GAC help

[beaudoin_n]

Hi,

Mu DH and DD will be going to WDW in december, they plan on enjoying the site as much as they can. My hisband is considered legally bling in Canada since he his seeing about 30% of what we see. What proof is necessary for him to get the GAC that would let him have front-row seats in the attractions ? Is the NIB (National institue for the blind) card enough ?

Also will me DD be able to get the same privileges, i don't want them to be seperated she is only 10.

I saw in Rita Aeros book (i forgot the title) that there might be a way to have 2 rides in a row, is this still possible ?

Thanks in advance

 

[SueM in MN]

Hi and welcome.
Teri will be along soon I am sure. She has a link to FAQs about the Guest Assistance Card (GAC) that should answer all your questions.
The short answer is that you don't need any proof. You just go to Guest Services and tell the CMs there what the situation is. The GAC usually is issued for up to 6 people total (the person with the disability and up to 5 other people), so you don't have to worry about your 10 yr old being separated.
When you get to a ride/attraction, show the GAC to the CM and they should tell you where to go. You don't always want to follow the people in wheelchairs; often the wheelchair seating is in the back of the theater.
You can sometimes ride or experience an attraction twice in a row. It depends on how busy the attraction is (It's up to the discretion of the CM in charge). You have a greater chance if it's not busy. Ask the CM when you are entering and then when you board or go into the show, tell the CM you would like to do it. Some attractions can allow a limited number of special needs guests on at once. If there are others waiting, you would not be allowed to ride twice.

 

[teri]

Welcome to our board.
Click on the link in my signature and you will find information about the GAC. You will not be separated.

You should also take a look at the Information for Guests With Visual Disabilities for more information.

I hope you have a nice trip!

 

[beaudoin_n]

Hi,

Just to clarify things, what is a CM exactly ? I kinda figured it was somebody overlooking the lines at every ride but i am not sure. You see i went to disney 20 years ago, so i don't know exactly how the lines "work". Can you help me out on knowing exactly were to show up ?

Thanks

 

[SueM in MN]

Sorry, we forget sometimes that not everyone is accustomed to the abbreviations we use to refer to things. A CM refers to a Cast Member at Disney World. That's a fancy term for someone who works there. So, you can have CMs in Guest Relations who mostly answer questions and help people dela with problems. There are CMs who work in stores, work in the different rides, drive buses, etc. etc. Disney World calls all their employees CMs.
So to get a Guest Assistance Card, you will go to Guest Relations in any of the parks and explain your situation to the person there (the CM). When you need to use the GAC, show it to the first CM at the ride or attraction and they should tell you what you need to do.

 

[Safari Steve]

Because of this particular need, it is best to show your card not only to the greeter (CM in front of attraction), but also the CM that is to help you board the attraction. At Haunted Mansion, for example, you will show your GAC to the greeter, who will send you to the wheelchair staging area. At that point, you will deal with either the Unload 2 CM or the Unload 1 CM. They will usually ask you about your mobility to assess which of four loading options is best for you. If you say, "yes, I can walk" and don't mention your card or vision impairments, the CM may send you into the mix with many other guests. To avoid any problems, and to help the Cast better serve you, it's important that everyone see your card up until you are safely in the ride vehicle. Don't worry about showing someone who doesn't need to see, we'd rather see it and not need to than not see it when we should.
Have fun!
-Steve


PS- We'd NEVER separate a child from a parent with a disability.

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks, Safari Steve. I usually add to show the card to each CM you encounter and I slipped up on this one.
Also, don't just automatically follow the wheelchairs (especially if a CM is telling you to do something else). We have had people with vision disabilities INSISTING to the CM that they need to follow us when the CM is trying to tell them that wheelchair and ecv users are seated in the back for that particular show.

 

[beaudoin_n]

Hi,

Would the GAC help in being closer to the parades and fireworks (Fantasmic, etc...) ? If so what would be the procedure to follow to have a good seat or place to view ?

I was planning on them taking one of the Fantasmic meals "package"..... Can any of you help me with that ... where to eat, what time, etc...

 

[Safari Steve]

MK has no special fireworks viewing areas, but there are three sections reserved for parade viewing by guests with disabilities. (Town Sq, The Hub, and The Liberty Tree). Fantasy in the Sky is... well, in the sky, so there's not really a "front row" so to speak... you may find that Fantasyland offers a slightly closer view (not as crowded as Main St. anyhow).

 

[Wheelsie]

Fantasyland is a great place to view the fireworks!

When I wanted last week (outside Liberty Tree) to find a good viewing area for the parades tho I was a little stressed out....but luckily there was a nice family near me that pulled up the rope (I know we arent supposed to do that) so thnat I could sit with them as they had a big gap next to them for my chair

So my advice at parade viewing (unless you know of designated handi areas) is to just look fir a gap....you may be suprised how nice your view is once you get "seated"

 

[SueM in MN]

We have also watched the fireworks from Fantasyland. It's really nice because not many people seem to be aware that you can see the fireworks from there. It also is really magical to view them over the Fantasyland buildings. You are very close to the fireworks (but not so close that you feel too close).