isn't Disney supposed to be a place for everyone?

[disneydreamin247]

In a thread on another board someone asked me about their family holding ther place in line and I said I don't object because often my family will do it for me while I wait outside the attraction with DS to avoid uncomfortable situations with behaviors and tantrums and someone accused me of making my own rules and using my son's disability to my benefit! I was so upset I started crying. Isn't Disney supposed ot be for everyone? People get upset over using GAC, and other up in arms over trying to avoid using one. Sorry but this really irritated me.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Yes, Disney World and DisBoards are for everyone.

However, there are no tests for intelligence, compassion, stupidity, ignorance or bigotry which can be easily enforced. Actually the moderators and webmasters jobs are to try to eliminate or at least tone down the stupidity and bigotry which is a very hard thing to do.

There are two moderators (myself and Sue) who are assigned to this forum and its subform. Part of our (unpaid) job is to read every thread. As these are small boards, we can generally do that with no problem.

However, TPA&S is a very large forum, with three subforms and only four moderators. They cannot read all of every post.

You may notice under every person's name on each post is a small red, white and black triangle. If there is a post with a problem, especially one that hurts you, click on that symbol. A box will come up and you can explain what appears to be the problem. When you click on <SEND> a message will go out to all the moderators in that forum not only referring to the thread you are quesitoning, but will include your comments and it will show the exact post you are complaining about. This complaint is also visible to all moderators and webmasters.

We have ranges of action related separately to the thread and the poster. This can be as light as ignoring the complaint, editing or removing the post, or deleting the entire thread. We can also send a warning to the poster or give them infraction points which may entail certain automatic penalties and can even go so far as to ban the person from DisBoards.

 

[Schmeck]

I read through that entire thread, and the other poster has a point - what disneydreamin247 does could be called line-cutting, which is not allowed at WDW. Some people might not let you pass them in the queue. They could call on a CM to deal with it, etc. A GAC would be very helpful for avoiding the above situation. Don't let other people talk you out of using a GAC! It's there to make your stay at WDW as equally accessible as possible, and could be more helpful than you can imagine - it can be used at ride attractions and shows, and there's no shame in using one when necessary.

 

[ireland_nicole]

Hey DisneyDreamin'
Coincidentally, I was reading the same thread and saw the good, the bad and the ugly. As a mom of 2 kids w/ special needs(one w/ ASD) I completely understand your situation, and I was upset as well. If it helps, later in the same thread, there are a number of people who are aware and supportive of the extreme challenges that we (in the disabled community) face. You are doing what you think is best for your family and the people around you. A meltdown in the middle of a crowded line is upsetting and potentially dangerous. In some queues, it is so narrow at points that my DD could easily hit her head or limbs into a wall lor someone else while I was trying to restrain/calm her. One thing that may help your family is the GAC. Your family could then stay together, and usually there is more space in the queue. Sometimes, there is even a small open area where you can wait until you are called. In the meantime
Nicole

 

[SueM in MN]

Just echoing what everyone else said...
and especially what Cheshire Figment said :yes:

 

[Brenle]

In a thread on another board someone asked me about their family holding ther place in line and I said I don't object because often my family will do it for me while I wait outside the attraction with DS to avoid uncomfortable situations with behaviors and tantrums and someone accused me of making my own rules and using my son's disability to my benefit! I was so upset I started crying. Isn't Disney supposed ot be for everyone? People get upset over using GAC, and other up in arms over trying to avoid using one. Sorry but this really irritated me.

Sorry you've met some of the insensitive posters. I know which thread you're referring to. I'm not sure why people write what they do. As you can see by my avatar, I only joined a couple months ago so I'm a newbie like you. I can tell you from my limited experience that some posters go out of their way to help you out and others go out of their way to be rude. Hopefully you'll come across more of the nice ones in your postings.

