New GAC Policies? (Long)

[bedogged]

My daughter and her husband (using a ECV) arrived in WDW yesterday. She has traveled to WDW with me using my ECV, but this is her husband's first trip. He has other problems that require a GAC and she and I made up a list of things for her to tell the cast member in order for him to receive an appropriate GAC.

They went to guest services and asked for a GAC. To her surprise, they were handed one, no questions asked. My daughter asked if they didn't want to know what type of assistance he needed? They said no.

The GAC he received has no stamps and has preprinted on it something about being able to use the handicapped entrances.

They went to MK yesterday afternoon. My daughter reported a change in what she had experienced with me using my ECV with no GAC. She said that on many of the rides people using ECV and Wheelchairs were separated into two parts, those with GAC and those without. Those with GAC used the handicapped entrances or were sent up the exit where cast members asked them about their needs. Those without GAC, using ECV were transferred into wheelchairs and sent through the regular line.

This certainly sounds like a change from what I experienced in January in regard to boarding rides when using a ECV. I only remember having to transfer to a wheelchair on two rides, POC and WTP? Has anyone else recently experienced this or did I misunderstand the use of GAC when reading about it?

 

[disneyobessed]

Id like to follow this thread and see as well. My son is in a wheelchair and uses a GAC card..so I would like to see if it will change for us.

 

[SueM in MN]

That is different than it was in March and early April when we were there.

It may be a change dealing only with ECVs. There are certain attractions that are wheelchair accessible, but not ECV accessible. For those, someone who needs to sit in line can transfer to a wheelchair. Since all the lines are wheelchair accessible someone whose only need is mobility could switch to a wheelchair on continue thru the line ( except the few where it is necessary to be ambulatory).

There are more attractions at MK that are not totally accessible, so it makes more sense to try something there.
I have several contacts who work in Guest Relations and they have not contacted me about any changes.

 

[Reddy]

I wonder if it is weeding out those who use the ECV for fun vs need
alot more people are getting evc to make the trip easier instead of just for need

 

[crashbb]

I wonder if it is weeding out those who use the ECV for fun vs need
alot more people are getting evc to make the trip easier instead of just for need

Where do you draw a line between "make the trip easier" and need? And why should we do so? There are MANY threads here in which regular posters suggest that someone uses an EVC because it will make their trip (and that of those going them), easier and more pleasant. Are you suggesting that they be "weeded" out?

My next trip will be with someone with mobility issues (plus the people I always go with - one of whom requires a GAC), so I'm interested in how this change (if there is one) plays out.

 

[Reddy]

Where do you draw a line between "make the trip easier" and need? And why should we do so? There are MANY threads here in which regular posters suggest that someone uses an ECV because it will make their trip (and that of those going them), easier and more pleasant. Are you suggesting that they be "weeded" out?

My next trip will be with someone with mobility issues (plus the people I always go with - one of whom requires a GAC), so I'm interested in how this change (if there is one) plays out.

For the CMs at the rides - it would be who has a GAC & who doesn't
if you don't ask for a GAC then you won't really be needing it - just the EVC to make it easier instead of getting the shorter line with the GAC

just because you have the EVC doesn't mean you need the GAC so why should those who can wait in line with their families,and transfer to a wheelchair, get the GAC. & make the ones who really need the GAC wait behind them.

so next trip make sure you get that someone a GAC not think the EVC gets you the shorter line(or wait without the crowd)

 

[BillSears]

I look at it this way...

I use a wheelchair to get around from place to place because I need a wheelchair. If I get told to go through the exit I go through the exit. If I get told to go through the regular line I go through the regular line. If I get told to go through the fastpass line I go through the fastpass line. It's all the same to me because I don't need anything other than a wheelchair accessible line.

So for those of us who don't need a GAC being sent through the regular line should be fine. If you have a condition that requires more than just an accessible line then the GAC is probably best for you.

Will I sometimes look over at that other group and wonder why they're being taken through the exit when I'm over here in the regular line? Sure, I'm only human and just like everyone else(wheelchair or not) I'd like to spend less time in line at WDW. But grabbing a GAC would be wrong since I only need an accessible line.

