Disney finally sees huge abuse of the GAC

[Disney_Princess83]

I don't disagree with most of what you said and I have no real issues with the GAC in theory in fact I said it before I wish it were just made a front of a line pass for those who really need it. I just question the motives of those who get it for minor issues or those who lie about a disability to get one and wish Disney were able to deal with situation in a different way. I know this is off topic but our society has started labeling kids for minor issues at very young ages and we have way more children who are so called dealing with disabilities that really shouldn’t be.

I don't disagree with you on those issues.The GAC isn't for someone who gets get "bored" waiting in the line, it is for people who can't cope with the queuing system, due to a disability. Whether that is because of the noise/cramped space/darkness/simply the wait itself, it doesn't matter to me.

There will always be abuse of any system that is in place but largely, it is used as it's meant to be. I guess for me, I would rather there is some GAC "abuse" but that people who really need it can keep using it. I'd hate to see a complete overhaul and those who really need the GAC can no longer use it.

 

[Missyrose]

I don't disagree with most of what you said and I have no real issues with the GAC in theory in fact I said it before I wish it were just made a front of a line pass for those who really need it. I just question the motives of those who get it for minor issues or those who lie about a disability to get one and wish Disney were able to deal with situation in a different way. I know this is off topic but our society has started labeling kids for minor issues at very young ages and we have way more children who are so called dealing with disabilities that really shouldn’t be.

But herein lies the problem, who are you (or Disney for that matter) to judge what should be labeled a minor issue. You have no idea what a day in the life of a family with children on the autism spectrum is like.

For many of these families, they have one choice -- either use the GAC or they don't go to Disney (which many people on this thread seem to think is the appropriate choice). Disney created the GAC specifically for invisible disabilities. You or I shouldn't judge whether one child's invisible disability is more worthy of a GAC than others.

It's vacation, why shouldn't these families get to make their trips as stress-free and enjoyable as possible, given their family member's limitations.

Can't those of you complaining about GAC holders getting to go to the front of the line listen to those who have posted about their experience with the GACs? They've said over and over again that just because they use a different entrance, it doesn't mean their wait is any less than yours.

 

[stargazertechie]

Years ago these children learned to cope with their surroundings and adapt to life and I just really think if we start to seriously modify these simply daily task for these children so they are not made to deal with minor discomfort that they experience from it then we are seriously setting them up for failure as adults.

I think most parents know their children's tolerance. And honestly, it's a vacation. It's the one time of a year that a family who lives with a child with special needs can relax and enjoy some semblance of a "normal" day without behavioral therapists, appointments, etc. I don't think that one week of doing things differently is going to set someone up for failure as an adult.

"

I have a question....

In order to get handicapped plates (or a rear view mirror tag) for your car, you have to take your application to your doctor and have it signed.

Then you take it / send it to the DMV to receive your handicapped plates / tag.

How is the DMV not violating the law by asking for a doctor's signature, but Disney would be violating the law by asking for a doctor's note to receive a GAC?

Handicapped parking spots are a special accommodation not available to someone in the general public- you're giving the person with a disability "more" than the general population, in this case a CLOSER parking spot.

The GAC is designed to give a person with a disability EQUAL access to an attraction. The card was designed to give someone the opportunity to have the exact same experience as someone else in the park with a reasonable accommodation.

You are not legally allowed to request documentation for a disability for EQUAL access. That is the difference.

 

[Robbi]

I have a question....

In order to get handicapped plates (or a rear view mirror tag) for your car, you have to take your application to your doctor and have it signed.

Then you take it / send it to the DMV to receive your handicapped plates / tag.

How is the DMV not violating the law by asking for a doctor's signature, but Disney would be violating the law by asking for a doctor's note to receive a GAC?

I'd have no problem bringing a note from my daughter's doctor. I'd also have no problem having her picture on the GAC card so that it can only be used when SHE is going to be riding the ride -- it can't be passed around to other people.

Guess maybe it's because they're a governmental agency?

How is this even GAC worthy? Before anyone flames me know that I am a cancer survivor who has had therapies that caused immune problems. I would never ever get a a GAC because of this..a GAC isn't going to cut down on exposure to germs at a theme park.

