GAC how to's ???

[mousescrapper]

We are traveling next year (not our first WDW trip, but first since our DS 8 has been diagonised with Aspergers and ADHD. We are planning to get a GAC card and use it as needed, but on a few days, more often.

Ok I know I can get him a card by going to Guest Services at the first park of our visit and explain he has special needs that require him some special accomadations while we're here. State what issues/things may cause problems and what we like to request. YES?

These will be our possible requests:

In shows, he needs to be seated on an aisle, 'permission' to sit on end, AND sit near exit area so we can leave quicker in an emergency and at end of show (as he can't deal well with crowds-close quarters).

Use of FP queue for (as on rides with long stand-by waits and we don't have a FP or can get one) the possible long waiting times in tight space.

Can you use the GAC for dinning TS? We'd like to request tables with chairs where applicable (has a hard time sitting still and striaght) and ask to be seated near window/wall not in center of room.

Now question on the amount of people that can accompany him with the GAC.

I think I've heard up to 5 or 6 people is that 6 including the child (or person) with the GAC? Our total party is 7, that including our son and infant daughter (3 adults 4 kids). My question is if it's 6 can we all use it? Does the infant count? she doesn't even have a park-pass.

Also with the GAC in mind, probably besides some of the MK attractions, the most popular ride we plan on doing is Soarin, don't know if we'll be able to get a FP, that's our plan but if not, we'd have to do the baby swap. So if we can all get in the FP line with the GAC if needed, can we still do a baby swap?This would be the only ride this would come up as DS is not a thrill seeker.

sorry if that sounds confusing.

I'd appreciate any thoughts, advice and I've been there done that tried and true (even mistakes )

Thanks!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

I am going to respond to a few of your questions. However, to an extent some of my answers will be vague as we tend to be extra careful when discussing GACs. This is to help prevent abuse; we have even seen people selling GACs on eBay.

The important thing is you must go with your son to Guest Relations and describe the needs. You do not have to have a note, but if you write out a list in advance it will help you to remember what to ask for.

Normally the GAC is for the user plus no more than five others in the party. However, if you explain to Guest Relations that one is an infant you may get a special note added which will allow the entire group.

Technically the GAC is only valid for attractions. However, when you check in at each restaurant podium explain your needs to the person; you never have to accept an unacceptable table, but this may increase your wait.

At shows if you explain to one of the CMs your possible need for a sudden exit they may seat you in the very front, at an aisle, or even in the back row (which tends to have lots of splits for disabled seating), any of these could assist for a hurried exit.

And don't be very surprised if you find this thread suddenly locked.

 

[SueM in MN]

Agreeing with everything Cheshire Figment said, plus a few extra comments.

Ok I know I can get him a card by going to Guest Services at the first park of our visit and explain he has special needs that require him some special accomadations while we're here. State what issues/things may cause problems and what we like to request. YES?

As, Cheshire Figment mentioned, he needs to be with you.
If you have not checked out the information in the disABILITIES FAQs thread, I'd suggest you do that.
Also, check out the Open Letter from SueM thread near the top of the board, which has some background about why we don't give out/allow a lot of specific information about GACs.

These will be our possible requests:

In shows, he needs to be seated on an aisle, 'permission' to sit on end, AND sit near exit area so we can leave quicker in an emergency and at end of show (as he can't deal well with crowds-close quarters).

You can explain your needs to the CM at Guest Relations and also at shows, but there really is not a GAC message for that.
For shows/movies, you enter on one side of the theater and when you go in, the CMs are usually telling people to choose a row and move all the way across the row. If you move all the way across the row, you will be in the seats closest the exit.
Seats are not assigned, so you can choose to sit in the seats on the end of the row. Usually, if the show is not totally full, people want to be in the middle of the theater and don't move all the way across the theater to the end of the row.
There will be a CM inside the theater during the show, watching for people who need assistance. Take a few minutes before the show starts to find the exit signs (they are well marked and the exit sign stays lit during the show).
You may also want to consider the way people will be coming out of the show. If you are at the end of the row toward the exit, you will have everyone coming out behind you. So, if any of your party are not able to move/get going quickly, you will have a crowd right behind you. In some shows, you can step out of your row and find a place to the side to wait while the crowd passes you by.
If you are planning to sit in the back in the rows for guests with disabilities, you should be aware that most of the back rows are set up for guests traveling with wheelchairs or ECVs. They usually have a lot of spaces for wheelchairs/ ECVs to park and scattered seats for someone to sit next to the ECV or wheelchair user.
So, they are not appropriate for large groups or for people without wheelchairs/ECVs (no seats to sit in).

Use of FP queue for (as on rides with long stand-by waits and we don't have a FP or can get one) the possible long waiting times in tight space.

