Help for a newbie! GAC info plz

[mommyof3princess27]

I am considering a GAC. I have Interstatial Cystitis which I know CM's wont care about. I do have cronic fatigue but thats not what I need it for. its the lines. I can not wait in long lines as I will need to use the bathroom and for shows I need to be on the outside so I dont disturb anyone. I have 2 questions. 1) what is the best way to ask for one of these for these two needs? and 2) is there a standard letter I can print off to give to the dr so he can write one OR do I even need one anymore? Any other helpful advice on obtaining a GAC or using one would be great! I was just recently diagnosed with IC and have had it for 2 yrs and no one knew what was wrong. Our first trip was in 2010 and it wasnt good. I was having flare ups and dealt with it.... our last trip in 2011 was HORRIBLE! I couldnt ride POTC because there was a 20min wait and I would need a bathroom. so it want fun at all. I am hoping since we will be here for 8 days that the GAC will help alot and maybe I can ride some rides

 

[smitch425]

I am considering a GAC. I have Interstatial Cystitis which I know CM's wont care about. I do have cronic fatigue but thats not what I need it for. its the lines. I can not wait in long lines as I will need to use the bathroom and for shows I need to be on the outside so I dont disturb anyone. I have 2 questions. 1) what is the best way to ask for one of these for these two needs? and 2) is there a standard letter I can print off to give to the dr so he can write one OR do I even need one anymore? Any other helpful advice on obtaining a GAC or using one would be great! I was just recently diagnosed with IC and have had it for 2 yrs and no one knew what was wrong. Our first trip was in 2010 and it wasnt good. I was having flare ups and dealt with it.... our last trip in 2011 was HORRIBLE! I couldnt ride POTC because there was a 20min wait and I would need a bathroom. so it want fun at all. I am hoping since we will be here for 8 days that the GAC will help alot and maybe I can ride some rides

Start with the sticky, post 6...

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=595713

 

[mommyof3princess27]

I read that... still have these questions or maybe Im just tired but I dont know if it will be able to help me

 

[clanmcculloch]

There is no GAC for avoiding long lines. It just doesn't exist. Those of us who need this kind of accomodation for a wide variety of different reasons accomplish this with the heavy use of touring plan services. By following a detailed itinerary and touring plan, you can avoid lines without any kind of special accomodations. It really does work. Honest. You mentioned the 20 minute wait at PotC. We never wait that long simply because we know when to be there when there won't be lines. It'll also help you plan for attractions which even without lines will simply be too long. The riverboat, Hall of Presidents, Ellen's Energy Adventure and some other attractions simply are too long if you can't handle a 20 minute wait. You need to be able to figure out which attractions to just scratch off your list because the combination of the walk through the queue (even without a single person in it), the ride and then the time to exit and get to a restroom will be too long.

As for the shows, you should have no problem request an end of a row. I'm not sure if you need a GAC for this or not. It's certainly worth asking at Guest Relations if it's necessary or not. Better safe than sorry. You ask by explaining why you need to be able to get out quickly (not the diagnosis; they won't know what IC is; give the reason).

Guest Relations won't read a doctor's letter. They're not doctors, the ADA does't allow them to ask, a medical diagnosis doesn't tell them what accomodations are needed and these days it's pretty easy to print off a letter on made-up letterhead (let me be clear; I'm not accusing you of anything and I know you've got a real problem but there are way too many people in the world who would be that skeevy).

FYI: I am familiar with IC as DD12 has it. I thank G-d that hers is under control through diet and probiotics but she does still have the occasional flare which is horrible for her but luckily those are few and far between. I really do understand but what I said above really is how it works at WDW.

