Replacement for GAC

[Kay1]

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.

MinnieLovesMickey, it's true that the GAC was not a FOTL pass. The two are very different. There was never a disAbilities conspiracy to keep hidden information from you. Many people thought they were getting FOTL access with the GAC and then became angry when they found out that was not the case.

SueMN, the moderator of the disAbilities, had a photo of the long "wheelchair" line at Small World, showing what people expecting FOTL might face - a longer wait than Standby. disAbilities, to me, seems to have been trying to manage expectations, not lie.

 

[Kay1]

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.

I think you are quite right, AndreaA.

 

[StacyMarie]

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

Me too!

 

[Objectivity]

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.

I think part of the issue is that you don't know what a person's needs are by reading a post on a message board and comments get jumbled. Many people who have children with autism need a quiet place or a place less crowded (or a place with less stimulation from interactive exhibits). Honestly, I'm not seeing many posts here from people affected by autism saying the change will be bad.

What I'm seeing are people who are questioning what the policy will be for those who aren't affected by Autism. They don't need a quiet place. They don't want a system that doesn't account for their needs. Right now, all that's been released is information as it relates to Autism. How will someone legally blind get up close seating? How will someone with mobility issues but not a wheelchair receive the assistance they need? A kiosk could become a hardship in that situation.

Once the whole policy is released a lot of this will be more clear. Right now, some people are trying to connect dots that don't yet form a picture.

 

[Objectivity]

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.

I just had another thought. Do you/we know what each GAC provided? It could be that the two groups you talked about had two entirely different GACs.

The GAC my wife used did not include FOTL. It did not include a quiet waiting area. She had no need for either and would say so. Someone else may say the exact opposite because they had different needs.

 

[MinnieLovesMickey12]

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.

I wouldn't be disappointed. But I think it is foolish to think Disney would go through all of this trouble to reinvent the whole DAS/GAC system and still fall into the same old habit of providing extra consideration for ppl with Autism. The abuse would still happen just like it is happening now. Nothing would have changed. So be prepared for yourself to be disappointed actually.

If they give any extra consideration even if it is a few extra FP's, every single abuser will still use it to their advantage.

There is still going to be some abuse when ppl realize using a DAS is like being able to have 2 fastpasses out at one time. That is still better than able bodied ppl have it. So ppl will still fake it. But not as much as they did when it was used as an unlimited fastpass.

 

[sunshinehighway]

I think part of the issue is that you don't know what a person's needs are by reading a post on a message board and comments get jumbled. Many people who have children with autism need a quiet place or a place less crowded (or a place with less stimulation from interactive exhibits). Honestly, I'm not seeing many posts here from people affected by autism saying the change will be bad.

What I'm seeing are people who are questioning what the policy will be for those who aren't affected by Autism. They don't need a quiet place. They don't want a system that doesn't account for their needs. Right now, all that's been released is information as it relates to Autism. How will someone legally blind get up close seating? How will someone with mobility issues but not a wheelchair receive the assistance they need? A kiosk could become a hardship in that situation.

Once the whole policy is released a lot of this will be more clear. Right now, some people are trying to connect dots that don't yet form a picture.

I can understand those with needs other than difficulty waiting being concerned. What information had come out doesn't address their concerns. Hopefully more information will be released soon.

I do disagree about people concerned with how this will impact autistic guests. It seems those posters are most against this system. It's the people who are saying their party cannot wait (do ti a spectrum disorder) that are most vocal. They have even started petitions.

 

[AndreaA]

I wouldn't be disappointed. But I think it is foolish to think Disney would go through all of this trouble to reinvent the whole DAS/GAC system and still fall into the same old habit of providing extra consideration for ppl with Autism. The abuse would still happen just like it is happening now. Nothing would have changed. So be prepared for yourself to be disappointed actually.

