GAC usage tips (to use or not to use)?

[Jperiod]

DS6 has autism so we get a GAC when we go to DLR which has vastly improved our trips 20x over!

Of couse, it's not perfect so we've learned where and how it works best at DLR. We're going to WDW for the first time in mid-December, so I'm looking for any inside tips when using this for various rides/attractions/shows/whatever.

For instance, at DLR, we've discovered that the standby line for POTC is almost always much faster than the GAC/wheelchair line, so we never use the GAC there (and it's such a fast loader that DS does fine as long as the line keeps moving at a good pace). And at HM, if they have enough cast members, they will walk you down the back stairs so you can completely bypass the elevator (and the hallway as well if you tell them your child needs that too).

Any tips like that?

 

[KPeveler]

I have barely used a GAC in WDW, but I will say this one:

The accessible line (which may be where they send you with certain types of GACs) for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is outdoors in direct sun, and can take longer than the standby line often. This is definitely one to Fastpass!

 

[westonkamom]

Our GAC (which did have us using the Accessible Line usually) really helped for most rides with our son who's on the autism spectrum. The only rides that we thought, "Wow, it would've been easier in the stand-by line." were It's a Small World and Spaceship Earth. Good luck and have fun on your trip!

 

[lilmissdisney216]

When my darling fiance came to WDW to visit back in July he was very grateful to have acquired the guest assistance card (he has severe asthma that is induced by heavy amounts of humidity and knee and neck problems that make standing for long periods painful). Helped us immensly and it reduced having to go back to the room so often for treatments. I suggest using it for the rides with the typical longest wait times. Helps a bunch!

 

[momof3poohlovers]

DS6 has autism so we get a GAC when we go to DLR which has vastly improved our trips 20x over!

Of couse, it's not perfect so we've learned where and how it works best at DLR. We're going to WDW for the first time in mid-December, so I'm looking for any inside tips when using this for various rides/attractions/shows/whatever.

For instance, at DLR, we've discovered that the standby line for POTC is almost always much faster than the GAC/wheelchair line, so we never use the GAC there (and it's such a fast loader that DS does fine as long as the line keeps moving at a good pace). And at HM, if they have enough cast members, they will walk you down the back stairs so you can completely bypass the elevator (and the hallway as well if you tell them your child needs that too).

Any tips like that?

I was wondering what other tips you have for DLR? My DS was just diagnosed with Autism and we just use the standby lines but there are times like today (just came back this evening) when a GAC could have been helpful. We had lots of meltdowns and got stuck in line for Snow White for 20 min.(longest I have ever waited for Snow White) while he was having a meltdown and because there is so little room to move, we couldn't leave with him. I felt bad for those around us. I have always wondered if it would be worth getting a GAC or not to use for some rides.

 

[Jperiod]

I was wondering what other tips you have for DLR? My DS was just diagnosed with Autism and we just use the standby lines but there are times like today (just came back this evening) when a GAC could have been helpful. We had lots of meltdowns and got stuck in line for Snow White for 20 min.(longest I have ever waited for Snow White) while he was having a meltdown and because there is so little room to move, we couldn't leave with him. I felt bad for those around us. I have always wondered if it would be worth getting a GAC or not to use for some rides.

Oh heavens, YES! Get the GAC! Sounds just like my son...turns into a human bumper car in crowded areas!

Let's see, off the top of my head...it's very helpful in those tight, dark, and/or slow-moving queues like Casey Jr., Dumbo, Storybook, Teacups, and Peter Pan. Also Matterhorn (too tight, though it moves fast) and space mountain (dark for too long). And any line that exceeds your child's tantrum threshold and/or can't use fastpass.

It's a small world is usually shorter in the standby line, as long as you go when the line isn't far out under the sign. Jungle Cruise is hit or miss, so we just try to time the stand-by line.

Bug's Land rides are slow loaders, so it can help with those if you're not there during low crowds.

We've also been able to use it during fantasmic and the parades. They will let us stand in the wheelchair areas behind the wheelchairs so this cuts down our wait time plus gives DS more elbow room (they really pack you in tight otherwise). Though if you have the stroller as a wheelchair stamp too, you might be able to keep him in the stroller in these roped areas and park him wherever. We don't get that stamp, but still can put our stroller behind the wheelchairs and DS stands when the shows start.

And Princess Fantasy Fair, they let us go run around nearby and come back at a designated time instead of waiting in that never-moving line!

HTH!

Oh, I should add, using it for shows is not the "norm," but if you ask the CM at the rope and explain your child's needs, they have been very accomodating for us.

