Replacement for GAC

[cdfendley]

By the extra FP+ I meant as a way to eliminate the kiosks. After receiving the DAS they could ask what you want to ride and give you the time through your band rather than the trekking back and forth. That would exhaust my DD tremendously. We use a good touring plan and arrive early to not abuse it but there are times when the only way she could experience a ride was to use it. We never ride a ride twice in one day...well my DS & DH did but not with her GAC - fast passes because she would have never rode California Screamin'.

 

[crashbb]

By the extra FP+ I meant as a way to eliminate the kiosks. After receiving the DAS they could ask what you want to ride and give you the time through your band rather than the trekking back and forth. That would exhaust my DD tremendously. We use a good touring plan and arrive early to not abuse it but there are times when the only way she could experience a ride was to use it. We never ride a ride twice in one day...well my DS & DH did but not with her GAC - fast passes because she would have never rode California Screamin'.

But how would they know how to time it? With the proposed set up, the waiting time is a little less than the stand-by time, if they were to give you all three (or whatever) at once, how would they do that? Just give three random times throughout the day?

I like that the kiosks should mean we have less back-and-forth walking than if the CMs at each of the rides gave the time stamps.

 

[buckeev]

I always seem to overlook the fact that the internet is now everywhere, even under bridges.

 

[jimmysmom74]

But how would they know how to time it? With the proposed set up, the waiting time is a little less than the stand-by time, if they were to give you all three (or whatever) at once, how would they do that? Just give three random times throughout the day?

The ideal way to eliminate the kiosk, (which is DL plan not said yet for sure to be at WDW) is to tie DAS to MBs.
1. Once DAS is activated on MB, you chose your first attraction for DAS on your mobile device in MDE. You are given a computer generated time-roughly 15mins less whatever the current wait time. Wait times are on on DME it would be simple. At that point, you are locked out of the DAS till your time passes.
2. Enter FP line at stated time, ride attraction
3. Exit attraction and pick next ride on DME for DAS and repeat procedure.

This could definitely work easily with the MBs/MDE, and maybe help some of the families who are concerned for their future trips. It should keep all the other people in line happy too.
Second benefit, is that disney would have a idea where bottlenecking rides would be happening. The computer can then spit out surprise Fps to herd the traffic to other areas of the park. If the GAC confused the system (like ppl say), because their patterns were unpredictable, the tie in, would end all of that-you would know where there next move would be.

Also, I heard if you can prove length of stay...you would not have to go to GS daily.

 

[Emagine]

The ideal way to eliminate the kiosk, (which is DL plan not said yet for sure to be at WDW) is to tie DAS to MBs.
1. Once DAS is activated on MB, you chose your first attraction for DAS on your mobile device in MDE. You are given a computer generated time-roughly 15mins less whatever the current wait time. Wait times are on on DME it would be simple. At that point, you are locked out of the DAS till your time passes.
2. Enter FP line at stated time, ride attraction
3. Exit attraction and pick next ride on DME for DAS and repeat procedure.

This could definitely work easily with the MBs/MDE, and maybe help some of the families who are concerned for their future trips. It should keep all the other people in line happy too.
Second benefit, is that disney would have a idea where bottlenecking rides would be happening. The computer can then spit out surprise Fps to herd the traffic to other areas of the park. If the GAC confused the system (like ppl say), because their patterns were unpredictable, the tie in, would end all of that-you would know where there next move would be.

Also, I heard if you can prove length of stay...you would not have to go to GS daily.

I am the least of least geek or techy that there is but if there is ever an idea team then you should be on it. It might not be 100% spot on but it certainly beats the stupid daily trips to GS and 1000 trips to a kiosk for everyone with needs. I would have no problem 'planning' behind my children's back to meet their needs and in hindsight making everyone around us not ever knowing we were there. Or I hope. If that makes any sort of sense. We could easily prove length of stay with our DVC stays and such.

 

[zorro77]

I was just reading on the other Disney site that the program to replace GAC may not be ready to start up till after holidays. The post said they were in contact with a CM in disability area and lots of rumors but program is not ready for a 10/09 start up.

 

[crashbb]

The ideal way to eliminate the kiosk, (which is DL plan not said yet for sure to be at WDW) is to tie DAS to MBs.
1. Once DAS is activated on MB, you chose your first attraction for DAS on your mobile device in MDE. You are given a computer generated time-roughly 15mins less whatever the current wait time. Wait times are on on DME it would be simple. At that point, you are locked out of the DAS till your time passes.
2. Enter FP line at stated time, ride attraction
3. Exit attraction and pick next ride on DME for DAS and repeat procedure.

