Disney finally sees huge abuse of the GAC

[jenben8426]

I'm finding it hard to believe that the use of the GAC is really causing that much of a hardship on other, non-GAC-using patrons. Is the fact that is "isn't fair" some get to use the fastpass line the problem? Yes, there is abuse, but in all areas of life, there will be abuse when something like this is offered.

Like many of the others who are thankful for this service, my son has autism. We've been taking him since 2009 to WDW...every year we obtain a GAC and every year we have been decreasing the actual use of the card - he continues to mature (physically and emotionally) and the need is no longer as great. Eventually we hope to discontinue having to use it, but for now, we are so grateful to have that option. It's even more amazing that we don't have to jump through hoops to obtain it - if you only knew what some have to do just to get basic services to help their children live a decent life, you would be shocked. Keep in mind, no one asks for their child to be born with a disability.

To answer those who question whether those people who have disabilities like my son should even attempt WDW, I just want you to understand how invaluable WDW is in helping our kids learn to tolerate the circumstances that may "set them off". It's a simple concept...you can desensitize someone by introducing them to their triggers, very slowly and over periods of time...and the rewards (the attractions) are fantastic motivators! WDW has helped our son to enjoy life, and what he learns there definitely translates into being able to handle his issues better in other locations. It's therapy!

It makes me sad to think that the GAC situation may change, but we'll deal with it if it does.

From one mom of an autistic child to another--my thoughts exactly!!

 

[stargazertechie]

You obviously have never dealt with a child with severe Autism. My ds can not wait. We do not fly, he screams when we are in traffic, and yes we have had to vacate a boarding area due to a break down.
You simply do not understand Autism.

I am so upset right now with the way people are posting on this thread. Walk a mile in my ds's shoes. Live in his world then you can judge all you want.

I am so sorry that people are questioning the legitimacy of the needs of children on the spectrum. When people told my dad "sure must be nice" as he wheeled toward the accessible boarding area I finally snapped and said "take his cancer that he is dying from and I'll gladly switch spots in line with you"

 

[delmar411]

You obviously have never dealt with a child with severe Autism. My ds can not wait. We do not fly, he screams when we are in traffic, and yes we have had to vacate a boarding area due to a break down.
You simply do not understand Autism.

I am so upset right now with the way people are posting on this thread. Walk a mile in my ds's shoes. Live in his world then you can judge all you want.

 

[mousermerf]

A child with severe enough autism that cannot be in control if a ride breaks down and thus have to "wait" for whatever reason should not be allowed on the ride for safety reasons.

Accommodations are to be reasonable - not custom fit for you.

 

[Sam81]

You obviously have never dealt with a child with severe Autism. My ds can not wait. We do not fly, he screams when we are in traffic, and yes we have had to vacate a boarding area due to a break down.
You simply do not understand Autism.

I am so upset right now with the way people are posting on this thread. Walk a mile in my ds's shoes. Live in his world then you can judge all you want.

I feel for you. But your child has to wait. Just like every other child. Your child is no more special than mine. That is the point. Disney has long lines and lots of people. But you do not get to go to the front where my child has to wait in the back. That is not equal.

 

[Sam81]

I am so sorry that people are questioning the legitimacy of the needs of children on the spectrum. When people told my dad "sure must be nice" as he wheeled toward the accessible boarding area I finally snapped and said "take his cancer that he is dying from and I'll gladly switch spots in line with you"

No doubt people have legitimate issues. But yet again I have to ask why chance it. What if while on Peter Pan there was god forbid a fire. And that person is unable to walk or stand for a minute. They just die? Was Peter Pan worth dying?

In a perfect world the person would wait in an alternate area for the same specified period as the posted time. But let’s cut the bs, the CM does not have the time to hand the person a pager and make them wait. 9/10 they are allowed into the FP/exit area and off they go.

 

[mousermerf]

I feel for you. But your child has to wait. Just like every other child. Your child is no more special than mine. That is the point. Disney has long lines and lots of people. But you do not get to go to the front where my child has to wait in the back. That is not equal.

And for that matter every doctor and behavioral expert I've ever talked to has said that not giving immediate gratification was key to behavioral change for a functional life - for my nephew, btw.

So yes, I know exactly what folks are claiming and hyper-sensationalizing that I've no idea what I'm talking about.

 

[mousermerf]

No doubt people have legitimate issues. But yet again I have to ask why chance it. What if while on Peter Pan there was god forbid a fire. And that person is unable to walk or stand for a minute. They just die? Was Peter Pan worth dying?

In a perfect world the person would wait in an alternate area for the same specified period as the posted time. But let’s cut the bs, the CM does not have the time to hand the person a pager and make them wait. 9/10 they are allowed into the FP/exit area and off they go.

But that's just it - with FP+ they quickly reassign the return time via the iPad they have at the FP+ return. It's simple and easy.

 

[moorhunhe]

Don't they also keep track of the people with GAC's getting into a ride?

Seems like the GAC in Paris is much more efficient.
With most rides, the CM writes down how many people he/she just let through, in case the ride needs to be evacuated, so they know how many disabled people are on the ride and might need help.

 

[stargazertechie]

No doubt people have legitimate issues. But yet again I have to ask why chance it. What if while on Peter Pan there was god forbid a fire. And that person is unable to walk or stand for a minute. They just die? Was Peter Pan worth dying?

