Changes to GAC? Please say I'm wrong.

olena

<font color=green>Emerald Angel<br><font color=mag
Joined
May 12, 2001
Messages
22,566
Hi all! New user here. I LOVE this board! Since I met my husband, I've been visting Disney more and more. We even honeymooned at Disneyland. Prior to that, we went to Disney World. I've never seen it put this way, but I guess I do have an 'invisible' disability. Call it what you will....partially sighted, visually impaired, legally blind. That's me.....no central vision. I have problems reading smaller print, etc. Mobility is fine, except with heavy crowds. I sometimes get nailed by people because I don't see them coming.

My concern is sitting front and center on rides and at shows. On previous trips to WDW in my youth, my folks didn't know about the GAC's or SAP's, so I never really got a great experience. That's certainly not true these days. I acquired a GAC my last two trips. I anticipated having to explain to every CM at rides and shows, but as soon as I showed them my pass, I was ushered around to a wheelchair entrance. Then I was told to report to these entrances everywhere. Ok, I thought. I never had a problem or 'tude from any CM. I also didn't have to explain anything to them. It was so relaxing. I could just concentrate on enjoying myself and not even bother with explanations. The tensions came in 'looks' from guests in the regular line. I couldn't see them, but my husband commented. *shrugs*

I guess that's about it for Disney's offering to visually impaired guests. I don't read Braille. I'm not sure what else to expect. I enjoy everything so much better when I can sit where I need to.

After reading a few posts on here, I got an impression that GAC policies have changed in the past 2 years? Is it more difficult to obtain one? Do I need a dcotor's note or will my white identity cane do? (Had no problem last time, even without the cane. I have it for identity purposes anyway.) Do any of the restaurants offer large print menus? Anything I should know? Helpful hints?
I hope things haven't cchanged, especially because of abuse of the system. Any info would be helpful, as I am planning a trip to WDW in September.

Thanks in advance!:pinkbounc
 
Welcome.
When you go to ask for a GAC, they will ask you what sort of assistnace you need, but you don't need to prove that you have a disability. Most of the lines have been changed to "mainstream access" which means wheelchair users wait in line with everyone else. There are also a lot of rides/shows now that use fastpass. That way, most of the wait is not in line. You get a fast pass with a time to return. When you come back, your wait in line is minimal. THe mainstream lines and fastpass keep people with disabilities from being singled out as much. There is also not an advantage to "faking" a disability, so less of that should go on.
A GAC will still allow you to get seating in the front. You may be directed to the area with wheelchairs, but in some shows, wheelcahirs are in the back. So if a CM is telling you to wait somewhere else, go there. If you are waiting in the regular lines, just show you GAC to the first CM and every other CM you get to. Here's a link to a previous thread about GACs for visually impaired people.
CLICK HERE for link.
 
Olena, click on this link to the disABILITIES FAQ and look at the sections on the GAC and the threads about how to deal with comments and staring. I think you will find it interesting. I hope you have a great trip!
 
I had no problem lasst week getting a GAC at WDW. I briefly explained my knee condition & limitations such as not doing stairs (for example, Splash Mountain). the CM came back with the GAC. I hardly ever showed it to a CM. I usually just said something about having a GAC for a knee condition. The CMs at all four parks were very good. I'll comment more with specifics as I begin to unload the car, unpack, etc.
 













Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Walt Disney World!

Save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels when you stay 5 consecutive nights or longer in late summer and early fall. Plus, enjoy other savings for shorter stays.This offer is valid for stays most nights from August 1 to October 11, 2025.
CLICK HERE







New Posts







DIS Facebook DIS youtube DIS Instagram DIS Pinterest

Back
Top