Some questions about the GAC (General Assistance Card)

[MBW]

I've read the DisAbilities FAQ regarding the GAC, but some of the threads which would have perhaps answered some of my lingering questions are no longer accessible, so I thought I'd pose them here.

I've mentioned in previous posts that my preschooler (age 3) has autism, and thus is eligible to use a GAC. We recently took him to an amusement park here in Maine, and his main issues appear to revolve around waiting in line and getting off rides. The latter we obviously can't do much about (I'm sure we'll see more than one tantrum from our relatively tantrum-free child over disembarking), and I understand that the GAC is not a "jump to the head of the line" pass. I've read, and heard from Guest Services that we're to use FP as much as possible - does that mean we need to get a FP for every ride (which means we can only get one at a time, and will have to wait in line elsewhere) or will we be able to use the FastPass line w/o getting a FP? We're going at an off peak time so that we won't have to deal with long waits (and have everyone w/o special needs kids feel like we're trying to pull a fast one ) but I know he's going to have a hard time waiting for more than 15 minutes at a time. Should I make sure his developmental pediatrician includes that in her note (I know we don't need one, but bringing one just in case)?

Also, I know that my 3yo doesn't have a problem with heat and overexposure to sunlight (he inherited my American Indian skin), but my youngest (20 mos) is still recovering from life-threatening environmental (lead) poisoning, and is still pretty fragile (tires and breaks out in heat rashes easily in high heat and humidity.) Should we request a separate pass for him, so that whomever is touring with him can keep him out of the sun as much as possible? (We have three adults travelling with us, one for each kid, so we'll probably split up at times.)

Anyway, I guess that's enough for now...TIA! Nine more days to go

 

[teri]

Most of them require that you get the FP... it really depends on how busy they are, sometime they just tell you to go ahead. Ask the CM if you are there with the child, they will direct you. Plan on using the Fastpass system though. Our usual strategy is to send on adult or older child with all the tickets to get all the Fastpasses while the rest of us do potty breaks, get drinks, watch people, see other sights, etc.. No point in dragging the whole party into that line, you just stick the passes into the machine and get your FP ticket. One person can do that for everyone.

When our son is with us while we are checking, we ALWAYS tell him that we will do this later, and we try to make a game of getting the tickets so it doesn't seem like such a chore. If the CMs wave us in, we are very happy. Always ask! I wear my GAC in a badge holder on a lanyard around my neck, facing my body, and turn it around to the CMs when I make my request. Most of them seem to appreciate that, and I haven't lost it yet.

We always rent 2-way radios that are powerful enough to reach from park to park or park to resort as well, this makes it much easier to meet up on the fly.

 

[SueM in MN]

First, I would suggest you get a separate Guest Assistance Card for each child. You wouldn't need 2, but it does give you options to split up and they do have different needs.
The other thing to remember is that for most lines, a 15 minute wait isn't just standing in one spot for 15 minutes. You are usually moving slwoly forward. Some of the queues have quite a bit of theming and things to see.
I don't have any good suggestions for the not wanting to get off part. The hardest rides will probably be the short ones, since all of us feel like we have just gotten on them when it is time to get off. The Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities for each park does list the ride duration. I don't know if that would help you, but at least YOU would know whether you are getting on a ride that is 10 minutes or 1.5 minutes. You can pick up a Guidebook at Guest Services.

 

[MBW]

Just wanted to post an update to this thread with some info I received from a fellow poster on an autism board. She said that not only can you get stamps for using a stroller as a wheelchair and alternative entrances, but they were given a specific stamp which allows autistic children (and other with disabilities which interfere with the understanding of social customs such as waiting and turn taking) to use the Fast Pass entrance w/o a FP. I decided to cover all my bases documentation-wise, and have notes from both my pediatricians as well as my DS's ABA program director (I like the latter note, as it was very descriptive when it came to my son's weaknesses.) My source did say that you had to ask for this stamp directly - guest services wasn't very forthcoming in offering it.

Thank again for all the help - 5 more days to go!

