First trip GAC advice

[JosieMouse]

Thank you everyone for your support. I am afraid of the rude people, ESP since my kids 'look typical.' But my priority is safety and a fun family vacation so I'm trying to toughen up.

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I can understand your fear of rude people becaues I'm worried about that too. I'm planning our first family vacation for August of next year.

I did sign up for touring plans and have mapped out which parks/which days, but will look at more specific plans too. I'm also showing DS a lot of YouTube videos of the parks and attractions. I feel like I am ruining the magic but also allowing for magic over mayhem all at the same time!

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Don't feel bad about the youtube videos. I have been showing all 5, only 3 have autism, Disney videos for a year now. I'm a planner and have to know what to expect. As a result I already know of somethings to avoid. It's nice knowing this before hand. I know thjat my three handle new and diffrent things better, if they have an ideal of what to expect. If that's true for your DS too, then the video would add to the magic for him because he all ready knows of that Disney is a good fun place.

 

[DisMom1981]

I can understand your fear of rude people becaues I'm worried about that too. I'm planning our first family vacation for August of next year.

Don't feel bad about the youtube videos. I have been showing all 5, only 3 have autism, Disney videos for a year now. I'm a planner and have to know what to expect. As a result I already know of somethings to avoid. It's nice knowing this before hand. I know thjat my three handle new and diffrent things better, if they have an ideal of what to expect. If that's true for your DS too, then the video would add to the magic for him because he all ready knows of that Disney is a good fun place.

Thanks for the post. We've watched quite a few videos- even of the character meals/restaurants. This weekend we went to a carnival with hardly any lines- we've never done rides/lines before. It was not a smooth experience. So nervous about Disney but we need this trip so badly.

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[SueM in MN]

In post #3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread, there is a link to a video that is n interactive trip to WDW. Some of it is outdated - for example, it still shows Toontown, which is gone.
Bu, it is n amazing video for social story purposes. It shows the narrator going o WDW, arriving at a park (be aware that the turnstiles and ticket have changed) and then walking around. When the narrator gets to an attraction, he tells you a little bit about and and then you have the chance to 'go on the attraction' , which links to another video. That one shows parts of the queue, boarding and most of the ride. After 'getting off' you are linked back to the first video and continue where you left off.
You are also able to choose NOT to ride - in that case, you just go on to the next part of the park.

Some of queues have changed a bit; they have added interactive elements in some queues, but it shows the general ideas of being in the park - first we queue, then we get on, then we ride, then we get off and go to the next thing.

There are also new attractions that are not hon me some older attractions are not shown because filming is not allowed. Another issue with dark rides in any pictures or videos is that things actually appear darker on pictures or video thn they really are.

 

[DisMom1981]

In post #3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread, there is a link to a video that is n interactive trip to WDW. Some of it is outdated - for example, it still shows Toontown, which is gone.
Bu, it is n amazing video for social story purposes. It shows the narrator going o WDW, arriving at a park (be aware that the turnstiles and ticket have changed) and then walking around. When the narrator gets to an attraction, he tells you a little bit about and and then you have the chance to 'go on the attraction' , which links to another video. That one shows parts of the queue, boarding and most of the ride. After 'getting off' you are linked back to the first video and continue where you left off.
You are also able to choose NOT to ride - in that case, you just go on to the next part of the park.

Some of queues have changed a bit; they have added interactive elements in some queues, but it shows the general ideas of being in the park - first we queue, then we get on, then we ride, then we get off and go to the next thing.

There are also new attractions that are not hon me some older attractions are not shown because filming is not allowed. Another issue with dark rides in any pictures or videos is that things actually appear darker on pictures or video thn they really are.

Thanks that is really helpful. I will check it out!

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[DisMom1981]

Latest worry:

If DS 4 is going to ride something that DD is not going to ride. DS needs the stroller for the queue wait. Then non riding parent stuck waiting with 2 year old and no stroller. Better to take two single strollers for this situation? Anyone been in this situation before? What did you decide would be better?

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[ttintagel]

Latest worry:

If DS 4 is going to ride something that DD is not going to ride. DS needs the stroller for the queue wait. Then non riding parent stuck waiting with 2 year old and no stroller. Better to take two single strollers for this situation? Anyone been in this situation before? What did you decide would be better?

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They make umbrella strollers that snap together into a double and then snap back apart into two singles when needed. Would that work for your situation?

 

[Schmeck]

Don't forget that on the GAC it is printed that it is not intended to shorten wait time - so don't go expecting to have a shorter wait. Depending on how many people are ahead of you, the wait may be even longer than the regular queue.

Your best bet if waiting in line is an issue is to use Fastpass where available, get to the parks early, and use a touring plan to know which parks to avoid. Staying onsite helps, as you have EMH access.