This could definitely work easily with the MBs/MDE, and maybe help some of the families who are concerned for their future trips. It should keep all the other people in line happy too.
Second benefit, is that disney would have a idea where bottlenecking rides would be happening. The computer can then spit out surprise Fps to herd the traffic to other areas of the park. If the GAC confused the system (like ppl say), because their patterns were unpredictable, the tie in, would end all of that-you would know where there next move would be.

Also, I heard if you can prove length of stay...you would not have to go to GS daily.

Once the MBs are available to all, that sounds like a good system. Might still need some kiosks for those without smart phones or international travelers for whom accessing the MDE would cost a fortune (I fall into both of these camps).

 

[jimmysmom74]

I am the least of least geek or techy that there is but if there is ever an idea team then you should be on it. It might not be 100% spot on but it certainly beats the stupid daily trips to GS and 1000 trips to a kiosk for everyone with needs. I would have no problem 'planning' behind my children's back to meet their needs and in hindsight making everyone around us not ever knowing we were there. Or I hope. If that makes any sort of sense. We could easily prove length of stay with our DVC stays and such.

I have often felt Disney should hire me as well. Lol I don't now why I haven't got the call. They could pay me in free trips and mickey bars.


Not to make light of the seriousness. Disney had to make some changes to the GAC. It was just not working, I think that rich mom story on TV sealed the GAC's fate. With the new technology at WDW, there is no reason they can't tie the systems together. It is still possible to keep WDW magical, and fair, for all visitors with and without disability.
This will eliminate the things that upset the general public like looping rides and the DAS holder not present for the ride. It can't stop all cheating, but I can't think of a more despicable person than one that fakes a disability...I wouldn't wanted to waiting a the pearly gates next them...Lightening strikes hard. Then again they probably would have tried to cut.

 

[jreed1920]

The ideal way to eliminate the kiosk, (which is DL plan not said yet for sure to be at WDW) is to tie DAS to MBs.
1. Once DAS is activated on MB, you chose your first attraction for DAS on your mobile device in MDE. You are given a computer generated time-roughly 15mins less whatever the current wait time. Wait times are on on DME it would be simple. At that point, you are locked out of the DAS till your time passes.
2. Enter FP line at stated time, ride attraction
3. Exit attraction and pick next ride on DME for DAS and repeat procedure.

This could definitely work easily with the MBs/MDE, and maybe help some of the families who are concerned for their future trips. It should keep all the other people in line happy too.
Second benefit, is that disney would have a idea where bottlenecking rides would be happening. The computer can then spit out surprise Fps to herd the traffic to other areas of the park. If the GAC confused the system (like ppl say), because their patterns were unpredictable, the tie in, would end all of that-you would know where there next move would be.

Also, I heard if you can prove length of stay...you would not have to go to GS daily.

It would also eliminate the issue of people seeing the person with special needs showing their "special fast pass" and getting all uppity because the onlooker doesn't think the person using the pass requires accommodaitons because they don't "look" like they have a disability.

 

[Robbi]

Only for some as I said in another post regarding this, the constant walking back and forth to kiosks will be very time consuming especially with a toe walker. I have 2 children with Autism one who loves reads one who loves meet and greets how do I decide which one gets the fastpass+ and which one doesn't, never mind just venting so frustrating. FP+ will not even be available yet on our next trip in 45 days so that's out for the time being

Supposedly, Disney will make special arrangements for kids with Autism that won't involve the kiosk and stamp.
I sent a note to guest relations asking if they could clarify because we're planning an April trip. When I hear from them, I'll post their response.

 

[cdfendley]

The ideal way to eliminate the kiosk, (which is DL plan not said yet for sure to be at WDW) is to tie DAS to MBs.
1. Once DAS is activated on MB, you chose your first attraction for DAS on your mobile device in MDE. You are given a computer generated time-roughly 15mins less whatever the current wait time. Wait times are on on DME it would be simple. At that point, you are locked out of the DAS till your time passes.
2. Enter FP line at stated time, ride attraction
3. Exit attraction and pick next ride on DME for DAS and repeat procedure.

This could definitely work easily with the MBs/MDE, and maybe help some of the families who are concerned for their future trips. It should keep all the other people in line happy too.
Second benefit, is that disney would have a idea where bottlenecking rides would be happening. The computer can then spit out surprise Fps to herd the traffic to other areas of the park. If the GAC confused the system (like ppl say), because their patterns were unpredictable, the tie in, would end all of that-you would know where there next move would be.

Also, I heard if you can prove length of stay...you would not have to go to GS daily.

Exactly what I tried to say but didn't do a good job explaining. We like the idea of the new system just using the technology they are implementing to do the work for the DAS too! They would need lots of kiosks to keep everyone from having to walk extra amounts back and forth-using MBs like the above makes the most sense.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Using the MBs is a good idea! I do think cheating would go up again with bands though versus the kiosks, but probably not back to the levels of the current cards.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

The kiosk system is really no different than the Fastpass system. In fact, it's even more convenient since you can access passes for several rides from each kiosk. To obtain Fastpasses, you have to walk to the ride and get a pass, wait the required amount of time, and return to ride. With the kiosk system, you can get a return time and then do other attractions in the area while waiting. A successful trip will still require some level of strategy and planning. There may be some attractions with such low wait times that a trip to the kiosk is not even necessary. Checking a wait time app (such as Mousewait) prior to the trip will give you a good idea about those.

