gac/autism and fantasmic

[minniemom67]

my 10 year old autistic son has been very difficult at WDW the last 2 trips and can't be in line close to strangers or starts to tantrum so we are going to try the GAC this year -does this gives us a different place to wait for fantasmic ?He really enjoys that show but couldn't wait with the crowd to see it last year ! I am already thinking that the fantasmic dinner package would help , but people are writing you still have to wait 1 hour which would not work with him ! Plus if it isn't going to work out we would rather eat at a different restaurant than do the package

 

[lalapodip]

We've done the Fantasmic package every time....you do have to wait, but you are sitting in the section set aside for the Fantasmic package, not just waiting in a line, which would definitely not work for my son either!! My son has done very well playing with his gameboy while waiting for the show to start. He usually wants to transfer out of his wheelchair and sit right on the bench (he is 14 now and has been 3 times since he was 7). My experience has been that the package is well worth simply to avoid waiting in line. Good luck to you. We have enjoyed dinner at both Mama Melrose & Hollywood & Vine on the package. Mama Melrose took a LOT of time, but was very good. We are doing H&V on this trip to try something new with the cousins, who haven't been there before.

 

[minniemom67]

do you know if you waited a whole hour? We have done the package in the past at h & v -the food was good and will probably do it this August as well , but it used to be that you would go to the back entrance 30 minutes before show

 

[SueM in MN]

Thing have changed in the past year with Fantasmic and the dinner package.

Fantasmic used to be every night, but switched to only several selected nights a week as of January 2009. That so far seems to mean bigger crowds on the nights it does occur. In the past, they didn't do anything different for people with wheelchairs, ECVs or GACs (Guest Assistance Cards) until you got to the stroller drop off area. At that point, those people were separated off and a CM showed them individually to seats. It was not that difficult in line because the line area is very wide and the people were walking in (so not waiting in a tight line) once the gates opened to start letting guests in.
With less shows, people have been reporting larger crowds waiting outside the gate before the show starts. As before, once they open the gates, the crowd starts moving and you are not in a tightly packed crowd.
For that situation, a stroller or wheelchair will help a lot to give your child safe 'safe space' in the crowd. If you are using a stroller, you can ask at Guest Relations to have it marked as a 'stroller used as a wheelchair'. That way you will be able to bring it into all lines and continue using it the same as a wheelchair. Some people find their child likes a blanket or sunshade pulled to better shield them from others and kind of create a 'safe cocoon' for them.

The other change is to Fantasmic dinner packages. There was a separate entrance, but that was discontinued. I'm not quite sure when or why, but there has been some major construction/renovation going on in shops on that side of the street. I don't know if the change in entrance is due to that or whether it will change back, but people currently have been reporting that they were told to go to the regular entrance up to one hour before the show. They were separated out once they entered, but if you get there after the time you are told to arrive, the seats that were saved for the dinner package may have already been released for other guests to sit in. (This was also the case before, but many people didn't realize it and thought the package gave reserved seats whenever they arrived. The change was that you need to arrive earlier).

Once you have seats, most people have not found the waiting inside the theater to be as bad as they expected. You can play gameboy, etc, eat or whatever in your seats.

 

[pilgrimr]

Just to giveyou some insight with our experience. We were there about two weeks ago. Our son is 6 and autistic, we got a the red sticker that allowed us to use his wheel chair as a stroller. Sue is right it was busy. We were there in line about 7 when it opened for the 8:30 show. They asked that wheelchairs and strollers to be on the right side, but it was difficult to get across the stream of people, so be prepared.

When we got to the top, they asked if my son could be transfered to a seat and we said we would preferred to have him in the chair to help confort him. They brought us to the handicapped section on the last row. We sat to the left of him and their was a space for another wheel chair to the right of him, which they did place someone else. The top row did offer a little bit of space after the majority of the people sat down.

He kept himself busy with his psp and we had brought some food for him to eat. Sitting on the top row also allowed us to easily to go to the restroom without distrubing anyone. We did not do the dining package as to problems with our schedule. We took a chance with getting there a little bit early.

We did enjoy Fantasmic as this was our first time. My son was into it and was clapping at the end. Good luck and I hope you have a good time with your family.

