I'm SHOCKED!

[moxiecola]

My husband had been talking with some other parents at soccer this morning. They told him we should write our own doctors note and take it to town hall. The dr's note will say one of us is unable to walk and therefore they will supply us with free fastpasses for the day. I am really shocked that people would do this. Is this common practice? I have never heard of anyone doing this before. Maybe I'm just a priss or something but I really don't agree with this.

 

[PrincessRora]

I've heard of people doing things like that before, and I agree. It just isn't right.

Granted, despite long lines, I'd actually rather wait then go through fast pass lines. We only use fast pass occassionally, because I think part of the experience of most disney rides is the lines. They're not boring. There's so much to look at while you're waiting. Fast pass lines by pass all this and you don't get the same feel. I'm always a bit sad when I miss some of it.

 

[powellrj]

LOL you can write all the notes you want because it won't work!

Even if you have a note, they won't look at it because its against the medical privacy laws. What they will tell you is you need to rent an wheelchair or an ECV to get around. There are a few rides in MK that you will enter through a different entrance, but its not an automatic fast pass. In some cases like the Haunted Mansion you may wait longer than the regular line people.

 

[Madi100]

My husband had been talking with some other parents at soccer this morning. They told him we should write our own doctors note and take it to town hall. The dr's note will say one of us is unable to walk and therefore they will supply us with free fastpasses for the day. I am really shocked that people would do this. Is this common practice? I have never heard of anyone doing this before. Maybe I'm just a priss or something but I really don't agree with this.

If they are referring to going to City Hall to let them know that you are disabled and have special needs, the note is not even necessary. You don't have to prove that you are disabled. They can't ask for proof. However, the person who is disabled has to be there with you. And, just because someone is disabled doesn't mean they get to go to the front of the line. Sometimes being disabled means having to wait even longer for a ride than anyone else.

That is too bad that people are suggesting that to you like it's a great tip.

 

[bzzymom]

I know that people think that people with a disability in a wheelchair or ecv get to ride without any wait. That just is not true. After traveling to WDW with my mother, many times, who does have mobility issues, I can tell you the wait is just the same or longer. Most of the ride lines are integrated which people in wheelchairs or ecv's stay in line with you. I have waited an extra 20 minutes for KS at AK, and when Spaceship earth was practically a walk on, we waited over 15 minutes.

There are special passes that people with disabilities get sometimes. I guess people see these being used and don't realize what it is. It is often a card that informs cast members what assistance the person may need, such as if the person can transfer out of the wheelchair or not.

The only people that get in front of the line are the make a wish foundation children.

 

[disney-super-mom]

Sorry, no free fastpasses for anyone, despite your disability. (Except for the Make a Wish children, like bzzymom said.)

If you can't walk, they'll show you where to rent a wheelchair or ECV, and tell you to have a magical day. You'll still have to wait in line, like everybody else.

 

[moxiecola]

Just that these people were saying this to my husband like it was an insider secret really bothers me! I though most of the people I know were well rounded, moral, ethical people....I guess not! How disappointing.

 

[MinnieVanMom]

What they are referring to is the Guest Assistance Pass. I would love to come up to that person and give them a piece of my mind. I would kill to wait for hours in line, to know what it would be like not to get the stares, the look, the problems that all go with having a SN child.

We can't go to Disney without a GAC. My son can't wait in lines very long. I don't know what will bring on an instant screaming meltdown. He may start hitting his head. And yes, everyone at Disney stares at me like I am the worst mom in the world.

The GAC is what gives us half a chance to experience the most magical place on earth.

Urgg...I could just scream and perhaps remind them what a horrible example they are setting for their children! And what a GAC is really meant for. URgggg!!!($*^)#&*#$%

 

[IggyLans]

Wow, I cannot believe people would even think to do that! Just to get on the ride faster? C'mon! I'm speechless....