Another thing to think about is that if the park has long lines, that means it will be crowded all over, not only in the lines. Knowing what will be crowded and when so you can avoid those areas will be much more helpful than having a GAC. For example, the Safari at AK often has a wait of more than an hour in the morning. If you go during the mid-late afternoon, you can pretty much walk on. The same for Kali River Rapids and most of the attractions (except Soarin and Test Track) at Epcot.
Fantasyland at MK have long lines late morning to late afternoon, but if you get there right at park opening, you can see most of the Fantasyland rides with a very short (like 10 minute or less) wait. That is true even during very busy times like Easter/Spring break and Christmas. A service like TourGuide Mike (one of the Theme Park Board sponsors) can help with information about those types of things.
EMHs (Extra Magic Hours where on specific days a specific park is open earlier or later just for resort guests) are very useful because only guests staying at the WDW resorts are allowed into the park.

Can you use the GAC for dinning TS? We'd like to request tables with chairs where applicable (has a hard time sitting still and striaght) and ask to be seated near window/wall not in center of room.

As Cheshire Figment said, that is not a place that a GAC would be used.
The most appropriate way (and the way that would work the best) would be to let the CM know your specific needs when you check in. Depending on the restaurant, it may not be possible to meet all your requests or there may be a longer wait (depending on things like how busy it is, whether the table that best fits your needs has a party who just sat down or are almost done, etc.)
If they understand what you need, the CMs will do their best to meet your needs.

Now question on the amount of people that can accompany him with the GAC.

I think I've heard up to 5 or 6 people is that 6 including the child (or person) with the GAC? Our total party is 7, that including our son and infant daughter (3 adults 4 kids). My question is if it's 6 can we all use it? Does the infant count? she doesn't even have a park-pass.

The GAC is usually issued for up to 6 (5 plus the person with a disability), but the CMs in Guest Relations have the ability to make exceptions if necessary. If you had a party of 12, an exception would be difficult, but your situation should not be a problem. We have had a party of 7 at times also.

Also with the GAC in mind, probably besides some of the MK attractions, the most popular ride we plan on doing is Soarin, don't know if we'll be able to get a FP, that's our plan but if not, we'd have to do the baby swap. So if we can all get in the FP line with the GAC if needed, can we still do a baby swap?This would be the only ride this would come up as DS is not a thrill seeker.

sorry if that sounds confusing.

I'd appreciate any thoughts, advice and I've been there done that tried and true (even mistakes )

Thanks!

When we were at WDW last April (during Spring break), we went to evening EMH at Ecpot. We were able walk right onto Mission Space and Soarin. We actually rode Soarin 4 times in a row, just coming out the exit and walking back into the entrance as fast as possible. We also went on the Nemo ride at Living Seas, Turtle Talk and Living with the Land with no wait for anything. The only attraction there was a wait for was Test Track and we heard that there had been a breakdown earlier in the day, so people were being allowed to stay in the park to use the Fastpasses they could not use earlier and some had gotten return passes because they were on the ride when it broke down.

 

[Forevryoung]

I don't think a table with chairs is that unusual of a request- really! I make it every time I go out to eat with DBF.

He's fat and it's all around his middle so he is really uncomfortable in booth type seats ( he's lost 6 inches so far!)

The only thing is that we are willing to wait a few extra minutes if necessary to have a more comfortable meal. Depending on the environment and timing, your son might not be so happy waiting.

 

[mousescrapper]

Hi and to disABILITIES!

Thanks for the Welcome

I am going to respond to a few of your questions. However, to an extent some of my answers will be vague as we tend to be extra careful when discussing GACs. This is to help prevent abuse; we have even seen people selling GACs on eBay.

Honesty is the best policy....I don't want to come across or use the GAC in an abusive way, and completely understand, we are hoping to use it in a limited, emergency way for lines and just want to make the shows an enjoyable experience. He's generally very captivated, so we shouldn't need a quick exit, but if a crowd or personal space issue becomes apparent things could go south pretty quick.

I think the more I know about the GAC, the better informed I'll be to use and not use! So I completely understand your post.

The important thing is you must go with your son to Guest Relations and describe the needs. You do not have to have a note, but if you write out a list in advance it will help you to remember what to ask for.

Good tip on the list, and yes I was aware he needs to be present at GS.

At shows if you explain to one of the CMs your possible need for a sudden exit they may seat you in the very front, at an aisle, or even in the back row (which tends to have lots of splits for disabled seating), any of these could assist for a hurried exit.

So basically you think our best option if we feel we have a potential 'overload moment' is to communicate to the CM's inside the theaters? Yes?

And don't be very surprised if you find this thread suddenly locked.

no problem. think I have some good answers coming

Agreeing with everything Cheshire Figment said, plus a few extra comments.


As, Cheshire Figment mentioned, he needs to be with you. Got it
If you have not checked out the information in the disABILITIES FAQs thread, I'd suggest you do that.
Also, check out the Open Letter from SueM thread near the top of the board, which has some background about why we don't give out/allow a lot of specific information about GACs. I will check out the open letter, thanks

You can explain your needs to the CM at Guest Relations and also at shows, but there really is not a GAC message for that.
For shows/movies, you enter on one side of the theater and when you go in, the CMs are usually telling people to choose a row and move all the way across the row. If you move all the way across the row, you will be in the seats closest the exit.
Seats are not assigned, so you can choose to sit in the seats on the end of the row. Usually, if the show is not totally full, people want to be in the middle of the theater and don't move all the way across the theater to the end of the row.
There will be a CM inside the theater during the show, watching for people who need assistance.

understand, just didn't want to get stuck somewhere in the middle with no 'real way' out, I know there is no assigned seats, but just didn't want to get 'pushed' into an area where he could potentionally be uncomfortable. So we could always hang back upon entering mention something to a CM and then sit toward back/exit. Good?

