Report on GAC at Universal

[maburke]

I just returned from a trip to WDW and Universal IoA with my family, including my 5-year-old son with autism. I had read on this forum that it might be difficult to get a GAC (they're actually called Guest Assistance Passes) at Universal. I was ready to argue at guest services outside the park, and to walk out and head back to WDW if we didn't get one. I got no further than "My son has autism--" when she said, "How many in your party?" and issued me a pass to use the Universal Express entrance (the equivalent of Fast Pass). It could not have been easier.

Having said that, I have also read here that WDW (and presumably Universal) are ready to offer the cards to someone with autism, and it's much harder for people with other issues. Let me just say that the GAC and GAP make all the difference for us. (I know because I didn't use it at the Great Movie Ride since the CM said we'd get on right away, and when we didn't, and were stuck in the line maze and my son melted down, it was the longest ten minutes we and any of the other guests there spent in the whole park!) If it would make that much difference for anyone with any other disability, I wholly support your efforts to be provided with one, and I wish the parks would get a better system for issuance.

I just wanted to let you all know that it can be done at Universal!

Meghan
Aidan & Blaise's mom

 

[SueM in MN]

Glad you had a good experience. I think people with autism probably have an easier time getting a GAC than someone who has mobility problems as well as other disabilities.
We knew that GACs existed before we were able to get one. CMs were telling us that they did not exist at the same time as I was reading on the DIS boards that people with autistic children were using them.
We have had great difficulty at times convincing the CMs to give us a GAC because they see my DD has a wheelchair and they think: wheelchair + lines are wheelchair accessible = no need for GAC.
But, we deal with many of the same issues that people with children with autism deal with. And trust me, you don't want to be in line with someone in a wheelchair who is having a melt down. She knows just which parts of the wheelchair to hit into people to inflict the most damage.

 

[Wheelsie]

Universal Employees rock in my book!! I've been treated as a queen everytime I've gone.

 

[adisneyfan2]

It is interesting to read that it is easier to obtain a GAC for autism than a physical disability, because the last time we were at Epcot, the CM in Guest Services gave us a hard time bc my DS "looks okay". I even had a letter from our pediatrician (just in case) indicating that my DS has a "neurological dysfunction...." (etc.) I felt like we were at an Inquisition! After the CM read the letter (describing sensory processing disorder), he told us it sounded like all of WDW was probably inappropriate for my DS (!!!) We did get a GAC in the end, but left the window feeling like criminals. This was only the second time we used the GAC. The first time (also at Epcot) I hardly got "My son has a disorder..." out of my mouth and that CM gave us both the Fast Pass GAC & the Stroller as WC GAC, as well as loads of tips on how to best utilize them. (I didn't even realize at the time that there were four varieties.) Hopefully this last experience was just a fluke, because if we hadn't done it before, I would have given up & probably never tried again. In any case, we are grateful that Disney offers a GAC to help make the entire Kingdom magical for everybody.

 

[SueM in MN]

A lot depends on the CM that you get.
I should mention that my experiences in this post and on the one above are at WDW.
My experiences (and things I've read) are that people with a physical disability (that maybe they wouldn't need a GAC for) and other disabilities (that they do need a GAC for) have a hard time getting one for the first time. The CMs tend to say, "you have a wheelchair and all the lines are wheelchair accessible, so you don't need anything else." We were told that several years in a row at different parks. It didn't matter that a ride CM (who wrote a note for us to take to Guest Services with her name and station) told us we needed to get a GAC after she saw the trouble we had in line. I didn't even matter that DD was hitting other guests in line - the CM basically said that was my problem because I couldn't control my child. It didn't matter to them that the reason she was hitting people was that she has ADD, is impatient and impulsive and couldn't handle people who were touching her wheelchair. One guy even told his toddler to sit on her footrests - on her feet and we had lots of problems with kids in line running their fingers over the spokes in her wheels. Since she's non-verbal, she couldn't tell them, so she hit anyone who was close. Being in long lines made us nervous wrecks because we had to be constantly on alert for what other people might do and what DD would do in retaliation. We finally got our first GAC when a CM listened to what I was saying and saw what a hard time I had even keeping her in line with me in Guest Services.