 

[momof3poohlovers]

Thank you for the tips! We are AP holders so I usually avoid busy days as much as possible but my kids are doing Tennis right now so yesterday was the first time we had been able to go in a while so I thought we would make the best of it. Usually, we get there at opening and I just avoid anything with a long line. Yesterday, we got there late. Pinocchio wasn't too bad but I didn't realize how long the line was for Snow White until we had gone around the corner and it was too late and we were stuck.

One nice thing about WDW compared to DLR, is that there are a lot more FP enabled rides than here are DLR. You can use FP's for Winnie the Pooh and Peter Pan so we just make sure we get one for those rides. For some reason, the queues at WDW don't seem as cramped as they are here as well. Yesterday was a lesson learned, with our DS, we just can't go on very busy days.

 

[kathleendsm]

The big one we found was at Killamanjaro Safaris. My son has the stroller as a wheelchair tag (along with other stamps), but either we can carry him or he can walk some. If you keep the stroller you have to wait far longer for the accessible car, so we usually just leave the stroller in stroller parking (which you get to from the Fastpass line anyway) and join the regular line from there.

 

[Jperiod]

Thank you for the tips! We are AP holders so I usually avoid busy days as much as possible but my kids are doing Tennis right now so yesterday was the first time we had been able to go in a while so I thought we would make the best of it. Usually, we get there at opening and I just avoid anything with a long line. Yesterday, we got there late. Pinocchio wasn't too bad but I didn't realize how long the line was for Snow White until we had gone around the corner and it was too late and we were stuck.

One nice thing about WDW compared to DLR, is that there are a lot more FP enabled rides than here are DLR. You can use FP's for Winnie the Pooh and Peter Pan so we just make sure we get one for those rides. For some reason, the queues at WDW don't seem as cramped as they are here as well. Yesterday was a lesson learned, with our DS, we just can't go on very busy days.

I've heard WDW is ADA compliant (I might have the letters wrong, but something about lines being wheelchair accessible), whereas most of old DL isn't (though CA is), hence the tiny spaces! We also try to go during the off-season and first thing in the morning, but obviously, it's not a perfect plan all the time. Before DS's dx and our knowledge of the GAC, between age 3-4, we had to avoid a lot of rides and shows because he just couldn't handle it and we STILL had tons of meltdowns. That first trip with the GAC, he was almost 5, and we just felt like we were in a dream! He still had some meltdowns, but more in the "normal" kid range, and we got to see shows and go on rides we had avoided for 2 years! It's like, the closest we come to the NT world is when we're at disney!

 

[wdw4rfam]

My son has autism and we get a GAC. Over 8 years- we've learned where to use. Heres what I've found- Magic kingdom- dont use on Its a small world or pirates. If you can walk and do stairs use at thunder mtn rr, use the fastpass (they usually ask if you use the alt entrance, it takes a long time. Epcot- spaceship earth- DONT use- they take you into this holding area and call your party one at a time(took 20 minutes for us). HS and AK- never found any really bad ones.

I would suggest for Autism- using the alt entrance instead of fastpass unless you think your child can handle being put into the "stretch room", and everyone screaming when the lights go out. They will just take you a back entrance and put you right on the ride.

 

[Jperiod]

My son has autism and we get a GAC. Over 8 years- we've learned where to use. Heres what I've found- Magic kingdom- dont use on Its a small world or pirates. If you can walk and do stairs use at thunder mtn rr, use the fastpass (they usually ask if you use the alt entrance, it takes a long time. Epcot- spaceship earth- DONT use- they take you into this holding area and call your party one at a time(took 20 minutes for us). HS and AK- never found any really bad ones. If you can walk- most rides will just let you use the fastpass lines, and those are always better than stand-by. But if they dont have fastpass, and require you use a back entrance, it will usually take extra time. I would suggest for Autism- using the alt entrance instead of fastpass unless you think your child can handle being put into the "stretch room", and everyone screaming when the lights go out. They will just take you a back entrance and put you right on the ride.

Thanks! Just some clarifying...my son can walk...
Big Thunder -- did you say DO use, or not?
Haunted Mansion -- wheelchair entrance skips the elevator AND hallway (my son cannot handle either, crowded or not)?

 

[KPeveler]

Haunted Mansion has changed - I am not sure if there is Fastpass anymore, and everything is mainstreamed. I think there is still a way to avoid the stretching room but you would have to speak to the CM in charge.

 

[SueM in MN]

Haunted Mansion has changed - I am not sure if there is Fastpass anymore, and everything is mainstreamed. I think there is still a way to avoid the stretching room but you would have to speak to the CM in charge.