 

[teri]

Right... when they give you the GAC at Guest Services they stamp the accomodations on the card. However, even with autistic kids, they still ask that you use the FP if the lines are long. Been there many times! The stamp basically says that you are allowed to use alternate entrances even if the lines are mainstreamed. It is always best to ask the CM at the entrance... sometimes there are differences in interpretation between Guest Services and the CMs at the attractions, and many of us can tell you, it is unpleasant for everyone when the CM gets it in their head that you are asking for an accomodation that is not in keeping with their procedures. Trust me, you have to be cool... it is no fun when a young, gung-ho CM decides to stand up to you, even if you are right. The scene can get very tense, and your kid doesn't need that.

You don't really need the note, but go ahead and take it. Even if you don't really need it at the park, it may come in handy if you have any kind of medical emergency or other issue that arises.

 

[SueM in MN]

Been there too and agree with teri. You will be asked to get fastpasses if at all possible. Sometimes with that stamp, you will wait somewhere else other than in line. It might be in another area of the ride or somewhere else. The waiting IN line is usually the problem. That's when having an alternate entrance or place to wait is helpful.
The basic GACs all look the same, but have different stamps added, depending on what needs you have. The CMs are depending on the information you give them to decide which stamps are appropriate. If you are able to explain your needs, you should get the correct stamps. Read the GAC and ask any questions before you leave Guest Services. If you find that the stamps they have given you don't meet your needs, you can always come back and explain your needs again.
Of all the people who have posted here about getting a GAC, no one has ever been asked to show anything from a doctor or teachers, but if it makes you feel more comfortable, go ahead. The CMs don't have any medical knowledge and don't have time to read a long report, so a letter isn't really helpful to them. Even kids with the same diagnosis don't always have the same problems or needs. What the CMs need is an explanation from you of what sorts of problems you will have and the CM will try to give you tools that will help you deal with the problems.

 

[MBW]

My source for info on the FP stamp said that she had three stamps on her son's GAC - one for the stroller, one for alternative entrances, and one for using FP w/o a FP. I guess I should call Guest Services and get it straightened out. I think it defeats the purpose of even having a GAC if its not helpful, and taking my son to an attraction to pick up a FP, then trying to explain to him that we have to wait an hour or whatever to ride is pretty useless - I can see meltdowns occuring. And I've used FP before, so I truly see the value of it, but not in my son's case.

I'm bringing the documentation, as I personally think its the right thing to do. Perhaps CMs are not as helpful as they could be if they think that too many people try and cheat the system. If you look at the incidence of autism in the general population, even though there appears to be an increase, one would think that there would never be more that a couple dozen autistic kids at WDW at any given time. Seems like it shouldn't be such a big deal to accomodate their disabilities as best as one can, even if it means their waiting time for rides is shortened.

Sorry if I'm sounding stressed - I was feeling so positive about this trip, particularly when I read the post on the other board, as I thought we might actually be able to deal with the waiting and turn taking issues, but now I'm wondering if the whole thing's worth it if we're going to run into ignorant, power-hungry CMs, protecting their small piece of Disney from us advantage-taking parents of disabled kids.

Sigh...We're supposed to be leaving in four days, and our extra adult (we planned to have one adult per kid) just backed out. With this information as well, I really think I need to rethink if we should go.

 

[SueM in MN]

Don't worry. The CMs will try to give you the assistance you need. That's the reason for going to Guest Assistance to talk to someone about your needs. Don't be stressed and just be ready to explain what your child's problems are. Don't be surprised if the CMs don't want to see you documentation. We have had posters who tried to show it and were told that the CMs are not allowed to ask for it because of the ADA law. As I mentioned, it doesn't really help the CMs anyway. What they need is you to explain your needs.
No matter what the stamps say on the GAC, when they give you the GAC, you are asked to use it sparingly, use the regular lines, fastpass, etc if possible and save the GAC for times that you really need it. There may be times during the day when the lines aren't long or your child is being very patient when waiting in the regular line won't be a problem at all. Those are the times when you don't use the GAC at all and those can be growing and learning times for your child. Most CMs are not "turf protectors" to any extreme degree and if you only use your GAC sparingly, you won't run into too many of those anyway.
I also want to assure you that this is usually not a busy time at WDW. My DH, DD and I were to WDW last year a little later in September. We found the ride lines were very manageable and that we were pretty much walking in everything. We had a GAC, but only needed to use it once or twice in our stay. Even when it is busy, in March, you can very often do very well with no special accomidation. We have been there many times over Easter and came out alive and sane.