So we went to DL for Leap Day and late at night got caught in an understaffed crowd on Main Street. I had a very bad panic attack and DH managed to get me out of the crowd, find a CM (eventually) and get me to First Aid.
First of all, if the blond lady with the knee brace or the guy with the therapy dog read this forum, thank you. Thank you lady for your gentle tones, slow speech and reminders about deep breathing and meditation. You knew exactly what was needed and having you sitting there keeping me from getting worked up again was precious. Thank you sir for sharing your dog. A warm pup pressed up against my leg was a blessing and puppy kisses were a good distraction from my distress and embarassment. It was generous and compassionate of you to send the dog over to say hello and I appreciate the gift.
The end result of the trip to first aid was that the staff recommended that if I was coming back the next day, I get a GAC to reduce my time spent in confined areas with crowds so that I don't hit critical mass. It was a little bit of a blow to my ego, but I did it and it was a good idea.
Thursday morning I returned to the parks, went to City Hall and spoke to a CM about a GAC. She gave me one marked for alternate entrances. She was kind, respectful and helpful at all times. She suggested areas for viewing shows and parades that might be less crowded, since the GAC doesn't help with those. She never once made me feel guilty because I "look fine" or broken because I'm not.
I found over all that CMs were excellent. None of them were ever rude or unkind or gave me any kind of hassle. The only question I ever got asked was whether stairs were a problem (they aren't) so that if I needed an alternate exit for Toy Story Midway Mania he could be prepared. (It requires crossing the ride lane and they have to stop the vehicles briefly.)
The alternate entrance for Star Tours turned out to be just shuttling me into the fast pass line which frankly still left me in a crowd for a fairly long time. Does anyone know how they handle wheelchairs? Is there an entrance through exit option? I am happy to wait, but doing it in the crowd defeats the purpose of the GAC for me.
There was an awkward moment at Buzz Lightyear when they put me through an alternate entrance that then required me to merge with the mainstream line with no CM present to facilitate. It was the one really uncomfortable moment and I almost turned around and left. I felt like people were staring and mad that I was "line jumping" which may have been mostly in my head, but it was awkward. That one probably needs rethinking on their part.
What do people consider GAC etiquette for situations where it essentially removes your wait? I went with "only one trip at a time" because it felt like it would be wrong to go again immediately when everyone else had a 20 or 30 minute wait. Some of the Fantasyland rides in DL are built in such a way that it is most convenient for the CMs to just put GAC riders on immediately instead of having us cluttering up the exit.
There were several things I was able to ride without using the GAC. Whenever reasonable, I opted not to use the GAC but in some cases it was a real blessing and even when I didn't use it, knowing I had it helped.
This forum was a tremendous help. I was better able to express my needs and handle the GAC process because of information I've gotten here. I'm hoping that sticking to the off season will reduce my need for a GAC, but I'll be getting one from now on and keeping it as a tool in case I need it. Thanks to all of you for helping me feel okay about accepting an accomodation that I need but have resisted.
First of all, if the blond lady with the knee brace or the guy with the therapy dog read this forum, thank you. Thank you lady for your gentle tones, slow speech and reminders about deep breathing and meditation. You knew exactly what was needed and having you sitting there keeping me from getting worked up again was precious. Thank you sir for sharing your dog. A warm pup pressed up against my leg was a blessing and puppy kisses were a good distraction from my distress and embarassment. It was generous and compassionate of you to send the dog over to say hello and I appreciate the gift.
The end result of the trip to first aid was that the staff recommended that if I was coming back the next day, I get a GAC to reduce my time spent in confined areas with crowds so that I don't hit critical mass. It was a little bit of a blow to my ego, but I did it and it was a good idea.
Thursday morning I returned to the parks, went to City Hall and spoke to a CM about a GAC. She gave me one marked for alternate entrances. She was kind, respectful and helpful at all times. She suggested areas for viewing shows and parades that might be less crowded, since the GAC doesn't help with those. She never once made me feel guilty because I "look fine" or broken because I'm not.
I found over all that CMs were excellent. None of them were ever rude or unkind or gave me any kind of hassle. The only question I ever got asked was whether stairs were a problem (they aren't) so that if I needed an alternate exit for Toy Story Midway Mania he could be prepared. (It requires crossing the ride lane and they have to stop the vehicles briefly.)
The alternate entrance for Star Tours turned out to be just shuttling me into the fast pass line which frankly still left me in a crowd for a fairly long time. Does anyone know how they handle wheelchairs? Is there an entrance through exit option? I am happy to wait, but doing it in the crowd defeats the purpose of the GAC for me.
There was an awkward moment at Buzz Lightyear when they put me through an alternate entrance that then required me to merge with the mainstream line with no CM present to facilitate. It was the one really uncomfortable moment and I almost turned around and left. I felt like people were staring and mad that I was "line jumping" which may have been mostly in my head, but it was awkward. That one probably needs rethinking on their part.
What do people consider GAC etiquette for situations where it essentially removes your wait? I went with "only one trip at a time" because it felt like it would be wrong to go again immediately when everyone else had a 20 or 30 minute wait. Some of the Fantasyland rides in DL are built in such a way that it is most convenient for the CMs to just put GAC riders on immediately instead of having us cluttering up the exit.
There were several things I was able to ride without using the GAC. Whenever reasonable, I opted not to use the GAC but in some cases it was a real blessing and even when I didn't use it, knowing I had it helped.
This forum was a tremendous help. I was better able to express my needs and handle the GAC process because of information I've gotten here. I'm hoping that sticking to the off season will reduce my need for a GAC, but I'll be getting one from now on and keeping it as a tool in case I need it. Thanks to all of you for helping me feel okay about accepting an accomodation that I need but have resisted.
.It must have been scary having all that occur during your trip
was that the first time something of that nature happen to you
,don't know how I missed that 
I think they use the exit