Radiation also made me tired, sleepy and week..okay that is my problem not Disney's. Another poster here said she was going to get a GAC because the heat caused migraines and her meds make her sleepy. This is nuts!

Maybe my friend, who has a huge problem with alcohol. should get a GAC next time she goes. She drinks, she wakes up with a hangover and would have to do the parks fast in order to start drinking again. Alcoholism is a disease, she should qualify.

It's sad that people who really do not need it are abusing it for those that do.

You'd have to ask my niece's doctor and WDW. Her doctor suggested it, and Disney approved it. Until her situation, I had never heard of a GAC.

Glad you're a survivor! Hope you continue to stay well.

 

[donaldlovesdaisy]

But herein lies the problem, who are you (or Disney for that matter) to judge what should be labeled a minor issue. You have no idea what a day in the life of a family with children on the autism spectrum is like.

For many of these families, they have one choice -- either use the GAC or they don't go to Disney (which many people on this thread seem to think is the appropriate choice). Disney created the GAC specifically for invisible disabilities. You or I shouldn't judge whether one child's invisible disability is more worthy of a GAC than others.

It's vacation, why shouldn't these families get to make their trips as stress-free and enjoyable as possible, given their family member's limitations.

Can't those of you complaining about GAC holders getting to go to the front of the line listen to those who have posted about their experience with the GACs? They've said over and over again that just because they use a different entrance, it doesn't mean their wait is any less than yours.

You really need to go back and read all of my post ! Never in a million years are you going to convince me that a child with just ADHD , ADD or minor SPD issues should make use of the GAC. Oh and yes I do know what families of autistic children deal with on a daily basis since I am responsible for educating them and have never said they should not be given the opportunity to visit WDW with a GAC.

 

[Peter Fan]

How is this even GAC worthy? Before anyone flames me know that I am a cancer survivor who has had therapies that caused immune problems. I would never ever get a a GAC because of this..a GAC isn't going to cut down on exposure to germs at a theme park.

Radiation also made me tired, sleepy and week..okay that is my problem not Disney's. Another poster here said she was going to get a GAC because the heat caused migraines and her meds make her sleepy. This is nuts!

Maybe my friend, who has a huge problem with alcohol. should get a GAC next time she goes. She drinks, she wakes up with a hangover and would have to do the parks fast in order to start drinking again. Alcoholism is a disease, she should qualify.

It's sad that people who really do not need it are abusing it for those that do.

If your friend feels she needs one she should go for it. Who's to say if she needs it or not. Only she knows.

 

[Sam81]

99% of the people are compassionate for others. I will restate that I think in theory the GAC is great. However poster after poster has said they only way they can “do” Disney is using a GAC. That creates an unfair advantage. The GAC user has eliminated the one aspect that all of us hate – lines. And show me a single person that likes waiting in any kind of line. No one likes strangers bumping into them, no one likes waiting in an endless line. BUT that is a part of Disney. And the GAC user has eliminated that.

Put aside the day to day struggles and just focus on Disney. We each paid $X to be at the park today. However, by using a GAC your child was able to experience 12 attractions and my child was able was able to experience 7. Can you not see how that is unfair?

I will be at WDW in 5 days. I plan to not only get a GAC but to use it exclusively as a FOTL pass. Why shouldn’t I? There is an economic advantage and I plan to use it to my favor.

 

[Peter Fan]

As I said this woman went up to a bunch of strangers at the end of the line and got them in with her on the gac card. I didn't say anything because it wasn't going to change my day but that is not what the card is for is it?

It doesn't do any good to complain about it now and not say anything then.

 

[Sam81]

If your friend feels she needs one she should go for it. Who's to say if she needs it or not. Only she knows.

Definitely get one! I am not a morning person, so I plan to get a GAC to cut down on times spent in line!

 

[Disney_Princess83]

But you're missing the central point. You say that using the GAC creates an unfair advantage. Do you realise that for some people who use the GAC card, if they didn't have the GAC card, then they and their family would ride 0 rides, while your child did 7 rides?

It's not about disliking lines and wait times, it's the fact that people with certain disabilities, can't handle the wait, for many different reasons. Sensory overload, noise, small space, crowds, pushing, darkness ect.