That's why a person must be able to evacuate by themselves OR with the assistance of their party. Their mobility would be limited in a car accident, a house fire, a tornado, etc.

Please get back to me with how many fires have happened on Disney rides since the parks opened, and then compare it to the number of house fires annually.

Your argument makes no logical sense.

 

[mousermerf]

Don't they also keep track of the people with GAC's getting into a ride?

Seems like the GAC in Paris is much more efficient.
With most rides, the CM writes down how many people he/she just let through, in case the ride needs to be evacuated, so they know how many disabled people are on the ride and might need help.

It depends on the ride - they mark non-ambulatory passengers/vehicles for evacuation purposes at WDW too. But if you walk in, it's assumed you can walk out.

 

[mousermerf]

That's why a person must be able to evacuate by themselves OR with the assistance of their party. Their mobility would be limited in a car accident, a house fire, a tornado, etc.

Please get back to me with how many fires have happened on Disney rides since the parks opened, and then compare it to the number of house fires annually.

Your argument makes no logical sense.

Hundreds if not thousands, actually. Small fires, mechanical malfunctions, etc.. cause ride shut downs every day at WDW. Just because a fire alarm goes off does not mean a firetruck shows up. This is not speculation hearsay, this is a fact.

 

[moorhunhe]

It depends on the ride - they mark non-ambulatory passengers/vehicles for evacuation purposes at WDW too. But if you walk in, it's assumed you can walk out.

Thanks.
I have never been to another park, so I just assumed that the Disney-policy was the same in every park (even though certain laws).

 

[starjazz]

This thread is the Carousel of No Progress. I've never read the same thing so many times.

People need to start worrying about themselves, and quit worrying about what other people are getting that they somehow missed out on. If it ruins your trip to watch someone zip past you in line, whether disabled, cutting or whatever, try focusing on your own family and friends instead of someone elses so much.

(That doesn't mean you budge in front of me and my kid when we're watching the parade though, dangit! )

 

[stargazertechie]

And for that matter every doctor and behavioral expert I've ever talked to has said that not giving immediate gratification was key to behavioral change for a functional life - for my nephew, btw.

So yes, I know exactly what folks are claiming and hyper-sensationalizing that I've no idea what I'm talking about.

And I don't think anyone is asking for instant gratification, only for an accommodation that is reasonable. I don't think any parent with a child on the spectrum is asking for a FOTL pass- only an alternate waiting area that is more secluded for those times when it IS needed.

 

[mousermerf]

And I don't think anyone is asking for instant gratification, only for an accommodation that is reasonable. I don't think any parent with a child on the spectrum is asking for a FOTL pass- only an alternate waiting area that is more secluded for those times when it IS needed.

But Disney didn't build vestibules into attractions and expecting them to do so is unreasonable. A quiet place is unreasonable to request in the middle of the most attended theme parks in the world.

They offer an alternate wait, anywhere you want to go.

 

[Airb330]

My problem with the article, and I said so on the blog is that:

"Guest assistance cards (GACs) allow guests with a disability to be expedited in attraction lines. While Disney always emphasizes that they are NOT a FastPass, many times their use leads you straight into the FastPass line or wheelchair entrance."

That statement is not an established fact. Maybe it happens here and there, but when I used it with my grandparents, we just patiently waited (sat down) somewhere near the ride or inside the ride instead of standing in line.

If anyone complains "the problem with GAC is if i have to wait an hour for space mountain.. then i go to splash mountain and have to walk all the way back.. it's too much!" then yes, someone like that is clearly a problem!

The article is a little misleading.

 

[KateMW]

And I don't think anyone is asking for instant gratification, only for an accommodation that is reasonable. I don't think any parent with a child on the spectrum is asking for a FOTL pass- only an alternate waiting area that is more secluded for those times when it IS needed.

I believe, and correct me if I'm wrong, the PP was referring to the poster who said their child could NOT wait.

 

[donaldlovesdaisy]

I am so sorry that people are questioning the legitimacy of the needs of children on the spectrum. When people told my dad "sure must be nice" as he wheeled toward the accessible boarding area I finally snapped and said "take his cancer that he is dying from and I'll gladly switch spots in line with you"

First of all there is a huge difference between a kid on the spectrum and a man dying of cancer. A child with Autism should be afforded the convince of not having to wait in line a child on the low end with mild SPD symptoms should not and parents who use that as excuse for a GAC or just doing so for their convince so they don't have to deal with an impatient child.

 

[mousermerf]

My problem with the article, and I said so on the blog is that:

"Guest assistance cards (GACs) allow guests with a disability to be expedited in attraction lines. While Disney always emphasizes that they are NOT a FastPass, many times their use leads you straight into the FastPass line or wheelchair entrance."

That statement is not an established fact. Maybe it happens here and there, but when I used it with my grandparents, we just patiently waited (sat down) somewhere near the ride or inside the ride instead of standing in line.

If anyone complains "the problem with GAC is if i have to wait an hour for space mountain.. then i go to splash mountain and have to walk all the way back.. it's too much!" then yes, someone like that is clearly a problem!

The article is a little misleading.

It's not as much of a problem at WDW because it's more "modern" with more mainstream queue access - but DLR - which the article is refering to - has very few mainstream queues and so most every GAC is a front of the line pass.