I even had a letter from our pediatrician (just in case) indicating that my DS has "neurological dysfunction...." (etc.) I felt like we were at an Inquisition! After the CM read the letter (describing sensory processing disorder), he told us it sounded like all of WDW was probably inappropriate for my DS (!!!)

One of the problems with physician letters is that they are often written like a referral for service to another professional (I'm not saying yours was, but I'm a nurse and I know how most things written by doctors come out). The CMs reading them don't have medical training and don't really know what a sensory processing disorder is or what it means to your day. Some things, like autism, are more familiar to them. And, I hate to say this, but it needs to be said. If there are people who rent a wheelchair because they think it will get them better treatment, I'm sure there are people who will fake invisible disabilities. That hurts all the people who really need a GAC if they actually want to be able to do more than just walk around in the parks.
We were told to use our GAC sparingly and save it for when we really needed it, not use it for every ride or attraction. If the line is short or we are able to get a fastpass, we do. The GAC is our emergency card. I don't know if everyone is told or understands that. I know that some people need to use a GAC more often than others, but if large numbers of people use GACs when it doesn't appear they need to, it hurts everyone who uses a GAC.

 

[maburke]

SueMN wrote:
"A lot depends on the CM that you get."

That is very true. Unfortunate, but it seems you could say that about any issue. We need to keep up the positive reinforcement for the good ones! Also, at WDW I was asked what kind of GAC I had, and I didn't know, so I am going to keep mine to show the next time so I hopefully won't have the "Inquisition" experience.

SueMN also wrote:
"It didn't even matter that DD was hitting other guests in line - the CM basically said that was my problem because I couldn't control my child."

I am so sick of that! I expect that (and get it) from the average uninformed citizens around me, but I do not need it from the people who are supposed to be informed and helpful about exactly this issue. I can't tell you how many people I have wished "a child with autism for just one day" upon!!
(Gives a whole new perspective on the "Share a Wish Come True" Parade!!)

Keep up the good work.

Meghan

 

[LindaDVC]

They used to give special treatment to w/cs until people starting abusing the system and getting a w/c JUST to get on more rides!

I hope people don't start abusing other disabilities as well.
As a pediatric OT-- I know some kids "melt down" and need assistance.

On the other hand -- my ADHD son would never be allowed a GAC
because I feel if he can't handle the ride -- he doesn't ride. He has severe ADHD and goes to a private school that only deals with LD/ADHD and he is the hyper-est!

He often chooses not to ride if they have a line. His choice!
He prefers vacations to HH where he can fish, bike ride, crab, swim, watch videos, etc on HIS schedule!

Linda

 

[maburke]

LindaDVC wrote:

"I hope people don't start abusing other disabilities as well.
As a pediatric OT-- I know some kids "melt down" and need assistance."

I think SueM gave a very good example. When you have a non-verbal kid who is over-reacting in a way that is totally unpredictable to the people around him or her, you have a situation that is much better avoided for the safety and comfort of all guests.

"On the other hand -- my ADHD son would never be allowed a GAC
because I feel if he can't handle the ride -- he doesn't ride."

We're not talking about the rides. We're talking about the lines.

"He often chooses not to ride if they have a line. His choice!"

That's great, if you have a child who can understand what will happen when you describe it, and can verbalize his choice. My son is completely incapable of understanding the concept of a line. Also,
I'll never know if he will like Space Mountain, because I can't describe it in a way that he can understand, and I am afraid he would get on it and think that the darkness and wild ride will never end. Even if I could explain all of that, he has trouble indicating his choices and is almost nonverbal.
I agree, I hope the system is not misused by those who do not need it. But it's a risk I am willing to take, because without it, WDW would be an impossible nightmare for us.

