Replacement for GAC

[smidgy]

100% agree with this. That's one reason I started posting in this thread. A lot of the focus is on families and groups with Autistic members. Systems put in place to meet their needs may not meet the needs of those with physical disabilities.

Visual impairment isn't all or nothing. And, people who essentially say "Just sit in a wheelchair and get over it" (BigAlsGal) highlight one of the reasons why it's important to speak about the different needs different people may have.
Will there still be front-of-house seating for the visually impaired? That seems like something that wouldn't be touched, but it could go overlooked if the focus was only in meeting with Autism awareness groups.

People with some physical disabilities can easily walk, but must walk slower. Do kiosks then impose an unnecessary obstacle for equal access?

I'm waiting for this change to be formally announced to see how different groups are accommodated. I hope they don't try to shoehorn everyone into the same system. I don't see that working.

thank you

 

[smidgy]

I'm pretty sure that requiring proof is against the law. . In "the real world" people without disabilities took advantage of the system and harmed those it was meant to serve.

It definitely is against the law in most cases, but since Disney would be offering something that was "better than equal" it seems like they could skirt around that. I also agree that most of the focus seems to be on families with children and hope that adults are also being taken into consideration.

A). It is illegal to ask for proof of a disability.

.

correct me if I'm wrong, and tracy, you would know, but didn't the law against requiring proof begin with the new "hippa" laws?
just because something is now a law doesn't make it a good law. and can't be changed.

I'm new to this, but from what I have learned: most people would be MORE than happy to provide proof of disabilities. and not just at Disney. maybe the ADA needs to be tweaked, I don't know. I know it was back in 1962 when JFK first broke any real ground on special education in this country. still a "work in progress"
we had "no child left behind".. now we have "common core".
just saying the current laws are not necessarily right. (although better than nothing)

a lot of people,disabled and other, I think, would like to see a program established at Disney (and other parks, if they wished) which would offer considerations much as before, but require proof. they could offer slightly more considerations than ADA requirements, thus "getting around" the law against providing proof.

just thinking out loud here, but I don't think most with disabilities would mind providing proof.

just my thoughts...

 

[Hej2222]

I hope this system can work for all. EVERYONE should be able to experience the magic WDW offers.

Unfortunately, I don't think the magic will still be there for many affected families. We have been coming to WDW yearly (some years twice per year) since 2008. My special needs daughter (who is 9-years-old now) was 3 at that time and still had tracheostomy. Disney accomodated us through those years with GAC and we felt it was the place where we could safely take her and where she could enjoy the rides (which she loves!) like other children did. My daughter also wanted to go to Universal for several years, but we always felt that with their return time Assistance Pass we would not be able to manage her needs there. My daugter currently still has multiple medical issues, requires oxygen at times and also has developmental delays. She does not tolerate long days and waiting very well, and because of that and because of need for her respiratory treatments (3 different nebulizers and percussion vest several times a day) we usually stay in the parks for half a day only. We tried return times in our local parks and often we were able to just go on 1 ride and never made it to the second ride even we already had the return time. So we know it does not work for us. We kept telling her that going to Universal was not possible. We felt that Disney was providing us with magical experience, and that they cared about familes with disabilities. So we got used to coming every year.

This year my daughter was qualified by her doctor for Make-A-Wish, and she ended up choosing Universal Studios as her Wish. So we finally got to visit Universal, and we had wonderful experience there as a Wish family first 2 days with FOTL access and escort. It was actually much better than the experience at Disney as a Wish family - at WDW we were just sent through FP line. We extended our trip and returned to Universal as a regular family using their Attraction Assistance Pass, and still were able to enjoy it. Universal assigns return time with Assistance Pass if the wait time is greater than 30, so some rides we were sent through Express Pass. There is also an option to buy Express Pass with FOTL access, or it is free if you stay on property. So for us now with changes to GAC it is a better option that Disney does not have. Return time is not going to be helpful for families that can only stay for few hours at the parks.

I am quite dissapointed that Disney is losing its magic for our family and for many other families with special needs. We were planning our next trip in November. I am now planning on spending only 2 half days at WDW, and more days at US with Express Pass/Attraction Assistance Pass. We will try new DAS, but I do not have high expectations. I am also dissapointed that this is being introduced before FP+ is fully rolled out for off site guests (we are staying off site). At least if I had a chance to schedule 3 FP+ for the rides my daughter really wants, the change would be much less painful. At this time it is unknown when and if at all off site guests will be allowed to use advanced FP+. Changing GAC in that situation seems unfair to me. Again, at Universal at least I have an option to buy Express Pass for $250 for my whole family if I stay off site, and it is not limited to 3 per park as FP+ is...

