Replacement for GAC

[AndreaA]

So how do these kids wait in lines at the grocery store? Or waiting in a restaurant which can sometimes have a wait of an hour? Or any other kind of line?

I'm guessing that most lines are not 30+ minutes, nor are parents going from one grocery store line to another. And, not surprisingly, many parents of children like that don't shop with them or dine out with them or do most other things which you take for granted. That's sort of why this is a big deal. Disney was one of the few places families like that could get through a day without some of the worries and troubles of their every day lives.

I'm not sure why this is so difficult to grasp.

I am not doubting that the GAC has been abused, but I am not sure that the proposed system will do enough to either a)totally curb abuse or b)totally help those it is designed to help.

 

[sunshinehighway]

You're missing my point.

Some people with disabilities don't have the luxury of being able to wait in regular lines. If the hypothetical kiosk system that we're discussing is as fair as you're saying, you should be willing to use it as well if given the opportunity.

Why wouldn't people be able to wait in short lines ( under 15 minutes)? I often go off season and a huge majority of the rides have under 10 minute waits. Often they are walk on. During a busy time of year it would be an unreasonable expectation to go to disney and expect to never have a wait.

If the system we are talking about were available to all, why wouldn't I use it? Get a fp for a ride in one land. Go to kiosk get a return time for another in the area. Do a short wait ride ( or two) go to my kiosk ride..fp ride, do another short wait thing. Rinse and repeat.

If I had an extreme condition that meant I could absolutely not wait in any line, I doubt Disney would be possible. How would I wait for the resort bus, or tram to the parking lot? How would I wait for the plane or in line at airport security? There'd be a wait to get on Magical Express. Checking into the hotel usually requires waiting in line. Getting food requires waiting either in line or for a table and then for the food to arrive. Getting into one of the parks usually means waiting in line at bag check and at the turnstiles.

 

[sunshinehighway]

I'm guessing that most lines are not 30+ minutes, nor are parents going from one grocery store line to another. And, not surprisingly, many parents of children like that don't shop with them or dine out with them or do most other things which you take for granted. That's sort of why this is a big deal. Disney was one of the few places families like that could get through a day without some of the worries and troubles of their every day lives.

I'm not sure why this is so difficult to grasp.

I am not doubting that the GAC has been abused, but I am not sure that the proposed system will do enough to either a)totally curb abuse or b)totally help those it is designed to help.

Most rides in Disney don't have 30+ minute waits ( unless you go during a very busy time of year)

 

[Objectivity]

So how do these kids wait in lines at the grocery store? Or waiting in a restaurant which can sometimes have a wait of an hour? Or any other kind of line?

I don't have a child with those issues, but my guess would be that parents don't take their kids to the store or they use a delivery service if one exists in their area to avoid any potential issues. They also probably don't go out to eat. And, if they have to go someplace with a line they likely go at less popular times when there will be less wait.

 

[Granny square]

You are assuming the kiosks are 5 minutes away and that your wait will be 10 minutes at the kiosk. I never have waited in line 10 minutes for a fastpass. Unless you were trying to get a fastpass for TSMM sometimes that line is long. But now that the DAS no longer acts as an unlimited fastpass the cheaters and scammers won't be in line waiting for a Das fastpass so you may be able to walk right up and get your return time instantly. So all that won't take you 20 minutes. Nobody even knows how it will all go down yet or how the system will work. I think everybody needs to give it a chance and try to make the best of it. Because I can tell you one thing I am pretty sure of. The DAS will never act as an unlimited fastpass again. The abuse is being stopped and they won't go back to a system where abuse was rampant.

Disclaimer. Never have used a gac. My mom uses an ecv which she parks for rides like pp or takes through the line like the safari.

Hopefully the concerns don't come to fruition. Estimating a 5 minute walk is assuming that everyone can get around that quickly, and that there won't be lines. With all people with needs gathering in one spot the potential for lines and complaints is pretty big.

Otoh, the old system was being abused. It is always sad to me when people that are following rules and in need get treated like cheats and line breakers.

As far as for the time wasted with the ecv until you try it you will never ever get the frustrations and hold ups. (You being general)

 

[Hej2222]

So how do these kids wait in lines at the grocery store? Or waiting in a restaurant which can sometimes have a wait of an hour? Or any other kind of line?

We usually do not eat at the restaurants (except occasional character meal) - we cook meals at the condo. This way we avoid issues related to waiting at the restaurant. I do shopping either by myself or with my other daughter; my disabled daughter stays at home with DH. That is not an option on vacation at WDW...

 

[AndreaA]

Most rides in Disney don't have 30+ minute waits ( unless you go during a very busy time of year)

As has been pointed out numerous times on this site and others, there are no "down times" at Disney anymore. Peter Pan, Pooh, BTMRR, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Dumbo, Barnstormer, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, Astro Orbiter, Buzz Lightyear and more often have wait times of 25-30min during every time of year but a few select weeks which not everyone has the ability to schedule for.

