maroo
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 3, 2008
- Messages
- 8,036
I can see both sides honestly. The trip is for the child who is sick. While we do try to make sure the siblings and parents have a great time, we are to focus on the child. During a normal child swap, the parent not riding could easily take that GAC and do something else with the child while the rest of the family rides. If somebody is using the GAC then switches out, this means the entire time they are on the ride that GAC is not available for use by the child, which I would think would force them to wait in the sun longer.
The other issue is that Disney has to address the abuse of the system. If people use others' GACs, it overwhelms the system. Unfortunately, the GACs and buttons are some of the most sought after items, and there are shops in Orlando that actually sell them to the guests. Requiring that the child be the one riding is meant to help address that abuse and make it harder for somebody to cheat the system.
That being said, I do agree with you Maroo that if possible a Cast Member should let the family ride even if the wish child cannot, and you will find that the vast majority of CMs feel the same way (which is why you had the experience you did.)
I just want to clarify one thing and then I don't plan to discuss this anymore.
The only group of people I was referring to was Wish Kids and their family. Only those with a GKTW issued GAC or GKTW issued button.
Anyone faking a GKTW button/GAC has other issues that I will not even address here.


I know it would be too much for typical guests issued a GAC to "child swap" with a GAC and totally agree that someone with a Disney issued GAC should only use it WITH the person listed on the GAC.
But I definitely think that Disney should train their CM's that wish kids and families should all be taken care of as quickly as possible on the rides and anywhere else that is feasible. I just think it is the right thing to do for a family that is getting to the parks later and leaving earlier to attend GKTW activities and/or requiring extra rest or medical care.