Guest Assistance Cards ending, to be replaced with Fastpasses?

[Mom of a princess]

I am fairly new to the boards.
When I started posting it was to ask questions from all the kind people who share their knowledge about the parks and such.

I never felt compelled to express my opinion until now.

I am a pediatric nurse for more than 20 years .
I must say that I am heartbroken for people who really needed the GAC, especially children with any disability and adults who can not understand why they have to wait i.e. developmental delays and autistic spectrum etc are going to suffer.
It is just not right that because of some unscrupulous people, they are going to pay the price.

I do not know what a better solution would be.
But I think that there is a better one.

I hope someone finds this solution and that it gets implemented.

 

[buckeev]

I know exactly what you are talking about. While we were there this past Easter there were a group of kids with a GAC. We were all waiting at Spaceship Earth to get on the ride. They were bouncing around and hopping (and I may be exaggerating) but I felt they may not be the ones that were issued the card. It made me so upset because I knew my daughter really needed her card. I thought right then that Disney would probably be doing something about this very soon. It just makes me SO mad! There has to be a better way but without having to provide the PROOF I am unsure what the way is. I don't think this is going to work really. I cannot see having to get a fp, walking around, or sitting for an hour in the heat, then going back to the ride. You can only shop and eat so many times a day so that can only take up a small amount of waiting time.

Pixie dust to you OctBaby!


As you well know, but many don't, there are so many varying degrees of disability, just within the spectrum alone. Those of us with highly functioning children actually catch more flak sometimes. I've had other guests, and even CMs tell me that "My son didn't LOOK retar**ed". (obviously not my words!) As hurtful as those horrible words are to hear, sadly they are deeply ingrained in our society.
We have never asked for, nor received a "front-of-the-line" card, or privilege. Numerous posters, and now reputable news outlets are saying that the GAC is exactly that-a "front-of-the-line, immediate access" pass. Not true. I've got one in hand right now. Doesn't say that on this one. I believe this has further fanned the flames, in addition to the mindless shenanigans of the "guides" that were hired with such disregard to moral fiber.
Our park day experiences vary incredibly, ranging from sublime enjoyment, to "call the airline, I'm catching the next flight home". Not pattern, rhyme and definitely no reason.
I don't envy Disney's predicament. This is as an incredibly challenging issue to deal with, but Disney has usually been beyond reproach with regard to fair treatment to all.
There's so much more I'd like to say, but will try to bite my cyber-tongue until reports of actual experiences of the new DAS start to come in.

 

[mrzrich]

We tried vacationing elsewhere with our son. We went to DC, as we walked around the National Mall, my son jumping and flapping, people starred and whispered, " why would you take that kid here?" We went to St. Augustine, and tried to tour the OLd Jail, which scarred the heck our of my child, as we tried to discretely back out of the tour we got more stares and more " why would you take that kid here?"

We finally came to the conclusion that WDW was the only place that we could somewhat plan our day, with few hiccups, and our son could be himself without the stares and disapproving head shakes.

None of this is fair for my neuro typical son who really would like to see the monuments, tour Museums, etc. There is no respite in my area, and truthfully, I'm not sure I'd be comfortable leaving my child with limited speech with a stranger. Would you leave your normal child with a stranger?

Disney has been our compromise, I wish I could vacation elsewhere, it would be a lot cheaper.

 

[Justin Jett]

Just wanted to get everyone's thoughts on Disney discontinuing its Handicap rule in October. People will no longer be able to automatically go to the front of the line. Love this!!!!!!!
Its about time they did something like this. You have a person come up in a chair followed by 20 family members. Disney found that this was being taken advantage of like the rest of us. Did I say I loved this!!!!
Now people will have to check in and get a card proving that they have a disability in order to get this perk.
I am not hating on persons with disabilities, just tired of seeing large families take advantage of perks such as this. Especially when you see someone in a chair at a ride, then walking at the water park the next day. Yes I did see this.
I can see this helping a lot in some instances.

I would encourage you to spend time in the parks with someone who has a disability, and experience the difficulties.

Your statement of "Love This" and "Perk" are offensive to people who need this service to be able to experience the parks. The change could very well put a Disney vacation out of reach for some people.

 

[Justin Jett]

Exactly. Totally agree. I feel your concerns and I have come to the conclusion trying to convince people otherwise is like arguing with a brick wall. People just don't understand or care until they have to go through it themselves. My child will not be able to ride all she wants to ride now thanks to people abusing the card and the other selfish people that can't think that at least they aren't sick.

Well said!