First, I won't be disappointed either way, because the proposed system should work for us if we still need it during our next visit. I think that going through this change will discourage abuse - at least for a while - and that will quiet the current anger against the GAC and that is really what Disney wants to do. They could not care less about making things perfectly "equal". They want the bad publicity from the rampant GAC abuse news stories to go away. If you think they will then want the bad publicity from the parents of a child with severe physical or mental disability going to the news about how their child was not allowed to ride the teacups three times in a row, then I think you're mistaken. Obviously we'll have to wait to see how it all shakes out.

Second, again with the "extra consideration for ppl with autism" line. In all of my research, after reading blog posts and the comments for numerous GAC articles, I would say that at least half, if not more, of people who needed the GAC to work like a FP were NOT autistic. They were parents of kids who had GI tubes, or needed nebulizer treatments or had severe physical stamina issues, or heart conditions, or epilepsy, etc., etc., etc., and wanted to be able to do more than three rides before they HAD to leave the parks to deal with medical issues. And yes, some people were parents of severely autistic children who generally had other medical fragility issues as well. Those are the people I think DESERVE and will still be allowed to move more quickly through the lines. If you really don't think they deserve any sort of extra consideration, with all the other things they have to deal with, well then I really don't know what else to say.

 

[BillSears]

...How will someone with mobility issues but not a wheelchair receive the assistance they need? A kiosk could become a hardship in that situation...

I've heard that this will be handled by enforcing the existing rule. Those with mobility issues will not be issued a GAC and instead they will be told to rent a wheelchair/ECV.

 

[MinnieLovesMickey12]

First, I won't be disappointed either way, because the proposed system should work for us if we still need it during our next visit. I think that going through this change will discourage abuse - at least for a while - and that will quiet the current anger against the GAC and that is really what Disney wants to do. They could not care less about making things perfectly "equal". They want the bad publicity from the rampant GAC abuse news stories to go away. If you think they will then want the bad publicity from the parents of a child with severe physical or mental disability going to the news about how their child was not allowed to ride the teacups three times in a row, then I think you're mistaken. Obviously we'll have to wait to see how it all shakes out.

Second, again with the "extra consideration for ppl with autism" line. In all of my research, after reading blog posts and the comments for numerous GAC articles, I would say that at least half, if not more, of people who needed the GAC to work like a FP were NOT autistic. They were parents of kids who had GI tubes, or needed nebulizer treatments or had severe physical stamina issues, or heart conditions, or epilepsy, etc., etc., etc., and wanted to be able to do more than three rides before they HAD to leave the parks to deal with medical issues. And yes, some people were parents of severely autistic children who generally had other medical fragility issues as well. Those are the people I think DESERVE and will still be allowed to move more quickly through the lines. If you really don't think they deserve any sort of extra consideration, with all the other things they have to deal with, well then I really don't know what else to say.

I don't know what GAC articles or blog posts you are reading but you need to spend a little time HERE on the DIS doing a search under the DISabilities board for threads regarding GAC use. Enlighten yourself a little about who and what ppl have had to say about the GAC.

And not to seem snarky but do you really think anybody is going to feel sorry for ANY FAMILY that would go on the news to complain they didn't get a chance to ride teacups three times in a row? That would seem a little ridiculous and entitled and I doubt the news would even air that. So what can they complain about to the news? We use to get to use the GAc as an unlimited fastpass but now we can't. We have to wait like everyone else. That is not much of a news story either.

Ppl are making it an Autism issue. Did you not read the PP poster who stated some of the Autism families have even started petitions to vote against the new system before it even rolls out?

 

[BigAlsGal]

First, I won't be disappointed either way, because the proposed system should work for us if we still need it during our next visit. I think that going through this change will discourage abuse - at least for a while - and that will quiet the current anger against the GAC and that is really what Disney wants to do. They could not care less about making things perfectly "equal". They want the bad publicity from the rampant GAC abuse news stories to go away. If you think they will then want the bad publicity from the parents of a child with severe physical or mental disability going to the news about how their child was not allowed to ride the teacups three times in a row, then I think you're mistaken. Obviously we'll have to wait to see how it all shakes out.