 

[livndisney]

I am considering a GAC. I have Interstatial Cystitis which I know CM's wont care about. I do have cronic fatigue but thats not what I need it for. its the lines. I can not wait in long lines as I will need to use the bathroom and for shows I need to be on the outside so I dont disturb anyone. I have 2 questions. 1) what is the best way to ask for one of these for these two needs? and 2) is there a standard letter I can print off to give to the dr so he can write one OR do I even need one anymore? Any other helpful advice on obtaining a GAC or using one would be great! I was just recently diagnosed with IC and have had it for 2 yrs and no one knew what was wrong. Our first trip was in 2010 and it wasnt good. I was having flare ups and dealt with it.... our last trip in 2011 was HORRIBLE! I couldnt ride POTC because there was a 20min wait and I would need a bathroom. so it want fun at all. I am hoping since we will be here for 8 days that the GAC will help alot and maybe I can ride some rides

There is not a gac to "not wait in line". Your best bet would be to use a touring plan/fastpass and travel during a slower time. With a fp, your fp is not collected until right before you get on the ride, so if you need to leave the line, you can get right back in the fp line. Even without a fp, if you find yourself needing to leave the line to use the restroom, speak with a cm-they may be able to help you get back to your family.


Something else you may want to consider-some rides are longer than 20 minutes and have no bathrooms.

Needless to say, a dr note is not needed and most likely will not be read for a number of reasons.

For shows, you can ask to be seated on the outside. Just be aware shows like COP and Ellen once started cannot be stopped and are longer than 20 minutes. Other shows like LM and FOTLK that ask you to see a CM to exit(that can take a few minutes).

 

[SteveMouse]

And time of year can also make some difference (although a good touring plan can help, but not necessarily cure, exceedingly busy days like Christmas, NYE, or the 4th of July).

A map of facilities can also be useful (and be aware that those closest to the Castle have a way of being overfull with primping people for CRT). Restrooms are clearly marked on each park map.

 

[stitchlovestink]

I am considering a GAC. I have Interstatial Cystitis which I know CM's wont care about. I do have cronic fatigue but thats not what I need it for. its the lines. I can not wait in long lines as I will need to use the bathroom and for shows I need to be on the outside so I dont disturb anyone. I have 2 questions. 1) what is the best way to ask for one of these for these two needs? and 2) is there a standard letter I can print off to give to the dr so he can write one OR do I even need one anymore? Any other helpful advice on obtaining a GAC or using one would be great! I was just recently diagnosed with IC and have had it for 2 yrs and no one knew what was wrong. Our first trip was in 2010 and it wasnt good. I was having flare ups and dealt with it.... our last trip in 2011 was HORRIBLE! I couldnt ride POTC because there was a 20min wait and I would need a bathroom. so it want fun at all. I am hoping since we will be here for 8 days that the GAC will help alot and maybe I can ride some rides

While I agree that a good touring plan can be a blessing...and I think in your situation you will need to consider the length of certain rides to figure out if they are possible just flat out due to their length...
As you have been told by others here, a Dr's note is not needed & more than likely won't even be looked at. It is my opinion that you need to sit down with a piece of paper and figure out what "reasonable" accommodations they could help you with and then "plead" your case with guest relations. Quite frankly, I don't think you're going to find the help here you are looking for as any of the GAC question askers really never do. The standard response here is you don't need a GAC or there isn't a GAC for "that". and I would venture to bet that many "Dis'ers" responding to these posts have a GAC but don't want more issued. They know what a "Godsend" that GAC can be (not always!) but it can make a trip more managable for a person with a severe issue. Who am I (or any of us on the Dis) to determine how severe your issue is? That's Guest's relations job. I really suggest you talk to them!


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[bidnow5]

Hi I don't know a lot about IC but have a friend that has it she does much better sitting down instead of standing and uses an ECV in Disney which helps her a lot. She also found several foods that caused a lot of her problems. Have you checked the different IC support groups they have tons of info

 

[Joanna71985]

While I agree that a good touring plan can be a blessing...and I think in your situation you will need to consider the length of certain rides to figure out if they are possible just flat out due to their length...
As you have been told by others here, a Dr's note is not needed & more than likely won't even be looked at. It is my opinion that you need to sit down with a piece of paper and figure out what "reasonable" accommodations they could help you with and then "plead" your case with guest relations. Quite frankly, I don't think you're going to find the help here you are looking for as any of the GAC question askers really never do. The standard response here is you don't need a GAC or there isn't a GAC for "that". and I would venture to bet that many "Dis'ers" responding to these posts have a GAC but don't want more issued. They know what a "Godsend" that GAC can be (not always!) but it can make a trip more managable for a person with a severe issue. Who am I (or any of us on the Dis) to determine how severe your issue is? That's Guest's relations job. I really suggest you talk to them!

