Did you use your G.A.C. much??

[D L and K's Mom]

We got a GAC for DS the past two times we were at Disney. We had no trouble obtaining them as we came armed with a detailed Dr's note and the CM's could see DS's stroller/wheelchair. We found the only place we used it was on the Kali River Rapid Ride (AK). We were surprised to find using the early morning entry and the fast pass as well as one late night pass (Forgot the correct term) we didnt need to use the GAC. DS has a stroller as I have already stated and he has trouble with crowns and can not stay in the direct sun for long periods of time (That was the problem with Kali..no shade). The CM's would let DH and DD stand in line and DS and I would wait in the shade and then when they got to the front we were allowed to "cut in". No one had a problem with us doing this (I explained to the people we "cut in front of") I think the GAC is a great thing and I will get another next time we visit in case DS needs it . I was just curious as to how many people really got a lot of use out of theirs.

 

[lisapooh]

I really use the GAC as a form of explaination. Since I have both mobility and hearing issues it saves time explaining that I need both accommodated at shows. Otherwise I rarely use it.

 

[teri]

In the offseason we hardly use it at all. When it becomes very crowded, we use it as needed. If there are long, touchy lines and no Fastpass, for example, we will use it. We use it at attractions that have FastPass, and depending on the CM there, they will sometimes tell us to go ahead without the ticket if it isn't too crowded. For example, if we are going to a show like Fantasmic and it is very crowded, we will ask to be seated in the accessible area (assuming there is enough room) because it is slightly roped off... if my son jumps up and starts flapping his arms there it isn't as disruptive to others, he isn't hitting anybody. And when my arthritis is flaring, nobody would know that but me, I need it for avoiding stairs, seating, that sort of thing, and when my kids are with me that goes double and beyond.

I flash it to get the closer parking spaces at the regular lot -- I could explain the need to the attendant without the GAC, but it takes about 7 seconds off the explanation time if I have the card. When I go to the First Aid station to clean up a mess (it still happens) they just kind of know right away when they see the card, there is just a nod of recognition and they let you in. I don't know quite how to explain it... it isn't that it is a pass, it is just a sign that you may need assistance, and they don't need a big explanation. I have done it both ways, with and without the card... it isn't always immediately obvious from looking at my son that he is autistic. Also, there have been a few times when we have had full-blown tantrums and very difficult scenes, and they have been very helpful in getting us off to a quiet waiting place off to the side to calm down, or have offered a hand cleaning up without making any scenes or causing any hard moments that would make things more difficult... Just having the GAC in the holder around my neck just takes the edge off the difficult moments. I flash it, they go, "Ahh... OK..." and they just go into help mode.

I have done it without the GAC a few times, when he was acting up, and again it is hard to explain to people who don't have special needs kids, but I just get more of "The Look" from CMs during those times when he flips out and I don't have the card... you know, "The Look"
.

 

[SueM in MN]

I agree completely with lisa and teri. It's more of a "quick explanantion" that there is something more than meets the eye about your situation.
We don't actually use the card that much - and the last few years we have been at WDW in the height of Spring break. We try to only use it when it's absolutely necessary. With fastpass and just going to another place where it's not so busy, we don't need it much.
My DD has multiple disabilities and it was really hard for us for a few years when they would not give us a GAC. Their idea was that since she was in a wheelchair, she was already using the wheelchair access and she would not need any more accomidation. Well, she's also very impulsive, impatient and she gets these compulsive ideas in her head about what should happen. Some days it is really hard for her if anyone gets within a few feet of her wheelchair - and she will hit if she gets ticked off. In those times, it's really hard for us to wait in the regular lines for long periods. Just having wheelchair accessibility didn't help a whole lot because the wheelchair wasn't the whole story. Giving us the ability to wait somewhere else allows us to enjoy ourselves. I'm sure it also improves the atmosphere in the lines since the other people don't have to deal with her behavior.

 

[Wade Shrader]

We used ours all the time, since my boys were 4 and we use their stroller like a wheelchair. But I want to thank you guys for the ideas of wearing the pass around your neck, like a "ski ticket" or something like that. I don't know why my wife and I did not think of that, but we were always fumbling to get the card out!

Wade

 

[Andrew Bichard]

I have a mobility problem (my only disability) and use a wheelchair. With one exception, I have never asked for, or used a GAC. The fact that I am in a wheelchair is sufficient to get me all the assistance I need.

The only time I ever used a GAC was because Disney Transport had chewed up my own power chair. Disney hired me a replacement and gave me a GAC as compensation allegedly 'to speed up your entry onto rides because you have wasted two hours sorting this problem out'.

I used it just twice, and was directed to the same entrances/lines that I have always used on previous trips. After the first day, I didn't bother with it again.

I can see it might have a use if you have multiple disabilities or a disability that isn't obvious.

Andrew