GAC HC seating areas & odd incident at MVMCP

[Lives4Disney]

I was just reading the thread about the HC parking spots and people that need them but don't look obviously handicapped & how they sometimes get nasty stares from others. It reminded me of a very disquieting incident we had in the HC seating area during the Christmas party in the "Night Before Christmas" show.

My daughter is legally blind. We usually do not get the GAC, but we really had a problem with the crowds at MVMCP last year, so my husband wanted to make sure we got one for her this time. We waited in line for 1/2 hour before the first show, showed the CM the card and were taken to the front row. The three of us sat on one of the little side benches -perfect for 3 people. We were there about 10 minutes waiting for the show to start and the place was really filling up. All of a sudden there is this ornery extended family group of about 10 people right behind me, trying to sit in the 2nd row of the HC section. A CM came and told them it was reserved for HC seating. They argued and fussed with her and wanted to talk to her supervisor. He came over and they argued loudly with him. The whole time, they were right at my shoulder.....well, then they start in on "Why do THEY (us) get to sit there? They aren't in a wheel chair?!!?" It was getting obnoxious. I whispered to my daughter "Open your cane & keep it on your lap". The family continued on and on.... The supervisor left them standing there with the directive that they could not sit in the 2nd row, state law that it had to be reserved for HC seating......The family just stood there until the show started. Moaning and complaining. I don't know where they wound up, but I was so upset by the whole thing. I guess I am oversensitive due to the fact that my daughter had her sight, but is losing it quickly. I was just shocked by the incident. The sad thing is, she would have been happy anywhere to just close her eyes and listen to the show and picture it in her head, but her dad and I just wanted her to see what she could of the dancing and costumes.

I am learning so much about how it feels to have a child with a disability and how it hurts to have to have to ask for special accomodations for them. I am just sad that some people are so ignorant & judgemental and thoughtless about others. I felt like turning around and telling that family to count their blessings that they didn't need to sit in the front two rows.

I am sure others that have disabilities that aren't so obvious have run into some of the same problems. Ugh. It's a shame.

Lives4Disney

 

[MidgeD79]

people make such comments. I don't know if I feel sorry for them or to wish our experiences on them.

 

[JenJen]

We went to Disneyland today and had a lot of guest that were very rude because our disabilities are non apparent. We even had one rude cast member. My adult friend that has a Mental disability that requires him to be away from other guest in line because he can be a danger to them and himself was so upset by comments being made we left after 3 hours. I was just sick by the entire situation today.

 

[SueM in MN]

was so upset by comments being made we left after 3 hours. I was just sick by the entire situation today.

That's the part that makes me sick too. It's one thing to have a bad day yourself and have to leave early because of pain or whatever.
It's quite another to have other people giving you the bad time, which causes you to leave early.

One thing that often comes up in discussions of accomidations for people with disabilities is that people without disabilities say the disabled have an "entitlement mentality". They don't understand accomidations and just see how the accomidation would be a benefit to them personally. They don't see that without the accomidation, the person with a disability might not be able to experience whatever it is at all.

What I see a lot of is people in general with an entitlement mentality.
ie. "I paid my money and I have a right to whatever will make my trip magical - I want my child to be the one chosen to wake Tinkerbell and dance in the parade and be the flag family at WL and ride in the front of the monorail and be in the front row for all the shows and be chosen to participate in the Lion King Show, and have the best seats for parades, etc, etc, etc."

Sad that people have become so "me" oriented.

 

[mbb]

A sense of entitlement, lack of tolerance...

Too many awful things in this world happen because of these things..

When we wonder how our world got to such a sad state, look around and see the roots of it...it starts in the sandbox/playground, and gets worse from there.

"Do unto others, as you would have done unto you"...

Have a Disney Day, everyone..

 

[Schmeck]

Lives4Disney, I'm so sorry that happened to your family! I think of idiot people like the ones you encountered as having a 'social disability' - not to belittle a true disability, but as a way to explain such behavior to my children.

JenJen, that's a very difficult situation you are in with an adult that can be dangerous in public. It must be very trying and tricky to visit public places. What would be your responsibility if he did hurt someone?

 

[Michigan]

When my youngest daughter was 3 the week before she had her right kidney removed we went to WDW. She had a very small wheelchair with a stroller handle attachment but you could tell it was a wheelchair and not a stroller. While we were waiting in line to see the characters in the tent the mom in front of us was pitching a fit with her husband because they had to leave their stroller outside and I didn't follow the rules and leave mine outside. Finally after what seemed forever her husband told her I think her having a wheelchair in line is different then us taking a stroller in line.

 

[Forevryoung]

When my youngest daughter was 3 the week before she had her right kidney removed we went to WDW. She had a very small wheelchair with a stroller handle attachment but you could tell it was a wheelchair and not a stroller. While we were waiting in line to see the characters in the tent the mom in front of us was pitching a fit with her husband because they had to leave their stroller outside and I didn't follow the rules and leave mine outside. Finally after what seemed forever her husband told her I think her having a wheelchair in line is different then us taking a stroller in line.