I highly doubt that

 

[mommyof3princess27]

Im not saying I am using it bypass a line by any means because when a fastpass is there I will use it. I was just merely asking if I could get it for shows or long waits for rides. I didnt want to cause a debate but I know I missed out on alot of things last time because the wait was too long.

bidnow5~thanks for the info. I have been working with my dr to control it as best I can ..

 

[Jonell]

While I agree that a good touring plan can be a blessing...and I think in your situation you will need to consider the length of certain rides to figure out if they are possible just flat out due to their length...
As you have been told by others here, a Dr's note is not needed & more than likely won't even be looked at. It is my opinion that you need to sit down with a piece of paper and figure out what "reasonable" accommodations they could help you with and then "plead" your case with guest relations. Quite frankly, I don't think you're going to find the help here you are looking for as any of the GAC question askers really never do. The standard response here is you don't need a GAC or there isn't a GAC for "that". and I would venture to bet that many "Dis'ers" responding to these posts have a GAC but don't want more issued. They know what a "Godsend" that GAC can be (not always!) but it can make a trip more managable for a person with a severe issue. Who am I (or any of us on the Dis) to determine how severe your issue is? That's Guest's relations job. I really suggest you talk to them!


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[stitchlovestink]

Quote:

Originally Posted by stitchlovestink

While I agree that a good touring plan can be a blessing...and I think in your situation you will need to consider the length of certain rides to figure out if they are possible just flat out due to their length...
As you have been told by others here, a Dr's note is not needed & more than likely won't even be looked at. It is my opinion that you need to sit down with a piece of paper and figure out what "reasonable" accommodations they could help you with and then "plead" your case with guest relations. Quite frankly, I don't think you're going to find the help here you are looking for as any of the GAC question askers really never do. The standard response here is you don't need a GAC or there isn't a GAC for "that". and I would venture to bet that many "Dis'ers" responding to these posts have a GAC but don't want more issued. They know what a "Godsend" that GAC can be (not always!) but it can make a trip more managable for a person with a severe issue. Who am I (or any of us on the Dis) to determine how severe your issue is? That's Guest's relations job. I really suggest you talk to them!

I highly doubt that

Well, I am sorry but IMO NO matter what the person lists as their disability...all the posts I have ever seen recommend a touring plan, suggest travelling at a different time of year, and other various suggestions. The ONLY time I see it suggested to get a GAC is for stroller as a wheelchair. There are other stamps...there is one that I think would work for OP, BUT I do NOT work for Guest Relations and only they can make that determination....

Sorry! but this is my opinion of what I see posted here. I think people would be better off to google their questions. they'd get more help there regarding this matter then they do here. But again that is just my opinion regarding this issue. There's already a TON of internet info regarding GACs.


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[clanmcculloch]

Well, I am sorry but IMO NO matter what the person lists as their disability...all the posts I have ever seen recommend a touring plan, suggest travelling at a different time of year, and other various suggestions. The ONLY time I see it suggested to get a GAC is for stroller as a wheelchair. There are other stamps...there is one that I think would work for OP, BUT I do NOT work for Guest Relations and only they can make that determination....

Sorry! but this is my opinion of what I see posted here. I think people would be better off to google their questions. they'd get more help there regarding this matter then they do here. But again that is just my opinion regarding this issue. There's already a TON of internet info regarding GACs.


Posted from Disney Forums Reader for Android

You see that posted a lot because a lot of requests are for how to shorten wait times. That's the best way to shorten wait times. There is no GAC for that. It's what I personally do to shorten wait times. I'm recommending EXACTLY WHAT I DO. We recommend this because we know from first hand experience that THERE IS NO GAC TO SHORTEN WAIT TIMES. We're giving honest advice based on personal experience. I do use a GAC for my 14yo but it's mostly for those mob waiting areas that will send her into a complete meltdown. Without our GAC we can't go to a single one of those attractions. I have very detailed touring plans to take care of her issues with wait times.