 

[sunshinehighway]

I'm still a little disturbed by your "us and them" approach to this conversation when you say "guests using it" and "park goers" as if they aren't the same group of people, but you'll just deny it so it's not worth discussing.

As for the new system, I don't know who's dismissing it. Based on the limited information that's available, it sounds like something that will work well for those who have disability issues related to having to wait in a line or confined space.

I haven't seen anything yet about how the new policy will affect those who have disabilities with different needs than what I listed above. That doesn't mean the system won't work, just that the information hasn't been shared yet. I'm sure the rest of the plan will be explained in much more detail before the launch date occurs.

Are you serious? I used those using it and park goers for a very simple reason. Not all park goers use a GAC but all people in the park ( including those using GAC) are Park goers.

Since you were accusing other people of being offensive, perhaps you should look at your own posts. The attitude you are giving off and the things you are accusing people of is what is offensive and disturbing.

 

[crashbb]

Disclaimer. Never have used a gac. My mom uses an ecv which she parks for rides like pp or takes through the line like the safari.

Hopefully the concerns don't come to fruition. Estimating a 5 minute walk is assuming that everyone can get around that quickly, and that there won't be lines. With all people with needs gathering in one spot the potential for lines and complaints is pretty big.

Otoh, the old system was being abused. It is always sad to me when people that are following rules and in need get treated like cheats and line breakers.

As far as for the time wasted with the ecv until you try it you will never ever get the frustrations and hold ups. (You being general)

It is my understanding that those in wheelchairs or ECVs do not need a GAC and will not need a DAS (unless they have other issues, not covered by the wheelchair). The mobility device tells the CM what assistance they need, and, at WDW, most lines are mainstreamed anyway, so those guest go through the normal line (though they may cut out at some point - like TSMM, when they get to the stairs).

 

[Gracie09]

You're missing my point.

Some people with disabilities don't have the luxury of being able to wait in regular lines. If the hypothetical kiosk system that we're discussing is as fair as you're saying, you should be willing to use it as well if given the opportunity.

I would happily use it. I would plan my fp+ rides, probably Peter Pan, big thunder mountain, and splash. Then come into mk go to a kiosk, look at wait times and pull say dumbo. Head over to buzz, pull a fp, then aince it's usually a 20 or so wait when we go, ride and probably ride again right away. Monsters inc, skip stich and astro orbitor (hate heights) check out speedway and if not to long ride, by then my dac is probably due, head to dumbo. Ride, check out wait for goofy coaster, if not too long ride if it is grab fp, play I the play area. Head toward fantasy land realize not going to make Peter Pan, change fp plus time. As I pass the next kiosk, grab a dac for pooh. Hit the carousel at least once, small world next, pooh is probably ready so grab that. Back track to mickeys Phil.watxh. Head toward haunted mansion, don't ride as dd is afraid, then to btm and splash for fp plus rides. Pass another kiosk check out times, goose Peter Pan, we love it, ride poc, flying camels, head back to pp. ride twice thanks to dac and fp plus. Etc etc etc

All it takes is some planning. O course people who can't transfer will wait a little longer like they did before because they need the wheelchair accessible car but there is not much they can do about the wait as they can only have so many people in wheelchairs on a ride at one time. It can be a safety issue if there is an emergency and they have to evacuate.

 

[englishrose47]

Woth 8 Developmentally disabled , whose disabilities are all different , this is going to be a challenge , some can't do stairs , some can't stand in lines , some have acute visual disabilities , I agree the GAC was wonderful , but the abuse was sooooo apparent , I understand why Disney had to make this change. I am going when the program is brand new so I know many of the kinks will not have not been worked out . But I will give it a fair appraisal .I just hope included in this change is the slowing down or stopping rides so the group can get on without falling as has happened before . These guys don't necessarily understand "You have to get out now " For the most part CM's have always been helpful BUT not always !!!

 

[Mom2six]

The main problem with the new system is it is only for ONE day. That means every single person who needs one will be at guest assistance in the morning making wait times very long. Instead if getting a pass for your ten day trip, you now need to wait TEN times. And so does everyone else. So that ten minute wait is now an hour wait to get your disability assistance card.

 

[AndreaA]

The main problem with the new system is it is only for ONE day. That means every single person who needs one will be at guest assistance in the morning making wait times very long. Instead if getting a pass for your ten day trip, you now need to wait TEN times. And so does everyone else. So that ten minute wait is now an hour wait to get your disability assistance card.

Yes, this is absolutely ridiculous and will hopefully be quickly changed. It is absurd to expect people who already need a GAC/DAS to reduce wait times to then give up valuable rope-drop time to get one!

 

[Granny square]

It is my understanding that those in wheelchairs or ECVs do not need a GAC and will not need a DAS (unless they have other issues, not covered by the wheelchair). The mobility device tells the CM what assistance they need, and, at WDW, most lines are mainstreamed anyway, so those guest go through the normal line (though they may cut out at some point - like TSMM, when they get to the stairs).

That was why I clarified. I've always followed the discussions but don't use the service. I'm always sending friends family and clients to Disney and the gac or das is fitting for some.

