GAC - one time use?

[cmwade77]

My son has a disorder called cvs (Cyclic vomiting syndrome) anxiety triggers it but sometime he has to run to the bathroom when he has to go he has to go ether throw up or IBS (on the potty for a long time) type situation this is our first trip to Disney I know this will be a high anxiety situation for him by the way he is 13 . Can he get a disability pass so he can get into the bathroom not have to wait in line he may not be able to wait .

He will still have to wait, it will just be in a different place, that will be easier for him to get out of to run to the bathroom. Others may say that this is not the case, let's just say that I know what I speak of on this one.

 

[SueM in MN]

He will still have to wait, it will just be in a different place, that will be easier for him to get out of to run to the bathroom. Others may say that this is not the case, let's just say that I know what I speak of on this one.

Follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES FAQs thread. Post 6 in that thread is all about Guest Assistance Cards and should be able to answer all your questions.

 

[deadheadmamma4]

No not the line for rides the line for the bathroom Idon't care a bought lines for rides he usually will be in there for an hour so no need to save his spot we could ride twice by the time he gets out.

 

[SueM in MN]

No not the line for rides the line for the bathroom Idon't care a bought lines for rides he usually will be in there for an hour so no need to save his spot we could ride twice by the time he gets out.

There isn't any way to get faster access to the bathrooms - other than explaining quickly that you have an emergency and asking to go ahead.

Not sure if that's what you're asking or not.
What does he do in other public places? The same thing would work at Disney World.
The other thing would be to make sure he always has a park map with him. There are lots of bathrooms at WDW and thy are well marked on the maps.

 

[cmwade77]

The men's rooms rarely have a line, so no need to worry there.

 

[Wishes Count]

As someone with Crohn's Disease, I have in the past frantically explained that I have a medical emergency and need to go ahead. No one has ever told me no yet....

 

[MinnieVanMom]

As the parent of a son with Autism, I can assure you that we never get to "fumble about." Never. Not anytime in life or WDW.

We must be on high alert 24/7, thinking ahead about every situation and how it is going to impact our child. Catastrophe is around every corner with these kids. Every moment is planned, discussed, explained, and executed with extreme caution.

As a mom who has spent 23 years unable to relax, always looking ten feet ahead ... predicting and re-predicting all potential upcoming scenarios in my head, I can tell you that I am envious of those who can "fumble about" with their children.

I also have four typical children (all grown now) so I know all to well the difference. As a mom, I was on semi-alert, as all moms are, with my others. However, the level of stress with a spectrum child is something you can never understand unless you've experienced it.

I rarely come here anymore, yet love this statement. Thank you so much. Our life at Disney for us to manage the way we think best, not what some stranger on the internet things we should do. People can judge all they want but do what is best for your child, for your family and have the best vacation you can. Life with a spectrum child is hard, the one place it should be just a bit easy is Disney, a place to smile even if we never relax.

 

[KPeveler]

I really think that the message we're trying to get across is "A GAC is not a cure-all" Many, many times, I've seen people post here about a problem they're having. They've heard of the GAC and want to know if they qualify. They may or may not need a GAC - none of us are qualified to know. But a GAC frequently isn't the best tool for the job. It's much more akin to "There's a curb-cut here, but there isn't another one for awhile and the sidewalk tends to be crowded. You might be better off just wheeling down Main Street."

I understand how useful a GAC can be. I usually have one. But it's not the best tool in my arsenal. On my last WDW trip I used it once. My last DL trip, I was more frustrated using it than not using it. Clearly, your mileage varies - but that doesn't make my experience any less accurate.

Agree. I use a wheelchair fulltime and have a GAC for my invisible conditions. And my heart goes out to the 17yr old in a chair. I do not have spina bifida but we think I have a tethered cord, so my legs are weak and I sit all day. in fact one of the reasons I need a GAC is triggered by sitting in those tight back and forth lines where I am at booty height. Tell your daughter I call it "Rear Eye View." She may find it funny.

