Disney finally sees huge abuse of the GAC

[Mom2six]

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.

I completely understand what you are saying. I would like to point out that many of the people who truly need a GAC aren't going to be using it to experience 12 attractions. My DS4 who would not be able to go on any rides without using a GAC only goes on a couple of attractions a day. Your child could experience 7 without the GAC (and really, with a good touring plan, that is a low number) and without the GAC my child could experience ZERO. My DS4 had a really good day on our last trip. He went on the most rides he had ever gone on - the tea cups, IaSW, Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan, and the new Ariel ride. It was a huge success. Then he had to go right back to the resort.

So yes, some people can be selfish jerks and get themselves a GAC to take advantage of the situation. Have fun, yourself at that if you want to stoop that low. And the rest of us will get a GAC because it is actually needed to have a park experience. And no the park experience is not better than your park experience. So stop being jealous of disabled children. They don't have it better than you.

My son does enjoy WDW - it's his most favorite place in the world. So saying that you wouldn't take your kids to gamble until they are old enough to enjoy it is a pretty ridiculous comparison.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

No I get it. But let me break it down. You and I both pay the same price to get in. Disney has a card available that in operation shortens wait times considerably. You choose to obtain and use said card. Am I missing something?

You and I pay the same price to get in. Disney has a card that allows people with Special Needs to be able to experience the parks. People who have a family member who has Special Needs, uses the card. This allows them to

1. Actually experience things as a family. You might be surprised but do you know how difficult it is to experience any "regular" family time in a family that has someone with Special Needs.

2. The GAC card actually assists other guests too. Ever experience an adult who has Autism panic in a crowd or line? I have and it was terribly upsetting for everyone who witnessed it, especially the family and the person who has the disability.

I'm sorry but you don't actually need the card to be able to enjoy your time at Disney World. Whether you like it or not, other people do need the card.

 

[sharadoc]

Of course Disney World is not a right. The anger and vitriol being spewed by some of you on here is downright sad.

Disney has gone out of their way to get my money by accommodating my child's issues. Until we took him to Disney World, we didn't go on vacation. It works to their advantage, but I also believe they do it for humanitarian reasons. Plus he can't handle the enclosed space of a regular hotel room, so I have to get a suite or villa. I don't ask for special treatment for that - I pay it gladly, grateful that Disney has so many options that work for us

I can't go shopping with my family because my son can't handle it. Until we went to Disney World on a regular basis, we couldn't go to restaurants either. We still have trouble with haircuts and forget brushing teeth or now, shaving. Almost every night we deal with some sort of issue, usually lasting hours. Yesterday he refused to eat, put on his coat in 30 degree weather, or get out of the car for half an hour after school.

He can calm down by looking at our old trip photobooks or our pictures on the computer, do park puzzles and read old guidebooks and watch planning videos.

But at Disney World, we can ALL walk down Main Street holding hands and breathe because he loves it so much. For those days, I can forget that one day, I'll leave him alone to probably sit somewhere in an institution or group home with no one to even put their arms around him to tell him they love him. And he'll be alone for years and years without me, and probably all I can leave him are his Disney pictures.

But you're right, I don't have the right to that little bit of happiness on that little vacation. I deserve to sit at home 365 days a year and cry over the life that I could have had.

 

[Sam81]

Of course it's not equal because these children aren't actually equal to you and your family. They actually cannot wait in line because of their disability. It isn't because they're spoiled brats, it isn't because they don't want to wait in line, it is due to their intellectual disability. Have you ever tried to wait in a line with someone on the Autism Spectrum? See the sheer terror of someone you know and love being terrified because they are experiencing a Sensory Overload and you just might be able to understand. Until you have, I'm sorry but you don't know what you're talking about.

I'm advocating that if we were equal, these adults and children wouldn't be disabled. But they are and for that, they and their families should get the assistance that they need. It is no different to Make A Wish kids. Without that special assistance, they couldn't come to the park. Neither can someone who has Autism or countless other intellectual disabilities. And yet you think it's fair for Make A Wish children but not those who are disabled.

Lady take that equality up with whatever higher power you believe in. I can say the same thing. Why can't I dunk like MJ or drive like Tiger!

And if you cannot wait in line WDW is probably not the best vacation destination. What if 100 other GAC users are also in line? What then? What if the ride breaks? Lines are just a simple fact of Disney. And I would actually argue that by taking away the FOTL aspect you are experiencing what other families experience at Disney. FP or stand-by.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

So glad to hear that your sons recent trip was so successful!

