GAC at DisneyLAND

[tacomaranch]

I have called guest services and they were so closed lip that I felt I told her more about the GAC then she would even say.

Has anyone had experience with DL and the GAC. Should I expect problems? Are there alternative entrances for most rides?

We were hoping for the Disney magic of the World but so far have only spoken to one person who seemed happy and was helpful.

 

[Hook's Girl]

I could be completely wrong but I thought Disneyland had a complete different system. I've always been with a guest in a wheelchair which is pretty obvious and does not require any kind of GAC. Anyone else know?

 

[cmwade77]

They have a GAC, it works differently at DCA than at Disneyland unfortunately, at DCA plan on getting FPs where available, I will give my reccomendations below for that purpose.

Basically you can get the GAC at either park and it will have the same stamps, just explain what your needs are and they will provide a pass with the stamps needed, the easiest one to get is a Wheelchair, which basically tells the cast members at the attractions to treat you as if you were in a wheel chair, they have all of the same stamps as at Disney World but the bypass stamp is impossible to get unless you would be an immediate physical danger to others in the que.

NOTE: If you get the wheel chair stamp that at Disneyland this means the only attractions that you would be mainstreamed on are Buzz Light Year, Winnie the Pooh and now the Monorail, which is only making one way trips to Downtown Disney right now, but after June should be ressuming normal operations, with Winnie the Pooh it is usually no more than a 5-10 minute wait, any longer than that and you should just go back later. At DCA, if you talk with the CM at the attraction they should at least provide you somewhere to sit while waiting.

With the wheel chair stamp here is what I find best, for some reason it doesn't seem to matter what time you arrive this seems to work the best:
First get FPs for Soarin' (If the line is posted more than 10 minutes as 10 minutes is considered a walk on) (Note that Soarin' has a single rider's que and if you don't mind being split up you could choose this option instead)
As soon as your window opens get a FP for TOT, until your window is open follow the list below until your window is open
next go on Monster's Inc., unless there's a show of Aladdin starting soon, then go to see Aladdin first, if it is still not time to use your TOT FP go and see Muppet Vision 3-D, then ride TOT. Before leaving Hollywood Backlot be sure to go into the Animation Building and do all there is there, it is a lot of fun and a lot different than the one at MGM. Also has nice cushy seats to sit on, this is also a great way to pass some time before your TOT FP is valid.

If it is a hot day, I would then go and get a FP for Grizzly River Run and then ride Soarin' by the time you are done there your FP for Grizzly River Run should be valid (note that this attraction does have a Single Rider Que and if you can not handle stairs they can take you through the handicap exit to put you in the Single Rider que).

If you would like a break, see Golden Dreams (if the show is starting soon, this show isn't too exciting in my opinion, even though it has Whoppi Goldberg in it)

If you want to do Mullholland Madness I would not get a FP or wait more than 5 minutes for this attraction, again they do have a single rider que, but this could be done next. Not the Ferris wheel doesn't have a single rider que, but if you want a non-swinging gondala the que for that is at the exit and is usually much shorter than the swinging gondola.

I would then go and get a FP for California Screamin' then ride the Carousel, then the ferris wheel if your FP isn't valid yet, then ride Screamin' as soon as it is valid, then go on Maliboomer (single rider que if the line is more than 5 minutes, this is also one of those attractions that you can easily bypass in my opinion)

If you wish to do the Orange Stinger, be sure to show your GAC so that you do not have to climb the stairs, this also makes the wait time much shorter, if there is one.

If you wish to ride the Golden Zeypher be sure to pay attention to where the wheel chair signs are go through the gate and use the lift.

Then go through to the Tortilla Factory (esp. if you are celebrating a Birthday as you get a free pack of toritllas) and the Bread Factory, which both give free samples to everyone.

If you wish to experience the Golden Vines Attraction (something that I have no interest in personally) now would be a good time, then go to see it's tough to be a bug and any of Bug's Land that you would like to see.

Now also you should make sure to note when the High School Musical is, if you want to see it, plan it in, otherwise try to avoid the areas that it is in. Same goes for Block Party Bash and if the Electrical Parade is running.

Assuming there is no Electrical Parade you should be able to do the entire park in about 5-7 hours, depending on time of the year and how busy it is the day you go.

