GAC - Genuine Need vs Convenience

[AndreaA]

We are going to WDW in a month and one of my twins has been diagnosed with sensory integration disorder. Should we be considering a GAC for this trip, or would that be overkill? It would certainly be nice for some rides that might get crowded (PeterPan, Pooh) but again, it isn't NECESSARY - we could either skip them or make sure we get there pre-rope-drop and are first in line - it would just be nice to not HAVE to race to get to certain rides or tell him that the line is just too long. But again, don't most people have to do that anyway?

We went to Disney last year in October and the lines were thankfully short. Yes, he absolutely did act up in any line longer than a few minutes (restless, hitting/poking/getting-in-other's-space, can't stand being crowded/touched by others, shouting/screaming) but this was pre-diagnosis and while I suspected that something might be up, I also pretty much figured that most kids are that way if they have to wait in a long line and that his twin brother just has a more laid-back personality. We avoided everything unless it was virtually a walk-on and I got pre-park ADRs and we raced through our meals to get to the "busy" rides early.

You can see how conflicted I am about the whole thing. Thoughts? I would hate to be considered one of those people who is abusing the system as I don't see him having a genuine NEED for a GAC (as I said, we could just skip rides or arrive earlier or walk faster!), but on the other hand he does have an actual diagnosis and it would certainly make the trip more relaxing in some ways.

 

[Schmeck]

We are going to WDW in a month and one of my twins has been diagnosed with sensory integration disorder. Should we be considering a GAC for this trip, or would that be overkill? It would certainly be nice for some rides that might get crowded (PeterPan, Pooh) but again, it isn't NECESSARY - we could either skip them or make sure we get there pre-rope-drop and are first in line - it would just be nice to not HAVE to race to get to certain rides or tell him that the line is just too long. But again, don't most people have to do that anyway?

We went to Disney last year in October and the lines were thankfully short. Yes, he absolutely did act up in any line longer than a few minutes (restless, hitting/poking/getting-in-other's-space, can't stand being crowded/touched by others, shouting/screaming) but this was pre-diagnosis and while I suspected that something might be up, I also pretty much figured that most kids are that way if they have to wait in a long line and that his twin brother just has a more laid-back personality. We avoided everything unless it was virtually a walk-on and I got pre-park ADRs and we raced through our meals to get to the "busy" rides early.

You can see how conflicted I am about the whole thing. Thoughts? I would hate to be considered one of those people who is abusing the system as I don't see him having a genuine NEED for a GAC (as I said, we could just skip rides or arrive earlier or walk faster!), but on the other hand he does have an actual diagnosis and it would certainly make the trip more relaxing in some ways.

Why not get fastpasses for those rides? They are a lot more predictable than a GAC, IMO.

 

[ttintagel]

I am a random Internet stranger with no children, so adjust the zie of your grain of salt accordingly.

I think that if you went to the trouble of taking your son to the doctor and getting a diagnosis, which I know from having multiple medical conditions is usually a complicated and time-consuming process (and a frequently expensive one, even with decent insurance), then you probably do believe that he does have special needs beyond being less laid-back than his brother.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

It does not hurt to get a GAC as an "insurance policy". You would have it with you and use it only if it is needed.

 

[ttintagel]

Also, you probably already know about this, so forgive me if I'm retreading familiar ground, but at your boys' age the stroller-as-wheelchair tag might be very helpful.

 

[jmartinez1895]

I think that you should go to GS and explain your situation. They will be able to help you. If I where you, I would get the card and use it only if needed. It would be better to have it and not need it, then to need it and not have it.

 

[Mrsjvb]

tis better to have a GAC and not need or use it then to desperately need one and not have one.

 

[WheeledTraveler]

I agree with the others that it's worth talking to GS about whether a GAC would help so you have it just in case. You clearly see the difference between your own twins so it's not just a typical boy thing.

Also, a previous poster mentioned, and I want to repeat, that you really might want to consider renting/bringing a stroller and getting a GAC for a stroller as a wheelchair (regardless of what else you may get as a GAC accommodation). That will give him a safe space in lines and may help. At the very least, it's another line of defense between him and other people.

Fastpasses may also help you for the rides where they're available.

 

[clanmcculloch]

For my 15yo DD who has Asperger Syndrome, my primary tool for helping her is exactly what you described, being at the attractions that get lines before the lines happen. That doesn't mean I don't get a GAC for her. The strong touring plan really does do a heck of a lot more for us than the GAC but the GAC is still one of the tools in our arsenal. We no longer use it much but we do still use it.