 

[adisneyfan2]

I agree with Sue M. about the physician letter (if you use one). I made sure my DSs letter described his disabilities (autism & sensory processing disorder) in lay terms related to WDW (e.g. lines. stimulation, etc.) I agree that you cannot expect CMs to interpret the medical mumbo-jumbo, so ask your pediatrician to concentrate on the practical aspects of what is hard for your special needs person & what would help.

 

[Figment1964]

Our pediatrician wrote a generic letter for us to have, not just for WDW, and here is what it says:

"To Whom it May Concern:

Cameron is a young man with Asperger's Syndrome. This is a medical condition which results predominantly in behavioral problems. He has no significant physical limitation but may be considered as having a type of behavioral/cogntive disability. Please make appropriate accommodations for Cameron. His family has excellent knowledge of his condition and can provide accurate information as to his unique needs."

It may not explain everything that I wished it did (sensory issues, etc.) but I like that she wrote that we have "excellent" knowledge about AS and can provide the information they need. So we'll see how it goes! I actually will just start by telling them he has Autism and only use the letter if they question me on that. I am ready and willing to give a lesson on Autism Spectrum Disorders and Asperger Syndrome 101 if I need to!

 

[LindaDVC]

I meant line not ride!

Yesterday we went to a water park and he refused to do any lines and choose to stay in the wave pool. So I enjoyed the rides that I wanted by myself. He was happy as well.

Luckily he is able to verbalize and cognitively knows what he "can" and "able" (or "chooses") to tolerate. However I have read many posts about parents getting GACS for adhd kids.
I am not trying to start any arguments-- I know first hand about some "melt downs" that occur with some kids and feel some kids NEED the GAC.

I can just imagine some parents using "mild" conditions to get a GAC and Disney having to limit them just like they did w/c access due to the abuse.


Linda

 

[SueM in MN]

I can just imagine some parents using "mild" conditions to get a GAC and Disney having to limit them just like they did w/c access due to the abuse.

I agree. Two example:
My nephew has Asperger's Syndrome. He would be perfectly fine with waiting in lines (it's the rides he might worry about). He wouldn't need a GAC, but there are some people with Asperger's who might need a GAC.
My DD had 2 girls with Down Syndromw in her class. One might need a wheelchair because of issues not having stamina to walk that far, but she would not need a GAC. The other girl for sure would because she has issues with sapce, etc.

 

[adisneyfan2]

I can just imagine some parents using "mild" conditions to get a GAC

I hope I don't get flamed for saying this, but I have to comment:

I know there are some people who would abuse anything just to gain some advantage, but I also have to say that my DS is one of those whose condition might appear "mild" to some people. One of the reasons he looks so "good" is because we make every effort (including using the GAC when necessary) to avert triggers. The result is less stress for everyone (including other people at the parks!)

I've often grumbled to myself when I see someone slide a handicapped parking card onto their mirror, then march into a store looking just fine to me, but I've learned (the hard way) that not every disability is visible or obvious. (I still grumble sometimes, but try to remind myself that I really don't know for sure that the person is abusing the privelege.) Unfortunately, my DS & my family have also been the target of some unkind looks and comments at WDW for using the GAC, and even at his school for getting "unfair special help" just because he seems "pretty normal" lots of the time.

I hope the GAC is not abused, because that could result in taking it away from those who legitimately benefit from it. But I also hope that we can all be careful about making snap judgments since we all know not every disability is visible.

Thanks!

 

[SueM in MN]

I hope no one flames you because we all realize that some things are not visible. The family or the person are the only ones who know how much and what assistance they need.
But, that said, I know of a few people (outside of the DIS Board) who have said they will get a GAC and use it for every attraction whether they need it or not and that they deserve it because they have a child with a disability.
I'm sure there are people who are faking or exagerating invisible disabilities the same way that there are some people who do abuse wheelchairs. I hope the number is small, very small. I hope the fakers won't ruin things for people with true needs (visible or invisible) the same way that people who pretended to need a refrigerator for medication made WDW start charging people who really needed a refrigerator. There is no "secret test" to tell whether a person needs a GAC or not. The system relies on the honesty of the people using it, and unfortunately, sometimes the dishonest people are what people think are the rules instaed of the exception.
One of my points was that not every person with a disability needs a GAC, many need it sometimes, but don't need it for every ride/line. If WDW perceives that many people are faking or overusing the GAC, it is possible that they will stop providing it. If they do, the people who really need it will be unable to enjoy WDW.

