Info on ride line pass for autistic child

[tcp0421]

Officially, GACs are not for character greetings.

CMs may allow a GAC to be used at the indoor, permanent character greetings. Because they are in a permanent place, there may be some accommodations that CMs are able to offer.
Exactly what may depend on the exact location, when you are coming and how busy it is.

GACs are not used at the outdoor places where characters just appear periodically. Since it's usually just one or 2 characters and one handler, they don't usually have any possibilities for offering accommodations.
Some people have had one member of their party wait close by with the person with a disability, outside of the line while the rest are in the line. When the main part of their party reaches the front, the people outside the line join.

Sometimes, especially when it is not busy, CMs will move anyone who needs 'special handling' to a different place. This is usually because it will be quicker and more efficient for the attraction, not as a perk for the person.
I have also been in many situations where someone thinks they have gotten front of line when they were pulled into the accessible area to wait. This most often happens for show, where they do seat people with mobility devices and special needs first. They still get into the same show they would have gotten into if they were in the regular line, but they have a less crowded place to wait and are taken into the theater in less of a crowd.

I didn't think it would be used for characters

 

[SueM in MN]

I didn't think it would be used for characters

It isn't.
But sometimes there are things the CMs can do for the indoor, permanent meet and greets.
Don't expect to get in right away - when they so give an accommodation, it's usually allowing you to wait outside of the line instead of staying in the line.

If the wait is 15 minutes or less, expect to just wait in the regular line with everyone else. And, even if it longer, they may not be able to do anything to help. It depends on the location, staffing and what else is going on.

 

[Piper]

It disturbs me a little to see how many people posted when this was on the regular board) that the OP would get front of the line. That tells me that is the "public's perception" when it isn't the reality.

Sorry this was a little off the subject--but it does bother me that people seem to think that people with disabilities get perks when it isn't true. No wonder so many are angry.

 

[lunaemica]

It is relatively straight forward to get a GAC. Bring a doctors note detailing what issues your child has to the town hall and they'll get you taken care of.

 

[tobikaye]

It is relatively straight forward to get a GAC. Bring a doctors note detailing what issues your child has to the town hall and they'll get you taken care of.

No note is needed from your doctor and most CMs will not even look at it. At any GS at any of the 4 parks, you need to take the person that needs the GAC and explain what issues the person has in relation to touring the parks and the CMs will determine what stamps to put on the GAC.

 

[SueM in MN]

Follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES FAQs thread. Post 6 can answer all your questions about GACs (plus some you didn't think of).

 

[wendyt_ca]

Follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES FAQs thread. Post 6 can answer all your questions about GACs (plus some you didn't think of).

This is very helpful thanks

 

[Mike Bartenhagen]

It disturbs me a little to see how many people posted when this was on the regular board) that the OP would get front of the line. That tells me that is the "public's perception" when it isn't the reality.

Sorry this was a little off the subject--but it does bother me that people seem to think that people with disabilities get perks when it isn't true. No wonder so many are angry.

In my experience it does seem that the alternative access line is a bit quicker but in exchange for that little "perk" we get at WDW every other year our son endures thousands of seizures each month, he takes 18 pills each day, he has had 3 brain surgeries, countless injuries from falls, he uses a wheelchair to get around, etc. I wouldn't mind sitting down with some of those that are angry about the alternative entrances so they could explain to me just how lucky we are

 

[Kristibo42]

In my experience it does seem that the alternative access line is a bit quicker but in exchange for that little "perk" we get at WDW every other year our son endures thousands of seizures each month, he takes 18 pills each day, he has had 3 brain surgeries, countless injuries from falls, he uses a wheelchair to get around, etc. I wouldn't mind sitting down with some of those that are angry about the alternative entrances so they could explain to me just how lucky we are

Let me say for all of what your family goes though I don't know why people care that you get to the front of the line. I or any one in my very large family would not think twice about letting in front of us. My niece has problems and for that my sister (a single mother) goes though it the least that Disney can do is to let her or any family like hers to the front. Don't listen to these rude people. Enjoy the pass and use it. That's what it's there for.

 

[tcp0421]

I honestly don't see where anyone was being negative in this post. Just people giving friendly advise to the op. I mean even the op thanked everyone for helping her out.

 

[anonymousegirl]

Let me say for all of what your family goes though I don't know why people care that you get to the front of the line. I or any one in my very large family would not think twice about letting in front of us. My niece has problems and for that my sister (a single mother) goes though it the least that Disney can do is to let her or any family like hers to the front. Don't listen to these rude people. Enjoy the pass and use it. That's what it's there for.

I agree that family with special needs deal with a lot of issues daily (my sister has three sp.needs kids). And I'm sure Disney would like to be as accommodating as they can be. The issue is the people who scam the system. These people can be blatant in their attempts to skip lines and gain advantages over all the other Disney guests.

These scammers are who make Disney guests so angry. And when countless people are doing it you can imagine that it adds significantly to your wait time.

 

[lovethattink]

I didn't realize you could use the gac for character lines.

Character Connection at Epcot was the only one we were able to use it at, but with the remodel, not sure that will be an option anymore. The old Toon Town M&G also use to be able to use it.

Character M&G are so difficult. Thankfully the M&G on Main St. has a fast pass option. I highly recommend getting a fast pass for this. Hopefully the New Fantasyland M&G will have that option too? Wish the Tink M&G had a fast pass. All other ones, we have to skip when the temps are hot.