Now as a moderator, a long time poster, someone who has been to WDW 12 times, been to Disneyland more than 400 times in the last 3 years, and is even a disney bride...

We are not saying NOT to use the GAC. We are not saying it will definitely give you a longer line. We are not saying that any specific person, disability, disease, or disorder is not deserving of a GAC. We are not saying a GAC cannot or would not be a helpful and useful tool in your bag of Disney tools.

This is what we ARE saying about a GAC.
The GAC may result in a longer wait than the posted standby wait time, and you should be prepared that it may happen.
The GAC may result in a shorter wait time, but you should not depend on this happening.
The GAC is a useful tool, but it should not be your only tool for touring the parks.
The GAC can have a variety of stamps, and not all diagnoses receive the same stamp. The same diagnosis may receive different stamps, depending on the needs of the individual
The GAC you receive may not result in an accommodation at every attraction - that is, sometimes there is no accommodation at an attraction for your GAC.
The GAC may result in different entrances, handling of, and exits from attractions each time you visit it, depending on a variety of conditions.
There is no shame in using a GAC, and you should feel free to use it whenever you feel it is necessary or would improve the quality of your touring experience.
The GAC is not used for everything, such as buses, character meet and greets, restaurants, bathrooms, and water parks. This is one reason we keep talking about touring plans and such - so you have more than one tool to enjoy Disney.

When some of us say we try not to use a GAC whenever possible, it is because the more people who use a GAC, the longer the line of people using GACs get, thereby extending the wait for people with GACs. So basically, if I can, I use the mainstream/accessible line whenever possible. If I cannot do that for whatever my reason is (and it is MY reason, just like it is YOUR reason and no one else's), I use my GAC. But my ability to not use the GAC at some attractions sometimes does not mean that everyone has that ability or desire and there is nothing wrong with using a GAC.

 

[SueM in MN]

Agree. I use a wheelchair fulltime and have a GAC for my invisible conditions. And my heart goes out to the 17yr old in a chair. I do not have spina bifida but we think I have a tethered cord, so my legs are weak and I sit all day. in fact one of the reasons I need a GAC is triggered by sitting in those tight back and forth lines where I am at booty height. Tell your daughter I call it "Rear Eye View." She may find it funny.

Now as a moderator, a long time poster, someone who has been to WDW 12 times, been to Disneyland more than 400 times in the last 3 years, and is even a disney bride...

We are not saying NOT to use the GAC. We are not saying it will definitely give you a longer line. We are not saying that any specific person, disability, disease, or disorder is not deserving of a GAC. We are not saying a GAC cannot or would not be a helpful and useful tool in your bag of Disney tools.

This is what we ARE saying about a GAC.
The GAC may result in a longer wait than the posted standby wait time, and you should be prepared that it may happen.
The GAC may result in a shorter wait time, but you should not depend on this happening.
The GAC is a useful tool, but it should not be your only tool for touring the parks.
The GAC can have a variety of stamps, and not all diagnoses receive the same stamp. The same diagnosis may receive different stamps, depending on the needs of the individual
The GAC you receive may not result in an accommodation at every attraction - that is, sometimes there is no accommodation at an attraction for your GAC.
The GAC may result in different entrances, handling of, and exits from attractions each time you visit it, depending on a variety of conditions.
There is no shame in using a GAC, and you should feel free to use it whenever you feel it is necessary or would improve the quality of your touring experience.
The GAC is not used for everything, such as buses, character meet and greets, restaurants, bathrooms, and water parks. This is one reason we keep talking about touring plans and such - so you have more than one tool to enjoy Disney.

When some of us say we try not to use a GAC whenever possible, it is because the more people who use a GAC, the longer the line of people using GACs get, thereby extending the wait for people with GACs. So basically, if I can, I use the mainstream/accessible line whenever possible. If I cannot do that for whatever my reason is (and it is MY reason, just like it is YOUR reason and no one else's), I use my GAC. But my ability to not use the GAC at some attractions sometimes does not mean that everyone has that ability or desire and there is nothing wrong with using a GAC.

Very well stated.