Second, again with the "extra consideration for ppl with autism" line. In all of my research, after reading blog posts and the comments for numerous GAC articles, I would say that at least half, if not more, of people who needed the GAC to work like a FP were NOT autistic. They were parents of kids who had GI tubes, or needed nebulizer treatments or had severe physical stamina issues, or heart conditions, or epilepsy, etc., etc., etc., and wanted to be able to do more than three rides before they HAD to leave the parks to deal with medical issues. And yes, some people were parents of severely autistic children who generally had other medical fragility issues as well. Those are the people I think DESERVE and will still be allowed to move more quickly through the lines. If you really don't think they deserve any sort of extra consideration, with all the other things they have to deal with, well then I really don't know what else to say.

All disney is required to do by law is provide access. Everyone by law needs to be able to get on the ride. If you can get on the ride they are doing what they are suppose to do. Apparently universal has been doing this for quite some time now. It works there. It will work here. I heavily doubt there will be anymore expediting people to the front of the line. Make a wish being the exception.

 

[AndreaA]

I don't know what GAC articles or blog posts you are reading but you need to spend a little time HERE on the DIS doing a search under the DISabilities board for threads regarding GAC use. Enlighten yourself a little about who and what ppl have had to say about the GAC.

Why should I? The DIS is a teeny tiny fraction of the population, and if I limited my exposure just to this board then I would have a skewed view of many, many things, not just the GAC use.

As for the rest, I think you'd be surprised what the news airs as a "human interest" story. I've definitely heard stories that were as minor as my rather simplistic example, and yes, they did generate sympathy and I can only imagine that images of an obviously disabled child denied a relatively simple request would garner quite a bit. If you saw video of a child with a tracheotomy who could only leave the resort for a couple of hours at a time, would you really think she was acting entitled for asking for some special consideration?

All disney is required to do by law is provide access. Everyone by law needs to be able to get on the ride. If you can get on the ride they are doing what they are suppose to do. Apparently universal has been doing this for quite some time now. It works there. It will work here. I heavily doubt there will be anymore expediting people to the front of the line. Make a wish being the exception.

Actually, that's not true. Universal has an "express pass" that those at the resorts get automatically and which others can purchase. Many people have said they will switch to Universal and use that pass if Disney won't accommodate their needs. Yes, their specified ADA compliant pass is similar to what Disney is now proposing, but the ability to get something like an unlimited FP is still there.

 

[Objectivity]

I don't know what GAC articles or blog posts you are reading but you need to spend a little time HERE on the DIS doing a search under the DISabilities board for threads regarding GAC use. Enlighten yourself a little about who and what ppl have had to say about the GAC.

And not to seem snarky but do you really think anybody is going to feel sorry for ANY FAMILY that would go on the news to complain they didn't get a chance to ride teacups three times in a row? That would seem a little ridiculous and entitled and I doubt the news would even air that. So what can they complain about to the news? We use to get to use the GAc as an unlimited fastpass but now we can't. We have to wait like everyone else. That is not much of a news story either.

Ppl are making it an Autism issue. Did you not read the PP poster who stated some of the Autism families have even started petitions to vote against the new system before it even rolls out?

Will anyone feel sorry for someone who doesn't ride teacups three times? No. Will someone feel sorry if medical experts says that Disney has a policy that is hostile to those with autism? You bet your bippy.

Why are you so upset about people with medical needs receiving accommodations so they can enjoy Disney alongside you? I can see getting mad at the moochers, but those with legitimate need? Really? If you don't think they would trade a slightly more convenient line for a life without disability, you're crazy.

As for the petitions... They're stupid. They don't even know what they're protesting yet. Once the full policy is released then that action can be reevaluated.

 

[Jrob369]

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.

The law calls it reasonable modification not equal access just so you know. With that being said, Disney obviously thought the gac system was reasonable. And, yes, some disabilities require different accommodations not the same access to all forms of disability. There wouldn't be a need of closed captioning for a blind person. There should be different accommodations when possible for different disabilities. It is also against the law for Disney to ask details about the disability. So they are caught between cracking down on cheaters and those that actually need assistance. I think they have, if all reports are true, swung too far in the wrong direction.