 

[LindaDVC]

Sue --
Thanks for doing a great job explaining my concerns about the potential "fakers" .

Linda

 

[adisneyfan2]

Thank you for saying it more clearly than I did -- I have the same concerns as LindaDVC, and hope the "fakers" don't ruin it for everyone who really needs it, visible or not!

 

[VanBrujah]

I am new to this board, so I may be asking for info or advice that the rest of you have gone over already, so please be patient with me

From what I am reading, the GAC doesn't seem to be appropriate for physical problems. All the posts I see give me the impression that it is more for neurological type problems. Is this the case, or am I misunderstanding this? One of my group has a physical problem, the other has Downs Syndrome.

Also, the group I am going with will be around 10 people, but 2 of us will need this kind of assistance. We will probably be splitting up into groups, and certain attractions will most likely not be appropriate for our friend with Downs. What I am most worried about is what will happen if all of us go together on one of the attractions, say Pirates or it's a small world. I don't want it to look like we are taking advantge of the situation, or "fakers", but we don't want to split up if we don't have to. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

VanBrujah
19 days and counting....

 

[adisneyfan2]

I'm not an authority by any means, but I wouldn't say the GAC excludes physical disabilities, or that it is limited to neurological disorders. To my knowledge there are four varieties of GAC:

1. Allows a stroller or other "vehicle" to be used as a wheelchair (so can be taken in line)
2. Allows use of handicapped entrance, exit, or fastpass line for entrance
3. Allows seating in reserved area (at front?) to shows, etc. for visual impairment
4. Allows guest(s) to wait in alternate shaded area for sun or heat sensitivity

It is possible that more than one type of GAC may be issued at the same time. In any case, all GAC's are limited to the bearer & up to five guests. Even if a larger group split up and each half was with a guest with a GAC, you still may not be together since it seems that they often stagger the groups. Additionally, the GAC is NOT a "pass" for instant entry or to avoid waiting. (Some rides have given us a yellow ticket to return to the entrance in a specified time -- usually about the same as the standby wait time.)

I hope this helps!

 

[SueM in MN]

Linda and adisneyfan2, thanks for the thanks. i knew what you were saying because it was what I wnated to say too. I just hoped I could make it say what I knew we all meant.

Pretty good explanation of the GAC, adisneyfan2.
Sometimes a GAC isn't really the most appropriate assistance for a person who has only a physical disability that affects mobility. I have seen people who want to get a GAC because they are worried about waiting/walking in lines, but they have forgotten about the distance they will be walking between attractions. For that person, an ecv or wheelchair might be more appropriate since it would keep them from having to walk the long distances and just having a wheelchair of ecv allows you to bring it in line with you (making a place to sit and wait). Most waiting areas don't have any seating and in some attractions (like Pirates and ITTBAB), you still have to walk thru the queue because that's the way in and you can't board at the exit.
Some people have other isues besides mobility (like can't wait in the sun and/or heat. A GAC might be more appropriate for someone who has issues other than or in addition to mobility.

 

[JudithM]

From my experiences at WDW, the GAC does include guests with physical disabilites. I have a chronic knee condition - some days are better than others. Some days I use my handicapped parking permit & other days I feel better & don't use it. Most days I don't look like I have a "problem," but I do sometimes wonder what others around me are thinking when they see me get out of the car.

I try to pace myself & try to plan/think ahead. For example, we were away this weekend. The friend we visited with lives two flights up from the building entrance (no elevator). I'm not supposed to do a lot of stairs. So I paced myself & planned my trips upstairs accordingly.

I try to pace/plan ahead at WDW, too. I have been able to get my GAC for myself & guests with me. Most CMs are very accommodating & very aware, & I appreciate it.