This is just my recommendation as someone that uses a GAC and likes to try to do all that I can at times, most of the time I just pick a couple of items at DCA that I want to go on and do them then head over to DL. Note you can easily cut anything out that you do not wish to see above. I would also eat lunch between 10:00-11:00 AM or 2:00 - 3:00 PM and Dinner between 4:00-5:00 PM and 6:30-8:00 PM Word to the wise most restaurant close by 8:00 PM and you will be stuck for food if you do not eat by then, there are a few exceptions, but this tends to be true at DL and DCA.

At Disneyland the only issues may be Buzz Light Year and the Monorail, with Buzz Light Year get a FP, with the Monorail if you can't stand for the length of the que talk with a CM, do no attempt to board the Elevator before doing so, as the whole setup there has changed and they will make you go back down to the end of the line as there is now a very long ramp to take you to the loading platform, which has also changed a lot.

Ok, sorry to make it so long winded, but hopefully this helps out some.

 

[tacomaranch]

cmwade77,

I can't say thank you enough for the great information on how to make the most of our day.

Our GAC's which I have kept all of them so far to give back so they can see them when I ask for one, I hand the last issued for reference.

We have stroller as wheelchair, alternative entrance and front of shows. My son could very realistically cause harm to someone but not doing intentionally. He just likes to touch the skin of people. It is a sensory thing. He also will scream, run, etc if things start to go wrong in anyway. I don't worry about him so much as the people in line with us. He would really make a scene and it is just better to avoid the problem all together if they could give us an alternative enterance.

When we see shows it is the same. He needs to be up front and have it in his face so it keeps him engaged in the show rather than messing with others, throwing his body backwards and screaming. Sensory issues again. I find when we are up front we have a chance for him to keep interested.

Finally there are times when he is a runner and we just need to lock him in the stroller to keep him safe and others. He once nearly ran into a woman behind when she was bent over and he did run into an older lady. He had gotten out of my hand and just took off. Urg.

I sure do hope they will help me out without a fight. Unfortunately, I want it to go easy but I do know how to fight for what we need to magical time.

I am going to cut and paste your instructions and live by them.

Thank you, April

 

[cymomtx]

I took my GAC from WDW and showed it to DL and they issued me two to use (one each for my Aspie kiddos). We had a great time at DL, they were wonderful, no problems using the GAC at all.

 

[dclfun]

We've had an alternate entrance stamp before at DL. They actually will time your arrival in that line and will not let you proceed until you have waited the exact amount of time as anyone else. I am assuming this is to avoid "abuse". We experienced this at Indiana Jones even though I had a stamp that said to "expedite" us through the attractions. We ended up waiting in a queue with all the other alternate entrance people which was just as crowded and "close" as the other line would have been. You may want to request to wait in an alternate area if possible if you son has issues with being in close quarters to others, although lots of children touch people whether or not they're disabled. Good luck!---Kathy

 

[cmwade77]

The Alternate Entrance stamp is very hard to get now though, this has been a fairly recent change in the case outlined above I would think that there would be no problem with getting it, some items that will assist you in this:

A GAC from WDW (do not let them take it out of your sight though, unless you have a backup one at home fore the next time you go to WDW)

A doctors note explaining your son's condition

Be sure you son is with you when you go into guest relations

Be sure to explain all that you did in your post

Go in and be kind to the CM, this gets you a long way there, as so many people will give Guest Relations a hard time, which is indeed sad, but that's another story, ask them how they are doing show an interest in them, they will do the same in return, I think this is good practice wherever you may go.

Please note that if you do obtain an Alternate Entrance stamp my instructions are not as needed (i.e. You generally won't have to get a FP at any of the attractions, instead you will just enter through the FP que) they will however tell you that you need to get FP at Guest Relations, always ask at each attraction first. Also if you do obtain an Alternate Entrance stamp be sure to check with each and every attraction, including those without FP, as almost all have Alternate Entrances, could be the exit in many cases, but could also be putting your entire party through the single rider que and them telling someone you are coming. If you do follow my order with an Alternate Entrance stamp you will probably have done everything in about half a day at DCA, there is also a Redwood Creek Challenge trail if it is something that looks of interest then I would do that about the same time as Grizzly River Run, also there is a Brother Bear show in there that is a small and more intimate show, kind of a story telling thing, but with characters which may be of interest considering and over by it's tough to be a bug there is a similar show as well, consider that at about the same time as a Bug's Land.

Also be aware that at the Aladdin show the performers come into the audience in the Orchestra level and there is a portion during "A whole new world" where the carpet flies overhead if you are sitting in the Orchestra level. I hate to give away the surprises like that if you haven't seen it before, but in this case I think it is best to be forewarned.

