Guest Assistance Cards ending, to be replaced with Fastpasses?

[rharper1496]

I watched most of them though and her son actually seemed to be having a great time - even in the queue for Big Movie Ride where she was saying he was getting stressed by bring in the pack of people.

I didn't see them all but I did see that one and in it he reminded me so much of my nephew when he's overstimulated. The scripting jumped out at me mostly because I heard him do it in a few of her videos. To anyone who doesn't know my nephew he would appear to be having a ball but those of us who do know that after overstimulated and stressed comes the meltdown to end all meltdowns and we're usually bracing ourselves because no one knows exactly when it's coming. So then you have a choice to make, do you leave the ride and possibly force it sooner or do you stay and hope for the best? That was the one video where I really felt for her because I've been there more often than I care to think about.

 

[mrzrich]

Ok, I guess the Autism Hippie lady just has some kind of agenda, because she just posted a link to the Temporary Tourist's blog and accuses the Temporary Tourist Mom of participating in Disney Propaganda. It's obvious from looking at theses 2 accounts that one mom went in with a smile on her face and a positive attitude and came out happy, and the other one went in ready to fight and came home crying.

 

[sunset7132]

We went to WDW for a few hours this evening. Getting the DAS for ds went smoothly. He was able to ride two attractions (Jungle Cruise and the Magic Carpets of Aladdin) with it and we ate dinner at Pecos Bills.

Ty for that info I will need one of those cards as I have a knee that recently had surgery. I don min having to come back as long as I can go sit while waiting

 

[lovethattink]

Ty for that info I will need one of those cards as I have a knee that recently had surgery. I don min having to come back as long as I can go sit while waiting

I'd suggest you send an email to Disney prior to going. They were very clear in the link I was given that mobility is not a reason to get a DAS. The person I spoke to over the phone at Guest Services prior to our heading to the MK last night said that the new rules are to even out the playing field.

Don't flame me for asking this but if anyone can answer this do children with Autism that have siblings that are "Normal" behave differently then those that don't?

It's called a spectrum because the range is extremely different from person to person. ASD is very individualized.

We went to Epcot on Monday with friends. Both our boys are on the spectrum and both have neurotypical siblings. Both boys have developmental delays and severe anxiety. While they have many similarities, they are night and day in comparison with each other.

Oh, I agree. However, I doubt that she would have gotten what she did had she not experienced her own meltdown at Guest Services. Per her blog, she says that she needs to have Fast Pass entrance with no return time and no additional steps. That's the precise thing that Disney is trying to get away from.

I think she got way more than she should have, but I'm also fairly certain that they just wanted her to move on and get out of Guest Services.

If I were using a DAS, I'd be concerned about the fact that there is a QR code on the DAS, which I'm guessing would link to info about the DAS holder, and, again, just guessing, about any issues that arose when issuing the DAS.

I can understand the needing no return times. The anxiety that the time on the DAS card initiated in my son was huge until I told him that we can return ANY time AFTER that time. He thought he couldn't go to the bathroom, couldn't eat, and had to be vigilant about that time.

The strict adherence to FP times causes so much anxiety for my son. If we get a FP, he CANNOT know about it. Or he will be so focused on that time. He can tell time, but he has no concept of time.

Thank you for the first hand account.

You're welcome.

No drama, no video, no tears-good to hear.

As we were heading away from the TTC and towards our car, he declared it the best day ever in typical Phinneas and Ferb fashion.

 

[StacyMarie]

Ok, I guess the Autism Hippie lady just has some kind of agenda, because she just posted a link to the Temporary Tourist's blog and accuses the Temporary Tourist Mom of participating in Disney Propaganda. It's obvious from looking at theses 2 accounts that one mom went in with a smile on her face and a positive attitude and came out happy, and the other one went in ready to fight and came home crying.

Agreed 100%!!! The thing is that when the changes were first announced Temporary Tourist seemed very skeptical! Glad they were able to use the system and have a great time!!!!

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I'm so glad the first day went smoothly for so many people. Happy to be wrong!

 

[AndreaA]

Ok, I guess the Autism Hippie lady just has some kind of agenda, because she just posted a link to the Temporary Tourist's blog and accuses the Temporary Tourist Mom of participating in Disney Propaganda. It's obvious from looking at theses 2 accounts that one mom went in with a smile on her face and a positive attitude and came out happy, and the other one went in ready to fight and came home crying.

