Overheard and Annoyed: CM abusing GAC

[Pinup Mommy]

the process of getting one has you tell them what you need and they figure out if they have a way to meet that need. If they can't, they can't. Showing them you records does not help them know what you need.

I did, and explained what was needed. My child does better waiting in line in a stroller, it feels safe and deters meltdowns.

I have not been the first parent with an Autistic child to be denied a GAC.

It is up to the non-medial professional at the counter to decide, she decided my child look healthy.

 

[Malcon10t]

Based on what I saw on another blog the use GACs is a growing problem: it limits fast pass distribution and increases stand by wait times. I really would like to see Disney find a way to police this since people have no shame but instead a sense of entitlement.

Please clarify. GAC is not tied to any "system" in the park. How does it limit fast pass distribution?

Someone read and believed Al Lutz misinformed piece on GACs. They don't

I'm having aboard time seeing the problem the OP saw.

The friends asked what kind of discount he got. He told them. He changed the subject.

When they told him what they had tried with parking he told them they were cheap and moved on.

Sounds like he has some issues that require him to get a GAC but it expired. If the plans for that day involve a lot of rides he will update it. If not it sounds like he isn't in as much need because the day would be at a slower pace, so he won't. The people he is touring with have big plans, so in order for him to take part in the plans he needs to update it. Should we just have him sit on a bench while his friends have fun? That sounds horrible.

This was how I read it also.

I have a niece and nephew who are WDI CMs. They use their passes for entrances for family members, they have offered to use their discounts for us. It isn't a big deal. As far as his GAC, yes, he may need one. I just hope his friends weren't using him.

 

[sherilaine]

I'm having aboard time seeing the problem the OP saw.

The friends asked what kind of discount he got. He told them. He changed the subject.

When they told him what they had tried with parking he told them they were cheap and moved on.

Sounds like he has some issues that require him to get a GAC but it expired. If the plans for that day involve a lot of rides he will update it. If not it sounds like he isn't in as much need because the day would be at a slower pace, so he won't. The people he is touring with have big plans, so in order for him to take part in the plans he needs to update it. Should we just have him sit on a bench while his friends have fun? That sounds horrible.

I completely agree - to make severe judgement based on what you over hear is rediculous - you are getting half the story at best - and to be honest, it is none of the OPs business what they were discussing...their could have been a very valid reason for him to require a GAC - and honestly, he gets a discount? good for him - I work for an insurance company and get 40% off my insurance, I certainly do not expect to get flamed for that.

 

[DarthMole]

Charge people with disabilities? Wow, I am pretty sure the type of people who shares this opinion are not who Walt built Disneyland for - I am pretty sure he'd pass on your attitude visiting the parks ever again if he were alive to read such selfish ranting...

I don't think he was suggesting Disney try to charge people with disabilities. I think he feels if a system were in place where non-disabled people could buy front of the line passes it would help the situation. I do not agree.

I think Disney is doing the best they can to control the system within the boundaries of the law. That does mean some people who think they need one will be denied.

I do like the idea someone had about giving out return slips based on current wait times to people with a GAC. I doubt those with actual disabilities would mind and it would decrease the amount of abuse.

 

[Malcon10t]

If people want front of the line access/ special accommodations to make at trip meet their needs, then this is something that as a business Disney should evaluate how to price. I say this because the people abusing the system are costing me more money and time as I extend my vacation to get things done that I would like to get done when I go to Disney.

Disney does offer the VIP tours. They can work out quite well for you.

 

[Disney Dreams]

...If people want front of the line access/ special accommodations to make at trip meet their needs, then this is something that as a business Disney should evaluate how to price....

Well, since it's illegal to charge someone for an accommodation due to a disability, I don't think you will see that happening.

- Dreams

 

[SingWithFlowers]

I'd like to give him the benefit of the doubt. I know sometimes even when people actually do need a GAC their friends can be all like "ahh man that's so cool, we'll get on much faster, etc" and it's embarrassing for the disabled because that's not what it's about. IME of being temporarily disabled at DL I couldn't even do most rides myself and having to use alternative entrance was just another hassle my injury caused, but my "friends" still seemed fixated on getting on rides faster. Just because his friends came off a certain way doesn't necessarily reflect his attitude or need of a GAC.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

I'm having aboard time seeing the problem the OP saw.

The friends asked what kind of discount he got. He told them. He changed the subject.

When they told him what they had tried with parking he told them they were cheap and moved on.

Sounds like he has some issues that require him to get a GAC but it expired. If the plans for that day involve a lot of rides he will update it. If not it sounds like he isn't in as much need because the day would be at a slower pace, so he won't. The people he is touring with have big plans, so in order for him to take part in the plans he needs to update it. Should we just have him sit on a bench while his friends have fun? That sounds horrible.

I'm glad you read it this way too because I was starting to think I had missed something.

To the OP: I don't think the CM was out line or did anything to make you angry. You have no idea if he needed a GAC and I'm willing to believe that since he had his information on file and just needed to update it, he does actually need one. And even if for arguments sake he didn't, how does his CM discount or him getting one affect you in any way?

