Replacement for GAC

[IntoTheLight]

No I am saying if your kid or anybody else's kid has such an extreme disability that you would compare them to a MAW kid and think you should get the same front of the line access they get then sign your kid up for a MAW trip. Because that is the only front of the line access you will be getting from here on out.

Most of us don't want FOTL, we want what everyone else wants. A trip to Disney where we have fun, our neurotypical kids have fun and our special needs kids have fun.

I really have no comment on the GAC vs DAS, the only thing that I'd hope for is a level of flexibility. It's the RIGID rules I think most people fear, our whole lives are spent trying to find wiggle room in the system. From the grocery store to school to disney.

 

[Cobern]

Couldn't she stand in the regular queue?

Yes that is not the issue, she needs walkways stopped or slowed and dim areas lit up for loading and unloading. I have no issue waiting in lines, but how do we go about having this done? The old GAC as I understood it was just a stamp that notified the first cm you saw for the ride of these accommodations. How does this new system work for these accommodations needed?

 

[sunshinehighway]

No. I was asking if you thought MAW (which, as has been pointed out, does not mean dying) children should avoid Disney due to their extreme conditions. I did not mention FOTL.

But I never said disabled people should avoid Disney. I said I would avoid Disney if I was unable to wait in any line at all. Again what I posted was a response to a series of questions having to do with how I would react to certain situations if I were in them. Please don't twist it into something it was never meant as.

 

[Objectivity]

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.

I could say the same thing about what you're posting. You keep saying things that make it sound like those with disabilities to do things exactly the same way you do.

The truth is, we're probably both a bit wrong in this matter, and I'll take your comments to mind.

Please though, be a little more open in your views. When numerous people with disabilities tell you sometimes it's not possible to wait in a regular line, believe them. Just because "many rides have short waits a majority of the time" for you doesn't mean those same lines don't create obstacles you can't imagine.

Mom2Six felt compelled to explain to you in great detail why your expectation was entirely unrealistic. I was glad to see you thanked her for sharing, but can you understand how difficult it is for people affected by disabilities to have to justify themselves in that way, to total strangers, sometimes multiple times every day?

Why should someone affected with a disability have to justify the adaptations they've made? Why should they have to justify not just using a wheelchair if their visually impaired? Why should they have to explain that they don't go to the store, or the mall or anyplace with a line because of the difficulties? Why should they have to justify anything?

The anger and frustration with GAC has nothing to do with those who have disabilities and everything to do with those who abused a system that wasn't meant for them. We should all try to focus any anger that does exist in that direction.

 

[maxiesmom]

You may not believe it to be true, but take a look at my previous post and see if the numbers add up to a shorter wait. 5 min. walk to kiosk + 10min wait in kiosk line + 5 min walk to ride (possibly in the same direction they were originally) + the current wait time AT THAT TIME AT THE KIOSK - 15min. If the wait time for Barnstormer is 30min when you leave Dumbo, and it takes you 15-20min to walk to a kiosk and get a pass AND the kiosk gives you the current wait time, which has now grown to 45min by the time all is said and done, then those using the DAS absolutely be waiting longer than normal park guests, and having to wait in multiple lines (because no doubt the FP+/DAS line at the rides will still take 5+min) and walk extra distances to boot.

When I count wait time I count actual wait time for the ride. Not the time it takes for people to get around the park. That is very different for every person. You may be able to get to the kiosk and back faster than I could even get to the ride with my not so mobile mom in tow. That time will never be equal and fair across the board, and trying to make it so is just going to make you upset.

 

[Nixie]

I could say the same thing about what you're posting. You keep saying things that make it sound like those with disabilities to do things exactly the same way you do.

The truth is, we're probably both a bit wrong in this matter, and I'll take your comments to mind.

Please though, be a little more open in your views. When numerous people with disabilities tell you sometimes it's not possible to wait in a regular line, believe them. Just because "many rides have short waits a majority of the time" for you doesn't mean those same lines don't create obstacles you can't imagine.

Mom2Six felt compelled to explain to you in great detail why your expectation was entirely unrealistic. I was glad to see you thanked her for sharing, but can you understand how difficult it is for people affected by disabilities to have to justify themselves in that way, to total strangers, sometimes multiple times every day?

Why should someone affected with a disability have to justify the adaptations they've made? Why should they have to justify not just using a wheelchair if their visually impaired? Why should they have to explain that they don't go to the store, or the mall or anyplace with a line because of the difficulties? Why should they have to justify anything?

The anger and frustration with GAC has nothing to do with those who have disabilities and everything to do with those who abused a system that wasn't meant for them. We should all try to focus any anger that does exist in that direction.