I was pushing a 10 year old with cp in her stroller (obvious special needs in my opinion) into The Land at Epcot and this woman carrying her 2 or 3 year old says to her husband, "Look hun, some people get to use their strollers!" and the 10 year old looks up at me and says "Should I tell her I cant walk?" She didn't say it too quietly though and the woman overheard. I hope she was embarrassed.

 

[SueM in MN]

When my youngest daughter was 3 the week before she had her right kidney removed we went to WDW. She had a very small wheelchair with a stroller handle attachment but you could tell it was a wheelchair and not a stroller. While we were waiting in line to see the characters in the tent the mom in front of us was pitching a fit with her husband because they had to leave their stroller outside and I didn't follow the rules and leave mine outside. Finally after what seemed forever her husband told her I think her having a wheelchair in line is different then us taking a stroller in line.

We had the same experience with DD when she was 3. She had a child's wheelchair, with big wheels in the back and regular push handles (not the stroller type), so it really could not be confused with a stroller.
We were trying to get into the Land and a woman was blocking our way and arguing that they should be allowed to bring in their stroller since the CM was going to allow us to bring our "stroller" in. The CM and her DH kept saying "that is a WHEELCHAIR", but she just wasn't going to listen.

 

[JenJen]

JenJen, that's a very difficult situation you are in with an adult that can be dangerous in public. It must be very trying and tricky to visit public places. What would be your responsibility if he did hurt someone?

He is Bipolar and Schizophrenic and medications help a lot. There are certain meds I have him take when we go to places like that to make sure he is calm and relaxed (sedatives)
The thing that sucks about Schizophrenic although it is a very debilatating illness you are very aware and bright. His IQ is 187 so he knows when people are looking and staring at him which makes him all the more paranoid.
I have know him for years so I know his triggers and I know when he can not tolerate something and I remove him from that situation. It was just a bad day Sunday and a bad decision to go. Too busy. Our next visit will be after the holidays and I will have Him my PDD-NS DS and ADHD DD with sensory issues all at once! Wish me luck! LOL.

 

[Talking Hands]

WE had a problem with a CM this weekend with MJ. WEnt up to ask if MJ could wait to the side to see a character. Explained she's autistic and Bonny showed her the GAC. She reluctantly allowed it after stating her grandson is autistic too and can wait in line for 45 minutes like everyone else. Uncalled for.

 

[Joanna71985]

WE had a problem with a CM this weekend with MJ. WEnt up to ask if MJ could wait to the side to see a character. Explained she's autistic and Bonny showed her the GAC. She reluctantly allowed it after stating her grandson is autistic too and can wait in line for 45 minutes like everyone else. Uncalled for.

That's horrible. There was no reason for that comment. It's not up to her to make those decisions. She should have been more considerate.

 

[Meezers]

I've said it before...and I'll say it again...

Boy there are alot of stupid people out there!

 

[Nik's Mom]

I had a ticked off mother loudly complaining that my ds got to sit in his stroller while in line for the buzz lightyear ride, but she couldn't do it. I finally turned around and told her ds had permission due to a disability. That shut her up quick, and her dh looked so humiliated.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Just as I have (very sweetly) told people that I would be more than happy to not only stand in line but even give them my ECV free, if only they would take all of myy disabilities that they cannot see.

The best way to embarrass and shut these people up is to very politely say something to the effect of: "I would be very happy to have my child stand in line without using this stroller (or wheelchair). Is there some way that we can transfer all of his disabilities to your child, who may then use a wheelchair or stroller in line and I will not even complain about his use of it."

 

[RaySharpton]

I was just reading the thread about the HC parking spots and people that need them but don't look obviously handicapped & how they sometimes get nasty stares from others. It reminded me of a very disquieting incident we had in the HC seating area during the Christmas party in the "Night Before Christmas" show.

My daughter is legally blind. We usually do not get the GAC, but we really had a problem with the crowds at MVMCP last year, so my husband wanted to make sure we got one for her this time. We waited in line for 1/2 hour before the first show, showed the CM the card and were taken to the front row. The three of us sat on one of the little side benches -perfect for 3 people. We were there about 10 minutes waiting for the show to start and the place was really filling up. All of a sudden there is this ornery extended family group of about 10 people right behind me, trying to sit in the 2nd row of the HC section. A CM came and told them it was reserved for HC seating. They argued and fussed with her and wanted to talk to her supervisor. He came over and they argued loudly with him. The whole time, they were right at my shoulder.....well, then they start in on "Why do THEY (us) get to sit there? They aren't in a wheel chair?!!?" It was getting obnoxious. I whispered to my daughter "Open your cane & keep it on your lap". The family continued on and on.... The supervisor left them standing there with the directive that they could not sit in the 2nd row, state law that it had to be reserved for HC seating......The family just stood there until the show started. Moaning and complaining. I don't know where they wound up, but I was so upset by the whole thing. I guess I am oversensitive due to the fact that my daughter had her sight, but is losing it quickly. I was just shocked by the incident. The sad thing is, she would have been happy anywhere to just close her eyes and listen to the show and picture it in her head, but her dad and I just wanted her to see what she could of the dancing and costumes.