 

[DevilDuckie]

My husband had been talking with some other parents at soccer this morning. They told him we should write our own doctors note and take it to town hall. The dr's note will say one of us is unable to walk and therefore they will supply us with free fastpasses for the day. I am really shocked that people would do this. Is this common practice? I have never heard of anyone doing this before. Maybe I'm just a priss or something but I really don't agree with this.

Goodness I would love to be a fly on the wall when they try to pull THAT stunt! Aside from being dishonest and contemptible, it simply won't work. Go to DISabilities and read the sticky on the "GAC" (guest assistance card) to get the real deal, but rest assured that these despicable people will not get "free fastpasses."

 

[SharpMomOfTwo]

Don't you get the fastpass option automatically if you are staying on grounds?

 

[livndisney]

Don't you get the fastpass option automatically if you are staying on grounds?

Fastpass is not tied to staying on property. Any valid admission can be used for a fastpass.

 

[Aliceacc]

We are blessed enough not to need any sort of assistance to get around. I wouldn't DREAM of pretending to have any sort of medical problem in order to beat the system.

Aside from being a horrible thing to do, I think it's incredibly insulting (worse than that, but I can't put my finger on quite the word I'm looking for) to those who DO need medical assistance. It's demeaning, as though a disability is a crutch to be used to get ahead.

So, no, I don't park in handicapped spots even though I could probably borrow my father in law's handicapped sticker. I walk the extra 10 (or 100) feet and thank God I can. And I would never fake a medical problem even if it COULD get me fastpasses.

I'm also not a big believer in spitting in the wind.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The normal and official response of Guest Relations for stamina and/or mobility problems is the recommendation of renting a wheelchair or ECV.

Of course, almost all lines are mainstreamed so that you will take the wheelchair or ECV through the line, just like a normal (and honest) person. There are actually some attractions where I have, in my ECV, had to wait longer for entry that a person on foot because of certain safetry restrictions.

 

[brenalexacamp]

i agree with minnievanmom

we go to feel "normal" if you think we get special treatment-we do not-we get access-to the attractions

we get a gac pass-we use it when we need to-if my son can stand in line for awhile-we do-if he needs to sit while we wait-we do-if a cast member directs us to another entrance-we go-all so my ds can enjoy it just like everyone else.

we use fastpasses
we do sit in the wheelchair section for the parades-we still have to get there early-just like everyone else

and there are some severely disabled people and terminal people that are there

I cry every time-

so if you think about cheating the system and you fake a disability-personally, i hope you feel guilty about it the whole time-"enjoying" your vacation and you should have to spend some time as a person with a disability and see how much "faster" you get to do everything else in the real world too!

and thank you to the ignorant person who suggested faking a disability-you are my reminder for today why I was chosen to take care of a person with special needs!

 

[hildarumpole]

WOW. And these people are parents. I feel sorry for their kids. They obviously lack a sense of guilt, because they're passing the "tip" around so freely. You're not a priss. You have the good sense to recognize this for what it is. I'm glad Disney offers assistance to guests with special needs. Everyone should be able to enjoy Disney. It's a rotten shame some perfectly healthy and able-bodied people try to use it to take advantage of the system. I don't think I could talk to those people anymore.

 

[Doc CW]

Wow thats really messed up for somebody to do that (sigh) some people

 

[Ariel8676]

Thats horrible that some people are so dishonest...
I took my Grandfather 2 times (after he took me so many times as a kid )
in a wheelchair after he had his leg amputated, and most times we waited longer on the lines than most people...did we get on some rides faster than normal..sure..but i would have given that up in a second and waited for hours if he could've been able to stand like everyone else... Gosh i wish i could go with him again, i miss him so much...

 

[D L and K's Mom]

I posted this a little while ago. It is long but perhaps it will explain the GAC..


I hope this does not get moved to another board. I also hope that people are not offended, that is not my purpose for posting this. I have read many threads on the Disabilities boards about people having trouble with other WDW guests when using a GAC pass. They have talked about people making comments, staring and questioning why they have a speical pass. The more I think about it the more I am sure people don't really know about the GAC pass unless they require one. I am putting the post I wrote on the other board here (plus a few words)and I hope it explains the situation to people who are lucky enough to not have to ever use a GAC pass. Again, this is not here to offend anyone.....

