My nephew with autism..

[SYDNCLAIRESMOM]

My SIL/BIL have a 5 yo son with autism and would like to know if the parks still offer the pass to avoid lines. Its a deal breaker really for them as he would not be able to tolerate waiting in line but would LOVE the ride once hes on. Obviously they would get a note from thier Dr. but its pretty clear to anyone who looks at him that he has this particular disablilty.
Also (but not critical) does the pass in question allow his cousins to go in with him or will the rest of his extended family (2 adults 2 kids) be relegated to the regular queue? He loves his cousin Claire very much and would have his heart set on sitting with her on all the rides. Has anyone had recent experience with this problem? TIA!

 

[jodifla]

My SIL/BIL have a 5 yo son with autism and would like to know if the parks still offer the pass to avoid lines. Its a deal breaker really for them as he would not be able to tolerate waiting in line but would LOVE the ride once hes on. Obviously they would get a note from thier Dr. but its pretty clear to anyone who looks at him that he has this particular disablilty.
Also (but not critical) does the pass in question allow his cousins to go in with him or will the rest of his extended family (2 adults 2 kids) be relegated to the regular queue? He loves his cousin Claire very much and would have his heart set on sitting with her on all the rides. Has anyone had recent experience with this problem? TIA!

There's no GAC to allow people to avoid lines. There is one to let them wait in a separate area.

Choices would be to use fast pass, go in September when it's not crowded, or try Universal, where you can buy your way to the front of the line with their special passes.

 

[Crazy Kanga]

Yes, it is called the Guest Assistance Card, and you can get it at Guest Relations. You must explain the childs disability and they will give you a card to use. They will advise you to use Fastpass when available, but don't expect front of the line access just a different quieter sometimes shorter waiting area. They will ask how many are in your party, but normally will not put more than the user plus 5 guests on the card.

 

[SYDNCLAIRESMOM]

I think the separate area would do him just fine. Where is that usually located?

 

[disneynewman]

If your SIL BIL got a GAC last visit and they are looking for the same thing, yes they can still get it. The Disabilities FAQ at the top of the treads has info in post #6. MY DS 5 has Autism and this is the only way we can do disney with him

 

[englishteacha]

My nephew has autism, and is now 15. He did OK with the lines, but the times they've gone have been during low season. Our biggest problem with him is a tendency to wander away if we don't have our full attention on him. It's not so bad now, but when he was 5 he was fast and hard to spot! It's good to know there's a quieter area available. I don't think my sister knows about it.

 

[Selket]

There is quite a bit about the GAC in the FAQ which is a sticky at the top of the DisAbilities board. There is also info about touring the park for those with different issues including autism in post #3 of the FAQ including links to previous threads.

 

[SYDNCLAIRESMOM]

Thank you so much for your help. I will def. go back and read all those stickies and FAQs(sorry i didnt think of that first!)

 

[Dis1978]

We have just returned from WDW. My asperger son requested a GAC himself and explained his problem with waiting to the cast member. He received a GAC that enabled him to wait in a separate area. We were all allowed to go with him on the rides and it made such a difference to our vacation.

 

[Andyjo0930]

My son was 5 when we took him in August and he also has autism. We got the GAC card and it is good for him and up to 5 guests. The first park you visit on your trip, go to guest assistance prior to going in. In the MK (where we did it), you are able to go to guest assitance on the outside of the gates. We went over there while the rest of our party was standing in line watching the opening show. Have your SIL/BIL take their son with them and explain to the CM why you need the pass. You don't need a doctor's note. They will issue the pass and explain to them to see the CM at each ride and they will explain to them how to use the pass at a particular ride. I strongly advise them to get the pass. We did and it made a more enjoyable experience for our son.

 

[rockdown101]

We have a 10 year old with aspergers and we were concerned about the lines at Disneyland last summer. We purchased a software program called Ridemax which gives you an itinerary based on their study of wait times. They tell you how to use fastpass and the order in which to hit the rides you want and minimalize your wait in line. It was the best thing we have ever done and we will be using it in DW this easter.

 

[LAH LAH]

Looking forward to utilizing the GAC with our 11 year old son this June...

Went to Disney last year and he only made it through 3 days of our 5 day ticket purchase...He was just very overwhelmed.

He has PDD (pervasive developmental order and tourettes along with many other smaller issues)

Thanks to this site I saw the possibility of returning with the help of this GAC.

Can't wait to return!