We are lucky. Mom can get around she just lacks endurance and stability. We go off season, and use fp's, and take our time. Even planning her 80th birthday trip we always believe there will be another!

Thank you though

 

[Nixie]

Do I really need the card to tell them to slow down HM? That is the only assistance I need for my family. Why can't I just wait in the line til we get up to the CMs and then ask for it to be slowed?

 

[crashbb]

That was why I clarified. I've always followed the discussions but don't use the service. I'm always sending friends family and clients to Disney and the gac or das is fitting for some.

We are lucky. Mom can get around she just lacks endurance and stability. We go off season, and use fp's, and take our time. Even planning her 80th birthday trip we always believe there will be another!

Thank you though

Hope her birthday trip is amazing!

Sorry, when you said:

Hopefully the concerns don't come to fruition. Estimating a 5 minute walk is assuming that everyone can get around that quickly, and that there won't be lines. With all people with needs gathering in one spot the potential for lines and complaints is pretty big.

I read that as YOUR concerns not THE concerns (clearly, I need to work on my reading skills). I was thinking that your comments on the 5 minute walk not always being a 5 minute walk was referring to your mother's speed of getting around.

 

[Kay1]

Why wouldn't people be able to wait in short lines ( under 15 minutes)? I often go off season and a huge majority of the rides have under 10 minute waits. Often they are walk on. During a busy time of year it would be an unreasonable expectation to go to disney and expect to never have a wait.

If the system we are talking about were available to all, why wouldn't I use it? Get a fp for a ride in one land. Go to kiosk get a return time for another in the area. Do a short wait ride ( or two) go to my kiosk ride..fp ride, do another short wait thing. Rinse and repeat.

If I had an extreme condition that meant I could absolutely not wait in any line, I doubt Disney would be possible. How would I wait for the resort bus, or tram to the parking lot? How would I wait for the plane or in line at airport security? There'd be a wait to get on Magical Express. Checking into the hotel usually requires waiting in line. Getting food requires waiting either in line or for a table and then for the food to arrive. Getting into one of the parks usually means waiting in line at bag check and at the turnstiles.

Just out of curiosity, do you think the same of MAW kids?. They have "extreme conditions" but still really want to visit Disney. I believe the same is true for disabled people.

 

[Mom2six]

Why wouldn't people be able to wait in short lines ( under 15 minutes)? I often go off season and a huge majority of the rides have under 10 minute waits. Often they are walk on. During a busy time of year it would be an unreasonable expectation to go to disney and expect to never have a wait.

If the system we are talking about were available to all, why wouldn't I use it? Get a fp for a ride in one land. Go to kiosk get a return time for another in the area. Do a short wait ride ( or two) go to my kiosk ride..fp ride, do another short wait thing. Rinse and repeat.

If I had an extreme condition that meant I could absolutely not wait in any line, I doubt Disney would be possible. How would I wait for the resort bus, or tram to the parking lot? How would I wait for the plane or in line at airport security? There'd be a wait to get on Magical Express. Checking into the hotel usually requires waiting in line. Getting food requires waiting either in line or for a table and then for the food to arrive. Getting into one of the parks usually means waiting in line at bag check and at the turnstiles.

We drive because my son cannot handle airports and flying. We can't take the Disney buses for the reasons you mention. We drive to the parks and walk through the parking lot. My son does not eat the food at restaurants - he only eats Cheerios, freeze dried toddler yogurt, an blueberries. I eat most of my quick service meals in the room. Sometimes restaurant work if he does not have anxiety that day and he stays in the stroller. He is five now. We tried Askershus the other day and he freaked out. I took him outside but it Was too late. He was in full panic mode. He ran away from me and I had to chase him almost all the way around world showcase. It was so terrifying. He was sobbing and just blindly running and I did not know if I would get him before he got hurt.
He can wait in short lines and he can wait in long lines that are moving. He can not understand why the people in front of us are not going.

 

[Kay1]

We drive because my son cannot handle airports and flying. We can't take the Disney buses for the reasons you mention. We drive to the parks and walk through the parking lot. My son does not eat the food at restaurants - he only eats Cheerios, freeze dried toddler yogurt, an blueberries. I eat most of my quick service meals in the room. Sometimes restaurant work if he does not have anxiety that day and he stays in the stroller. He is five now. We tried Askershus the other day and he freaked out. I took him outside but it Was too late. He was in full panic mode. He ran away from me and I had to chase him almost all the way around world showcase. It was so terrifying. He was sobbing and just blindly running and I did not know if I would get him before he got hurt.
He can wait in short lines and he can wait in long lines that are moving. He can not understand why the people in front of us are not going.

 

[sunshinehighway]

Just out of curiosity, do you think the same of MAW kids?. They have "extreme conditions" but still really want to visit Disney. I believe the same is true for disabled people.

I don't know what you mean by "think the same". If you are asking how I feel about MAW kids getting fotl, I think it is wonderful and they absolutely should get it.