 

[Reddy]

We get the GAC - I figure people are looking at me wrong anyways
I put a leash around my youngest (who is 13 - will be 14 Sunday) - also around me too so he couldn't get away - I can't keep up with him if he starts running - add the crowds & places that he should go (back stadge, on top of things)
the back of their shirts (at Disney) had their name, what is wrong (non-verbal austic, - one had seizures too) then my cell number

I read this incase they were changing it for my boys - I would have to wonder about that since oldest likes to pull hair (usually mine but not always) if the crowd gets too much for him

Now my dad needed a wheelchair before & got mad about getting but in the other lines when the regular line would be wheelchair acceptable - usually they had to tell him there was steps ahead for him to go to the other lines (this was 6flags & few other places - he isn't into Disney)

 

[cm8]

My daughter and her husband (using a ECV) arrived in WDW yesterday. She has traveled to WDW with me using my ECV, but this is her husband's first trip. He has other problems that require a GAC and she and I made up a list of things for her to tell the cast member in order for him to receive an appropriate GAC.

They went to guest services and asked for a GAC. To her surprise, they were handed one, no questions asked. My daughter asked if they didn't want to know what type of assistance he needed? They said no.

The GAC he received has no stamps and has preprinted on it something about being able to use the handicapped entrances.

They went to MK yesterday afternoon. My daughter reported a change in what she had experienced with me using my ECV with no GAC. She said that on many of the rides people using ECV and Wheelchairs were separated into two parts, those with GAC and those without. Those with GAC used the handicapped entrances or were sent up the exit where cast members asked them about their needs. Those without GAC, using ECV were transferred into wheelchairs and sent through the regular line.

This certainly sounds like a change from what I experienced in January in regard to boarding rides when using a ECV. I only remember having to transfer to a wheelchair on two rides, POC and WTP? Has anyone else recently experienced this or did I misunderstand the use of GAC when reading about it?

So did the GAC meet their needs or did it fall short

I wonder why they did not ask them what assistance was needed versus assuming what they needed instead.

It's not like it was too hard to ask them first

 

[shaylyn]

We get the GAC - I figure people are looking at me wrong anyways
I put a leash around my youngest (who is 13 - will be 14 Sunday) - also around me too so he couldn't get away - I can't keep up with him if he starts running - add the crowds & places that he should go (back stadge, on top of things)
the back of their shirts (at Disney) had their name, what is wrong (non-verbal austic, - one had seizures too) then my cell number

I read this incase they were changing it for my boys - I would have to wonder about that since oldest likes to pull hair (usually mine but not always) if the crowd gets too much for him

Now my dad needed a wheelchair before & got mad about getting but in the other lines when the regular line would be wheelchair acceptable - usually they had to tell him there was steps ahead for him to go to the other lines (this was 6flags & few other places - he isn't into Disney)

What type of leash do you use? We took our kids on a trial run to a local amusement park today, and our 8 (almost 9) year old took off running every chance he got. Thankfully it's a small park so he did not get lost, but I know it won't be the same at Disney in September! A leash might help us. We are also bringing his Maclaren Major stroller.

Interesting about the change in the GAC. I've only used it at Disneyland, not world, (stroller as a wheelchair) and the last time we went there was 2 years ago.

 

[docusmc1]

I like BillSears use a wheelchair since I have MS. I get a GAC card just in case I am asked for it. I can walk a very limited distance and follow the CM's lead. If I am told to use the exit that is what I use. Same for fastpass and whatever else the CM tells me and my DW. I understand some of the comments about people in ECV's. I go to WDW 3 or 4 time a year and see alot of crazy stuff going on with EVC abuse. Kids sitting on laps or using the EVC while the person who needs it is walking with cane or walker instead. And these are Disney EVC's and I never have seen a CM explain how to use them. This does not go on alot but people seeing this may think it happens all the time and they are being abused. My last trip the funniest thing was waiting for a bus someone in a EVC boarded with the EVC could not line it up correctly to be straped in by the bus driver stands up and lifts the EVC into the proper position then gets back on the EVC and tells the driver they cannot move to a seat and must stay on the EVC. I waited for the next bus LMAO.