I completely understand what you are saying. I would like to point out that many of the people who truly need a GAC aren't going to be using it to experience 12 attractions. My DS4 who would not be able to go on any rides without using a GAC only goes on a couple of attractions a day. Your child could experience 7 without the GAC (and really, with a good touring plan, that is a low number) and without the GAC my child could experience ZERO. My DS4 had a really good day on our last trip. He went on the most rides he had ever gone on - the tea cups, IaSW, Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan, and the new Ariel ride. It was a huge success. Then he had to go right back to the resort.

So yes, some people can be selfish jerks and get themselves a GAC to take advantage of the situation. Have fun, yourself at that if you want to stoop that low. And the rest of us will get a GAC because it is actually needed to have a park experience. And no the park experience is not better than your park experience. So stop being jealous of disabled children. They don't have it better than you.

My son does enjoy WDW - it's his most favorite place in the world. So saying that you wouldn't take your kids to gamble until they are old enough to enjoy it is a pretty ridiculous comparison.

 

[Sam81]

You and I pay the same price to get in. Disney has a card that allows people with Special Needs to be able to experience the parks. People who have a family member who has Special Needs, uses the card. This allows them to

1. Actually experience things as a family. You might be surprised but do you know how difficult it is to experience any "regular" family time in a family that has someone with Special Needs.

2. The GAC card actually assists other guests too. Ever experience an adult who has Autism panic in a crowd or line? I have and it was terribly upsetting for everyone who witnessed it, especially the family and the person who has the disability.

I'm sorry but you don't actually need the card to be able to enjoy your time at Disney World. Whether you like it or not, other people do need the card.

Lady you keep going back to the social side. I'm only talking about attractions and load time.

 

[Mom2six]

You obviously don't really know what a "meltdown" is. I seriously doubt either you or your children had a "meltdown" or you wouldn't have continued waiting. A meltdown prevents that entirely. Maybe if you had actually experienced a real meltdown of your own, you wouldn't be so jealous of it.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

Lady take that equality up with whatever higher power you believe in. I can say the same thing. Why can't I dunk like MJ or drive like Tiger!

And if you cannot wait in line WDW is probably not the best vacation destination. What if 100 other GAC users are also in line? What then? What if the ride breaks? Lines are just a simple fact of Disney. And I would actually argue that by taking away the FOTL aspect you are experiencing what other families experience at Disney. FP or stand-by.

I feel so incredible sad for you. You clearly have had nothing to do with anyone with disabilities and all I can say is, thank god! Clearly you feel it would be better if anyone with a disability not enter your beloved Disney World. The sadness I feel for you is almost palpable.

 

[Mom2six]

So glad to hear that your sons recent trip was so successful!

Thank you. It was really a fabulous experience!

 

[Disney_Princess83]

Lady you keep going back to the social side. I'm only talking about attractions and load time.

Honey, I'm not a cocker spaniel!

You seem obsessed with the attractions and load times, probably because you can't really make a valid argument. Or your basic argument is "ban people with disabilities" In that case, you need to live with yourself.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

Thank you. It was really a fabulous experience!

That is fantastic. Experiencing the parks with a child is always a wonderful experience. To experience it through the eyes of someone who is disabled, it makes it an even more special experience!

 

[Sam81]

Of course Disney World is not a right. The anger and vitriol being spewed by some of you on here is downright sad.

Disney has gone out of their way to get my money by accommodating my child's issues. Until we took him to Disney World, we didn't go on vacation. It works to their advantage, but I also believe they do it for humanitarian reasons. Plus he can't handle the enclosed space of a regular hotel room, so I have to get a suite or villa. I don't ask for special treatment for that - I pay it gladly, grateful that Disney has so many options that work for us

I can't go shopping with my family because my son can't handle it. Until we went to Disney World on a regular basis, we couldn't go to restaurants either. We still have trouble with haircuts and forget brushing teeth or now, shaving. Almost every night we deal with some sort of issue, usually lasting hours. Yesterday he refused to eat, put on his coat in 30 degree weather, or get out of the car for half an hour after school.

He can calm down by looking at our old trip photobooks or our pictures on the computer, do park puzzles and read old guidebooks and watch planning videos.

But at Disney World, we can ALL walk down Main Street holding hands and breathe because he loves it so much. For those days, I can forget that one day, I'll leave him alone to probably sit somewhere in an institution or group home with no one to even put their arms around him to tell him they love him. And he'll be alone for years and years without me, and probably all I can leave him are his Disney pictures.

But you're right, I don't have the right to that little bit of happiness on that little vacation. I deserve to sit at home 365 days a year and cry over the life that I could have had.

It's not anger. Sadly the GAC was/is being abused so much that changes need to happen. I'm sorry for your struggles and I'm happy that Disney makes your child happy.