 

[old lady]

i hope this system is better since some people were taking advantage of it.

 

[mefordis]

i hope this system is better since some people were taking advantage of it.

That's the point of the change, to make it less attractive for people to lie to get an advantage.

Now people who truly cannot wait in line will be using them, because it no longer gives you unlimited access to the FP line. There are limits and you need a picture ID, etc. Not worth the hassle for the ones who don't need it.

 

[Sunnywho]

Even the name change might discourage misuse a little. A Guest Assistance Card sounds as if it could apply to all guests, but a Disabled Assistance card is more clear about who it's for.

I think the DAS system is a placeholder until the technology of the MagicBand can be used to allow DAS guests whatever accommodations best fit the needs.

When I read about a family with two spectrum children and a service dog being able to enjoy Disney, I think Disney has been doing something right all these years, and I hope the eventual changes are able to allow that to continue.

 

[disneyfantotheend]

Last time my mother was there with us, we were able to go through 90% of the regular standby lines with her scooter. Then they would load her in the car and take the scooter to the exit area where we picked it up. Will this no longer be possible? Is this change only for those with other special needs (not wheelchairs/scooters) and possibly for the few rides we could not go through standby. (Living with the Land, Jungle Cruise, Small World) She never road any of the thrill rides, so those were never an issue. Those of us who do ride the thrill rides get a plain ole FP, because she is not with us.

 

[jimmysmom74]

Last time my mother was there with us, we were able to go through 90% of the regular standby lines with her scooter. Then they would load her in the car and take the scooter to the exit area where we picked it up. Will this no longer be possible? Is this change only for those with other special needs (not wheelchairs/scooters) and possibly for the few rides we could not go through standby. (Living with the Land, Jungle Cruise, Small World) She never road any of the thrill rides, so those were never an issue. Those of us who do ride the thrill rides get a plain ole FP, because she is not with us.

Yes, this change is effecting the GAC holders not in mobility devices. Unless you carried both(ECV and GAC) for a separate condition, you will not be effected. Check SueM sticky on the Disabilities board for ride info with ECVs. She keeps it very up to date. Most lines are wheelchair/ECV accessible.

 

[disneyfantotheend]

Yes, this change is effecting the GAC holders not in mobility devices. Unless you carried both(ECV and GAC) for a separate condition, you will not be effected. Check SueM sticky on the Disabilities board for ride info with ECVs. She keeps it very up to date. Most lines are wheelchair/ECV accessible.

Excellent. Thank you!

 

[WendyisDarling]

The kiosk system is really no different than the Fastpass system. In fact, it's even more convenient since you can access passes for several rides from each kiosk. To obtain Fastpasses, you have to walk to the ride and get a pass, wait the required amount of time, and return to ride. With the kiosk system, you can get a return time and then do other attractions...

That was what I was trying to wrap my head around...how is this easier than regular FP system?
OK...instead of FP machine go to Kiosk. I assume your disabled child must be in attendance at the kiosk. With FP one person could take all of our keys/tickets and get the number of FPs we need and return to the rest of the group. Why would I drag my son back and forth to kiosks? Only one attraction per kiosk trip, right?

As Luv Bunnies post continued...for a successful trip I must carefully calculate pathways we use, amont of time exposed to extreme crowds, avoidance of some noises.
Trotting back and forth to kiosks. No thanks.

We have ALWAYS tried to use FP system if possible, anyway. But there are times when there is not appropriate waiting place and so many other reasons that go with a 16 year old boy with severe autism that I don't feel like writing the thesis, the immediate alternate entrance has been a valuable resource. He can have more space, often we can let others pass if my son needs time to calm, etc.

I wish we could "relax" and have a snack, go in a shop, enjoy the sites...my so is just prey to sensory experiences that will overload him.

The rumored new system will cut down on abuse, but also seems it will reduce the assistance it was intended to.

We have a January trip planned. Another family scheduled a WDW trip to spend time with us and has purchased airline tickets, if not for that I think I would postpone or cancel until I know if DAS will help us.

I am furious with those who abused the GAC. I would be willing to sign a limited HIPPA waiver, present documentation and allow my son's picture to be taken. I think if Disney is providing a service that is in addition to ADA compliance, it seems they could require documentation to receive the additional assistance. I'm not an attorney, but if no documentation is required to have the strict ADA compliance rights, could they ask for documentation for those requesting assistance that exceeds requirements?