I also wanted to share a link to MoveOn.org petion (moderator-please adjust if that cannot be posted) regarding this issue. They also encourage to write letters to Disney....

http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/disneyland-discontinues?mailing_id=15469&source=s.icn.em.cr&r_by=8812872

 

[smidgy]

see, this is my point. someone like the post above me (hej2222) has a totally dif. need than my husband.

returning to the ride at a specified time and not going through the convoluted line would work for us. (and sitting in the front for shows, etc.)

but some disablilities requires dif. needs. some kids can only last a few hours in the parks total.. whether in line or not.

 

[sunshinehighway]

see, this is my point. someone like the post above me (hej2222) has a totally dif. need than my husband.

returning to the ride at a specified time and not going through the convoluted line would work for us. (and sitting in the front for shows, etc.)

but some disablilities requires dif. needs. some kids can only last a few hours in the parks total.. whether in line or not.

Even some kids and adults without disabilities only last a few hours in the parks. I think there is often a misconception that families without disabilities are just at the parks all day going from ride to ride and getting to do everything. It's just not true.
I really have a difficult time understanding people who say they won't be able to ride more than one or two rides with this new system. Das users can still use the fp system and there are always some rides that have little wait. Why wouldn't people be able to go on rides with short waits or grab fps?

I understand change is difficult but some people are dismissing this system a little too quickly. It appears Disney consulted with special needs group to find something that works.

 

[sunshinehighway]

I would be more than happy to provide documentation of my child's disability, as I'm sure most parents would. This new system sounds terribly unfriendly to our disabled children and I am terribly disappointed that WDW would go to these extremes to hurt children because there are cheating adults out there.

Seriously? Disney is doing something because the old system isn't working. Even without the cheaters, you have a rising population of people with needs Disney is trying to meet. The current system has become something it wasn't meant to be because it cant handle the volume of people. When you post things like Disney is going to extremes to hurt children, any legit point you may have is completely lost. Many people just stop listening when someone has such an extreme view.

 

[Gracie09]

correct me if I'm wrong, and tracy, you would know, but didn't the law against requiring proof begin with the new "hippa" laws?
just because something is now a law doesn't make it a good law. and can't be changed.

I'm new to this, but from what I have learned: most people would be MORE than happy to provide proof of disabilities. and not just at Disney. maybe the ADA needs to be tweaked, I don't know. I know it was back in 1962 when JFK first broke any real ground on special education in this country. still a "work in progress"
we had "no child left behind".. now we have "common core".
just saying the current laws are not necessarily right. (although better than nothing)

a lot of people,disabled and other, I think, would like to see a program established at Disney (and other parks, if they wished) which would offer considerations much as before, but require proof. they could offer slightly more considerations than ADA requirements, thus "getting around" the law against providing proof.

just thinking out loud here, but I don't think most with disabilities would mind providing proof.

just my thoughts...

The Ada and hippa are two different laws. Under the ada it is illegal to be required to show proof of a disability to obtain EQUAL access to something. If the establishment offers special access or something above what the general public offers they can require proof. Disney has decides for numerous reasons I'm sure not to offer special access and therefore not require proof. I can understand why. In thirty seconds I can think of issues with a special access approach.
Hippa applies to medical professionals only. It's why your nurse can't gossip about you with your hairdresser. As a patient you own your records and can show them to anyone you choose but it doesn't mean it will get you special access.
If you think the ada needs to be revamped again (it was a few years ago) contact your congressman and tell him you want the ada updated to allow your child special access to rides at a theme park. Be sure to let us know what the response is.

Oh and not all disabled people would want to discuss their medical records with guest services. My husband wouldn't. I wouldn't want to discuss my daughter's history and needs. Just because vocal people here say they would doesn't mean those who are more private or reserved would react in the same way.

 

[crashbb]

you are correct . you definitely do NOT undersatnd. I am the wife who walks the visually impaired husband through the lines. you can't see for someone else. as much as I try to "direct" him and verbally say "left, right, soft right, etc etc. all of the above happens. all the time.
usually the line isn't wide enough to walk side by side. I can pull him along like a pull toy, or stand behind and try to guidehim . it's awful it's unsafe. period.
and the alterante entrance does often have the same problems, but for not as long. OR, instead of using the FP entrance, enter through the exit.

We also would have major issues going through the full line. However, the change is still going to allow us (and you) to go through the FP line and/or exit (depending on the ride). The change just prevents using the GAC as an unlimited FP (it has become a limited FP).