Yes, in my earlier post, she was the blogger I mentioned. She got just what she needed and was even told about the possibility of looping. Because she went in there with a positive attitude! The other woman didn't even give them a chance to tell her about all the new accommodations she could use, instead insisting that she needed one thing and one thing only - despite the fact that the new accommodations would have given her the SAME THING. Too bad really. I was worried about people with kids like hers - more severe cases both of autism and other things - and I've been reassured by what I've seen because it appears Disney will work with them to get them what they need. But they're not going to be as quick to do so if you go there with a threatening attitude!

 

[FireDancer]

What exactly is the problem with Disney giving someone a ppas to ride the same ride multiple times in a row?

Because everyone should wait their turn. No one should be able to loop back onto a ride repeatedly while other guests are waiting their turn.

I applaud any system that allows someone unable to wait in line an alternative but they still need to wait their turn.

 

[SueM in MN]

I didn't see them all but I did see that one and in it he reminded me so much of my nephew when he's overstimulated. The scripting jumped out at me mostly because I heard him do it in a few of her videos. To anyone who doesn't know my nephew he would appear to be having a ball but those of us who do know that after overstimulated and stressed comes the meltdown to end all meltdowns and we're usually bracing ourselves because no one knows exactly when it's coming. So then you have a choice to make, do you leave the ride and possibly force it sooner or do you stay and hope for the best? That was the one video where I really felt for her because I've been there more often than I care to think about.

That's not universal though.
My sister is a PCA for a 30 something year old man with autism. When he does that same thing, he is actually very happy.

The thing I could not get past is that she did not seem concerned about how her frequent meltdowns and complaints for the camera would affect her son.
Even if he doesn't seem to be paying attention/understanding, he probably is.

 

[doconeill]

My biggest problem is that she went on the very first day, where confusion would be at its absolute highest, and brought a video camera to document it. It seems to me as if the drama may have been created specifically to make her agenda's point. I don't know if that's true, but that's how it reads to me.

I have no doubt that the new system will NOT work for very specific cases, and exceptions may still need to be made, but yesterday was NOT the day to press it.

 

[CaraMiaBelle]

I'd suggest you send an email to Disney prior to going. They were very clear in the link I was given that mobility is not a reason to get a DAS. The person I spoke to over the phone at Guest Services prior to our heading to the MK last night said that the new rules are to even out the playing field.

It's called a spectrum because the range is extremely different from person to person. ASD is very individualized.

We went to Epcot on Monday with friends. Both our boys are on the spectrum and both have neurotypical siblings. Both boys have developmental delays and severe anxiety. While they have many similarities, they are night and day in comparison with each other.

I can understand the needing no return times. The anxiety that the time on the DAS card initiated in my son was huge until I told him that we can return ANY time AFTER that time. He thought he couldn't go to the bathroom, couldn't eat, and had to be vigilant about that time.

The strict adherence to FP times causes so much anxiety for my son. If we get a FP, he CANNOT know about it. Or he will be so focused on that time. He can tell time, but he has no concept of time.

You're welcome.

As we were heading away from the TTC and towards our car, he declared it the best day ever in typical Phinneas and Ferb fashion.

this will be our first trip to WDW so in a way that is a good thing as my son wont have any expectations. I was worried about his reaction to the return time as well. He has a LOT of anxiety also. He panicked before his bus came just this morning. I will have to stress the flexibility on return time as well. Would I be able to bring his pass over myself and get the return time, or does he have to be present? I assume he has to be present since it is his picture on the pass though. Thanks for the feedback!

 

[mrzrich]

My biggest problem is that she went on the very first day, where confusion would be at its absolute highest, and brought a video camera to document it. It seems to me as if the drama may have been created specifically to make her agenda's point. I don't know if that's true, but that's how it reads to me. I have no doubt that the new system will NOT work for very specific cases, and exceptions may still need to be made, but yesterday was NOT the day to press it.

After seeing how she attacked the Temporary Tourist as a "Disney Plant" meant to spread propaganda, I have to agree with you.

 

[Spoot]

this will be our first trip to WDW so in a way that is a good thing as my son wont have any expectations. I was worried about his reaction to the return time as well. He has a LOT of anxiety also. He panicked before his bus came just this morning. I will have to stress the flexibility on return time as well. Would I be able to bring his pass over myself and get the return time, or does he have to be present? I assume he has to be present since it is his picture on the pass though. Thanks for the feedback!