 

[tcp0421]

Character Connection at Epcot was the only one we were able to use it at, but with the remodel, not sure that will be an option anymore. The old Toon Town M&G also use to be able to use it.

Character M&G are so difficult. Thankfully the M&G on Main St. has a fast pass option. I highly recommend getting a fast pass for this. Hopefully the New Fantasyland M&G will have that option too? Wish the Tink M&G had a fast pass. All other ones, we have to skip when the temps are hot.

That would great. When my DD sees a character she wants to see real real bad. Then she sees all the people around and freaks out. So she will not stay in line. I also have a DD 10 who also wants to see the characters but with my DD 7 who is very uneasy around any type of crowd. So that being said neither of my girls get to see the characters. Which makes them both sad.

 

[lovethattink]

That would great. When my DD sees a character she wants to see real real bad. Then she sees all the people around and freaks out. So she will not stay in line. I also have a DD 10 who also wants to see the characters but with my DD 7 who is very uneasy around any type of crowd. So that being said neither of my girls get to see the characters. Which makes them both sad.

It's pretty much the same for us, but add in heat that is a trigger for seizures. Maybe this will work for you, as it's something we have had to do. At DHS for the Phinneas and Ferb M&G I asked how long the queue would be and explained our situation to the cm. I asked if it would be ok for one of us to stay in line and the other to take ds to somewhere airconditioned, then come back closer to the time. I asked if it will be a problem if cm's switch out before they come back. She promised it would be fine. So I stood outside while they went into the muppet store to cool down. When there were only a few in front of me, I texted dh to come back out.

We also use a medical stroller for ds, so it gives him a bit of a safe haven from all the people. Which can also prove to be a pain to jump back in line with it.

 

[tcp0421]

It's pretty much the same for us, but add in heat that is a trigger for seizures. Maybe this will work for you, as it's something we have had to do. At DHS for the Phinneas and Ferb M&G I asked how long the queue would be and explained our situation to the cm. I asked if it would be ok for one of us to stay in line and the other to take ds to somewhere airconditioned, then come back closer to the time. I asked if it will be a problem if cm's switch out before they come back. She promised it would be fine. So I stood outside while they went into the muppet store to cool down. When there were only a few in front of me, I texted dh to come back out.

We also use a medical stroller for ds, so it gives him a bit of a safe haven from all the people. Which can also prove to be a pain to jump back in line with it.

That is also a good idea. My only worry would be the people behind us wouldn't know what the situation is will more than likely complain or say something to us. But I guess that is something I would have to deal with at that time. I just want my daughters to be able to have the experience with the characters the same way their sons and daughters do.

 

[tcp0421]

That is also a good idea. My only worry would be the people behind us wouldn't know what the situation is will more than likely complain or say something to us. But I guess that is something I would have to deal with at that time. I just want my daughters to be able to have the experience with the characters the same way their sons and daughters do.

Oh I just thought about the stroller issue. The last time we were at WDW my dh was going to rent a stroller because my DD gets very drained both physically and mentally. I do think next trip to WDW I'm going to buy a stroller for her. I think that would also give her some comfort. Thank you

 

[lovethattink]

That is also a good idea. My only worry would be the people behind us wouldn't know what the situation is will more than likely complain or say something to us. But I guess that is something I would have to deal with at that time. I just want my daughters to be able to have the experience with the characters the same way their sons and daughters do.

It's great to be considerate of the people behind you. Maybe whoever is waiting in line can kind of give a heads up to the people behind.

It may also help if you are able to plan your vacation at less busy times of the year. We have the luxury of an annual pass, so we can save characters for the slower times. I realize not everyone has that option.

Oh I just thought about the stroller issue. The last time we were at WDW my dh was going to rent a stroller because my DD gets very drained both physically and mentally. I do think next trip to WDW I'm going to buy a stroller for her. I think that would also give her some comfort. Thank you

If you rent a stroller you'll need to be sure to get the GAC stamped with stroller as wheel chair and a red sticker for the stroller so that you can take it in lines with you. Otherwise it won't be permitted in the queue.

Fidget toys help too with keeping our kids sidetracked from all the people. A hat with a wide brim or a stroller with a sun cover can help block out the sun and the view of all the people too. A glow stick or flash light can help on the dark rides. And I always carry a brush for Wilbarger brushing. Ear phones are another must have with my son to block out the noise. Many of the queues amplify the noise level.

 

[tcp0421]

Yes she is very sensitive to loud sounds as well as any sound that keeps repeating itself. We do have ear plugs for her. We are also passholders. I try to tell my girls its not like we are never coming back. They can do it next time. I did read something about putting something on the stroller for the cast members know.

 

[bean24]

GACs are not used at the outdoor places where characters just appear periodically. Since it's usually just one or 2 characters and one handler, they don't usually have any possibilities for offering accommodations.
Some people have had one member of their party wait close by with the person with a disability, outside of the line while the rest are in the line. When the main part of their party reaches the front, the people outside the line join.

This is what we did last week when we were there. It worked great. I waited on the line then DH brought my DS when we got close to the front. Once something was said but he just said I'm with her and I said didn't you think it was strange an adult waiting by herself for Buzz.

 

[Mike Bartenhagen]

I said didn't you think it was strange an adult waiting by herself for Buzz.

Actually strange but at Disney not uncommon