Guest Assistance Cards ending, to be replaced with Fastpasses?

[runswithscissors]

I don't. I strictly commented on the "rules of society."

Fair enough. My bad...

 

[Kay1]

Yea, Disney isn't a hospital. If someone at Disney needs medical treatment they should be treated based on need. The order in which you ride a ride is not the same as the order in which you are treated in a hospital. If you want to give up your turn for someone else that is fine and even noble but only if the person you give it up for is next in line after you. If the person you let in front of you is 50th in line you are making a decision for 48 other people and that isn't right.

The AMC theater isn't a hospital but when I visit it I can't park in front because those spots are reserved for the handicapped. But that doesn't bother me at all. Some societal rules and laws ask that we make allowances for others and I'm more than fine with that. I wouldn't spend a single second fretting over someone getting something, including some accommodation. Maybe it's because I'm an only child, but it just doesn't worry me.

 

[Justin Jett]

The AMC theater isn't a hospital but when I visit it I can't park in front because those spots are reserved for the handicapped. But that doesn't bother me at all. Some societal rules and laws ask that we make allowances for others and I'm more than fine with that. I wouldn't spend a single second fretting over someone getting something, including some accommodation. Maybe it's because I'm an only child, but it just doesn't worry me.

 

[doconeill]

I understand but your son is not "physically disabled" and that is who the first special passes were intended to assist because most rides back then were not wheelchair accessible and then you had the extra wait due to very few wheelchair accessible rides. Your son can physically maneuver through the queue and transfer on his own to a ride vehicle.

Let's face it, people with invisible disabilities were able to ride the coattails of the physically disabled for a good long while but the party is now over. With the exception of the extra waiting periods for the physically disabled who can't transfer and must wait for an accessible ride vehicle, I think the new system will be fair and eliminate the "unintended" abuse by those with invisible disabilities.

wow....just, wow.

The Guest Assistance Cards were NEVER restricted to physically disabled people (who, mind you, are NOT just those restricted to a wheelchair, which you are implying). They were to alert Cast Members who need some assistance, whatever it may be. My father-in-law is not confined to a wheelchair, but he may not be able to get onto Haunted Mansion quick enough to avoid slamming into the wall without a CM ready to slow/stop the track. Still physically disabled, perhaps invisibly. They are not mutually exclusive nor does it matter if it is a physical disability.

The AMC theater isn't a hospital but when I visit it I can't park in front because those spots are reserved for the handicapped. But that doesn't bother me at all. Some societal rules and laws ask that we make allowances for others and I'm more than fine with that. I wouldn't spend a single second fretting over someone getting something, including some accommodation. Maybe it's because I'm an only child, but it just doesn't worry me.

AMC doesn't decide who can park in those spaces and who can't. That is decided by doctors, who provide the documentation to the DMV/RMV.

 

[mrzrich]

I understand but your son is not "physically disabled" and that is who the first special passes were intended to assist because most rides back then were not wheelchair accessible and then you had the extra wait due to very few wheelchair accessible rides. Your son can physically maneuver through the queue and transfer on his own to a ride vehicle.

Let's face it, people with invisible disabilities were able to ride the coattails of the physically disabled for a good long while but the party is now over. With the exception of the extra waiting periods for the physically disabled who can't transfer and must wait for an accessible ride vehicle, I think the new system will be fair and eliminate the "unintended" abuse by those with invisible disabilities.

I'll be sure to tell my son that he's been riding someboady's coattails.

I didn't realize we were at a party. He loves parties.

Seriously, I can't believe you are a parent of a disabled child spewing this much disdain for other disabled children.

This thread was pretty civilized until you joined the party. I predict that this party will soon be over too.

 

[FireDancer]

The AMC theater isn't a hospital but when I visit it I can't park in front because those spots are reserved for the handicapped. But that doesn't bother me at all. Some societal rules and laws ask that we make allowances for others and I'm more than fine with that. I wouldn't spend a single second fretting over someone getting something, including some accommodation. Maybe it's because I'm an only child, but it just doesn't worry me.

I'm not sure what you are getting at. I'm all for handicapped parking, handicapped accessible buildings, reasonable accommodation for the hearing or seeing disabled and stuff like that. I don't want to get rid of the ADA or anything like that. I like the field leveling it provides and I hope that is what gets enabled by Disney. If anything they implement violates the ADA it should be changed to accommodate it.

The parking comparison is also a bit different because you do have to prove need for it. The other things, including DAS or GAC you do not.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Let's face it, people with invisible disabilities were able to ride the coattails of the physically disabled for a good long while but the party is now over.

Wow, um, you do know this is extremely offensive, right?

