concerned about getting gac

[camnhan]

so i had read somewhere on here that you don't need a doc note for the gac....we got one 3 years ago when traveling with son with Down Syndrome...his issues mostly revolve around being in tight or enclosed spaces with so much going on and getting overstimulated and having major melt downs...so we had a card and only used it one day when we were at MK by ourselves (were traveling with all 26 members of my family)....well we leave in 2 days...did not get note from doc....now am reading about all these people making up excuses to get and use cards because they want to abuse the system.

so is it going to be even worth trying to get one for my son??? Last time he hated everything that we tried to do so don't know if he will like anything this time (other than meeting the characters...that was a major highlight!!) Since the kids are a little older this time I thought we could try the kid swap thing but don't think Zach can handle waiting in line for long periods ....any other suggestions??? We will be there the 4th-12th

 

[SueM in MN]

There is information about GAC (Guest Assistance Cards) in the disABILITIES FAQs thread, which mentions that you do not need a doctor's letter to get a GAC. You do need to be able to explain your son's needs so that the CM can figure out what accomodations might fit his needs.
If you are not sure whether it is worth it to get a GAC, you could try without it and see how he does. If you have problems, you will know more about what his needs are when you go to Guest Relations to request one. There is no reason you need to request a GAC on your first day; you can do it at any time during your stay.

 

[KPeveler]

also, to get a GAC, your son *must* be present. He actually has to be with you to get it... it says that in the FAQ, but I wanted to stress it - it would be horrible for you to wait in line and finally explain what you need, only to have to do it again because your son was not there!

 

[Michigan]

If you have your old GAC you can bring it and show them what you needed the last time and it will make it easier and faster to get the new one.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

Unfortunately, even at Disney, there are selfish, ignorant people, who will try to exploit anything to get what they want. Thankfully, Disney has not responded to this by making it harder for those who need them to get one. I'm sure you'll have no problems getting a GAC, if you just explain the situation to the CM, and the problems you may encounter.

If you're not sure about getting a GAC, you can either get it and not necessarily use it; or wait to see whether you will need it, and get it if required. Either option would work, it just depends on what would work better for you.

Have a great trip!

 

[cymomtx]

We were at WDW the week of Thanksgiving and used a prior GAC to request one for the current trip and had no problems. On Thanksgiving day we were at MK and were talking with another family of an Autistic child as we stood in line at It's a Small World and it just amazed us the large groups of families 9+ that accompanied family members in wheelchairs/ecvs with GACs. The CMs did not complain at all and just allowed all the family members to accompany them on the rides.

 

[mechurchlady]

it just amazed us the large groups of families 9+ that accompanied family members in wheelchairs/ecvs with GACs. The CMs did not complain at all and just allowed all the family members to accompany them on the rides.

Bending or breaking a rule sometimes is the better choice for a CM. Too often a CM will tell a person the rules then end up wasting minutes arguing about the rules and even getting a manger in to help. Thus at times it is easier let things slide. Also Small World and Pirates use wide bench seats so those extra people would just be taking up empty spaces.

I see the GAC as a tool and not something that has to be used constantly any more than a person would use a tool like a hammer constantly. I tell people to get a GAC even if they do not need it so they will go to guest services who know of any problems that day.

 

[cymomtx]

I understand Small World and Pirates, but one family we continued to see all through Fantasy Land. I also, understand the position the CM is in in having to be the customer relations person, as that is my business.

 

[wdhinn89]

Definitely get a GAC. The CM's are very nice and understanding to the different needs that people have and you definitely qualify for one. The pass will make things much smoother for your son and family. Save this one for any future trips you may have.