I am learning so much about how it feels to have a child with a disability and how it hurts to have to have to ask for special accomodations for them. I am just sad that some people are so ignorant & judgemental and thoughtless about others. I felt like turning around and telling that family to count their blessings that they didn't need to sit in the front two rows.

I am sure others that have disabilities that aren't so obvious have run into some of the same problems. Ugh. It's a shame.

Lives4Disney

This just makes me so sad. Disney is for childen of all ages, and not for adults trying to take advantage of children.

I am so sorry that this behavior has to be experienced by anyone, but mostly children.

Sincerely, Ray

 

[Lives4Disney]

Ray, I hope my OP didn't sound like I was taking advantage of my daughter's vision disability. I am heartsick over it. I couldn't have cared less to see that show, but last year I saw it from standing in the back with my family and because my daughter has a cane, people thought it didn't matter if they stood directly in front of her and no matter where we shifted to, she didn't get to see the show. That is why we got the GAC for HER to sit near the stage and see what she could. She LOVES those musical kind of shows. I only watched it in order to whisper what was happening in her ear. The reason I told her to "Open your white cane" was because the bickering from that family was making me VERY uncomfortable and I felt like crying. I thought it was escalating into real nastiness. I thought maybe if they saw that she NEEDS to be in that front row they would zip it.

I would NEVER take advantage of her being blind. The thought of it makes me ill. We usually have her do everything possible just like a normal child/family would - no accomodations if not absolutely necessary. I am embarrassed to ask for any help. I would never think to use her disability to my advantage.

So.... RAY, If your snarky comment WAS directed at me - on the advice of somebody who knows - "Put a sock in it." You know NOTHING.

Lives4Disney

 

[LindsayDunn228]

I'm sorry to say, this will not be the last time someone will hurt your daughter like this. She is young and has a long life ahead of her. People can be cruel and that's life, and life is not fair.

Having been a paraplegic since age 6, I can relate. I had to develop a thick skin EARLY. There are going to be stares and rude comments to deal with along the way. I suggest learning to get a little more backbone. For example, rather than sit there with a broken heart and leaving early, I would have turned to these people and asked them would they please put a sock in it! I have come right out and told people in situations like this, "Look, I get your point. Everyone within 10 feet gets your point. But we don't make the rules and neither do these CMs. So would you please stop your whining, build a bridge, and get over it?"

I'm sorry, but I refuse to let anyone stop me from having a good time. Rather than have your daughter just stick her white cane in her lap to point out her disability, why not tell these people, "My daughter is almost blind and being closer helps her to enjoy the show. Enough already ok??" Be a little proactive. OR just chalk in up to ignorance, tune them out, and have a good time.

 

[SueM in MN]

Ray, I hope my OP didn't sound like I was taking advantage of my daughter's vision disability.

I don't think anyone thinks you were. What you were doing is taking advantage of accomidation that was offered to deal with your DD's disability.
It's too bad that some people like the one who hassled you, look at accomidations and think "that is a "perk" and I want one too" instead of realizing that it is an attampt to make things more equal for the person with a disability.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Lindsay - You are right. I need to toughen up. I think that will come over time. It was just such a shock to find out she is losing her sight - really just out of the blue and I think I am still grieving over that loss. The loss of what I thought her future would hold for her, or how I pictured her future (If that makes sense?). Just when I think I have moved on and am feeling more comfortable with the whole thing and then something sticks it in my face that I am still not over it. I didn't leave the show early - it was too important to her to see it. That is the only reason we were there taking up 3 seats. I am just not the person to tell somebody to put a sock in it! Just not in me & sometimes really wish it was!!

Sue -After what Ray said, I reread my OP and from a skewed point thought that maybe he was directing his comment toward me because I have a daughter that needs to sit in the front row to see better so I took advantage of getting good seats myself!! Ugh. The thought that somebody would accuse me of that is obnoxious and makes me laugh. She has some sight, just needs to be closer!! Not to mention we did wait in line for 1/2 hour and we could have got pretty good seats on our own as we were one of the first families let in. The GAC just got us closer. ( Most of the families behind us in line, though, RAN and snagged the best seats and we were slower!! LOL.) This is only the 2nd time in all of our WDW trips that we have used the GAC!! It was the FIRST time we used it to sit closer to a stage. I think I need to be more careful what I post and how I word things. People make assumptions that legally blind means no sight.

Thanks,

Lives4Disney