Thank you for this post especially the last few sentences. I have been sitting on my hands for the last half hour trying to figure out what to post that wouldn't get me banned.

 

[maxiesmom]

Why should someone affected with a disability have to justify the adaptations they've made? Why should they have to justify not just using a wheelchair if their visually impaired? Why should they have to explain that they don't go to the store, or the mall or anyplace with a line because of the difficulties? Why should they have to justify anything?

I don't think anyone has been asked to justify anything. But have been asked to explain. This is a discussion board, and no one should be made feel bad to ask about something because they don't know.

And as horrible as it may be for some families, the days of not waiting at all for rides is over. At least, that is what it sounds like. So some very tough choices will have to be made. And I don't envy anyone that.

 

[AndreaA]

Most of us don't want FOTL, we want what everyone else wants. A trip to Disney where we have fun, our neurotypical kids have fun and our special needs kids have fun.

I really have no comment on the GAC vs DAS, the only thing that I'd hope for is a level of flexibility. It's the RIGID rules I think most people fear, our whole lives are spent trying to find wiggle room in the system. From the grocery store to school to disney.

BINGO.

And I really find it rather rude how some are stridently proclaiming in so many words, "the days of the old GAC are OVER, so get used to it!" as if everyone using it was trying to get away with something or thinking their kids are "special snowflakes". It's pretty sad to be so judgemental and seemingly bitter about an amusement park wait time given what some families have to deal with. Quite honestly I used to be a bit about a lot of the accommodations made for some kids these days. And then I found myself as the parent to one of those kids - and mine is minor compared to many. I certainly hope that everyone who begrudges those with actual needs the ability to explore WDW in the way that works best for them doesn't have to experience that particular wakeup call.

In addition, I don't believe that those "unlimited FP" days are really over. I think that after a period of adjustment the DAS system will again be revised to help those with particular needs while hopefully still cutting down on the abuse of the system. In other words, if someone went to guest services and said that they really just needed the ability to ride Small World five times in a row or something (which is an actual case I read about - the girl would only ride that ride and various family members spent the day trading off to ride it with her), I seriously doubt they would be denied.

 

[Nixie]

Why should I have to explain my need for assistance to anyone besides a cast member that is working the ride I am currently about to get on?

So far all I am reading is a bunch of hate for Autistic kids. Their parents must be abusing the system. If your kid has trouble waiting in line, they shouldn't go to Disney. My kid's disability is greater than your kid's disability.


In fact this thread seems insanely hostile to parents of disabled children. Like we need to somehow prove to the masses why and how we need assistance. At least that is the vibe I am getting from the last couple of pages.

 

[Kay1]

But I never said disabled people should avoid Disney. I said I would avoid Disney if I was unable to wait in any line at all. Again what I posted was a response to a series of questions having to do with how I would react to certain situations if I were in them. Please don't twist it into something it was never meant as.

I already responded to you.

 

[MinnieLovesMickey12]

I could say the same thing about what you're posting. You keep saying things that make it sound like those with disabilities to do things exactly the same way you do.

The truth is, we're probably both a bit wrong in this matter, and I'll take your comments to mind.

Please though, be a little more open in your views. When numerous people with disabilities tell you sometimes it's not possible to wait in a regular line, believe them. Just because "many rides have short waits a majority of the time" for you doesn't mean those same lines don't create obstacles you can't imagine.

Mom2Six felt compelled to explain to you in great detail why your expectation was entirely unrealistic. I was glad to see you thanked her for sharing, but can you understand how difficult it is for people affected by disabilities to have to justify themselves in that way, to total strangers, sometimes multiple times every day?

Why should someone affected with a disability have to justify the adaptations they've made? Why should they have to justify not just using a wheelchair if their visually impaired? Why should they have to explain that they don't go to the store, or the mall or anyplace with a line because of the difficulties? Why should they have to justify anything?

The anger and frustration with GAC has nothing to do with those who have disabilities and everything to do with those who abused a system that wasn't meant for them. We should all try to focus any anger that does exist in that direction.

Ppl do need to explain themselves when they expect special treatment. Especially when most of these ppl have said for years that the GAC did not ever act as front of the line access. Are they now admitting it actually did and they are upset that they will no longet have an unlimited fastpass?

And there are hundreds if not thousands of disabled guests at Disney at any given time and their disability is just as important as yours. AUTISM doesn't trump other disabilities.

They are.now providing equal access and the same access to all forms of disability. I understand this changes the game for a lot of ppl but the system is being fixed. They won't revert back to a broken system
So the best thing to do is accept this new.concept. Find out as much info as we can and make the best of what is coming.