I assure you, having a GAC card is not an advantage. Because while you're enjoying the parks with your families, the families with a person who has Special Needs are often still dealing with meltdowns, sensory overloads, and countless other things a person with Special Needs require to be able to be able to visit the parks. Perhaps somehow they did manage to do 12 rides, to your 7. And then while you're enjoying your meal, a parade and countless other activities, they are dealing with a meltdown which might take an hour plus to try and calm the person down. You're not talking about an average 2 year olds tantrum and often these sensory overloads take a substantial time to move on from.

This is the reality with disabilities, they don't just "stop" because someone is at Disney World. And anyone who needs a GAC card would be quite happy to change places with you and be able to just wait in the regular queue!

99% of the people are compassionate for others. I will restate that I think in theory the GAC is great. However poster after poster has said they only way they can “do” Disney is using a GAC. That creates an unfair advantage. The GAC user has eliminated the one aspect that all of us hate – lines. And show me a single person that likes waiting in any kind of line. No one likes strangers bumping into them, no one likes waiting in an endless line. BUT that is a part of Disney. And the GAC user has eliminated that.

Put aside the day to day struggles and just focus on Disney. We each paid $X to be at the park today. However, by using a GAC your child was able to experience 12 attractions and my child was able was able to experience 7. Can you not see how that is unfair?

I will be at WDW in 5 days. I plan to not only get a GAC but to use it exclusively as a FOTL pass. Why shouldn’t I? There is an economic advantage and I plan to use it to my favor.

 

[Peter Fan]

Definitely get one! I am not a morning person, so I plan to get a GAC to cut down on times spent in line!

If you feel the need.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

Definitely get one! I am not a morning person, so I plan to get a GAC to cut down on times spent in line!

I think it has been clearly established that a GAC card doesn't actually cut down on the wait time to enter attractions. It usually provides an alternative entrance so that it is more accessible for those who are disabled.

I assure you, spend a week with a family who have 1 or more members on the Autism Spectrum, and you'll be glad that you don't need a GAC. Their lives and the lives of their families are more difficult then you can ever imagine.

 

[Sam81]

But you're missing the central point. You say that using the GAC creates an unfair advantage. Do you realise that for some people who use the GAC card, if they didn't have the GAC card, then they and their family would ride 0 rides, while your child did 7 rides?

It's not about disliking lines and wait times, it's the fact that people with certain disabilities, can't handle the wait, for many different reasons. Sensory overload, noise, small space, crowds, pushing, darkness ect.

I assure you, having a GAC card is not an advantage. Because while you're enjoying the parks with your families, the families with a person who has Special Needs are often still dealing with meltdowns, sensory overloads, and countless other things a person with Special Needs require to be able to be able to visit the parks. Perhaps somehow they did manage to do 12 rides, to your 7. And then while you're enjoying your meal, a parade and countless other activities, they are dealing with a meltdown which might take an hour plus to try and calm the person down. You're not talking about an average 2 year olds tantrum and often these sensory overloads take a substantial time to move on from.

This is the reality with disabilities, they don't just "stop" because someone is at Disney World. And anyone who needs a GAC card would be quite happy to change places with you and be able to just wait in the regular queue!

Take the day to day out of it like I said. From strictly a financial perspective the GAC user experienced a better bang for their buck. That is what needs to stop.

And whose to say a 2 year old's tantrum is not equally as bad as a kid not wanting to be in a line? I fully 100% plan to use a GAC on my next trip. Like I said, I am not a morning person and need extra sleep. Unless you want me to be in a bad mood waiting in those lines.

 

[infopurposesonly]

Put aside the day to day struggles and just focus on Disney. We each paid $X to be at the park today. However, by using a GAC your child was able to experience 12 attractions and my child was able was able to experience 7. Can you not see how that is unfair?

Many people who use the GAC are still going to experience far less attractions than you will experience without a GAC. A GAC gives us some assistance but is limited in what it can do. We rarely spend more than a few hours in the park. If we experience three or four attractions, that's a good day at Disney.

Personally, I'd be eternally thankful to have a healthy child who can only experience seven attractions in a day. But, that's just me.

 

[Sam81]

I think it has been clearly established that a GAC card doesn't actually cut down on the wait time to enter attractions. It usually provides an alternative entrance so that it is more accessible for those who are disabled.

