Is GAC available during summer months?

[pennytrip]

Hi! I'm new to this site. Very helpful! On another site someone mentioned GAC not available in summer..does anyone know? My daughter is 9 and has autism. We are going in June 07. I know this is not best time but I work at a school and have to vacation when kids do. I had never heard of GAC until today. I emailed Disney last month about my daughters condition but they said there was no special accomodations for autism and that I should use Fastpass. We thought Maggie could handle 1 or 2 lines daily and then we would have to retire to pool for the day. GAC would be a blessing.

 

[KPeveler]

i cant imagine them not offering it during the summer. and if you explain your daughters needs (i.e. quiet place to wait instead of lines, etc) to guest services, they will do whatever they can to help.

others on here have used the GAC for autistic children, so i'm sure they can give you more info!

 

[Vemnox]

GAC's are not seasonal, but the liberalness as to what type is given is.

While not required, it's always best to bring a certified or notarized note from a doctor stating the NEEDS of the individual (not just what they have). The CM needs to know what kind of assistance to provide you. I'd recommend budgeting on Fastpasses, though, if that's what Disney told you.

 

[taximomfor4]

GACs are available in the summer. Just explain to the GR CM what would help your dd. The GAC will say on it, however, that it is NOT meant to reduce wait times, so expect it not to!! It also says right on it to use fastpass where available.

They don't have anything they automatically give out based on diagnoses -- so if you have a good idea what your dd NEEDS help with, explain that to them! Get your fastpasses, they are a lifesaver!

Have a wonderful, magical time. My dh is a teacher, so we end up taking summer trips too...we only get a couple hours per day of park time (even with the GAC you end up in lots of large groups of people throughout the day, but we still love going!!

Beth

 

[pennytrip]

Thanks to all for info. I'll make sure doctor addresses needs on our note. We will try to plan for FASTPASS whenever possible. Still really nervous about trip but it makes me feel better to know so many of you have had good experiences. I'll keep checking for more advice. Thanks again.

 

[BlondeAlligator]

My DD is 4 and Autistic. I am surprised that WDW told you that there are no "special accomodations" for autism! I have seen elsewhere on here that you do not need a doctor's note...ADA requires that you do not have to prove a disability to obtain special services. That being said, I got a GAC for my DD last december with no problem. You must have your child with you when you get it, explain that she has autism & then tell them exactly what she needs (for us it was no lines in the sun that might be too hot, no tight "rat maze" lines, ability to "wait" out long lines elsewhere & come back at a set time like FastPass on non-FastPass rides). People have disabilities 365 days a year & if you are denied for any reason I would ask for a Manager. Use FastPass when you can, but use the GAC when you need to...you'll be glad you got it.

 

[SueM in MN]

The person who wrote about no GACs during the summer was misinformed.

If you haven't already checked it out, look at the disABILITIES FAQs thread which is located near the top of this board. There is one whole section of FAQs on GACs (Guest Assistance Cards).
We have been at WDW at various times, including Easter and the time between Christmas and New Years (some of the very busiest times of the year). We have been able to get GACs for DD on all those trips.
When you email WDW, they will not tell you about GACs because (as others mentioned), a GAC is not given based on the diagnosis, but based on needs. People with the same diagnosis can have very different needs - some people with children with autism have posted here that having a GAC was vital to meeting their needs. Other people whose children also have autism, have posted they did not need a GAC at all - so needs are variable.
Also, if you email WDW, they are not going to promise anything - you need to go to Guest Relations at the park and actually explain your child's needs (with the child there).

Another thing to think about is that even if you do have a GAC and it helps with lines, it will not help with things like generally how busy the park is, or lines in restrooms or restaurants. Even during the generally busiest times in the parks, there are particular days and times of day that are quieter for each park. Knowing some of that information and planning around it may be as helpful (or even more helpful) than having a GAC.