 

[Gracie09]

Even some kids and adults without disabilities only last a few hours in the parks. I think there is often a misconception that families without disabilities are just at the parks all day going from ride to ride and getting to do everything. It's just not true.
I really have a difficult time understanding people who say they won't be able to ride more than one or two rides with this new system. Das users can still use the fp system and there are always some rides that have little wait. Why wouldn't people be able to go on rides with short waits or grab fps?

I understand change is difficult but some people are dismissing this system a little too quickly. It appears Disney consulted with special needs group to find something that works.

Exactly!

 

[MinnieLovesMickey12]

For the few PP's who claim this new system will now have ppl with disabilities waiting LONGER than ppl in the standby line... Once again...NOT TRUE. The rumor is the disabled person will be given a return time of whatever the standby time is MINUS 15 MINUTES. So you are still getting on the ride 15 minutes sooner than you would have if you had to stand in the regular line.

 

[jimmysmom74]

Unfortunately, I don't think the magic will still be there for many affected families.

I feel for your family, and hope WDW can make needed accommodations to make your daughter's stay magical. I am a NICU nurse and have witnessed the many struggles families with special needs children face. I wish there could be something special that WDW could give the families of former MAW program. Clearly, to qualify, the needs of that child are exceeding average DAS user.
I do understand the typical guests too, but you can hardly say your toddler not wanting to stand in line is the same as a special needs child with lack of stamina or self regulation. Your toddler will learn self control and not need naps someday, these children may not.

For all you families with true disabilities, (not liars and cheats), you can gladly step in front of me in line. And for typical families, Be sympathetic to the special needs child in line that might not be used to waiting.

 

[SueM in MN]

We go to WDW and have a child with multiple disabilities, using a wheelchair. As much as possible, we used regular lines and got Fastpasses. We reserved using her GAC for situations where she could not tolerate the regular line (like Test Track before the revision) and times when all Fastpasses were gone way before we even made it to the park (like Toy Story and Soarin')

Fastpass line times improved once they started cracking down on Fastpass return times. But, there were still times when the Fastpass wait was 20 to even 30 minutes. The one thing I could see that impacted wait times was the number of people coming into lines with GACs (we always used ours very discretely, but many people had it on a lanyard, freely visible).
This doesn't mean anything about whether the GACs were needed or not, but an extra, unexpected 20-40 people joining the Fastpass line DOES impact the wait times for everyone.
The Fastpass line is slower and the regular line backs up because there are people that the Fastpass system didn't 'expect' joining that line.
The new system will mean those people are spread out more and put them into the 'expected count'.

For WDW, most attractions are going to have Fastpass Plus, even if they didn't have 'regular' Fastpass. So, most attractions will have the ability to be 'reserved' by guests using the new DAS system OR Fastpass Plus (once it is rolled out fully). Guests with DAS could also go in the regular line, which for some attractions can be short.
My personal opinion is that the experience will be more consistent. People will have more information - if you have a smartphone or go one of the update boards in the park, you will be able to see the current wait time and decide what to do.

 

[BigAlsGal]

100% agree with this. That's one reason I started posting in this thread. A lot of the focus is on families and groups with Autistic members. Systems put in place to meet their needs may not meet the needs of those with physical disabilities.

Visual impairment isn't all or nothing. And, people who essentially say "Just sit in a wheelchair and get over it" (BigAlsGal) highlight one of the reasons why it's important to speak about the different needs different people may have.

Will there still be front-of-house seating for the visually impaired? That seems like something that wouldn't be touched, but it could go overlooked if the focus was only in meeting with Autism awareness groups.

People with some physical disabilities can easily walk, but must walk slower. Do kiosks then impose an unnecessary obstacle for equal access?

I'm waiting for this change to be formally announced to see how different groups are accommodated. I hope they don't try to shoehorn everyone into the same system. I don't see that working.

Good job putting those extra words in my mouth! I'm simply stating if the TRUE concern is safety a wheelchair would set your mind at ease.

 

[maxiesmom]

Good job putting those extra words in my mouth! I'm simply stating if the TRUE concern is safety a wheelchair would set your mind at ease.

That happens a lot on controversial threads. People read what they think you are saying instead of what you actually said. Nowhere did I see you say people needed to put their family members into wheelchairs and get over it.

 

[Objectivity]

Good job putting those extra words in my mouth! I'm simply stating if the TRUE concern is safety a wheelchair would set your mind at ease.

You said, "Maybe a wheelchair might be a better answer if tripping, falling, or other injuries are eminent."

You speak in generalities about a disability you don't have and, quite frankly, don't understand. Just because you don't realize that you said something incredibly offensive doesn't mean that you didn't say it.