 

[Kay1]

Just wanted to get everyone's thoughts on Disney discontinuing its Handicap rule in October. People will no longer be able to automatically go to the front of the line. Love this!!!!!!!
Its about time they did something like this. You have a person come up in a chair followed by 20 family members. Disney found that this was being taken advantage of like the rest of us. Did I say I loved this!!!!
Now people will have to check in and get a card proving that they have a disability in order to get this perk.
I am not hating on persons with disabilities, just tired of seeing large families take advantage of perks such as this. Especially when you see someone in a chair at a ride, then walking at the water park the next day. Yes I did see this.
I can see this helping a lot in some instances.

You know using a wheelchair in the parks then walking at a water park is a perfectly reasonable thing to do. The parks are large and spread out. A moderator just started a thread on disAbilities on this topic. It's fine for people with certain conditions to rent wheelchairs then only use them part of the time.

Not hating on people with disabilities? Well, I hope not.

 

[Octoberbaby]

I would encourage you to spend time in the parks with someone who has a disability, and experience the difficulties.

Your statement of "Love This" and "Perk" are offensive to people who need this service to be able to experience the parks. The change could very well put a Disney vacation out of reach for some people.

That's a great idea! Lets get the ones who are HAPPY about this change to experience one single day with a family that has a disabled person in their party. They may feel differently then!

 

[FireDancer]

Disney doesn't have the ability to make the situation is fair for all. Fair would be not having to take your child back to the resort to tube feed them or administer medication, things that most times have to be done on a specific schedule. The issue is not always having the ability to wait in a line, sometimes the issue is that the person has exactly 3 hours to experience the parks before having to leave to receive treatments or other medical necessities. An alternative place to wait is not the solution in these cases and they should absolutely be able to skip the lines over healthy able bodied guests that come and go as they please whenever they want.

I think you are talking about a different issue then what the changes are meant to address. They seem to be an adjustment to allow guests with disabilities that keep them from waiting in line from having to wait in line while simultaneously not making their wait for the rides shorter. That is how these passes should work in my opinion.

What you are talking about is allowing someone to ride more rides in less time. I don't feel that is how the system should work outside of the WISH kids.

The best system would level the playing field without giving any advantage to anyone because of their disability. That advantage is what people try to take advantage of via gaming the system. I feel the new system should mean every child has the chance to ride rides provided they wait the same amount of time as everyone else even if they can't wait in lines. If over four hours able bodied people can get on Soarin', Mission: Space, Test Track, and Spaceship Earth while waiting in line a guest unable to wait in line should have the opportunity to ride the exact same rides. The system shouldn't allow a guest to ride those rides in only 2 hours instead.

Just my opinion of course.

I have seen other threads where someone claimed GACs shortened wait times flat out called liars and told, often by mods (not of this board specifically), that GACs do not shorten wait times. If that is indeed true then these objections are unfounded. If it isn't true then why was it said over and over again on threads about the topic? Seems like some (again, not all or even most) wanted everyone to believe at one time that GACs didn't shorten lines at all but now want to criticize the new system for getting rid of a benefit that those same people claimed didn't even exist in the first place?

 

[Hej2222]

The best system would level the playing field without giving any advantage to anyone because of their disability. That advantage is what people try to take advantage of via gaming the system. I feel the new system should mean every child has the chance to ride rides provided they wait the same amount of time as everyone else even if they can't wait in lines. If over four hours able bodied people can get on Soarin', Mission: Space, Test Track, and Spaceship Earth while waiting in line a guest unable to wait in line should have the opportunity to ride the exact same rides. The system shouldn't allow a guest to ride those rides in only 2 hours instead.

Family with disabled child is often unable to get to the parks at RD for different reasons (morning respiratory treatments like in our case, g-tube feedings, meltdowns). By the time we get to the park regular FP are either gone or have a return time late in the afternoon when we already are back at the resort again for medical treatments. Able bodied person can get FP early in AM and use them all in 4 hours you are talking about. We can get 1 or at best 2 return times with DAS if standby lines are 120 min+.

I have seen other threads where someone claimed GACs shortened wait times flat out called liars and told, often by mods (not of this board specifically), that GACs do not shorten wait times. If that is indeed true then these objections are unfounded. If it isn't true then why was it said over and over again on threads about the topic? Seems like some (again, not all or even most) wanted everyone to believe at one time that GACs didn't shorten lines at all but now want to criticize the new system for getting rid of a benefit that those same people claimed didn't even exist in the first place?