Because our touring plans are so efficient, sometimes we have to let people pass us in lines so my kids can actually take a few minutes to enjoy the themed/interactive queues. The lines are too short to allow them to see them if we just move up to where the line is. Gotta love a good touring plan.

Also, sometimes the FP lines can be longer than DD15 can handle if we're not there are the right time. The touring plans help us to get to the attractions when the lines are short enough for her to handle. One that comes to mind is Peter Pan. That FP line can get long and slow. We can't use FPs mid-day. If we bee-line to PP then the ride is pretty much walk-on or if we grab a FP first thing then when we return the FP line is still slow. Granted I don't know if the FP lines still get backed up these days the way they used to when return times weren't enforced but that's been my experience anyway.

Talk to Guest Relations and explain what you said here (restless, hitting/poking/getting-in-other's-space, can't stand being crowded/touched by others, shouting/screaming when waiting). The CM at GR will discuss it with you and determine what can help.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

Why don't you do both - plan on getting there early, but get a GAC as backup?

 

[ibcrazie4dizney]

we have similar situation. we get gac and stroller as wheelchair tag. we don't always use them. if she is doing well, we park stroller and wait in reg line. if we are experiencing some difficulties, we use it. it sometimes takes a ton of work on her part to "behave". she has to do it all the time, whether at school or out in public or just about anywhere else. not to mention the strain it puts on us around her to get her thru these times. I felt funny about getting a pass too, but I remember hearing on a podcast that it is ok, that Disney understands what these kids have to deal with and struggle thru everyday and that it should be a vac for them too. I does take off pressure of dealing with the whole thing, a rough time can put a huge damper on the trip. the gac helps make it a much more relaxing time for her. she still has to work at stuff but we are not putting her in a situation that really makes it extra difficult for her and all those around her. I know people worry about people not understanding her invisible disability and they may look at us funny, but we get tons of dirty looks and people staring at us as we try to deal with issues also. and I have to say, it hurts. my emotions go crazy too, you are frustrated, tired, embarrassed, and also feel horrible that your little one struggles so much.

but on the other hand, when she was around 4 or 5, I think waiting in some of those lines actually helped her alittle. we saw a change in her at other places where there were lines. it was a nice break thru even if it was only sometimes.

 

[AndreaA]

Thank you everyone for your advice and suggestions.

I will definitely try to use FP as much as possible, the only problem with that is that it tends to necessitate either finding something to do to fill the time or criss-crossing the park to go from ride to ride. We try to totally finish each land so that we're not walking more than necessary.

The stroller as wheelchair is a great idea which I had not thought of. We rent a double jogging stroller. Would that be allowed?

I think that I am going to see how our first day goes (at Hollywood Studios) and then probably request a GAC just in case. It was a bit easier when he was smaller and lighter and could be easily carried and distracted if he got out of control, but he's getting bigger and is ridiculously strong for his age. I just don't want him getting "pushy" or yelling and spoiling other people's time as well as making us all tense with trying to head off every trigger. I try so hard to get him to be well-behaved - to the point where I already feel guilty because I know I correct/remind/nag him WAY more than his brother, just because his brother is so much easier in comparison! I just want Disney to be all about fun and not so much work for him and for us.

 

[SueM in MN]

Thank you everyone for your advice and suggestions.

I will definitely try to use FP as much as possible, the only problem with that is that it tends to necessitate either finding something to do to fill the time or criss-crossing the park to go from ride to ride. We try to totally finish each land so that we're not walking more than necessary.

The stroller as wheelchair is a great idea which I had not thought of. We rent a double jogging stroller. Would that be allowed?

I think that I am going to see how our first day goes (at Hollywood Studios) and then probably request a GAC just in case. It was a bit easier when he was smaller and lighter and could be easily carried and distracted if he got out of control, but he's getting bigger and is ridiculously strong for his age. I just don't want him getting "pushy" or yelling and spoiling other people's time as well as making us all tense with trying to head off every trigger. I try so hard to get him to be well-behaved - to the point where I already feel guilty because I know I correct/remind/nag him WAY more than his brother, just because his brother is so much easier in comparison! I just want Disney to be all about fun and not so much work for him and for us.

As long as the stroller is no larger than a wheelchair, it will be ok to use a double stroller. If it is larger thn 32 inches wide or longer than 48 inches, it may not fit in all spots.