We tend to tour the park that had EMH the day before, especially if it had a night EMH.

 

[luv2sleep]

Don't forget that on the GAC it is printed that it is not intended to shorten wait time - so don't go expecting to have a shorter wait. Depending on how many people are ahead of you, the wait may be even longer than the regular queue.

Your best bet if waiting in line is an issue is to use Fastpass where available, get to the parks early, and use a touring plan to know which parks to avoid. Staying onsite helps, as you have EMH access.

We tend to tour the park that had EMH the day before, especially if it had a night EMH.

But a lot of those that don't have a FP entrance have an alternate entrance, as for wheelchairs and physically disabled persons, and we sent to those those often.

 

[lanejudy]

But a lot of those that don't have a FP entrance have an alternate entrance, as for wheelchairs and physically disabled persons, and we sent to those those often.

Actually, very few at WDW are not mainstreamed so those simply using a wheelchair/ECV or other mobility-aid (including stroller-as-wheelchair) would not be directed to any alternate entrance. Such alternate entrances are much more common at DLR because of it's age and smaller size.

Latest worry:

If DS 4 is going to ride something that DD is not going to ride. DS needs the stroller for the queue wait. Then non riding parent stuck waiting with 2 year old and no stroller. Better to take two single strollers for this situation? Anyone been in this situation before? What did you decide would be better?

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They make umbrella strollers that snap together into a double and then snap back apart into two singles when needed. Would that work for your situation?

OP, unless your 4-yr-old is particularly tall I don't think there will be a lot more rides available to him than the 2-yr-old. You can check height requirements on the disAbilities FAQ sticky. However, if you are concerned about this scenario and needing to split the children both needing the stroller, ttintagel's solution might be your best option.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[luv2sleep]

Wow then our experience was different! Every time we went to a ride if it didn't have a FP entrance then we were let through the alternate one.

 

[luv2sleep]

That was at WDW

 

[ttintagel]

Wow then our experience was different! Every time we went to a ride if it didn't have a FP entrance then we were let through the alternate one.

Accommodations vary greatly depending on the conditions on the ground (crowds, traffic, etc.). You may go to the same ride twice on the same day, and have the same CM give you different instructions.

 

[luv2sleep]

Accommodations vary greatly depending on the conditions on the ground (crowds, traffic, etc.). You may go to the same ride twice on the same day, and have the same CM give you different instructions.

Ah. We were there during the summer. Pretty crowded. Good to know.

 

[stitchlovestink]

Accommodations vary greatly depending on the conditions on the ground (crowds, traffic, etc.). You may go to the same ride twice on the same day, and have the same CM give you different instructions.

I find this SO INTERESTING to see this constantly posted when people discuss having a GAC that allows them use of the FP/alternate entrance! LOL!!!
I have had a GAC allowing this for YEARS! And in all of my trips (dozens!!) And hundreds of times riding rides, I have only ever been instructed differently twice!! Once was at Buzz Lightyear and I think that was more because I was solo, couldn't take my ECV in, was in too much pain to walk very far and am unable to propel myself in a wheelchair, so I was given rather unusual instructions...ones I am sure I would not have received had I had a companion of my own. The other time was a TSMM. And the CM Actually gave ME the choice!! One was the way I was always instructed and the other was a bit unconventional but it got us on the ride WITHIN MINUTES!!! LOL! Glad a chose the second choice!! Every Other Time My instructions have been identical...I find these Statements So Ironic!
Edited to add...I have travelled to WDW every month now except February & April. I have been there during MLK jr holiday (very busy...phase 1 closing at MK) and slow Sept! I have been there multiple times in July w/ the tours groups... I have been during busy weekends at the food & wine. I have been in the MK when they were taping the holiday parade! Very Cool! I think I have a pretty good perception of busy...

 

[DisMom1981]

This problem will pose an issue whether we use an alternate line or included line. DS is tall- 40ish inches, but he probably will not want to ride bigger rides that DD won't be able to ride. So probably over thinking this.

Trying to make do with the strollers we currently own and we are driving so maybe we'll bring double and single strollers for the trip so whatever works better we will have.

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[SteveMouse]

One thing to consider: you shouldn't have an issue, based on need, in getting the stroller as wheelchair GAC for a double stroller. If you choose to use a second stroller for the second child, unless there is a medical need, you will not be able to get a second "stroller as wheelchair" tag.

 

[DisMom1981]

One thing to consider: you shouldn't have an issue, based on need, in getting the stroller as wheelchair GAC for a double stroller. If you choose to use a second stroller for the second child, unless there is a medical need, you will not be able to get a second "stroller as wheelchair" tag.

