GAC for autistic child

[sparki]

I hope someone can help with this, we are from So. Cal. and when we go to Disneyland, they give us a GAC (after showing them a note from the Dr. or school IEP), and we are able to use the fastpass entrance, or handicap entrance. My son has a hard time with the long lines, starts to really lose it, lay on the floor, etc. It sounds like WDW may do things different. How exactly does it work at WDW? I'm really anxious about this, our Dr. note just says he is autistic and has a hard time in lines, nothing really specific. Thanks

 

[teri]

You will find the information in this link:
disABILITIES FAQ

 

[connie254]

Okay, it is not hard. The first park you go to at the beginning of your trip, immediately go to the guest relations area (in Magic Kingdom, it's City Hall). You don't need a note from the doctor for this. Tell the person behind the counter that you would like a GAC because your son has autism and has a hard time waiting in lines (make sure your son is with you when you tell the CS this information). I've always allowed my son some leniency with his behavior while I'm saying it, but usually he will start to look around and I just say his name to keep him being too distracted from me. They will get the appropiate GAC-I believe they are color-coded-ask you questions, how long you will be at WDW, and tell you it does not guarantee anything. Every card I've had has been very worn out by the time we leave because it was pulled out and replaced a lot. Good luck.

 

[teri]

They are not color coded at WDW or Disneyland right now, but they do stamp them with special insttructions. I always keep mine in a plastic convention-badge holder, on a lanyard around my neck. That way it is always ready, and it doesn't get worn out.

Connie, you may want to click on that link and look at the FAQ as well, make sure that you are getting the right stamps on your GAC.

 

[sparki]

Thanks for the guidance. Once I get to the attractions, do they just have you wait in another area? Is the wait the same as in line? or is it reduced a little. I'm thinking of bringing a game-boy or something that can keep him from going crazy (us too!).

 

[Talking Hands]

Bringing a Game Boy can be a good idea. Passes the time and keeps down the boredom. I use mine sitting waiting for parades. I love parades.

 

[SueM in MN]

I tried to post last night, but the computer crashed and it got lost.

Anyway, teri's FAQs link has answers to most of the questions you have.
WDW used to use color coded cards, but the current ones are all the same. The only difference is the stamps that are on them. Since you already have a GAC from DisneyLand, it might be useful to bring that along so they can see what types of accomidation they gave you at DL. (Although I might not show it to them unless you have a problem).
You don't need a doctor's letter, and in fact, they won't even want to see it.
Before you leave Guest Services, make sure to look at the card and ask any questions you need to. One time, we were told the card was just the same as our old one, so we didn't look at it very carefully. It turned out that the only stamp on it was to avoid lines in the sun.
When you get to a line, show the card to the first CM that you meet. You will be given further instructions. Sometimes you will be given a slip of paper with a time to come back and you can wait somewhere else.