 

[FireDancer]

This thread was pretty civilized until you joined the party. I predict that this party will soon be over too.

I hope not, it is an interesting discussion. If anyone gets out of line I'd hope their posts are deleted, not close the entire thread.

 

[babydoll65]

Thanks but please understand I'm not picking sides. I usually go to wdw during times when crowds are low. I don't think I even noticed if or when someone was using a GAC card. Even if these cards didnt exist and I saw a family with a special needs child was waiting, I would have no problem what so ever letting them on before me. But I know what my mother can handle and some families don't know what might happen on a day to day basis. Even if the only thing they required was a picture on the GAC would eliminate some abuse. I know disney cannot ask for doctors notes discribing your condition due to hippa rules. But a note from your doctor explaining what you can or cannot handle is not violating anything. For example, my mother has had recent back and knee surgery. A note stating my patient cannot walk long distances or stand for any length of time is enough to inquire about a GAC without giving away a patient's condition.

 

[adisneymama]

Justin, everyone here knows that these special passes were originally intended for those like you and my daughter who are truly disabled and needed the GAC for alternate entrances and to help even out the wait times when having to wait on an accessible ride vehicle.

What everyone is so frustrated about is that those with invisible disabilities abused the system because they are physically healthy and had no issue transferring to a normal ride vehicle. Therefore, the GAC shorten the waiting period for those with invisible disabilities and even allowed them to ride the ride two or three times in a row. This was not the intention of the GAC.

Hopefully, Disney will step up to the plate and acknowledge that those who are truly physically disabled do need a GAC type pass to help even the wait times when it comes to rides that require wheelchair accessibility.

I am sorry but you have implied that someone with a hidden disability is physically healthy. That is not the case always. My DD "looks" healthy. But you spend 5 mins with her, talking to her, trying to make her walk the parks and administering medications 5 times a day and you will see that is not the case. The GAC was designed for hidden disabilities. If you simply need a wheelchair that is not hidden everyone sees the wheelchair for instance. However, there are legit medical conditions that do not require wheelchair use 24/7 but still require some type of assistance.

The people that rented themselves out to the rich were wrong as were those that actually paid for them. Obviously, they have no morals what so ever! That being said there is not a system that is going to stop someone from lying. If these same people want to continue to rent themselves out under the DAS they still can. In fact, if the FP+ system does end the ability to get a paper fastpass then I can see these people being able to make even more money by renting themselves out. Since they are basically being given a FP return time without restricting how many they can have at a time. (This is based on what I have read so far, obviously this can change as we get more info.) So going from GAC to DAS really doesn't change much. Even if you are given a return time what is the difference? You are still going thru the FP line for most rides. The only difference is the people that were in line when you first received the pass are no longer there, the new set of riders are and now they will complain that you got in first because they didn't know you had a DAS. See my point?

 

[SueM in MN]

GACs were meant for what Disney called 'non-visible service needs'.

So, most people using wheelchairs or ECVs were not getting GACs because the CMs could see that they needed an accessible way in or accessible seating.
They were only supposed to get a GAC if they had needs that were not met just by having the mobility device in line/in attractions.

 

[Kay1]

I'm not sure what you are getting at. I'm all for handicapped parking, handicapped accessible buildings, reasonable accommodation for the hearing or seeing disabled and stuff like that. I don't want to get rid of the ADA or anything like that. I like the field leveling it provides and I hope that is what gets enabled by Disney. If anything they implement violates the ADA it should be changed to accommodate it.

The parking comparison is also a bit different because you do have to prove need for it. The other things, including DAS or GAC you do not.

I'm glad to hear you say that about the ADA, etc. Btw, I've noticed a willingness on the part of some to provide proof of need for the DAS/GAC.
From what I understand, if Disney is providing something more than simple access, they could ask for proof of disability, which, IMO, could really help with a solution to this whole matter.

 

[adisneymama]

I thought the GAC was not ment for guests using wheelchair or scooters. I'm not talking about wheelchair bound guests, I'm talking about stamina reasons. My mother using a scooter for our trip due to knee and back surgery and was told she would not qualify for a GAC because the scooter takes care of the issue she has and a cm does not need to look at a card when they can visibly see her issue. We did not get a GAC card for her the last time we went and pulled fast passes the same as we would even if she had not needed the scooter and the trip went just the same (no more or less) than any other trip I went on without her.

If all she needs is to use a wheelchair or scooter then no she does not need a GAC. If she however would need the moving platforms such as PP or Buzz Lightyear rides to be stopped to allow her to load safely then yes she would need a GAC. The GAC would only state to stop the moving platforms and would not need any stamp for wheelchair or scooter. Hope that made sense.