Take a few minutes before the show starts to find the exit signs (they are well marked and the exit sign stays lit during the show).
You may also want to consider the way people will be coming out of the show. If you are at the end of the row toward the exit, you will have everyone coming out behind you. So, if any of your party are not able to move/get going quickly, you will have a crowd right behind you. In some shows, you can step out of your row and find a place to the side to wait while the crowd passes you by. good tip!

If you are planning to sit in the back in the rows for guests with disabilities, you should be aware that most of the back rows are set up for guests traveling with wheelchairs or ECVs. They usually have a lot of spaces for wheelchairs/ ECVs to park and scattered seats for someone to sit next to the ECV or wheelchair user.
So, they are not appropriate for large groups or for people without wheelchairs/ECVs (no seats to sit in). We plan to avoid these row, sit near, in front but not in. We don't want to use rows/seats that are meant for others...
Another thing to think about is that if the park has long lines, that means it will be crowded all over, not only in the lines. Knowing what will be crowded and when so you can avoid those areas will be much more helpful than having a GAC.

A service like TourGuide Mike (one of the Theme Park Board sponsors) can help with information about those types of things.

I am using TGM for those very reasons...and have found it very helpful in planning our tour plans. So yes, we hope to avoid the crowds, but know there is no true way around it (there's always crowds), and if he seems to be getting on the edge of stim-overload, we'd like to use the GAC for that reason, not everytime. Closer to the trip, we plan to go over our plans, remind him about lines, crowds, etc and what he/we can do in those situations. But as I've heard others say, the GAC is nice for insurance.

As Cheshire Figment said, that is not a place that a GAC would be used.
The most appropriate way (and the way that would work the best) would be to let the CM know your specific needs when you check in. Depending on the restaurant, it may not be possible to meet all your requests or there may be a longer wait (depending on things like how busy it is, whether the table that best fits your needs has a party who just sat down or are almost done, etc.)
If they understand what you need, the CMs will do their best to meet your needs.

Thanks, wasn't sure if the GAC could be used for a more efficient way of communicating. So even at ADR time I can't request 'requests', just upon check-in?

The GAC is usually issued for up to 6 (5 plus the person with a disability), but the CMs in Guest Relations have the ability to make exceptions if necessary. If you had a party of 12, an exception would be difficult, but your situation should not be a problem. We have had a party of 7 at times also. That will be great, we'll definitly mention one is an infant. Should our whole party be somewhat in view, for this exception, don't want them to think, were trying to pull one over.

When we were at WDW last April (during Spring break), we went to evening EMH at Ecpot.

Thanks for the idea, we do love, EMH's too, but have decided for this trip to skip most eve (based on some TGM advice and becuse DS is a much better morning person), hoping to make rope drop on several days

I don't think a table with chairs is that unusual of a request- really! I make it every time I go out to eat with DBF.

He's fat and it's all around his middle so he is really uncomfortable in booth type seats ( he's lost 6 inches so far!) GREAT!

The only thing is that we are willing to wait a few extra minutes if necessary to have a more comfortable meal. Depending on the environment and timing, your son might not be so happy waiting.

We'll have to weigh each TS as we're going along, trying to make them at the beginning of each dinning change over, early, to hopefully avoid crowds and waits. Thanks for the advice.


So Thanks, to you all( Chesire Figment, SueM in MN, and Forevryoung) I really apprecitate you taking the time to look and post some replies. DIS rocks!

 

[dawnball]

just didn't want to get stuck somewhere in the middle with no 'real way' out, I know there is no assigned seats, but just didn't want to get 'pushed' into an area where he could potentionally be uncomfortable. So we could always hang back upon entering mention something to a CM and then sit toward back/exit. Good?

I frequently need to bail out of shows early, DD just isn't capable of handling a full show, but is sometimes willing to try part of one. We've had really good luck mentioning to the first CMs we see "We may need to leave before the show is over, can you suggest a good place to sit for easy exit?" or if I've been in a show before and have some idea where I'd like to sit "We usually need to leave in the middle - is it ok if we go this way to some seats by the exit?" I've never had a problem (GAC or no GAC) - they'd really rather deal with situations like this before a show than in the middle. Personally, I do it for every show DD goes into. However, the only show I've ever seen her last through is a parade, and I think that she's usually "done" before the parade is.

I have problems in crowds, so I'm usually at the back of the pack going into a theater, and there are a variety of places that it's been suggested I sit. I've never had a problem getting easily to the exit from any of them.


Of note - If you sit by the exits for the Nemo show at AK, you can go out the upper exits and get back in. They have double sets of heavy drapes so you don't let light in and were very understanding.