In the past moderators on this board always discouraged discussing GAC in details to prevent abuse.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I don't believe that the GAC provides an advantage to those with a disability. Instead, it assists the disabled in experiencing a positive family vacation, one with limited conflicts due to their individual needs. If that includes a shortened wait time, then so be it. Not once have I taken time out of a vacation to gripe about those with disabilities getting what some may perceive as preferential treatment. That is like saying a child with special needs shouldn't receive services in a public school so that they can meet the demands of a curriculum. I don't find a thought like this popping into my head while I'm enjoying the parks.

The GAC is different for everyone and serves everyone in a variety of ways. Some have a shortened wait time. Some have an alternate waiting location. Some provide specific viewing locations. I could go on and on. The accommodations are given based on that individual's needs during the attraction or surrounding it (limited time in the sun, short hours in the parks due to medical needs, etc.). I will never question who should or should not have a card based on how they appear on the outside and at that very moment nor will I worry about who might be making my wait time longer because of a disability accommodation. Life is too short, and we all have things that help us in one way or another. I don't feel it is appropriate for me to question that.

 

[AndreaA]

I think you are talking about a different issue then what the changes are meant to address. They seem to be an adjustment to allow guests with disabilities that keep them from waiting in line from having to wait in line while simultaneously not making their wait for the rides shorter. That is how these passes should work in my opinion.

What you are talking about is allowing someone to ride more rides in less time. I don't feel that is how the system should work outside of the WISH kids.

And that sounds very reasonable coming from someone who doesn't fully understand everything that happens in a family where one or more members have severe physical or mental/neurological issues. What you aren't taking into account is that while the average guest has the choice to arrive at RD, stay for as long as they wish, take breaks when they wish, return to the parks when they wish, many families don't have that luxury. They start the day at a severe disadvantage because they know going in that they are going to have to leave early, they are going to have to make time for things like medications, therapy, specific meals, etc., etc., etc.. When you factor those sorts of things in, you realize that those people waiting in the standby lines are still probably going to ride as many if not more rides than those using a GAC.

You say that a person shouldn't be able to ride more rides an an hour than the average visitor, but I would turn that around. Why should the average visitor be able to ride more rides in a DAY than someone with a disability? And that's what could very well happen for those who are limited in the amount of time they are able to spend in the parks. They'll be paying the same amount of money and experiencing half as many attractions. I have yet to see someone who has used a GAC complaining that they will no longer be able to ride 30 rides in their 12hr day. They're upset because they're only going to be able to ride 3 in the two hours they can spend in the parks per day.

 

[FireDancer]

And that sounds very reasonable coming from someone who doesn't fully understand everything that happens in a family where one or more members have severe physical or mental/neurological issues. What you aren't taking into account is that while the average guest has the choice to arrive at RD, stay for as long as they wish, take breaks when they wish, return to the parks when they wish, many families don't have that luxury. They start the day at a severe disadvantage because they know going in that they are going to have to leave early, they are going to have to make time for things like medications, therapy, specific meals, etc., etc., etc.. When you factor those sorts of things in, you realize that those people waiting in the standby lines are still probably going to ride as many if not more rides than those using a GAC.

You say that a person shouldn't be able to ride more rides an an hour than the average visitor, but I would turn that around. Why should the average visitor be able to ride more rides in a DAY than someone with a disability? And that's what could very well happen for those who are limited in the amount of time they are able to spend in the parks. They'll be paying the same amount of money and experiencing half as many attractions. I have yet to see someone who has used a GAC complaining that they will no longer be able to ride 30 rides in their 12hr day. They're upset because they're only going to be able to ride 3 in the two hours they can spend in the parks per day.

I feel, personally, that the focus of the DAS should be leveling wait times, not rides per day. I don't feel as though the system is being designed to make up for lost park hours. Just my opinion. I'm not making the rules so it doesn't have any bearing on the actual implementation.

ETA: Someone else said it better so I'll copy from them. GAC/DAS is about equal access, not equal experience.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

There is another thread on this just down the page, and I think there's a rule on most of the other DISboards about not allowing any posts on this subject, FYI.

As long as the DIS Posting Guidelines are followed, this thread will remain open.

 

[doconeill]

It is IMPOSSIBLE to "level the playing field" for all, AND limit abuse. Even under this system, I'm sure people will take advantage of the extra Fastpasses it offers - with better return times than the current Fastpass system.

Even if you could say, "OK, so give them an unlimited FOTL pass, but limit it to 3 hours", plenty of people would jump on that.