 

[bookwormde]

We are big Fantasmic fans so we go at least once each trip and often twice. For those who can use “stroller cocooning” that is a very good option. We used to go on the “double show” nights and that seemed to help, but I do not think that is an option from what I have seen of the schedule. I am actually going to stop (in June) at Guests relations and ask the question formally about GAC accommodations for Fantasmic (I think I already know the answer). We will give it a try but if the new queues situation (generated by larger earlier crowds due to the modification in the schedule) create significantly greater anxiety that move our son away from being able to have an “equivalent experience” or we can not manage it at all I will be back at Guest relations to register a formal disabilities complaint. Since there have been indication that with the changes that there is an issue it is probably time for WDW to com up with a formal accommodation.

bookwormde

 

[livndisney]

We are big Fantasmic fans so we go at least once each trip and often twice. For those who can use “stroller cocooning” that is a very good option. We used to go on the “double show” nights and that seemed to help, but I do not think that is an option from what I have seen of the schedule. I am actually going to stop (in June) at Guests relations and ask the question formally about GAC accommodations for Fantasmic (I think I already know the answer). We will give it a try but if the new queues situation (generated by larger earlier crowds due to the modification in the schedule) create significantly greater anxiety that move our son away from being able to have an “equivalent experience” or we can not manage it at all I will be back at Guest relations to register a formal disabilities complaint. Since there have been indication that with the changes that there is an issue it is probably time for WDW to com up with a formal accommodation.
bookwormde

Do you think you could get them to come up with something by September?

We tried the back row last year and it was NOT a success. The anxiety was just too great. People were standing behind the last row creating a "wall" of people breathing down your neck. I may try the stroller this year.

 

[SueM in MN]

Do you think you could get them to come up with something by September?

We tried the back row last year and it was NOT a success. The anxiety was just too great. People were standing behind the last row creating a "wall" of people breathing down your neck. I may try the stroller this year.

When were you there.
In the first years, they did allow 'standing room' to be behind the row of wheelchairs. That was problematic for many reasons (we actually had someone one time who stood their toddler on our DD's wheelchair headrest).
There were some concerns about fire/evacuation access with people standing in what was actually the exit pathway, so they stopped allowing standing room in that area many years ago. You do sometimes get people stopping there temporarily until the CMs come along and tell them to move on.
I have seen people either have a member of their own party stand behind the wheelchair/stroller until the show starts or move the child to one of the seats in the row ahead of the wheelchair parking area until just before the show starts. That way, their wheelchair/stroller is between them and any people in the path.
Also, a stroller with a canopy and/or side schields helps to cut down on the feeling of people being behind.

 

[livndisney]

When were you there.
In the first years, they did allow 'standing room' to be behind the row of wheelchairs. That was problematic for many reasons (we actually had someone one time who stood their toddler on our DD's wheelchair headrest).
There were some concerns about fire/evacuation access with people standing in what was actually the exit pathway, so they stopped allowing standing room in that area many years ago. You do sometimes get people stopping there temporarily until the CMs come along and tell them to move on.
I have seen people either have a member of their own party stand behind the wheelchair/stroller until the show starts or move the child to one of the seats in the row ahead of the wheelchair parking area until just before the show starts. That way, their wheelchair/stroller is between them and any people in the path.
Also, a stroller with a canopy and/or side schields helps to cut down on the feeling of people being behind.

This happened last September. I will say I don't think WDW "allowed" the people to stand behind us. But the CM's were way out numbered. We saw several people try to cram into the back row when they were told they could not stand. It was just my DD and I (although we did meet a very nice couple who tried to help) so I did not have someone to stand behind. People just kept shoving.

I wish I could say I am surprised someone would be so rude as to allow a child to stand on your dd's wheelchair. I am just sorry it happened.

 

[Kay1]

I'm very concerned about Fantasmic. I try to get Scott to wait in lines and he's gotten pretty good at it. He can make it for 15 - 20 minutes without problems. Our APs expire next month and we're doing our "good-bye tour" in two weeks. I'd hoped we could skip Fantasmic but he really wants to see it.

I guess I could rent a wheelchair but someone in another thread said entering the show in her wheelchair almost caused a fight. This is going to be a problem for us.

 

[toocherie]

This situation is why I haven't even attempted to see Fantasmic at WDW. I astounds me that Disney doesn't have a better method to seat people--not just for those needing accommodations, but in general. Waiting for an hour and a half for a show where you have a "package" is just ridiculous. Of course, here at DLR people stake out spots three or four hours in advance so I guess we're just as crazy! (I don't watch Fantasmic here either unless I splurge and get the premium seating.)

 

[bookwormde]

Kay1,

Just go the guest sevices and ask for an accomadation, your child should be able to see the show equivelent to any other child.