 

[sunshinehighway]

We go to WDW and have a child with multiple disabilities, using a wheelchair. As much as possible, we used regular lines and got Fastpasses. We reserved using her GAC for situations where she could not tolerate the regular line (like Test Track before the revision) and times when all Fastpasses were gone way before we even made it to the park (like Toy Story and Soarin')

Fastpass line times improved once they started cracking down on Fastpass return times. But, there were still times when the Fastpass wait was 20 to even 30 minutes. The one thing I could see that impacted wait times was the number of people coming into lines with GACs (we always used ours very discretely, but many people had it on a lanyard, freely visible).
This doesn't mean anything about whether the GACs were needed or not, but an extra, unexpected 20-40 people joining the Fastpass line DOES impact the wait times for everyone.
The Fastpass line is slower and the regular line backs up because there are people that the Fastpass system didn't 'expect' joining that line.
The new system will mean those people are spread out more and put them into the 'expected count'.

For WDW, most attractions are going to have Fastpass Plus, even if they didn't have 'regular' Fastpass. So, most attractions will have the ability to be 'reserved' by guests using the new DAS system OR Fastpass Plus (once it is rolled out fully). Guests with DAS could also go in the regular line, which for some attractions can be short.
My personal opinion is that the experience will be more consistent. People will have more information - if you have a smartphone or go one of the update boards in the park, you will be able to see the current wait time and decide what to do.

I think the bolded is an important thing to keep in mind. The system isn't changing only because of the scammers. The current system wasn't designed for the increasing number of guest who need accommodations. Now that Disney is changing its fp system, its entirely possible this gac change is needed because fp+ cannot handle an unknown number of gac users coming into the fp line. if the fp line gets backed up, then those people who cannot wait very long are suddenly stuck in a 30 minute fp line. How does that help them? Fp backup causes regular line backups which impacts every park goer.

 

[sunshinehighway]

You said, "Maybe a wheelchair might be a better answer if tripping, falling, or other injuries are eminent."

You speak in generalities about a disability you don't have and, quite frankly, don't understand. Just because you don't realize that you said something incredibly offensive doesn't mean that you didn't say it.

There is nothing wrong with what she said. All she did was make a suggestion of using a wheelchair so someone isn't injured. You seem to be taking it for more than it was intended.

 

[MinnieLovesMickey12]

You said, "Maybe a wheelchair might be a better answer if tripping, falling, or other injuries are eminent."

You speak in generalities about a disability you don't have and, quite frankly, don't understand. Just because you don't realize that you said something incredibly offensive doesn't mean that you didn't say it.

Nothing she said was offensive. You are obviously very touchy about the subject and putting words in her mouth. Nobody sees anything offensive but you.

And if tripping, falling and injuries ARE eminent than a wheelchair is a great idea.

 

[mefordis]

Thank you for stating this. With more and more people who have special needs, it is necessary for everyone who cannot wait in line to schedule the ride (FP), it's that simple. Otherwise we would have a line a mile long with people having immediate access to rides, since it seems each year our pool of special needs visitors grows.

We go to WDW and have a child with multiple disabilities, using a wheelchair. As much as possible, we used regular lines and got Fastpasses. We reserved using her GAC for situations where she could not tolerate the regular line (like Test Track before the revision) and times when all Fastpasses were gone way before we even made it to the park (like Toy Story and Soarin')

Fastpass line times improved once they started cracking down on Fastpass return times. But, there were still times when the Fastpass wait was 20 to even 30 minutes. The one thing I could see that impacted wait times was the number of people coming into lines with GACs (we always used ours very discretely, but many people had it on a lanyard, freely visible).
This doesn't mean anything about whether the GACs were needed or not, but an extra, unexpected 20-40 people joining the Fastpass line DOES impact the wait times for everyone.
The Fastpass line is slower and the regular line backs up because there are people that the Fastpass system didn't 'expect' joining that line.
The new system will mean those people are spread out more and put them into the 'expected count'.

For WDW, most attractions are going to have Fastpass Plus, even if they didn't have 'regular' Fastpass. So, most attractions will have the ability to be 'reserved' by guests using the new DAS system OR Fastpass Plus (once it is rolled out fully). Guests with DAS could also go in the regular line, which for some attractions can be short.
My personal opinion is that the experience will be more consistent. People will have more information - if you have a smartphone or go one of the update boards in the park, you will be able to see the current wait time and decide what to do.

 

[AddictedtoDoleWhip]

People are so dramatic here, it's as if they are acting like it's the end of the world but it isn't. People were abusing the system, and now they are fixing the system. And the system sounds just fine.