There is more information about GACs in post 6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread. You can find that thread near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature.
Many people use a GAC more for insurance, as posters mentioned on this thread.
Many kids with sensory issues find the multiple types of stimulation are too much for them to cope with. Many kids like to wear sound deadening earmuffs - the most popular are made by a company called Peltor and are easy to find on Amazon.

 

[JLC44]

Our son is 11 and high functioning on the Autism spectrum, he has several co-morbid conditions one of which is sensory integration.

We have the Advanced Mobility "Freedom" stroller for him (200 lb weight limit), it is slightly wider and considerably longer than a wheelchair. We get the wheelchair sticker for it and have not had any problems with it at Disney. We do have to fold it up for the buses. We get and use the GAC.

A few things that may or may not help you, but help us with his sensory issues. Our son loves the very soft sherpa blankets, we have a throw that we keep in the stroller for him to rub and also for when needed we put the canopy over the stroller and drape the blanket over it to create an isolation space for him. We also keep a rabbit fur that we got from Joann Fabrics rubbing it is very soothing to him. Another thing that works well as a distraction/calming item is a glitter bottle. I can't post links yet but here is how to make one.
mycrazyblessedlife.com/2011/10/03/relax-bottletime-out-timer/

Hope you have a great trip.

 

[taterheads]

My some is 9 and High Functioning Autistic with sensory issues also. What we do is get the pass in case we need it. Our goal for our child is to help him reach a level where he can function well in a typical functioning society so to that end we use fast pass when available and try to set goals for ride times if we think he can swing it we try. We bring a back pack that has snacks and an I touch so he can play games in lines. It helps divert his attention from the line itself and gives him something he is interested in. It usually works well. Most of the time we've had to break down and use our GAC is for rides like Pixars toy story mania ride where fast passes are gone for the day within an hour of the park opening and the lines are like 2 hours long. In that case the GAC becomes a legitimate need because of sensory issues and the likely hood for potty accidents and total meltdowns. My philosophy is use your best judgement and don't worry about anyone else's. I don't know when your trip is but if you are going once Magic Band and FP+ are instituted full scale it will make it easier for you to plan ahead and not have to rely on GAC as much. If you need it don't be afraid to use it. I hope your family has a magical trip!

 

[Lsdolphin]

It does not hurt to get a GAC as an "insurance policy". You would have it with you and use it only if it is needed.

I bring my 17 yr old nephew who is ASD, BiPolar, OCD, and ADHD during less crowded times ie. mid Nov., end of Jan 1st wk of Feb. he has difficulty with crowds and heat. I always take him first to Guest Services to get a GAC and then we only use it if necessary when lines might be longer than what he can handle. We sometimes start out in line then get out and use pass. Even with pass he can not handle being in park more than 2 hrs at a time so the pass can make it possible for us to go on two and sometimes 3 attractions before having to leave the park. We don't do any of the roller coasters or rides which are always crowded even with the pass.

 

[BethanyF]

My 15 year old is also on the spectrum with Sensory Integration as one of his biggest problems. He has no problems with the length of a line, but the crush of people around him combined with the sights, sounds and smells is too much for him. He also has problems regulating his body temperature. The combination of all of that would send us back to the room after only 2 or 3 hours; which does not make him easy to deal with since he has a touring plan in mind and making him give that up leads to meltdowns, etc. We always get a GAC but only use it when there are no other alternatives. We have also enforced a once per ride per day rule. I don't want him thinking he can have special privileges just because of his Autism.

On a good note, over time he has made amazing strides in what he can handle; I really think our Disney trips are helping with that. He has learned that if he can work thru the SID issues there is a reward at the end.

Get the card for piece of mind, use it as you see fit, and enjoy yourselves.

 

[clanmcculloch]

My 15 year old is also on the spectrum with Sensory Integration as one of his biggest problems. He has no problems with the length of a line, but the crush of people around him combined with the sights, sounds and smells is too much for him. He also has problems regulating his body temperature. The combination of all of that would send us back to the room after only 2 or 3 hours; which does not make him easy to deal with since he has a touring plan in mind and making him give that up leads to meltdowns, etc. We always get a GAC but only use it when there are no other alternatives. We have also enforced a once per ride per day rule. I don't want him thinking he can have special privileges just because of his Autism.

On a good note, over time he has made amazing strides in what he can handle; I really think our Disney trips are helping with that. He has learned that if he can work thru the SID issues there is a reward at the end.

Get the card for piece of mind, use it as you see fit, and enjoy yourselves.