I assure you, spend a week with a family who have 1 or more members on the Autism Spectrum, and you'll be glad that you don't need a GAC. Their lives and the lives of their families are more difficult then you can ever imagine.

I don't care about the day to day. I care only about experiencing more attractions. And as countless others have stated and blogs have pointed out it usually does cut down on wait time. And if it doesn't I complain, bc my disability is waiting in lines causes stress and makes me unhappy. Sorry I deserve a GAC just like everyone else.

 

[donaldlovesdaisy]

But you're missing the central point. You say that using the GAC creates an unfair advantage. Do you realise that for some people who use the GAC card, if they didn't have the GAC card, then they and their family would ride 0 rides, while your child did 7 rides?

It's not about disliking lines and wait times, it's the fact that people with certain disabilities, can't handle the wait, for many different reasons. Sensory overload, noise, small space, crowds, pushing, darkness ect.I assure you, having a GAC card is not an advantage. Because while you're enjoying the parks with your families, the families with a person who has Special Needs are often still dealing with meltdowns, sensory overloads, and countless other things a person with Special Needs require to be able to be able to visit the parks. Perhaps somehow they did manage to do 12 rides, to your 7. And then while you're enjoying your meal, a parade and countless other activities, they are dealing with a meltdown which might take an hour plus to try and calm the person down. You're not talking about an average 2 year olds tantrum and often these sensory overloads take a substantial time to move on from.

This is the reality with disabilities, they don't just "stop" because someone is at Disney World. And anyone who needs a GAC card would be quite happy to change places with you and be able to just wait in the regular queue

But for SOME of those children learning to cope with these things are attainable goals and if they are not learning how to deal with everyday issues then in the long run it will be a disadvantage to them because the real world is not like WDW. We have become a nation of enablers and that should be apparent with what recent events have taken place in our country!

 

[Sam81]

Many people who use the GAC are still going to experience far less attractions than you will experience without a GAC. A GAC gives us some assistance but is limited in what it can do. We rarely spend more than a few hours in the park. If we experience three or four attractions, that's a good day at Disney.

Personally, I'd be eternally thankful to have a healthy child who can only experience seven attractions in a day. But, that's just me.

A few posts back a Mom recalled how the GAC allowed her child to bypass the line and re-ride Nemo multiple times. That's unfortunately one of the unfair advantages of the GAC. I plan to use the GAC to my advantage. I may look healthy but the waiting is causing me stress.

 

[Airb330]

I don't care about the day to day. I care only about experiencing more attractions. And as countless others have stated and blogs have pointed out it usually does cut down on wait time. And if it doesn't I complain, bc my disability is waiting in lines causes stress and makes me unhappy. Sorry I deserve a GAC just like everyone else.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

Take the day to day out of it like I said. From strictly a financial perspective the GAC user experienced a better bang for their buck. That is what needs to stop.

And whose to say a 2 year old's tantrum is not equally as bad as a kid not wanting to be in a line? I fully 100% plan to use a GAC on my next trip. Like I said, I am not a morning person and need extra sleep. Unless you want me to be in a bad mood waiting in those lines.

I can 1000000% guarantee you a 2 years olds tantrum is no where as bad or difficult as a teenager or adult with Autism who is panicking during complete sensory overload, because I have personally experienced both situations.

No, a family using doesn't get more "bang for their buck", because without a GAC card, they couldn't be at the parks at all. You keep ignoring that fact. That without access to the GAC card, they couldn't go to WDW AT ALL?
Unless that's what you're inferring by your posts? You'd rather then don't access the parks?

 

[Disney_Princess83]

But for SOME of those children learning to cope with these things are attainable goals and if they are not learning how to deal with everyday issues then in the long run it will be a disadvantage to them because the real world is not like WDW. We have become a nation of enablers and that should be apparent with what recent events have taken place in our country!

But how can we say which children are able to cope? And the law states Disney cannot ask for proof. Also, so many people think Autism isn't even a "real" disability.

For many people with intellectual disabilities, it isn't about learning to cope, they never will. They cannot ever cope in those situations, so putting them in those situations without assistance is actually cruel to the individual with disabilities. For some people with disabilities, it's pure torture to be in those situations because it often ends in sensory overload. This is very real, it's not an excuse, it's not a reason to get "more" for their money.