 

[Singledad]

For the CMs at the rides - it would be who has a GAC & who doesn't
if you don't ask for a GAC then you won't really be needing it - just the ECV to make it easier instead of getting the shorter line with the GAC

just because you have the EVC doesn't mean you need the GAC so why should those who can wait in line with their families,and transfer to a wheelchair, get the GAC. & make the ones who really need the GAC wait behind them.

so next trip make sure you get that someone a GAC not think the EVC gets you the shorter line(or wait without the crowd)

GAC does NOT = shorter lines. It may appear that way at times, but it doesn't. I think this is the number one thing that bugs me about those who feel like a GAC is only for those who 'qualify' etc. Everyone is different, everyone has different needs, and who are you to judge what is or isn't going on in their life? that EVC isn't for shorter lines, nor is the GAC for shorter lines. that is what the fast pass is made for.

 

[crashbb]

For the CMs at the rides - it would be who has a GAC & who doesn't
if you don't ask for a GAC then you won't really be needing it - just the ECV to make it easier instead of getting the shorter line with the GAC

just because you have the EVC doesn't mean you need the GAC so why should those who can wait in line with their families,and transfer to a wheelchair, get the GAC. & make the ones who really need the GAC wait behind them.

so next trip make sure you get that someone a GAC not think the EVC gets you the shorter line(or wait without the crowd)

Isn't that how it already works? If the ECV (or wheelchair) meets your needs, then you don't need to get a GAC and the CM directs you through the appropriate line (often the main line). If the ECV does not meet all your needs, you also get a GAC and the CM directs you through the appropriate line (which may be a different line or to a different waiting place).

And again, who are you to decide who does and who does not need the GAC?

 

[bedogged]

So did the GAC meet their needs or did it fall short

I wonder why they did not ask them what assistance was needed versus assuming what they needed instead.

It's not like it was too hard to ask them first

As I said in the original post, they just handed her the GAC and never asked her any questions. She even asked them if they didn't want to know his needs? They said no. She had a list prepared so she was ready to discuss them.

So far, the GAC has worked really well for them. Most times he can drive up right up to ride and transfer. A few cast members have insisted he walk, but when they see him walk, they change their minds and let him use the scooter.

Interestingly, my daughter has reported that the cast members on some rides have actually been physically helping him to get in and out of some rides. We didn't expect that.

What is not working for them is the transportation!

 

[Eeyore5]

I like BillSears use a wheelchair since I have MS. I get a GAC card just in case I am asked for it. I can walk a very limited distance and follow the CM's lead. If I am told to use the exit that is what I use. Same for fastpass and whatever else the CM tells me and my DW. I understand some of the comments about people in ECV's. I go to WDW 3 or 4 time a year and see alot of crazy stuff going on with EVC abuse. Kids sitting on laps or using the EVC while the person who needs it is walking with cane or walker instead. And these are Disney EVC's and I never have seen a CM explain how to use them. This does not go on alot but people seeing this may think it happens all the time and they are being abused. My last trip the funniest thing was waiting for a bus someone in a EVC boarded with the EVC could not line it up correctly to be straped in by the bus driver stands up and lifts the EVC into the proper position then gets back on the EVC and tells the driver they cannot move to a seat and must stay on the EVC. I waited for the next bus LMAO.

I would take issue with a child driving a rental ECV because that isn't allowed. Some teens have their own ECV. The one thing I will point out some people who use an ECV will need to walk part of the time. I have mild CP. There is no way I could walk the distances required at Disney. However. if I don't walk some, I will have more issues then normal for me for walking by the end of the day. My legs will get tighter and it is harder to walk. I need to get up and walk a little every hour or two. I have no issue with letting a family member drive an ECV so the user can take a needed break from sitting.

 

[SueM in MN]

So did the GAC meet their needs or did it fall short

I wonder why they did not ask them what assistance was needed versus assuming what they needed instead.

