GAC at Disneyland differences

[Jperiod]

I was reading through the FAQ because we're going to Disneyland in May with the cousins (making our group 7, over the 6 person limit).

I noticed a lot of emphasis that the GAC doesn't reduce the wait and isn't used on anything but attractions.

We just used the GAC for the first time in Decemeber when we were at Disneyland for a week. At first we were trying to use fastpass and bear through lines that appeared manageable, but CMs kept picking us out in line (the GAC is in my lanyard) and asked why we were waiting there or why we were using a fastpass instead of the GAC, and then would direct us through to basically the front. We ended up stopping getting fastpasses and just used the GAC. Every time we had a very shortened wait, except the princess fantasy faire where they just told us to come up to the front in 30 minutes (and we went to bounce around for a while). We also used it to sit in the wheelchair areas for Fantasmic and the parades (I just showed the card and explained to the CM about DS's trouble with long waits and tight crowds). It was a lifesaver and we got to do things that week with DS that we haven't been able to do since before he was born! It was the most pleasent trip we've ever had.

Was this just a freak occurance? Or does Disneyland treat the GAC differently than WDW? I guess I'm just wondering if I should prepare to change my tactics (back to the pre-GAC methods for dealing with DS) for our upcoming trip?

 

[wdhinn89]

We had the same wonderful experience in Disneyland as you did. We went in July 2009.

 

[cm8]

Hi! I would say that what you had happen to you and your party was the exception and not the rule, It does say on the GAC that it is not intended to skip lines and that you should still use fast passes. Anyways, I am glad to hear that you had a nice time! I would not expect that all the time though

 

[evieg1983]

We had varying experiences in WDW in january. We just approached the CM at the front of each attraction and asked what we should do. Sometimes we were given a fast pass for roughly the line wait time. Sometimes shown an alternative entrance. All were very helpful and gave my DD a magical experince. think the best thing is to remain flexible and polite, explain your needs but don't expect immediate entrance to everything.

 

[darlingfamily]

I am so glad you had a good experience! I think it also depends on the type of GAC you get. I know that some do not have the "alternate entrance" which can give you a different experience. Also, it varies from Cm to CM and from park to park. At DLR last year when we went, for the most part we had a good experience although there were a few times we actually had the CM ignore us (with us waving our hands so they knew we were standing there waiting for direction. lol) for 5 to 10 minutes.

I do have to say that our experience at WDW is MUCH friendlier then it was at DLR. I don't know if it is because Orlando itself is more tourist friendly and So Cal, not so much? Growing up there I knew that the mentality was that tourists were a disturbance not a way to look at a source for income, etc. Being a southern californian I'll admit they aren't too friendly overall. LOL

I think sometimes the experience at DLR can be really good though and I am so glad that you had a good one!