 

[disneydreamin247]

I have come across many lovely posters here. Almost everyone I have seen posting is so friendly and helpful which is why I was so taken back by that comment. To flat out tell me that I use my child's disability as a convenience is really hurtful. I really do wish I was able to wait in line with him as other families do. Before I had him it was all part of the Disney experience to me! I have never been one to fuss or complain about waiting my turn.

 

[Brenle]

Some people are just plain ignorant regarding disabilities. If they don't visibly see it, they assume there isn't one. I think you posted your son is austic. If it's a different disability, I apologize. My nephew was recently diagnosed and I can't imagine him standing in line at Disney - or anywhere for that matter. You have to do what you think is best for your son in any given situation. And if it means waiting out of line until you're turn is coming up, so be it.

 

[SmallWorld71]

While I don't think what you are doing with your son is wrong (and I certainly don't see how it would have a negative effect on my vacation) and don't think it's something to get all bent out of shape about, I would still recommend getting the GAC. A couple of times we have been in line and had a "bathroom emergency" and although we were fortunate enough not to encounter any rude guests, it can be difficult to manuever some of those lines because they are narrow and people sometimes pack themselves close together. This way, you and DS won't have to worry about squishing through.

 

[sjaakie]

In a thread on another board someone asked me about their family holding ther place in line and I said I don't object because often my family will do it for me while I wait outside the attraction with DS to avoid uncomfortable situations with behaviors and tantrums and someone accused me of making my own rules and using my son's disability to my benefit! I was so upset I started crying. Isn't Disney supposed ot be for everyone? People get upset over using GAC, and other up in arms over trying to avoid using one. Sorry but this really irritated me.

I don't understand this at all.
I used a wheelchair from the Disney hotel and I never got to experience any problem. All the CM where wonderful, helped me every way they could and I didn't have a GAC card.
Nobody asked for a card .

I just had a minor problem with my leg and after a few days I was able to walk again thank God.

At this moment I’m fighting cancer and we will visit WDW again.
I know I will need a wheelchair and if there is a problem I will take down my wig and I just know there will be now problem.

American people are soooooooo polite and I love there attitude to the disabled.

 

[mechurchlady]

Cheshire covered everything, probably.

It is wrong to hold places in line. However exceptions have to be made for the guests who have a good reason for not waiting in line. I rather have a person set in the shade than have them pass out in line. I wish some parents would take their children out of line when the line is too much for them. Never be ashamed for being treated differently because of a disability.

Report any post that is rude, fighting, picking a fight or otherwise not acceptable. An early report will stop a good threat into a flame fest.

Chin up and remember the good times. Never let the opinionated people of the world ruin your fun and peace of mind.

hugs
Laurie

 

[SueM in MN]

I don't understand this at all.
I used a wheelchair from the Disney hotel and I never got to experience any problem. All the CM where wonderful, helped me every way they could and I didn't have a GAC card.
Nobody asked for a card .

In most cases, people using a wheelchair or scooter don't need a GAC (Guest Assistance Card) because the CM can see what you need is an accessible line.
GACs are for people whose disabilities are not visible, so that the CMs can tell what assistance they need. If someone is using a wheelchair and only needs an accessible line, they don't need a GAC. But, if they have other, invisible disabilities in addition to using a wheelchair or scooter, then they will need a GAC to have their needs met.

 

[sjaakie]

In most cases, people using a wheelchair or scooter don't need a GAC (Guest Assistance Card) because the CM can see what you need is an accessible line.
GACs are for people whose disabilities are not visible, so that the CMs can tell what assistance they need. If someone is using a wheelchair and only needs an accessible line, they don't need a GAC. But, if they have other, invisible disabilities in addition to using a wheelchair or scooter, then they will need a GAC to have their needs met.

Thank you for the answer.
So next time I have to bring a letter from my PD. Sitting in a wheelchair and having chemotherapy is not really visible.

Not that I will be going in any attractions. Maybe a few shows but the mean time I'll be sitting in the shade with a cool drink.

But still I have to say that American people are so very polity to wheelie’s.
It made my vacation complete.

 

[SueM in MN]

Thank you for the answer.
So next time I have to bring a letter from my PD. Sitting in a wheelchair and having chemotherapy is not really visible.