 

[Disney Dreams]

I did, and explained what was needed. My child does better waiting in line in a stroller, it feels safe and deters meltdowns.

I have not been the first parent with an Autistic child to be denied a GAC.

It is up to the non-medial professional at the counter to decide, she decided my child look healthy.

They are not deciding whether or not someone looks or is healthy. What they are determining is if there is an accommodation that Disney is able to offer you that will meet the need you describe.

Ex: I have a variety of issues that make it such that I should avoid stairs. I get a GAC that allows for no stairs. Sometimes, this means I wait longer than the normal queue, by the way. Most often, it means absolutely nothing and I go right where everyone else goes. The CMs at CIty Hall don't say, "You appear to be able to do stairs just fine." They ask me, "What is the issue you have?" I tell them that I have medical issues such that I should avoid stairs whenever possible. I do NOT tell them, "I need to have the stamp that shows XYZ." They determine what to offer based on what my "issue" (for lack of a better word) is and what Disney is able to do to accommodate.

- Dreams

 

[pennyring]

Someone read and believed Al Lutz misinformed piece on GACs. They don't

Thank you. I should have known Lutz was tied to something so ridiculous.

 

[dizneekrazee]

Here are my thoughts:
Well obviously, anger. And 35%? IMO this CM is from corporate, or the Studios (I have a friend w/the same discount and she's higher level corporate). What an idiot. I hope he gets caught, and I hope he gets fired. Truly.

To touch in on the 35%, it is very likely that he does get that discount. You don't have to be in "higher level corporate" to get it. ANY CM, doesn't matter if they are part time or full time (not sure about seasonals), get 35% after 3 years of service. Some positions start at 35%, others at 20%, but do go up to 35% after said 3 years, even if you "just" serve popcorn.

 

[AZlady]

I just wish they could ask for a Doctor's note - anyone with a real problem will be happy to bring one but due to HIPPA they can't & that is getting around to the abusers

I agree!
Just show proof!

 

[cats mom]

Thank you. I should have known Lutz was tied to something so ridiculous.

I don't know too much about Al Lutz and/or his sources, and given that my info comes from a DL executive's loose lips at a dinner party, and after alcohol started freely flowing at that, I certainly wouldn't count on it being the 100% accurate final word on anything. That said, my understanding is the statistical models used to determine how many FP's are distributed do take GAC use patterns and numbers into account and there's a recognition that those numbers are stressing the system.

 

[PocahontasLookALike]

This is very frustrating!

When requesting a GAC at City Hall no medical record is required, I assume because of HIPPA.

So you can pretty much say anything you want and it is up to the attending CM if you deserve one or not. I was denied, actually my DD. Since she looked fine we could do with out. Yes, my child looks fine, but has ASD (autism).

This is one thing that has really disappointed me about the Walt Disney Company.

This is very upsetting to me. We are leaving in a few weeks for a trip in which my nephew will be coming. He has autism and the GAC is pretty much the only thing that has made visits with him possible.

we have always been able to obtain a GAC in past years and only use it when necessary because when my sisters family travels with us we try to come at off peak times to minimize crowds and wait times (both of which he doesn't handle welll, but loves all things Disney).

my concern is that he 'looks' like a completely 'normal' 7 year old...but have a short conversation with him or watch him try to wait for in line Peter Pan. I've always gone into city hall with my sister to make sure she doesn't down play his disability.

he sees a psychologist on a very regular basis and crowds/waiting/anxiety are something that they are striving to work towards. But bottom line, he's a little boy with a disability. I'd hate for his experience to be ruined based off one persons opinion.

 

[bumbershoot]

I did, and explained what was needed. My child does better waiting in line in a stroller, it feels safe and deters meltdowns.

I have not been the first parent with an Autistic child to be denied a GAC.

It is up to the non-medial professional at the counter to decide, she decided my child look healthy.

But they HAVE the pass to use a stroller as a wheelchair.

If I were in that situation and a CM said that, I would have waited for their supervisor. And theirs. And theirs if needed. I would not, could not, take no as an answer.

And see, that's the thing. She has autism, and her need is to use a stroller as a wheelchair, basically. My cousin's son has autism, and he does not need to use a stroller as a wheelchair, or actually he probably would do really well with that (except he's a big 10 year old now) but his parents couldn't admit it until about 2 years ago. etc. The diagnosis doesn't matter; the need does.

I would have taken that further.



oh but wait....if they only allow wheelchair use, and therefore stroller-as-wheelchair, for those with physical problems walking...but no, I swear I have read of that being a good way to "contain" kids with autism, and protect them, before.

Based on the need to not be in an overly-crowded, noisy, highly stimulating sort of environment, did they come up with any other ideas?





And I'm soooo glad that others agreed with me about the CM; I nearly didn't check back. And I was on my phone at the time so couldn't say all I wanted to say.

I had friends in high school who nearly made it their mission in life to embarrass those around them. Since they tended to make friends with shy people, it doesn't seem like that would be all that fun, since it was SO easy. They liked yelling rude things, weird things, being odd LOUDLY, around people, to make others uncomfortable and to make their friends want to slink away. (10 year reunion, still the same. 20 year reunion, they still tried to do it but we just walked away...whew! they might still be the same, but we aren't!) We were all in theater so we could all "project" our voices to be heard, and we were all a bit goofy, but they really went too far with it quite a lot of the time.