Given the way the law is written, there is no way to stop abuse. Disney can only limit the advantage. Unfortunately, that will affect some to a great degree.

 

[Granny square]

It is IMPOSSIBLE to "level the playing field" for all, AND limit abuse. Even under this system, I'm sure people will take advantage of the extra Fastpasses it offers - with better return times than the current Fastpass system. Even if you could say, "OK, so give them an unlimited FOTL pass, but limit it to 3 hours", plenty of people would jump on that. Given the way the law is written, there is no way to stop abuse. Disney can only limit the advantage. Unfortunately, that will affect some to a great degree.

I wonder if just the extra work will limit those wanting to get one over on the system. Hopefully.

Lol, otoh, there is a thread on the parks board bragging about double dipping. Taking the system is good for some and bad for others.

 

[AndreaA]

Lol, otoh, there is a thread on the parks board bragging about double dipping. Taking the system is good for some and bad for others.

Yeah, it's really tough to swallow that GAC is being dismantled due to abuse, and some people are gleefully cheering while at the same time very few people are railing against those who are planning to pack 15 old KTTW so they can get extra fastpasses.

I agree that those who abuse the current system will probably also abuse the new system, so in effect the "solution" to the abuse will be hurting those who need help the most while doing nothing to curb the scofflaws.

I feel, personally, that the focus of the DAS should be leveling wait times, not rides per day. I don't feel as though the system is being designed to make up for lost park hours. Just my opinion. I'm not making the rules so it doesn't have any bearing on the actual implementation.

ETA: Someone else said it better so I'll copy from them. GAC/DAS is about equal access, not equal experience.

But why do you feel that way? Why do you think that able-bodied people should get the full Disney experience while those with disabilities are paying the same amount for a limited experience? If Disney wanted to go beyond the "equal access" REQUIRED by the ADA, why was that an issue for so many people? Do people really begrudge those who have a lifetime of disadvantages a few hours of extra assistance?

 

[mrzrich]

I have to ask those who are posting here that are not disabled and who are happy about this change:

Why? What difference does it make to you?

The PP whose child needs respiratory treatments and can only tolerate 2 or 3 hours at a park.
If she gets to ride 5 rides in that 3 hours, how are your touring plans effected?

People have been using GAC's for a long time, and the average Disney visitor is not affected by their presence.

 

[bluehawaii19]

I made a response on another website about this and a couple of people, particularly one person in general, got right upset with me.

I have a GAC when I go to WDW (have for years now) and my mom has one because she is visually impaired. I notice a lot of people using scooters in the parks (whether they have a legit reason or not is beyond me) and I have known people who have gotten scooters so they don't have to walk the parks (no other reason (such as health)). A lot of people abuse the system (a mother wanted in the handicapped area of the park at MK during the parade because she had a stroller (that's what she said to the CM) and then showed her red card.

I posted about how there are an abundance of people in scooters at the parks (from the many years I have been going to WDW) and some only use scooters to get a GAC, get on the buses first, or don't want to walk. This doesn't apply to everyone of course but it applies to some people out there.

Anyways, two people go right up in my business about it, saying I was ignorant and idiotic, as well as judgmental. I apologized to them if I was offensive in any way and the one person just wouldn't have it and kept right on badgering me about it.

Hopefully this will lower the amount of people abusing the system though.

 

[Hej2222]

Just the thought: if according to the current ADA laws amusement parks cannot ask for a proof of disability and many people who are not disabled are taking advantage of that to the point of getting national media coverage ("rich Manhattan moms") then maybe that law should be changed... because it is not a good law. One poster indicated somewhere that in UK proof of disability/doctor's note is required to get any disability access in the parks. Laws can be changed or challenged as in the case of little girl in Philadelphia dying of cystic fibrosis waiting for a lung transplant. We can vent our frustration on different boards, facebook, sign petitions or write letter to Disney, but is Disney going to listen to our voice? It seems they have made their decision already about DAS.

 

[babydoll65]

My mother is one who uses a scooter and will on this trip due to knee replacement surgery and recent back surgery. At the age of 70, I think she does pretty good but would never be able to do this type of trip without it. I never knew about the GAC till I joined disboards. And was never sure if my mother would qualify for it. Now it's been told by many here that because she uses a scooter that she does not qualify for a GAC because the scooter takes care of the issue she has. (Makes sense) but reading through this and other threads, it seems people get the GAC for just this reason. Can someone please explain, if you are one who uses a scooter for stamina reasons how are you able to get a GAC. If stamina is your issue, does the scooter/wheelchair not take care of this?