GACs do get recommended on this board for other reasons but I haven't seen a lot of requests in the last couple months besides asking how to shorten wait times. Actually, for OP, I did recommend talking to GR to find out if a GAC is needed for being able to get a seat at the end of a row. Hmmmm.... a recommendation for a GAC..... There are other reasons for recommending GACs as well but I haven't seen many requests for advice for those areas lately.

You really are being insuling to a group of people who are here trying to help other people of our own good will for no other reason than to pay it forward since we were once in their position. I know that most of the regulars around here are here for this same reason.

You should also take another look through this thread. Not once did anybody say that OP didn't have a real problem. You're the only person who suggested that. Everybody else has acknowledged that it is a real and very difficult issue to deal with.

 

[mickeymaker2003]

Have you considered wearing adult incontinence products while at the parks, even if they aren't something you normally use. If you choose not to, that is fine, but I thought I'd suggest it just in case you hadn't considered that option.

 

[LilyWDW]

The GAC itself states it will not shorten wait times. That is why people say it won't help to shorten wait times... because that is not what it is for.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

And as Disney doesn't publish anything official about the GAC, google would route you right to people like us

 

[smitch425]

Well, I am sorry but IMO NO matter what the person lists as their disability...all the posts I have ever seen recommend a touring plan, suggest travelling at a different time of year, and other various suggestions. The ONLY time I see it suggested to get a GAC is for stroller as a wheelchair. There are other stamps...there is one that I think would work for OP, BUT I do NOT work for Guest Relations and only they can make that determination....

Sorry! but this is my opinion of what I see posted here. I think people would be better off to google their questions. they'd get more help there regarding this matter then they do here. But again that is just my opinion regarding this issue. There's already a TON of internet info regarding GACs.


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I think it would be extremely difficult to find anything on the web that is more helpful or more in-depth than Sue's sticky with the GAC info. Have you ever read it? It is AMAZING!

 

[ttintagel]

I would venture to bet that many "Dis'ers" responding to these posts have a GAC but don't want more issued. They know what a "Godsend" that GAC can be (not always!) but it can make a trip more managable for a person with a severe issue.
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I freely admit that I had a GAC on my last trip, and I've mentioned it in other threads. But it didn't let me get into rides without waiting, because that's not what it's designed for.

Who am I (or any of us on the Dis) to determine how severe your issue is? That's Guest's relations job. I really suggest you talk to them!


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I don't see anybody recommending that the OP not even ASK Guest Services if they can help! I think it's pretty much assumed that anyone who thinks he needs help from Guest Services is going to go there and ask about it. Does that really need to be spelled out in every reply? I give the OP much more credit for having common sense than that.

 

[SueM in MN]

And, much of post 6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread is about talking to a Guest Relations about your needs.

The information in that post is as correct as is possible since WDW does not publish anything official. I do not work for Disney, but a number of Guest Relations CMs have reviewed it for me and agreed it is correct information.
(and I have had several PMs from people over the years who are Guest Relations CMs who thought they figured out who I was - and thought I was either the manager of Guest Relations at a park or a Trainer).

There are websites out there that promise all sorts of things. You won't find that here because:
1) Only Guest Relations can give out GACs and, promises or not, the writer of the question may not be given the things that were promised on those other websites.

2) Disney changes things - even the same GAC on the same day at the same attraction might be handled differently if the person it was issued to comes back again to that attraction. And, all the ways will be correct.

3) it is printed right on the GAC that it is not meant to shorten waits.

The information about GACs is purposely a bit vague so that it will remain in date, will be valid for all attractions and not be likely to change between when the poster read it and when they get to the park.

You can find the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature.

Also, see the thread titled
An open letter from SueM
Near the top of this board. It was written in large part, to address the type of bickering going on in this thread between posters.