I just wanted to comment on the bolded. For us, a touring plan actually helps a lot with this. I make sure that our touring plans only contain enough to fill up those first few hours. DD15 knows that once we've gone through what's on the touring plan that we'll be leaving the park to return to our hotel for a rest. She participates in the creation of the plans so she knows that we will at some point during our trip get to all the attractions that she really wanted to try. Having seen an attraction written down on another day's plan makes it very easy for her to walk past something she really wants to do rather than argue over riding right now. It's made a big difference in her ability to handle the concept of delayed gratification and this has rubbed off into every day life as well. She's learned a lot through the planning process for our touring plans and these skills have definitely been beneficial in real life. The detail touring plan also helps because it's a written reminder of when we should leave the park. Leaving while she's still in a good mood rather than trying for "just one more ride" is SUCH a huge thing for us. If she starts melting down then even the next day will be more stressful because in general it takes a long time for her to fully recover once she's stressed beyond what she can cope with. The overall mood of every day of our trip is so much better by leaving when moods are still really good.

The biggest problem with this is when an attraction is unexpectedly closed. Because she's as high functioning as she is and because she's been to WDW enough times and knows we'll be back, she's able to just skip over an attraction. Social Stories helped this earlier on (ex Sometimes attractions that are closed unexpectedly. They may be next on our touring plan. We just move on to the next attraction. We'll ride it next trip.) but now she really has gotten to where she just moves on and accepts it. This is huge growth for her and is another thing that's transitioning to real life in the sense that she's handling unexpected change and disappointments better. This used to be a big problem and sometimes the Social Stories weren't enough and we would have to leave the park because she would be showing signs of a meltdown coming. Things have gotten much better though as we worked on understanding how to cope with this and just understanding that this is something that can and does happen and making it an understood part of her reality.

I think our insurance company should pay for our WDW trips since they're so theraputic.

 

[lanejudy]

I just wanted to comment on the bolded. For us, a touring plan actually helps a lot with this. I make sure that our touring plans only contain enough to fill up those first few hours. DD15 knows that once we've gone through what's on the touring plan that we'll be leaving the park to return to our hotel for a rest. She participates in the creation of the plans so she knows that we will at some point during our trip get to all the attractions that she really wanted to try. Having seen an attraction written down on another day's plan makes it very easy for her to walk past something she really wants to do rather than argue over riding right now. It's made a big difference in her ability to handle the concept of delayed gratification and this has rubbed off into every day life as well. She's learned a lot through the planning process for our touring plans and these skills have definitely been beneficial in real life. ...

I have to agree with this SO MUCH! DD is 9, but for years now she seems to get stuck on the question "what's next? and then what?" Regular life as well as vacations. When we have a plan, and I can tell her "we'll do A, and then B, and then C, and then D" it helps so much. She'll still ask her question, but I then turn it around on her and make her answer it (because she'll have the day's plan memorized from the start). But we also try to keep it fairly simple in that we don't try to do too much and it becomes overwhelming. Knowing when to expect breaks, meals/snacks, back to the room, can really help keep her functioning through the main part of the day. It sets the expectations and gives her a solid goal or target to reach the finish line.

 

[BethanyF]

I have to agree with this SO MUCH! DD is 9, but for years now she seems to get stuck on the question "what's next? and then what?" Regular life as well as vacations. When we have a plan, and I can tell her "we'll do A, and then B, and then C, and then D" it helps so much. .

Part of the therapy we did when DS was younger was to intentionally change the plan. I would tell him as we were heading out 'ok, we have to go get gas, to the bank, then lunch then WalMart' or whatever. I would intentionally go out of order, add an unannounced stop or skip something. But some days I did as announced. And I had to make sure I wasnt predictable in how or when I changed things. There were a few meltdowns, but eventually he came to understand that unexpected things might happen and it was ok.
Same applies to Disney....the first few trips were tough. He had to know what was next and when; there was no stopping to smell the roses. But over time he adapted his plans from rides in a certain order to lands in a certain order. Whatever happens in that land is ok, as long as we move on to the next land on the plan. And if I think it's going to be a day where we need a break, I start talking about it with plenty of warning. 'ok, when we finish in Tomorrowland we are going to go back to the room. When we come back we can continue with xxxx'
The breaks usually get an argument, but that's why we need them. I also need to insist he go to the pool and get in the water. Laying all sweaty in the room is not going to cool him enough to get out of the meltdown/mood. Even a shower won't do it. He fights it, but later on will admit he was in a mood and thanks me for making him go swimming.