Try it and see how you can adjust your strategies and touring plans to better utilize what is available. Use both the DAS fastpass and the regular fastpass and ride things standby that have 10 or 15 minute waits because that short of a wait usually means the line is moving and not stagnant.

You can see showd in between rides if your kid tolerates shows.

 

[sunshinehighway]

I could say the same thing about what you're posting. You keep saying things that make it sound like those with disabilities to do things exactly the same way you do.

The truth is, we're probably both a bit wrong in this matter, and I'll take your comments to mind.

Please though, be a little more open in your views. When numerous people with disabilities tell you sometimes it's not possible to wait in a regular line, believe them. Just because "many rides have short waits a majority of the time" for you doesn't mean those same lines don't create obstacles you can't imagine.

Mom2Six felt compelled to explain to you in great detail why your expectation was entirely unrealistic. I was glad to see you thanked her for sharing, but can you understand how difficult it is for people affected by disabilities to have to justify themselves in that way, to total strangers, sometimes multiple times every day?

Why should someone affected with a disability have to justify the adaptations they've made? Why should they have to justify not just using a wheelchair if their visually impaired? Why should they have to explain that they don't go to the store, or the mall or anyplace with a line because of the difficulties? Why should they have to justify anything?

The anger and frustration with GAC has nothing to do with those who have disabilities and everything to do with those who abused a system that wasn't meant for them. We should all try to focus any anger that does exist in that direction.

Its is difficult to understand what exactly people are saying they need and why this system won't work. The go to lines for many on the boards were they just needed a quiet place to wait or a less crowded place to wait. It was usually " we can wait. We just need somewhere less crowded/stimulating/ noisy..." over and over it was said on these boards that people were not looking for a shorten wait and the gac wasn't intended to shorten waits. Now Disney is changing the system and poster are saying "its impossible for us to wait in any line." Its confusing.

Its confusing when poster say all autistic kids are different so even Disney consulting Austism Speaks doesn't mean this is a good system and then have them turn around in another post and talk about kids with autism in general terms. if someone mentions how this system may be good for their child with autism, the go to line is " well all autistic kids are different". It seems ok to generalize when talking about how the system won't work though.

 

[MinnieLovesMickey12]

Its is difficult to understand what exactly people are saying they need and why this system won't work. The go to lines for many on the boards were they just needed a quiet place to wait or a less crowded place to wait. It was usually " we can wait. We just need somewhere less crowded/stimulating/ noisy..." over and over it was said on these boards that people were not looking for a shorten wait and the gac wasn't intended to shorten waits. Now Disney is changing the system and poster are saying "its impossible for us to wait in any line." Its confusing.

Its confusing when poster say all autistic kids are different so even Disney consulting Austism Speaks doesn't mean this is a good system and then have them turn around in another post and talk about kids with autism in general terms. if someone mentions how this system may be good for their child with autism, the go to line is " well all autistic kids are different". It seems ok to generalize when talking about how the system won't work though.

This

 

[AndreaA]

Ppl do need to explain themselves when they expect special treatment. Especially when most of these ppl have said for years that the GAC did not ever act as front of the line access. Are they now admitting it actually did and they are upset that they will no longet have an unlimited fastpass?

The vast majority of those who get the "alternate entry" stamp have said that their waits were shortened. In fact I've read numerous grateful blog entries by moms of kids with mental or physical lack of stamina, and they spoke of the shortened waits. Oh, and the kids weren't all autistic, although you seem determined to make this an autism vs other disabilities battle.

I have seen some members of the disability board here say that it doesn't necessarily shorten waits, but those members have children/family members with mobility issues as well and they often DO wait for longer even with a GAC. I also feel that those members have been trying to prepare people for the fact that it MIGHT NOT shorten the wait, as it certainly can depend upon the CM in charge of the ride. Or possibly they were trying to discourage the abuse which you and I both abhor, and I can hardly fault them for that. However,I will quite honestly say that I did find this to be somewhat misleading, which is why I searched out sources other than this board. I would love to see you provide an earlier "GAC doesn't shorten waits" post from someone who is now upset by the upcoming changes.

I'm not sure why you are so eager to make those who are upset about the changes out to be liars.

Oh, and when we used our GAC this past week, even with the lowest crowds all year, we never went immediately onto the ride through the FP line. Our wait was generally about 5-10minutes but we were able to avoid the interactive queues which are an issue for my son, and didn't have as many people around us for him to bounce off of, etc.. It's annoying to repeatedly see it said that people with a GAC went to the immediate front of the line with no wait, a la a MAW kid. That is flat out untrue. If the FP line had been 15min long, that's what we would have had to wait, and if it had been much longer than that we would have had to leave the line.