There has not been Fastpass at the Haunted Mansion at WDW for a long time. For a couple of years before they removed it, they were not using it because waits in the regular lines were not that long.
The attraction was renovated to have 2 lines, both are Mainstreamed and totally accessible to both wheelchairs and ECVs. There is an interactive line and a non-interactive 'go straight to the attraction' one.
I do know it is still possible to bypass the stretching room because I made a thread about the changes after our last trip and people let me know they had still bypassed the room.
Ask the CM at the entrance to line and, again before entering the building.

 

[mzozzietj]

There has not been Fastpass at the Haunted Mansion at WDW for a long time. For a couple of years before they removed it, they were not using it because waits in the regular lines were not that long.
The attraction was renovated to have 2 lines, both are Mainstreamed and totally accessible to both wheelchairs and ECVs. There is an interactive line and a non-interactive 'go straight to the attraction' one.
I do know it is still possible to bypass the stretching room because I made a thread about the changes after our last trip and people let me know they had still bypassed the room.
Ask the CM at the entrance to line and, again before entering the building.

Sue, is this something just for guests with wheelchairs or GAC? I would love to bypass the stretching room with our DD just for the fear factor when everyone screams but we don't have a medical necessity for it. Just curious if everyone has this option? Thanks!

 

[SueM in MN]

Sue, is this something just for guests with wheelchairs or GAC? I would love to bypass the stretching room with our DD just for the fear factor when everyone screams but we don't have a medical necessity for it. Just curious if everyone has this option? Thanks!

Guests with wheelchairs and ECVs had no choice before the recent changes. They were forced to miss the stretching room. Now it is an option.

People with small children have bypassed it in the past. Most kids do just fine with the room, but if you think yours won't, ask the CM at the entrance.
They will either say:
Yes
Yes, but you will need to come back because it is too busy now.
No

If the answer is no, you can ask whether a rider swap would be available. One adult would wait with children while the other adult rides ( with whatever children will be riding). After completing the ride, the 2 adults switch places without waiting in line again..
They may say rider swap is not available either, but at least you will know what your options are and one can ride it, then come out and the other wait in line. We were there at the end of Spring break and the straight line had short waits because most people wanted to try out the interactive features.

 

[mzozzietj]

Guests with wheelchairs and ECVs had no choice before the recent changes. They were forced to miss the stretching room. Now it is an option.

People with small children have bypassed it in the past. Most kids do just fine with the room, but if you think yours won't, ask the CM at the entrance.
They will either say:
Yes
Yes, but you will need to come back because it is too busy now.
No

If the answer is no, you can ask whether a rider swap would be available. One adult would wait with children while the other adult rides ( with whatever children will be riding). After completing the ride, the 2 adults switch places without waiting in line again..
They may say rider swap is not available either, but at least you will know what your options are and one can ride it, then come out and the other wait in line. We were there at the end of Spring break and the straight line had short waits because most people wanted to try out the interactive features.

Thanks so much for the response Sue!

DD is only 2.5 so she hasn't been on it yet. We'll try the regular queue with her once and see how she does but I was curious if they have two lines one with and one without or if it's something separate for those with medical need to bypass.

Thankfully our trip is during a quieter time so if she reacts badly I'll definitely ask.

I'm glad the folks with ECVs and wheelchairs can now experience the stretching room as well though.

 

[SueM in MN]

No separate lines.
Those with wheelchairs and ECVs used to wait in the regular line up to a point just before the line entered the building. At that point, there was a pull off so those guests bypassed the entrance to the building and boarded at the unload area.
What they did was made the entrance to the building accessible and now all guests are able to enter the building. Those with wheelchairs and ECVs don't go to the regular boarding area after the stretching room, they are pulled off to a hallway that goes to the unload area.
There are still ways to bypass the stretching room though.

 

[anne thomas]

Can you use GAC at character greets?

 

[opusone]

We found that using the wheelchair entrance at Splash Mountain in MK was an extremely long wait as well (and in the direct sun). I would highly suggest using FASTPASS on Splash Mountain (but there are stairs in the FASTPASS line... at least as of two years ago).

 

[Jperiod]

We found that using the wheelchair entrance at Splash Mountain in MK was an extremely long wait as well (and in the direct sun). I would highly suggest using FASTPASS on Splash Mountain (but there are stairs in the FASTPASS line... at least as of two years ago).

At DLR, they direct you to the fastpass line if you don't have mobility issues. At MK, they direct you to the wheelchair entrance, regardless of mobility?