 

[cmwade77]

We've had an alternate entrance stamp before at DL. They actually will time your arrival in that line and will not let you proceed until you have waited the exact amount of time as anyone else. I am assuming this is to avoid "abuse". We experienced this at Indiana Jones even though I had a stamp that said to "expedite" us through the attractions. We ended up waiting in a queue with all the other alternate entrance people which was just as crowded and "close" as the other line would have been. You may want to request to wait in an alternate area if possible if you son has issues with being in close quarters to others, although lots of children touch people whether or not they're disabled. Good luck!---Kathy

With Indiana Jones it is actually to do with a state mandate that EVERYONE watch the safety film and they can only allow two wheelchair parties in the ride at one time, so with Indiana Jones you may wait longer than everyone else depending on the time of day, my recommendations is if the line is too long here get a FP, sorry I did forget about that one. There is no Alternate waiting location either, if you don't feel that FP will work, I would recommend taking the stroller on as a wheel chair here. Now sometimes with the Alternate Entrance the CM may choose to simply let you use the FP que, if this happens keep the pass out up to the point where they are collecting FPs then put it away so you do not have to wait in the wheel chair que, it may be slightly more crowded this way for a couple of minutes but you will get on much quicker and this is what I have been told to do in the past at this attraction by the CMs.

Also note that on Peter Pan and Alice In Wonderland if the Wheel Chair area is too full they will give you a return time pass (rare, but it does happen) I would also not recommend using the wheel chair as a stroller on the Matterhorn as you will have to wait in line with everyone else if you do, instead take advantage of the GAC at this location.

Generally speaking most CMs will not make you wait if they can avoid it, esp. in a case like yours as they realize that it takes you longer to get through the parks, as a result you can do less than other guests, some will be sticklers for the rules of course, which state you need to get a FP where available, just be prepared for that possibility.

Hopefully all of this will help you have a magical time.

 

[tacomaranch]

Thanks CMwade77,

I have a lanyard with a plastic holder at the end. We usually put our park tickets and the GAC in the holder and it hangs around my neck. That way, hopefully if he is acting out the CM's will not the GAC without me showing it and I won't have to explain his behavior. It really is a challenge as he looks great and is now verbal. It is a spectrum disorder and social. That is where it gets tricky. He may end up screaming in the line, covering his ears and screaming.

I do have a very generic note from his Dr. saying he has autism and please offer him every consideration. I have the previous GAC's from WDW and then there is Hunter.

I will remember to be kind as I like to be treated the same in return. A smile goes a long way. I just really don't want a hard time from the guest services as having a child with autism makes life hard already.

He really can't wait in lines and we do try to get FP when we can at WDW. But when we show our GAC we have been told to enter the FP line and that is where we go. AT POTC we wait near the outside and they take him a back way.

I just hope they are as courteous at DL as they are at WDW. Again, the last thing I need is to have a difficult time. I hope it goes well and they understand why we need the GAC. It makes our trip magical not having a screaming child who doesn't understand why.

We leave in about 2 days and will start in the parks on Tuesday.

One final question, Is the GAC good for our party of 3 and for the 3 days in the parks?

Thanks again for the support and help, April

 

[cmwade77]

I would STRONGLY advise not using the lanyard at Disneyland, generally speaking the only people that use lanyards (except Disney Travel or AAA Lanyards) are the annoying Annual Pass Holders that basically expect to get to the front of everything just because they have an Annual Pass, CMs know this and act accordingly. Now I have an Annual Pass and I definitely not saying all Annual Pass Holders act this way, just generally the ones with Lanyards do and no, not everyone with a lanyards will either, but really the difference in the CMs attitudes is amazing to me between someone with the same stamps on a GAC with a lanyard (unless it is a Disney Travel or AAA lanyard, because then they know they are probably tourists) and someone without a lanyard. Just a word to the wise, it's also best to keep the GAC in your purse or wallet while you are there, except while using it of course, CMs tend to get a little strange when it is in plain sight. All of this is because the system had been abused in the past (or so Disneyland Officials firmly believe, I don't think it was based on their numbers, I think it was being underused based on Disney's numbers and the official census numbers on the number of "Disabled Americans" percentage wise, but that's another story)

You should be able to get it for all 3 days without too much difficulty, sounds like you will be doing the parks at a good time, Wed. is the least crowded and Spring Breaks haven't officially started yet, also Tues. and Thrs. are generally only slightly more crowded than Wed. note that DL is open until 11:00 PM right now and DCA until 8:00 PM which will make it slightly more crowded, also Fantasmic! is in rehab so that a. reduces some of the crowds that would come if it were running and b. means that there will not be a crowded time by Rivers of America to worry about.