 

[maxiesmom]

Its is difficult to understand what exactly people are saying they need and why this system won't work. The go to lines for many on the boards were they just needed a quiet place to wait or a less crowded place to wait. It was usually " we can wait. We just need somewhere less crowded/stimulating/ noisy..." over and over it was said on these boards that people were not looking for a shorten wait and the gac wasn't intended to shorten waits. Now Disney is changing the system and poster are saying "its impossible for us to wait in any line." Its confusing.

/QUOTE]

It is confusing. I've never seen a post where someone admitted they used GAC to get on to a ride with no wait at all. And now some are insisting it is the only way they can tour the parks.

I think too that this is like the new Fastpass must be used in the window of time listed rule. It sounds awful to a lot of people before it is even put into place. And unfortunately for some it will make it a lot harder to tour the parks.

But Disney has stated that the only people who will get onto rides with no wait at all are MAW guests. So everyone will have to try and find ways to adjust and use the new system as best they can.

 

[Twinprincesses]

After reading this thread I think I understand why Disney made a change.....

 

[sunshinehighway]

The vast majority of those who get the "alternate entry" stamp have said that their waits were shortened. In fact I've read numerous grateful blog entries by moms of kids with mental or physical lack of stamina, and they spoke of the shortened waits. Oh, and the kids weren't all autistic, although you seem determined to make this an autism vs other disabilities battle.

I have seen some members of the disability board here say that it doesn't necessarily shorten waits, but those members have children/family members with mobility issues as well and they often DO wait for longer even with a GAC. I also feel that those members have been trying to prepare people for the fact that it MIGHT NOT shorten the wait, as it certainly can depend upon the CM in charge of the ride. I will quite honestly say that I did find this to be somewhat misleading, which is why I searched out sources other than this board. I would love to see you provide an earlier "GAC doesn't shorten waits" post from someone who is now upset by the upcoming changes.

I'm not sure why you are so eager to make those who are upset about the changes out to be liars.

That is not true of posters here. Perhaps its the case on the blogs you read and other places you mention. On the disboards it was always said that the alternate entry provided and alternative place to wait and that is all. Maybe a few poster would say they experience shorter waits but then a bunch of other posters would chime and and say that was not the usual experience.

 

[MinnieLovesMickey12]

The vast majority of those who get the "alternate entry" stamp have said that their waits were shortened. In fact I've read numerous grateful blog entries by moms of kids with mental or physical lack of stamina, and they spoke of the shortened waits. Oh, and the kids weren't all autistic, although you seem determined to make this an autism vs other disabilities battle.

I have seen some members of the disability board here say that it doesn't necessarily shorten waits, but those members have children/family members with mobility issues as well and they often DO wait for longer even with a GAC. I also feel that those members have been trying to prepare people for the fact that it MIGHT NOT shorten the wait, as it certainly can depend upon the CM in charge of the ride. I will quite honestly say that I did find this to be somewhat misleading, which is why I searched out sources other than this board. I would love to see you provide an earlier "GAC doesn't shorten waits" post from someone who is now upset by the upcoming changes.

I'm not sure why you are so eager to make those who are upset about the changes out to be liars.

Go back on the disabilities board and do a search for threads discussing the GAC. There are tons of them. And everyone who ever discusses the GAC ALWAYS SAY it doesn't shorten waits and is not a FOTL access. I have.never seen anybody admit it worked as an unlimited fastpass.

And I am not making this an issue of Autism against other disabilities. It is the ppl with Autistic kids claiming they need some special treatment that the other disabilities don't necessarily need.

Some ppl are even in denial about the change and want to wish it into being that Disney is still going to make extra special accommodations for Autistic families.

 

[BuzzNwoodY0824]

I guess we were one of the few who didn't abuse it? With a party of 9, including an elderly woman who cannot walk around the park in a scooter, we would never try to go on as a full group. We would send two or three (depending on ride or show) with her, and the rest of us would be in line. We only went in full groups when we saw we were not preventing another ADA from using seating in a theater, or if the cast member insisted we could all go on together.

Guess we will have to see how the system works.

 

[AndreaA]

Some ppl are even in denial about the change and want to wish it into being that Disney is still going to make extra special accommodations for Autistic families.

I think you will be the one disappointed when you find out that some lenience is allowed for those who truly need it. Again, I hope you never have to experience what that is like. I am certainly thankful that my son should not be seriously affected by the upcoming changes, but would never begrudge access to those who will be and find it sad that so many would.