When they would do those things, if we weren't ready to leave the friendship behind, we would just answer and change the subject QUICKLY. Friend yells something highly inappropriate....we say "ha ha, hey how about that SF Giants game last weekend? or "didn't Joe Montana do well in the game?" (obviously I grew up in the Bay Area LOL and it helped that they were massive sports fans) and try to move the conversation away. That's what the reported conversation seemed like to me, just deflection and diversion, but he was brave by showing his disapproval of them trying to use someone else's AP. I kind of doubt the friendship will last much longer if he's telling them he thinks they are cheap. So good for him!

 

[wilkeliza]

This is very upsetting to me. We are leaving in a few weeks for a trip in which my nephew will be coming. He has autism and the GAC is pretty much the only thing that has made visits with him possible.

we have always been able to obtain a GAC in past years and only use it when necessary because when my sisters family travels with us we try to come at off peak times to minimize crowds and wait times (both of which he doesn't handle welll, but loves all things Disney).

my concern is that he 'looks' like a completely 'normal' 7 year old...but have a short conversation with him or watch him try to wait for in line Peter Pan. I've always gone into city hall with my sister to make sure she doesn't down play his disability.

he sees a psychologist on a very regular basis and crowds/waiting/anxiety are something that they are striving to work towards. But bottom line, he's a little boy with a disability. I'd hate for his experience to be ruined based off one persons opinion.

Please remember a GAC is not a skip the line card. I think this is why we hear more people being denied for saying something about by being able to wait long times. It is written on the card that it does not shorten wait time.

When I was last in Disney I know the system was being worked on because it got out that it was a skip the line card. I know for awhile Space and a few other rides (WDW not DL) were issuing hand written fast passes for guests using GACs to make things more fair.

Also remember technically if a ride has fast passes you are suppose to use those before the GAC. It is written in every single GAC issued.

The system is abused the only problem is how does Disney fix it with out hurting their bottom line. As the quoted poster points out they use it to skip wait times for their nephew with autism even though Disney will say that is not its intended use.

I also know DL has started cracking down because after RSR opened the amount of GACs issued tripled. One ride should not have tripled the amount of guests with disabilities needing extra accommodation.

 

[PocahontasLookALike]

I didn't mean for it to sound as if we 'skip lines'. We are fully aware of the GAC guidelines and stipulations. What my nephew needs it for mainly is the separate waiting area.

And yes, we've waited more than what wait times are posted, but being able to wait in an area off to the side is much conducive to his autism.

 

[mamaCta]

I have no problem with 1% of people abusing it if it means the other 99% get the accommodations they need to make their day easier. CMs are not medical professionals and should not be put in a position to determine whether a customer "deserves" to have a GAC.

 

[wilkeliza]

I didn't mean for it to sound as if we 'skip lines'. We are fully aware of the GAC guidelines and stipulations. What my nephew needs it for mainly is the separate waiting area.

And yes, we've waited more than what wait times are posted, but being able to wait in an area off to the side is much conducive to his autism.

Thanks for the clarification. I just always clarify that because when I was a CM I would have so many people shove their GAC card at me and say we don't wait. I wasn't even an attraction that allowed GACs and people still tried to use them on us.

Also was a Soarin, TSM and Malestrom and had to listen to the poor CMs get chewed out because people said they were not given the accommodation their GAC allowed them since they had to wait in the normal time or were issued hand written fast passes.

Waiting to the side or in a separate area is what the GAC is meant to allow and I thank you for using it properly.

 

[Pinup Mommy]

This is very upsetting to me. We are leaving in a few weeks for a trip in which my nephew will be coming. He has autism and the GAC is pretty much the only thing that has made visits with him possible.

we have always been able to obtain a GAC in past years and only use it when necessary because when my sisters family travels with us we try to come at off peak times to minimize crowds and wait times (both of which he doesn't handle welll, but loves all things Disney).

my concern is that he 'looks' like a completely 'normal' 7 year old...but have a short conversation with him or watch him try to wait for in line Peter Pan. I've always gone into city hall with my sister to make sure she doesn't down play his disability.

he sees a psychologist on a very regular basis and crowds/waiting/anxiety are something that they are striving to work towards. But bottom line, he's a little boy with a disability. I'd hate for his experience to be ruined based off one persons opinion.

I hope and will pray that your family is able to obtain the pass.

Possibly the CM I worked with was unaware of how Autism affects children.
I would have pressed further to speak with supervisors , but I was alone with my DD3 and she was going into melt down mode just with waiting to request GAC. Once she becomes upset it is hard to get her back.
At that point I used the mouse wait apps. to see what the wait times were/ are and went from there.
As a PP said, wait times are longer and that is ok, DD can wait in her stroller, it is like a safe familiar retreat for her rather in my arms fussing.
I know there has been other parents like myself, but it is hard to say it is a frequent occurrence. I truly hope we are the "one offs"