I wish you all the best, just remember DL has a lot different crowd than WDW as a general rule there are a lot more locals here and as a result the CM's attitudes and the rules for the GAC are a little bit different, again I would strongly advise against the lanyard, although that is just my personal experience.

 

[tacomaranch]

Is this going to be such a problem that we should just cancel the trip? I really am accustom to the WDW CM's who like to have the GAC out and able to read both side quickly. We have it hanging on our pin lanyard. They look at front and back and then give instructions. We always are smiling, heck we are in Disney and say thanks, just good manners.

However if this is going to be a problem and confrontational I really don't need to go. I will take the hit to cancel at this point and stay home. I never knew this was going to be so different and difficult. The point of Disney to us is for the magic, the good feelings, my DS acting like every other little guy there with a little help from a GAC to make sure things go ok when we do have problems. It is a little extra insurance.

I guess we can just try the lines and see what happens. I will try to keep his hands in, his voice down, his self stims to a minimum and hopefully not to many stares from the NT's. He just acts different from the NT's and when put in lines it gets worse as he can't take people by him, too much talking, too loud, and all the other wonderful things that go with the autism.

Wade, is it just better to cancel at this point? I am not feeling good about the CM's and our treatment because DS has a disability.

Thanks again for the great info.

 

[krismom]

We had no problems getting or using the GAC in Disneyland. We found the CM's at least as wonderful as in WDW. Have a great trip!

 

[cmwade77]

Just don't use the lanyard and you should be fine, really most CMs are great just trying to help you avoid unnecessary problems, granted even with the lanyard you may never experience a problem, but like I said just tryingbto helpavoid problems.

 

[cmwade77]

Also, I would definitely not cancel your trip.

Just be prepared that it is a little different for the GAC at Disneyland than at WDW

 

[dclfun]

Well, at Indiana Jones we never saw a safety film and spent most of our time scrunched up with both ambulatory and other w/c guests in a dark, crowded passage. It was not pleasant. I am on a ventilator and don't like people getting to close to the hoses, for obvious reasons. The CM ignored all of us, by literally looking away as he passed the folks in our "alternate line" and kept looking at his watch to see how long we'd waited. I'd have gladly waited somewhere that I felt safe, but this was not it. ---Kathy

 

[cymomtx]

I kept my GAC in my fanny pack and just took it out as needed. Had no problems what so ever with the CMs. They gave me my GAC as needed and allowed us on to all the rides with no questions asked.

 

[tacomaranch]

I have packed a letter to Disneyl from our Pediatrician explaining some of our problems and 18 page evaluation with details of his problems. I would never think to do this for WDW but it has been explained that is going to be so different. It is not a destination but a day trip for everyone with a huge diversity from gang bangers to families.

I have our previous GAC from WDW with all our stamps but DS can't wait, that is the problem and why we have an alternative entrance. He just doesn't get it and no matter where they put us he will melt down and everyone will hear him.

If it is a problem we are going to leave and come home but I remain optimistic and still am excited for the magic.

Wish us luck and my thanks to all for helping us out.

 

[cupcake]

Haven't been for a few years, but they did not offer any sort of assistance with my inability to wait in a sunny line for a significant period of time. I did not want to avoid the wait; I wanted to avoid the sun and would have been happy to come back later at a specified time. So I would say they are not as good as WDW from my perspective. However, it sounds like they will be able to assist you based on your posts talking about your son. I agree with the others, being nice and explaining what needs your son has have will go a long way. It is in their interest as well as yours to make things go smoothly. Don't cancel your trip!!

Cupcake

 

[cmwade77]

They can help you with assistance to stay out of the sun now, there have been quite a few recent changes, just remember a lot is up to the individual CM working at various attractions.

 

[cupcake]

Don't want to take this thread OT, but thanks about the sun sensitivity update. That is good to know, I don't think we would go back if it stayed like that as it was a huge issue for us. Unlike WDW, there are a ton of sunny lines even using FP so we had to walk away from attractions repeatedly, which was very disappointing. The CM at guest services actually asked me what did I expect in Southern CA except sun!!! There's a big different btwn moderated and controlled exposure and standing in the direct sun, even under an umbrella, for chunks of time... (I am very prone to sun poisoning due to meds).

Thank you for the information!

Cupcake