to the regular standby line. If you use a GAC for a ride or character meet, more often than not, you will be taken through the handicapped entrance; IASM and TSMM (up until a certain point, from what I remember) usually do that. The one attraction that I know is not like this is the Mickey Mouse/princess meet and greets, where a CM will take you to around the last two bends in the line.

The main thing I suggest is to be able to quickly distract your child when he is overstimulated. Especially when you walk into the first park of your vacation, like my little sister, your son may be overwhelmed by what he could do at that second, thus giving the potential of a meltdown. For me, I try to find something my sister would like to do within a reasonable walking distance, like taking her to meet Mickey Mouse if she is close to having a meltdown on Main Street.

Remember to take Disney at his pace, and try to do what he wants. I am someone who could go from park opening until closing (most days), but my little sister can only take a few hours in the parks per day, her usually leaving around lunchtime to go swimming.