The GAC pass is a life saver for anyone with a special needs child or adult. I know people do not understand this. We are lucky and blessed enough to have a beautiful son named David who is 18. David is at the age level of an 18 month old. David suffered a stroke at the age of 6 months. We use our GAC pass for letting us use his wheelchair/stroller to get on rides, we use it to wait in an alternate spot (less crowded and shady). David's meds (seizure meds) require him to be in the shade....ok I know here it comes...."Why would you take him to WDW in FLORIDA if he needs to be in the shade?" Very good question, Why do we take him to WDW in FLORIDA if he needs shade. IT IS THE MOST MAGICAL PLACE ON EARTH FOR DAVID . Our vacations are so much work. They are so hard to plan, to pack for (diapers, medications, adaptive equipment etc.) but the payback is so wonderful. The smiles, the laughter, the pure joy. David is treated like a King in WDW and the GAC pass is one of the things that makes it possible for my little boy's joy. Disney does a great job with it. I do not expect to be first in line, I do not expect to bypass everyone who has been waiting. I do appreciate it when they allow us to use and alternate entrance for David as well as others. My son's laughter and "happy noises" may not be something others enjoy hearing while waiting in line for an attraction. If David has a seizure, I don't want you to have to explain it to your children and I don't want them to have to see it. It is a horrible thing to see but it happens frequently. When David is waiting for an attraction he tends to rock and shake his chair, this is noisy and can be quite scary for children if we are allowed to wait somewhere out of the line they do not have to see this. David's joy is the reason we go to Florida. We make sure he is in the shade, we make sure he is drinking, we make sure he has everything he needs and we love that Disney helps us with this. I have never had a problem with any CM or with obtaining a GAC pass for David but again if you see my boy you know that he has some needs. I feel for the people who are "Second guessed" because their child doesn't look like they need any special assistance. Parents know what they need to make the trip better for their child. I know that there are some people who abuse the system, there always are but for those of use who need it we appreciate it. If you do not have a child who needs accomadations please don't think that because a child looks ok that they dont need some special assistance. Walt Disney World is the most magical place I can take my son on vacation. Without the GAC pass we would not be able to give him this experience. For those of you who look at us when we pass you by in the line, please remember we are going somewhere else to wait we are not "Passing you" Please know that I would trade places with you in a heartbeat if it meant my son could handle that. I would jump at the chance to tell my son to stand up and explain that it will be 20 minutes and have him understand one word. I would love to hear him tell me he is hot, tired or ask when is it our turn I would love to hear him speak one word. I will never experience this. I will however be able to see the smile and hear the laughter of his pure joy when he rides Buzz Lightyear. I will see his eyes light up and see him reach for Mickey when he is getting a photo taken with him. I can watch him watch the parade from a section roped off by WDW so he can sit up front to see his friends. Please remember that the GAC pass is not an excuse for us to get in line ahead of you, it is a chance for us to give our children a moment of pure joy. Thank you to all who smile as we pass, who open doors, who move slightly to the left or right to make it a little easier. Thank you for all of you who explain to their children about my son and who do not pull thier children away. Thank you for asking me if you can help when I can't manuver over the curb. Thank you for understanding. Sorry for the rant...it sort of all just poured out when I started writing this. I think people don't understand what a GAC pass is and how wonderful it is for families who need it.Sorry so long. [/COLOR]

 

[Aliceacc]

For what it's worth, I would be more than happy to have my kids anywhere near you and David when we go. If he has a seizure, we'll be happy to get off the line and offer you any assistance we can. If it frightens my kids, I'll deal with it and life will go on.

Somewhere along the line, it seems that people have lost a bit of perspective. This is a vacation, not life and death. People with the GAC passes are dealing with things I can't even begin to imagine. My heart and prayers go out to those of you in that position.