He has to be there to when you want to use the pass to actually ride the ride, but he does not have to be there to get the return time. This is going to help a lot of us, I think!

 

[nugov2]

My biggest problem is that she went on the very first day, where confusion would be at its absolute highest, and brought a video camera to document it. It seems to me as if the drama may have been created specifically to make her agenda's point. I don't know if that's true, but that's how it reads to me.

I have no doubt that the new system will NOT work for very specific cases, and exceptions may still need to be made, but yesterday was NOT the day to press it.

Exactly. I agree with a pp who said her behavior was embarrassing. She went there looking for a problem and attention. I think she is one of the reasons the GAC is now DAS. I am not sure what the answer is to a child who wants to ride something on a loop. I think that most kids wouldn't want to do that, so to have a limit like lets say 3 times and then you have to wait again might be OK, but then you run into the problem where everyone will say they need that accommodation. Maybe it is one ride per park per day. It is tough b/c I do feel for those parents/children in the situation. I also do feel that the DAS can be a great solution. It is making the policy more what WDW had intended. I read through some of the posts on her FB page and I actually saw a parent supporting her saying something to the effect of how could Disney take away her child's VIP card. That attitude is one of the biggest reasons for the policy change and is IMO someone abusing the system.

 

[Disneylvr]

That's not universal though.
My sister is a PCA for a 30 something year old man with autism. When he does that same thing, he is actually very happy.

The thing I could not get past is that she did not seem concerned about how her frequent meltdowns and complaints for the camera would affect her son.
Even if he doesn't seem to be paying attention/understanding, he probably is.

My daughter with autism is VERY sensitive to my emotions, if I act upset she is going to get upset and possibly meltdown. I know this may be not true for all kids with ASD but my DD, even though she is non-verbal and may not seem aware, she is picking up on everyone's moods, emotions and harsh words and will react to it.

 

[lovethattink]

this will be our first trip to WDW so in a way that is a good thing as my son wont have any expectations. I was worried about his reaction to the return time as well. He has a LOT of anxiety also. He panicked before his bus came just this morning. I will have to stress the flexibility on return time as well. Would I be able to bring his pass over myself and get the return time, or does he have to be present? I assume he has to be present since it is his picture on the pass though. Thanks for the feedback!

Your soon only had to be present to get the DAS and to ride the attraction. I'd suggest making a social story ahead of time, so he knows what to expect. I'll be adding our complete experience to my TR.

 

[ZehnJahren]

I read through some of the posts on her FB page and I actually saw a parent supporting her saying something to the effect of how could Disney take away her child's VIP card. That attitude is one of the biggest reasons for the policy change and is IMO someone abusing the system.

I saw the same post. When it comes to Disney, it seems the most vocal people in this situation are the ones who think WDW should be their private playground and they "need" FOTL access. The people who are trying it out to see if it works for their family, who are trying to adapt instead of throwing a fit and sobbing on youtube videos, are the people who really need it and are finding a way to make it work (or honestly and rationally asking for more help).

I've seen 20 minute FP lines, or more - what do you do then? I'd bet they don't leave the line.

That Autism Hippie woman kept saying "this is not a perk, this is not a perk" but I had to think - if she was buying that experience like a non-disabled person would have to, to get the same experience, it would be hundreds of dollars an hour as a VIP tour. How is that NOT a perk?

 

[CaraMiaBelle]

He has to be there to when you want to use the pass to actually ride the ride, but he does not have to be there to get the return time. This is going to help a lot of us, I think!

Oh, this will definitely be a HUGE help! I feel relieved already! Yay! : )
And yes, my son (and all my children really) is also very sensitive to my emotions, so I would never have been able to be so open about my disappointment to the cast members to get my way, nor would I want too.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I don't mind Disney allowing children to loop. In all seriousness, if waiting an extra two minutes ruins your day or your vacation, you have bigger problems.

 

[Granny square]

I don't mind Disney allowing children to loop. In all seriousness, if waiting an extra two minutes ruins your day or your vacation, you have bigger problems.

That depends on he situation. If they are taking an accessible car at toy story mania and there is a line down the hall waiting for that 1 car it makes a huge difference.