If we do ot ask and point out this "oversight" how is WDW to know that they need to make a change.

bookwormde

 

[KPeveler]

I am going to be exploring my first time with a GAC in October for my honeymoon, and I will report back then how things worked for fantasmic.

I use a wheelchair there, but my condition has progressed in a new and not-so-fun way. I can wait in lines (in general - my stamina sometimes is very very poor, but I am working on solutions for that), but I need to avoid mobs and crowds. my neuro problems have made me extra-sensitive, and if someone pokes me or bumps me it is very painful (to the point of tears) and if they hit me hard enough I lose feeling and even movement in that limb. (sorry for the novel, this is new and scary for me).

So I will be exploring the GAC as a way to avoid mobs, such as in pre-shows. I have seen all these pre-shows 43 times, so I would like to avoid being shoved in a crowded room in the dark with people fighting to be in front.

Also, I will be trying to find a way to wait in line for fantasmic that allows me to do so safely. This doesn't sound terribly unlike some of the needs of the kids with sensory issues (i.e. can't be touched or jostled, etc), so I will let you know what I find out!

Thanks all, and I hope we start getting consistant answers on this (i.e. Disney comes up with a policy) - it is SO hard to plan for things like this!

 

[livndisney]

I am going this weekend. I guess we will see how it goes.

 

[KPeveler]

good luck!

 

[lalapodip]

I am going this weekend. I guess we will see how it goes.

please give us an update! I'm definitely worried after reading about the changes....

 

[minniemom67]

I too would love an update ! My trip is in August and we will be using th GAC for my autistic son for the first time . We have 2 sons older and a son and daughter younger than him and I am hoping the GAC makes our trip a little easier than the last couple trips for the whole family !! My son has become totally out of control and ruined the enjoyment of many rides and shows because he can't tolerate being crowded in the lines for more than about 15 minutes . He really likes fantasmic but his memories of past experiences in lines such as that one creates anxiety before we even get to the show .

 

[bookwormde]

HI guys, well after no luck at guest services when I was in the park (after asking if there was an accommodations for my DS10 Aspergers, since the “mass throng” certainly was not likely to work and being told by the CM and then Guest services that there was not) I was given the email general number guest communications. I requested an email address for the department that handled disability issues. Well after 10+ days a got a return email requesting a phone number, which I could be contacted at, which I supplied. A couple of days later I got a call from guest communications, Of course I reiterated that what I wanted was a contacts in the disability department, since while it was a “nice” person who called they admittedly were not “specialist in disabilities” but I went through the issues with Fantasmic "access" and our children and my experience. It went pretty well except that he attempted the platitude that “WDW” complies with all ADA requirements”. Of course with an operation the size of WDW than in every practical sense is impossible. So while I let him know that that was not correct I did appreciate all the efforts WDW does make to meet guest needs for equal access broad statement like that were not “helpful”. At the end I reiterated that I wanted a contact as originally requested.

Well today I got a call. A very nice gentleman from DL who from what I could gather is the manager who handles DL disabilities and the disabilities staff at WDW. First I expressed that for it to take this long to get in contact with the disabilities department really could be improved. Especially since it would be ineffective if someone were trying to resolve an issue while on vacation. After that I explained the problem with Fantasmic "access" and asked if there was “supposed” to be an accommodation. He went through some of the “basics” of GAC and access, which if he had to do that made me appreciate why he needed some “filtering” of who had direct contact with him, if he found it standard to have to explain such basic things.

While he is checking on the details, his understanding was that an alternate waiting area along with the individuals with mobility needs was what was in place. He said he would recheck the details and get back in touch next week. While you could tell that he had to deal with a lot of people who did not understand equal access and had to be explained the “basics” he (like other corporate disabilities department I have had contact with) seemed to have genuine concern and wanted to help.

He was nice enough to give me his direct number and the names and numbers of his staff at WDW. It is not appropriate to post them since it is a small department and would be quickly overwhelmed with “non filtered” inquiries.

I will keep you informed as to the final resolution.

bookwormde

 

[SueM in MN]

I'll be interested to find out what he says.

 

[lalapodip]

I'll be interested to find out what he says.

Yes, thank you, me too, since we are headed to WDW two weeks from tomorrow. I am concerned about Fantasmic, having purchased the dining package, yet still worrying that my son is going to have a difficult time if/when we are stuck in a massive crowd. He does enjoy the show, but having the alternate entrance made all of the difference the last two times....