Not that I will be going in any attractions. Maybe a few shows but the mean time I'll be sitting in the shade with a cool drink.

But still I have to say that American people are so very polity to wheelie’s.
It made my vacation complete.

You don't need a letter.
If you haven't looked at it yet, I think the disABILITIES FAQs thread would be helpful for you. There is a section in there about GACs that should help answer your questions.

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

In a thread on another board someone asked me about their family holding ther place in line and I said I don't object because often my family will do it for me while I wait outside the attraction with DS to avoid uncomfortable situations with behaviors and tantrums and someone accused me of making my own rules and using my son's disability to my benefit! I was so upset I started crying. Isn't Disney supposed ot be for everyone? People get upset over using GAC, and other up in arms over trying to avoid using one. Sorry but this really irritated me.

I just wanted to give you a . And a to everyone here on this board.

 

[mechurchlady]

This is why I always say get a GAC. In theory a person should not be carded if in a wheelchair. In theory people should not have to get out of their wheelchair or ECV to get into a ride. In theory guests should not have to lift wheelchairs over turntsiles.

CMs are people as some people can be so stuck on the rules that they cannot see their mistakes. They are people and things happen. Also I hate doing extra work so I get the GAC just in case that CM demands to see one. Anything for me to converve my energy. Some people are like the Emperor who really believed he had the best clothes in town while standing ther in his long johns, barefoot and crownless while swearing he had a new suit of clothes, shoes, and crown. Knowing my luck I will meet that one CM who demands a GAC.

Sorry for all your troubles and this has been an informative thread.

 

[brenalexacamp]

we went last august and we were at a park most of the day when a cast member suggested we get a card-
awesome-we rode each ride once-used our fastpasses and gave them to other people waiting--we waited in the lines if we could-and never expected special treatment-my son has downs and we use a wheelchairy type thing when we go
I also use it for the mall-he gets what he needs and then he'll hang out and let me shop
I love going to disney-the atmosphere is awesome! It gives us a few days to forget about the disability, let us forget about IEP's, doctor appointments insurance crap and just play!
don't let the rude people get you down-they don't know what it's like to take care of our children on a daily basis-lifting them and all of it! They also will never appreciate the smiles we get and the joy our kids give us!

I have 2 other children and you know as well as i do-it is different when the one with the special needs is happy and having a good time.
they ask for nothing

 

[mgilmer]

In a thread on another board someone asked me about their family holding ther place in line and I said I don't object because often my family will do it for me while I wait outside the attraction with DS to avoid uncomfortable situations with behaviors and tantrums and someone accused me of making my own rules and using my son's disability to my benefit! I was so upset I started crying. Isn't Disney supposed ot be for everyone? People get upset over using GAC, and other up in arms over trying to avoid using one. Sorry but this really irritated me.

Let me start by saying I hate line cutting with a passion. I have even come close to coming to blows with the guides for the BTGs in the past over it

, but at the same time I also hate to see a little one come unglued while waiting in crowds at the Happiest Place on Earth. So, if you need to keep your punkin outside until it is your turn, do it, and if some others cannot or will not understand, then to hell with them!

 

[Schmeck]

Let me start by saying I hate line cutting with a passion. I have even come close to coming to blows with the guides for the BTGs in the past over it

, but at the same time I also hate to see a little one come unglued while waiting in crowds at the Happiest Place on Earth. So, if you need to keep your punkin outside until it is your turn, do it, and if some others cannot or will not understand, then to hell with them!

But getting up to the ride vehicle when it is time would be very problematic without the use of the GAC - it would mean cutting by many,many people standing or moving slowly in the queue (picture the inside queues at Splash, BTMRR) and that could be very difficult. Some people may not let them pass, etc, as they had not even been in the queue to begin with. That's why a GAC would be the proper way to handle this situation. So, while some people say 'do what you have to do' that can put the family in some very difficult, confrontational situations that might be even more stressful for the child.