 

[Objectivity]

I've heard that this will be handled by enforcing the existing rule. Those with mobility issues will not be issued a GAC and instead they will be told to rent a wheelchair/ECV.

I question that. Does Disney really want to put itself in the position of telling people how they should care for their disability? What happens when someone with mobility issues is improperly fitted in a wheelchair and falls out, or a brake malfunctions. They'll have documentation thatbdisney told them to use that equipment mounds like a liability nightmare.

 

[AndreaA]

Why are you so upset about people with medical needs receiving accommodations so they can enjoy Disney alongside you? I can see getting mad at the moochers, but those with legitimate need? Really? If you don't think they would trade a slightly more convenient line for a life without disability, you're crazy.

That's what I don't understand either.

 

[MinnieLovesMickey12]

Will anyone feel sorry for someone who doesn't ride teacups three times? No. Will someone feel sorry if medical experts says that Disney has a policy that is hostile to those with autism? You bet your bippy.

Why are you so upset about people with medical needs receiving accommodations so they can enjoy Disney alongside you? I can see getting mad at the moochers, but those with legitimate need? Really? If you don't think they would trade a slightly more convenient line for a life without disability, you're crazy.

As for the petitions... They're stupid. They don't even know what they're protesting yet. Once the full policy is released then that action can be reevaluated.

Ppl with disabilities are going to receive accommodations. Those accommodations have been explained in several posts and articles. Those with disabilities are going to be able to get a DAS fastpass AND a regular fastpass. Which is twice the accommodations that able bodied ppl get.

I agree the petitions are stupid.

We'll just have to wait a few weeks and see how they handle it when it actually rolls out and all these ppl go to guest services expecting old fashioned GAC's.

I read Disney is even beefing up security at Guest Services in anticipation of ppl getting verbally abusive and out of hand once they realize the drastic change the program has taken.

So we'll see.

 

[BigAlsGal]

Will anyone feel sorry for someone who doesn't ride teacups three times? No. Will someone feel sorry if medical experts says that Disney has a policy that is hostile to those with autism? You bet your bippy.

Why are you so upset about people with medical needs receiving accommodations so they can enjoy Disney alongside you? I can see getting mad at the moochers, but those with legitimate need? Really? If you don't think they would trade a slightly more convenient line for a life without disability, you're crazy.

As for the petitions... They're stupid. They don't even know what they're protesting yet. Once the full policy is released then that action can be reevaluated.

I'm sure autism speaks wouldn't approve of this program if it didnt accommodate autistic children. Disney is a huge company and do their research before making these changes to touchy subjects.

 

[BillSears]

I question that. Does Disney really want to put itself in the position of telling people how they should care for their disability? What happens when someone with mobility issues is improperly fitted in a wheelchair and falls out, or a brake malfunctions. They'll have documentation thatbdisney told them to use that equipment mounds like a liability nightmare.

Well, that's what they're saying in the FAQ on the disABLITIES board. But it's all rumor at this point.

I was talking to some people about this today. Some of them use the GAC for mobility and/or stamina concerns and they seemed to believe that going directly into the FP line or exits was their right. They were not happy to hear the system was changing.

Disclaimer: This next part is based on the information and rumors going around.

My understanding is that with the new system, people with mobility or stamina issues will be told that they need to use mobility devices (cane, crutches, wheelchair, walker, scooter). I know this is the current guideline but this will be a firm rule.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3151785

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=49631927&postcount=5

 

[mefordis]

MinnielovesMickey12...please go somewhere else and stop trolling here. When you have a 5 year old daughter with Down Syndrome (like I do) or Autism, then please come back and you can have an intelligible conversation. Otherwise, don't let the door hit you....

Wiscbugs, I am genuinely curious what accommodation you are looking for that the new program doesn't provide? Not trolling at all, just curious.

Thanks!