It did the same thing for my sons. That's why we went. It was a week we could spend as a family. I think people with disabilities view others as having this great and wonderful life. Pretty much everyone struggles with something on a daily basis.

What I find unfair is the FOTL access. That's all. I am all for reasonable accommodations. But I find it unfair that Child A can Peter Pan 7 times in a row and Child B (who has done nothing wrong) cannot.

 

[Mom2six]

. Yesterday he refused to eat, put on his coat in 30 degree weather, or get out of the car for half an hour after school.
.

I thought my son was the only one who would just suddenly refuse to get out of the car for no apparent reason!

You do have every right to enjoy Disney World, and if people are going to waste their time being jealous of the disabled, then you are never going to change them - enjoy your vacations and don't give them a thought.

 

[Sam81]

You obviously don't really know what a "meltdown" is. I seriously doubt either you or your children had a "meltdown" or you wouldn't have continued waiting. A meltdown prevents that entirely. Maybe if you had actually experienced a real meltdown of your own, you wouldn't be so jealous of it.

That's right, bc there are real meltdowns and fake ones. Can someone provide me the list of meltdown levels and I guess spectrum levels? I guess bc we have no noticeable disabilities my kids could not have possibly had a meltdown.

 

[Sam81]

Honey, I'm not a cocker spaniel!

You seem obsessed with the attractions and load times, probably because you can't really make a valid argument. Or your basic argument is "ban people with disabilities" In that case, you need to live with yourself.

BC that is the only privilege being discussed! That's my entire argument, the GAC should not provide FOTL access. Period.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

Ignore all the haters! You sounds like you have a beautiful family and I'm so happy for you that your trips to WDW are so magical for all of you! Those photos and memories will bring joy for years to come!

Of course Disney World is not a right. The anger and vitriol being spewed by some of you on here is downright sad.

Disney has gone out of their way to get my money by accommodating my child's issues. Until we took him to Disney World, we didn't go on vacation. It works to their advantage, but I also believe they do it for humanitarian reasons. Plus he can't handle the enclosed space of a regular hotel room, so I have to get a suite or villa. I don't ask for special treatment for that - I pay it gladly, grateful that Disney has so many options that work for us

I can't go shopping with my family because my son can't handle it. Until we went to Disney World on a regular basis, we couldn't go to restaurants either. We still have trouble with haircuts and forget brushing teeth or now, shaving. Almost every night we deal with some sort of issue, usually lasting hours. Yesterday he refused to eat, put on his coat in 30 degree weather, or get out of the car for half an hour after school.

He can calm down by looking at our old trip photobooks or our pictures on the computer, do park puzzles and read old guidebooks and watch planning videos.

But at Disney World, we can ALL walk down Main Street holding hands and breathe because he loves it so much. For those days, I can forget that one day, I'll leave him alone to probably sit somewhere in an institution or group home with no one to even put their arms around him to tell him they love him. And he'll be alone for years and years without me, and probably all I can leave him are his Disney pictures.

But you're right, I don't have the right to that little bit of happiness on that little vacation. I deserve to sit at home 365 days a year and cry over the life that I could have had.

 

[Sam81]

I feel so incredible sad for you. You clearly have had nothing to do with anyone with disabilities and all I can say is, thank god! Clearly you feel it would be better if anyone with a disability not enter your beloved Disney World. The sadness I feel for you is almost palpable.

My father-in-law was a paraplegic. He had a nasty car accident. He actually passed away this year. So I have seen the struggles. I get it.

But I do not think your child should go in front of my FIL.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

BC that is the only privilege being discussed! That's my entire argument, the GAC should not provide FOTL access. Period.

Actually it's not the only privilege being discussed. It's the only one being discussed by YOU. I've talked about separate entrances, the fact one member of a family waits in line for a character while the person with a disability waits to the side, I've mentioned previously how people still have to wait to use attractions. GAC cards don't get you FotLA like you need to believe.

I also find it incredibly interesting you find it acceptable for Make A Wish kids but not anyone else. I guess you deem them more important? Or is it because you can "see" a disability there?

 

[Disney_Princess83]

My father-in-law was a paraplegic. He had a nasty car accident. He actually passed away this year. So I have seen the struggles. I get it.

But I do not think your child should go in front of my FIL.

No, you haven't got a clue! If you did, you'd be PERSONALLY escorting these children/adults and their families to the front of the line and saying "I thank god everyday that I'll never know the struggles you really face!"

 

[DisneyDreamGirl87]

As someone with real life altering disabilities, all I have to say is that this thread is disgusting.