GAC question

[alizesmom]

Our only experience with our kids and Disney has been through MAW and a GAC was provided. The only accommodation we will need is an accessible entrance for the wheelchairs. Since our kids obviously are disabled should we still get the card or just get in line? I feel stupid asking but it would be one less thing for me to misplace Karen

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The lines for almost all attractions at WDW are "mainstreamed". This means that the queue is set up to allow wheelchairs and/or ECVs to go through the line just as a person without a mobility problem. As it was built prior to the ADA, the Magic Kingdom is most likely to have non-mainstreamed lines. Some attractions, such as Splash Mountain and Haunted Mansion you will go part way through the regular queue and then be diverted. Other attractions, such as Big Thunder Mountain or SpaceShip Earth you will initially be directed to an accessible entrance.

All the theaters are set up with seats (usually in the back row) removed so a wheelchair or ECV can pull into a space and there will be regular seating on either side of the space for the others in the party.

Where there are quantity limits on space, or other limitation involving accessibility, you may have to wait longer to see a show or ride an attraction than people without disabilities.

The normal (and official) response of Guest Relations to people with mobility and/or stamina issues is to recommend rental of a wheelchair or ECV. The Guest Assistance Card (GAC) is intended for "invisible" disabilities not related to mobility or stamina. A wheelchair or ECV is sufficient to notify Cast Members of special assistance normally needed. However, if a person has other issues, such as auditory or visual, they would probably also need a GAC.

Note that a GAC is not intended to allow bypassing of lines, and it so states on the card itself. The only people who will get the special Front Of The Line GAC are where a terminal or medically fragile child is traveling on a trip from Make A Wish or similar foundation.

 

[SueM in MN]

Our only experience with our kids and Disney has been through MAW and a GAC was provided. The only accommodation we will need is an accessible entrance for the wheelchairs. Since our kids obviously are disabled should we still get the card or just get in line? I feel stupid asking but it would be one less thing for me to misplace Karen

I don’t know if you have been to WDW since they started the new maps for Guests with Disabilities.
Those list the accessible “Mobility Access” entrances, which are the main entrance in most cases. If that is all you need, you should be good without a GAC.
The only ‘if’ is whether your children’s wheelchairs might resemble or be mistaken for strollers. If so, you should get “Stroller as Wheelchair” tags.

I would suggest carrying a copy of the map for Guests with Disabilities for the park you are in. If a CM questions you when you are using the listed “Mobility Access”, showing the special park map will usually solve the problem. If not, ask for a supervisor.

We have occassionally had a problem. Once was on Dumbo, where a CM said, “I need to see your GAC”, and then corrected herself right away (“Oh, I didn’t notice. You have a wheelchair”).
Another time was at Winnie the Pooh where we were using Fastpasses and the CM at the Fastpass entrance said she could not let us in without a GAC. I said “But, we have Fastpasses.” Another CM overheard and corrected the first CM.
The last time was at Splash Mountain, where a CM did not want to let us thru the wheelchair gate when we got to the stairway. She did not care whether we had a GAC or wheelchair, she was just not letting us thru because “That would be skipping part of the line.” She even argued with her supervisor.

So, IMHO, making sure that you are at the correct entrance and making sure the CM gets corrected if they are not letting your in there are very important. It is policy that a GAC is not required to use the designated accessible entrance; if most people present a GAC to use those entrance when they don’t need to, CMs expect other guests to have one too.

 

[Mary976]

DEFINITELY get the "Guest with Disabilities" park map. At the AK they were in front with the regular park maps, but at every other park we had to go into Guest Services and ask for one. We used to just "wing it" with the regular maps but there were occasional problems with CMs not knowing the boarding procedure, so having the accessibility map makes a big difference.

MK is the main park for "alternate boarding procedures," so be sure you double check the map before hopping in line there. Also, if you have an issue be sure to ask for a supervisor. We only had to do it once last trip...DD waited in the single rider line at Everest (I don't do coasters, but I wait with her and then exit) and then she got to the front of the line, she was told no wheelchairs could be accommodated in the singles line. The sup fixed that for us, though.

Mary

 

[SueM in MN]

DEFINITELY get the "Guest with Disabilities" park map. At the AK they were in front with the regular park maps, but at every other park we had to go into Guest Services and ask for one. We used to just "wing it" with the regular maps but there were occasional problems with CMs not knowing the boarding procedure, so having the accessibility map makes a big difference.

MK is the main park for "alternate boarding procedures," so be sure you double check the map before hopping in line there. Also, if you have an issue be sure to ask for a supervisor. We only had to do it once last trip...DD waited in the single rider line at Everest (I don't do coasters, but I wait with her and then exit) and then she got to the front of the line, she was told no wheelchairs could be accommodated in the singles line. The sup fixed that for us, though.

Mary

I have seen designated spots at the entrance kiosk at AK and at the Studio. The bin was marked with a wheelchair symbol.
Epcot does usually have them with the other maps in the entrance area, but I have never seen them at MK with the other maps.

If you go to Guest Relations, they can usually give you a copy for each park.