It's not like it was too hard to ask them first

I have 3 thought on why WDW may be trying this - especially in MK where there are more attractions than the other parks that don't have totally accessible entrances thru the regular line

1) Many people with GACs assume that whatever happens on the first attraction where they use a GAC is what is 'supposed' to happen every other time they use a GAC. So, after the first attraction, they try to go in every attraction that same way. Whether or not that is the correct way.
If the GAC does not have anything written on it, showing the CM the GAC will allow the CM to direct the guest where to go.

2) WDW started publishing specific Guidemaps for Guests with Disabilities about 18 months ago, which list the 'Mobility Entrance' for each attraction. This new way of dealing with GACs may be part of that same procedure.

3) MK has more attractions than the other parks where lines are not totally ECV accessible. Not all guests using ECVs have the same needs. Some can walk well enough/have stamina for walking in the lines, but can't manage to walk a whole day at WDW. THOSE guests could be routed to park their ECV and walk in line. Because many attractions don't have a lot of space for ECV/wheelchair parking at the exit or accessible boarding area, figuring out who doesn't need the ECV or wheelchair in line frees up space for those who do. And, since some attractions ( especially at MK ) are wheelchair accessible, but not ECV accessible, it also helps to let people know what the options are. Without asking, they can't tell..

4) Printed right on the GAC, it said (paraphrasing since I don't have a GAC with me) , it said 'not all accommodations are available at all attractions'. I have seen people arguing with CMs " it says right here that you have to provide this to me" when a particular accommodation is not available.
Conversely, I have seen people argue with the CM when the CM asks them a question about what they need "I got a GAC and you should know that I need the moving walkway stopped."

Finally, I don't think this is an attempt to provide less acccomodation or 'weed out' guest who people think may be 'faking'. I think it is an attempt to figure out what people need at each attraction since each attraction and each guest is different.

 

[SueM in MN]

I would take issue with a child driving a rental ECV because that isn't allowed. Some teens have their own ECV. The one thing I will point out some people who use an ECV will need to walk part of the time. I have mild CP. There is no way I could walk the distances required at Disney. However. if I don't walk some, I will have more issues then normal for me for walking by the end of the day. My legs will get tighter and it is harder to walk. I need to get up and walk a little every hour or two. I have no issue with letting a family member drive an ECV so the user can take a needed break from sitting.

I don't think that is what the poster meant.
As you pointed out, many people have a need to walk periodically or 2 people in a group have need for an ECV, but don't need it all the time, so they share.

I have seen preschool age kids sitting on a lap - sometimes just sitting and sometimes even driving. I have also seen little kids driving an ECV that is obviously not theirs - a 3 or 4 yr old (or e en a young elementary school age child) on an adult size ECV is obviously not the owner and the rental places won't rent them out for children that young. It's especially noticeable when the whole family is commenting on 'Jr's' driving skill and then grandma or grandpa get back on after the child makes an error.
That is not goOd and I think that is what that poster was meaning.

 

[cantwaittoseemickey]

When we went this past December we got our ds a GAC. The CM did not ask any questions but assumed what we needed was just an accessible GAC by seeing him in his wheelchair. He made out the GAC before I knew it and handed it to me. After I looked at it I let him know there were other needs as well. I didn't think anything of it, I just kindly handed it back to him and explained our circumstances and had he issued another one with no problems at all.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I stopped by Guest Relation in the Magic Kingdom today and specifically asked if there had been any changes at all related to the GAC recently. I talked to a coordinator and he said that there have been no changes.

If a person is in a wheelchair or ECV all they need to do is follow the instructions of the CM at the attraction. Anyone with a Wheelchair or ECV will only need a GAC is there is an invisible disability, such as vision or hearing related which may override the disabled seating area.

And the access method, with or without a GAC, will vary depending on what is needed and crowds.

 

[dclfun]

Just speculating that perhaps there have been expectations of accommodations that cannot be provided? That if you have a list of needs, they can always be "fixed" by a GAC? I would still hope that in the long run, the CM receiving the card will be sensitive to individual needs vs. using a one-size-fits-all approach.---Kathy