Thanks. Good point. Vacation is stressful enough to plan...... I'm just trying to do the best I can ahead of time to plan a safe and fun vacation for us- we need this! I appreciate all of the helpful, supportive ideas and feedback. Some days are so tough I feel there is no way we can go on a vacation like this- other days are better and I think we will need little to no accommodations.

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[SueM in MN]

I find this SO INTERESTING to see this constantly posted when people discuss having a GAC that allows them use of the FP/alternate entrance! LOL!!!
I have had a GAC allowing this for YEARS! And in all of my trips (dozens!!) And hundreds of times riding rides, I have only ever been instructed differently twice!! Once was at Buzz Lightyear and I think that was more because I was solo, couldn't take my ECV in, was in too much pain to walk very far and am unable to propel myself in a wheelchair, so I was given rather unusual instructions...ones I am sure I would not have received had I had a companion of my own. The other time was a TSMM. And the CM Actually gave ME the choice!! One was the way I was always instructed and the other was a bit unconventional but it got us on the ride WITHIN MINUTES!!! LOL! Glad a chose the second choice!! Every Other Time My instructions have been identical...I find these Statements So Ironic!
Edited to add...I have travelled to WDW every month now except February & April. I have been there during MLK jr holiday (very busy...phase 1 closing at MK) and slow Sept! I have been there multiple times in July w/ the tours groups... I have been during busy weekends at the food & wine. I have been in the MK when they were taping the holiday parade! Very Cool! I think I have a pretty good perception of busy...

That's because it maybe has not happened to you, but it has happened to other people.

Does it happen often? Maybe not.
But it does happen and has happened to my family and other posters. We have traveled to WDW with DD who is disabled since 1987 and have used a GAC since 1999.

There have been people over the years who posted asking who to complain to when they were not allowed to use the access to Pirates of the Caribbean that they expected (which they had used earlier in the trip). There have been several posts about that specific attraction, but also others. This is not just on this forum, but other forums as well.

The last time someone posted here, a CM sent me a private message that the area was unavailable because they were using it for an emergency - another guest had a medical emergency and they were using that access for EMS to treat the patient.

Other situations included the waiting area being full, so more people could not come in to use it. We have experienced that several times over the years and were asked to one back in 30 minutes when the area would be cleared.

No one has ever said it happens frequently OR even that it will happen to every guest.
But, it is a possibility that people need to be aware of so they realize that CMs are not 'poorly trained' or 'lazy' or not 'following procedure' or any of the other things people have posted in the past if the CM tells them to do something other than what was expected.
And, just because they are doing something one way 'today' doesn't mean they can't change it.
In the past, WDW gave out more handwritten Fastpasses to guests with GACs than they do right now.
That could change and has changed at Disneyland.

 

[SueM in MN]

One thing to consider: you shouldn't have an issue, based on need, in getting the stroller as wheelchair GAC for a double stroller. If you choose to use a second stroller for the second child, unless there is a medical need, you will not be able to get a second "stroller as wheelchair" tag.

Yes.
Other people have posted they were able to get a stroller as wheelchair tag for a double stroller. Almost all attractions are wheelchair accessible to the point of boarding (exceptions are Tomorrowland Transit Authority, Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse and Tom Sawyer Island).
If the double stroller is no wider than 32 inches and no longer than 48 inches, it will fit.

Children too small to ride are not allowed into the line for attractions that have height requirements. So, you could end up with whoever sits out with your DD not having a stroller for her.

 

[ttintagel]

I find this SO INTERESTING to see this constantly posted when people discuss having a GAC that allows them use of the FP/alternate entrance! LOL!!!
I have had a GAC allowing this for YEARS! And in all of my trips (dozens!!) And hundreds of times riding rides, I have only ever been instructed differently twice!! Once was at Buzz Lightyear and I think that was more because I was solo, couldn't take my ECV in, was in too much pain to walk very far and am unable to propel myself in a wheelchair, so I was given rather unusual instructions...ones I am sure I would not have received had I had a companion of my own. The other time was a TSMM. And the CM Actually gave ME the choice!! One was the way I was always instructed and the other was a bit unconventional but it got us on the ride WITHIN MINUTES!!! LOL! Glad a chose the second choice!! Every Other Time My instructions have been identical...I find these Statements So Ironic!
Edited to add...I have travelled to WDW every month now except February & April. I have been there during MLK jr holiday (very busy...phase 1 closing at MK) and slow Sept! I have been there multiple times in July w/ the tours groups... I have been during busy weekends at the food & wine. I have been in the MK when they were taping the holiday parade! Very Cool! I think I have a pretty good perception of busy...

The fact that your experience has been different than mine bolsters my point that accommodations can be different. And you yourself stated that your situation made the CM treat your case differently than others.