DL and the GAC

[tacomaranch]

Well Friends,

I went over to the Disability section as I am known there and I got a quick answer to my question about the GAC and DL.

Unfortunately, the answer is not so good. I guess there has been a lot of abuse of the GAC and we will need a Dr.'s note and our previous GAC from WDW. Then the pp went on to say that the CM's treat people with a GAC not so nice. That if I hang it from my lanyard we will treated worse.

At WDW they like that it is in a waterproof holder and easy to see both sides. I guess at DL I am to hide it away and take it each time for use. I thought they would get ruined from opening and closing???

I am almost thinking of cancelling our trip because my life is already difficult with a special needs child. I don't need more problems from Disney because of DS needs. I want to have a magical time like we do in WDW without problems. When they see his GAC from my neck at WDW it seems that the CM's go out of their way to be extra nice to my son.

It is sad because we were prepared for the differences and newness of DL and wanted it to magical, now I don't know if we should go.

Just had to vent.

 

[Adi12982]

Are you sure? It just seems so un-Disney like to make it that difficult for a person with a GAC. I honestly think you won't have any issues. My advice, if you have any CM's that are rude or disrespectful you should report them to Guest Services, because frankly they should not be working there, especially not with people with disabilities. Also, it is illegal (as per the ADA) to force you to show a dr's note to prove diasability.

 

[va32h]

I wouldn't cancel the trip based on one person's bad experience.

Name any resort in WDW, and there will be a bunch of people saying it was the best, and a bunch of people saying it was the worst. Name any restaurant and get the same thing. People interpret things differently, and what was a great experience for one can be a horrible experience for another. It is also impossible to predict how every single cast member will react in every single circumstance.

I really can't imagine how a person would decide that CMs treat people with lanyards any differently than people without, unless they stood there and took a survey. Which is highly unlikely, given that most people are at DL to have fun and keep moving.

 

[spazzyjazzy]

My brother had the best experience when he took my niece. He did not have one problem at all. He did not have to provide a doctor's note or anything. They were also kind enough to store my niece's extra oxygen tanks and kept her milk that she gets tube fed with. I would not base your trip on one or two person's perceptions of what happened to them. Always remember that you are getting only one side of the story when it comes to people experiences.

 

[faindrops27]

There is no way I would ever cancel any of my vacations over what someone else reported. Your son is so looking forward to your vacation with him. If anyone gives you any problem. You report them immediately!! You are only 2 days away from your vacation? I refuse for you to cancel. You and your son will go, and have the time of your lives!! You will not let what someone else said, or even does ruin your vacation. You do not need the extra stress. So, relax, take some soothing breaths, and you go get yourself back into the happy Im going to Disneyland for the first time mode!

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

We have never had that bad of an experience when taking my brother, who needs a wheelchair! We've never needed a doctors note, infact they asked no questions what so ever. All the CM's were very friendly to us, never once did I have a bad experience with a CM or anyone working there for that matter. I agree, don't let what one person said ruin your trip!

Were going again with my brother in October, he's actually worse off with his conditions then he was the last time. I don't have a thought in my head that we will be treated badly. I agree, I'd turn people in if they did!

 

[bclydia]

Please, don't let those reports ruin your trip!!!
I run a group home for disabled adults and have two disabled ladies in my home.
I have taken the group homes down twice and my ladies and another gentleman down twice more. In all, our special needs have included autism, wheelchairs, needing to blend food, bring in equipment to the park, take extra time to load people in to rides, special toileting facilities and more. In four trips with folks with special needs, I have never had a problem with the CM's being anything less than very helpful. They truly want your family to have a magical time and they will do their best to make it happen.
Remember that half of an experience has to do with your expectations. If you go believing you won't have a great time, then you'll be right. If you go to enjoy the magic and do all that you can, you'll find you will have a wonderful time.
I would suspect that the people who are reporting all of those troubles are looking to find problems not joy. Don't let them rob you and your son of the joy!!!

 

[samkj]

If your son is in a wheelchair and simply needs an alternative entrance to lines, then you don't even need to get the GAC. The chair speaks for itself. We have taken our daughter severe cerebral palsy to Disneyland several times and have had amazing service. Every Disney cast member went out of their way to make her feel extra special. You will have an amazing trip, don't let one persons negative opinion ruin it for you.

 

[tacomaranch]

My son has autism and is not in a chair and look very NT, until you noticed the strange little things that he does or doesn't do. He does not understand social situations yet. He acts out and does some strange behaviors that make NT people stare and look at me like I am the worst parent in the world.

Honestly, no one would really want to be in line with my DS but that is why we used our GAC at WDW. He has a better time and so does everyone else.

I am just so disappointed by what I have heard so far.

I want to have a great time and will everything to make sure my DS's trip is magical. Heck it is Disney!

 

[Adi12982]

Honestly, no one would really want to be in line with my DS but that is why we used our GAC at WDW. He has a better time and so does everyone else.

But people on this very post (and some on the one on the DisABILITIES board) have had good one's . . . so there has been good you have heard. I promise things should go well, with a great attitude and no worrying I am sure it will all work out. Like you said, Heck, it is Disney. You will run into more understanding CM's than not. It will be great!!!

 

[tacomaranch]

A friend at church told me this morning more about DL. She grew up in LA. She said it is not a destination but a day trip. She said take a huge city and all the diversity of people and you have DL. She said there will be gang bangers and families all waiting in the same line. She told me to keep my eyes forward and never look directly at anyone. Wow!!! She also explained that so many people try to take advantage of the GAC in the city. If they only really knew the price we pay for having the GAC.

We would gladly wait 100 days for 100 hours to have our child be NT and stand in line!!!! Honestly, if they knew my life.

We are off in the morning and are going to have a wonderful, magical Disney time.

Friends, I thank you for the support, the quick answers to all my stupid questions and I promise a lot of pictures.

I am leaving my country life in my town of 300 and we are off to Disney in just over 12 hours!

 

[NannyPooh]

I am sorry to hear about the negative reports that you have gotten.
I hope that you all have a great trip, and that it exceeds your expectations in every way!