 

[FireDancer]

I'm glad to hear you say that about the ADA, etc. Btw, I've noticed a willingness on the part of some to provide proof of need for the DAS/GAC.
From what I understand, if Disney is providing something more than simple access, they could ask for proof of disability, which, IMO, could really help with a solution to this whole matter.

I don't think Disney wants to open themselves up to that which is why I think they are designing a system that is more closely tied to what the ADA asks for, accessibility accommodation and non-discrimination, without going too much beyond it. I am certain that Disney consulted disability law specialists while designing this so they do not violate any laws or ordinances.

 

[disney david]

Let all respect each other and be nice to each other. You all entitled to your opinion and allowed to discuss it but remember you can express your opinion in a respectfully way. No need to name call no need to disrespect anyone to get your opinion across.

I always like to think about chip and dale if I get angry by a post and before I respond. Negatively or rude I say what would they say. Okay joking a side please treat each other with respect before this thread gets closed like all the rest like be nice.

You don't like what someone said either report them or respond in a nice way explain why they my be wrong.

 

[SueM in MN]

If all she needs is to use a wheelchair or scooter then no she does not need a GAC. If she however would need the moving platforms such as PP or Buzz Lightyear rides to be stopped to allow her to load safely then yes she would need a GAC. The GAC would only state to stop the moving platforms and would not need any stamp for wheelchair or scooter. Hope that made sense.

If she is using a wheelchair or scooter and needs moving platforms stopped, she does not need a GAC.
We often use the regular line with DD's wheelchair without showing a GAC. They will slow or stop the moving walkway if needed without a GAC for someone who HAS some sort of visible mobility need.

The people who would need a GAC to get moving walkways slowed or stopped are those WITHOUT a wheelchair or other obvious mobility related need.
Without something the CM can see, they have no idea that anything is needed.

 

[AndreaA]

I am wondering, looking at Sue's pictures and seeing the YouTube video link, will the DAS really stop those situations from happening?

I don't think so.

I think that we can agree that no one intent on abusing the system would be getting into lines that are longer than standby. So clearly when the FP line is longer than the standby line, that means the people there are really supposed to be there.

I assume such backups occur when a large group of people who need access all get in line at the same time, either through coincidence or just because it's a heavy crowd day. I don't see how a DAS return time is going to stop the backup from happening. If, for example, 15 wheelchair bound people wanted to ride SmallWorld at the same time, then according to the new system, instead of getting immediately into the FP line, they will now go to the DAS kiosk. They will still all be getting the same return time. So they will still all be in line at the same time, just 30 minutes later or something.

I would also like to address the "well, you still don't have to wait in line, you just have to wait your turn" statements. What would you propose people do with return times that are only 30, 20 or 15min in the future? Seems like that isn't enough time to do anything but hang around the ride entrance. That is NOT going to work for a lot of people, but getting in lines with even a 15-20min wait could be disastrous for them.

 

[FireDancer]

I would also like to address the "well, you still don't have to wait in line, you just have to wait your turn" statements. What would you propose people do with return times that are only 30, 20 or 15min in the future? Seems like that isn't enough time to do anything but hang around the ride entrance. That is NOT going to work for a lot of people, but getting in lines with even a 15-20min wait could be disastrous for them.

I really don't think that level of micromanagement of guests is what Disney is hoping to do with DAS or what they wanted to do with GAC before it. I think they want to develop a system that gives everyone the same wait time, be it 120 minutes or 10, and then let everyone manage themselves and their family around the system. If you are looking to Disney to hand you a solution tailor made to each individual guest I think you'll be left wanting.

What they do in that 30, 20, or 15 minutes is up to them but I do know the answer isn't letting them skip that 30, 20, or 15 minute wait or enter the fastpass line without a fastpass. That seems to be what some people are looking for.

 

[Granny square]

I understand but your son is not "physically disabled" and that is who the first special passes were intended to assist because most rides back then were not wheelchair accessible and then you had the extra wait due to very few wheelchair accessible rides. Your son can physically maneuver through the queue and transfer on his own to a ride vehicle. Let's face it, people with invisible disabilities were able to ride the coattails of the physically disabled for a good long while but the party is now over. With the exception of the extra waiting periods for the physically disabled who can't transfer and must wait for an accessible ride vehicle, I think the new system will be fair and eliminate the "unintended" abuse by those with invisible disabilities.

So this is what? An emotional disorder? A spiritual disorder? Good grief. .

 

[Justin Jett]

GACs were meant for what Disney called 'non-visible service needs'.

So, most people using wheelchairs or ECVs were not getting GACs because the CMs could see that they needed an accessible way in or accessible seating.
They were only supposed to get a GAC if they had needs that were not met just by having the mobility device in line/in attractions.