Special needs pass???

[ThreeBeans]

We mentioned to our boys' behavioral therapist that we are going to Disney in two weeks; she promptly rejoined that she would write us a note to get them special needs passes for the lines. Can anyone clarify for me what these are and what purpose they serve?

 

[SueM in MN]

It's not actually a pass, it is a card that is meant to help so that you don't need to explain your needs to each CM at each attraction. It is called a Guest Assistance Card and you will find full information about Guest Assistance Cards in post 6 of the disABILITIES FAQs. That thread is near the top of this board or you can follow the link in my signature to get there.

You do not need a doctor's letter to get one, although many people with invisible issues might feel more comfortable having one. Be prepared that the CMs will not want to look at it and will ask you to explain what your childrens needs or issues that you need help with are ( not their diagnosis).

 

[bookwormde]

If you have more questions after you have read up, please feel free to ask, we have lot of parents of kids with social, Sensory, executive function and other skill differntials which can make the lines and the associated generated behaviors challenging, that have lots of experiance.

bookwormde

 

[ThreeBeans]

Thanks very much for the information.

I have two boys who have minimal tolerance for having their space invaded and tend to freak out when spoken to by strangers. Right now the diagnosis is "Developmental Delays" although the older boy is showing clear signs of being on the spectrum. For a variety of reasons we have not yet pursued an 'official' diagnosis.

I am hoping by having the plethora of adults we will with us (five, all family), we can sort of form a barricade around them and create a 'bubble' and avoid the happenstance of a friendly stranger trying to engage them in long, boring lines.

The three year old, in particular, has spectacular meltdowns which have stymied pretty much everyone we've worked with. I'm thinking it will be pretty disastrous if one happens in those long lines where it's very difficult to walk 'back out' even with a non tantrumming child.

I'd definitely appreciate any thoughts from those who have BTDT, thank you!

 

[PatMcDuck]

Disney might be a rough ride for you, people will talk to your kids, both other guests and cast members. Even as you board a ride, the CM usually speaks to the kids, even just to repeat a safety direction. This will be hard to avoid.

If I understand your post, you will have 5 adults and 2 children with you? I think the GAC only covers up to 6 people, I could be wrong.

Good luck to you, I hope you all have fun. Avoid the Studios on the weekends, it will be very crowded with Star Wars weekend guests.


PS when a child is having a meltdown or tantrum, the crowd will split like the Red Sea to let you escape. Been there, done that. (and once it was because my 10 year old had a major MAJOR toileting accident in the Space Mt queue. and that is a VERY hard queue to get out of in a hurry!)

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Thanks very much for the information.

I have two boys who have minimal tolerance for having their space invaded and tend to freak out when spoken to by strangers. Right now the diagnosis is "Developmental Delays" although the older boy is showing clear signs of being on the spectrum. For a variety of reasons we have not yet pursued an 'official' diagnosis.

I am hoping by having the plethora of adults we will with us (five, all family), we can sort of form a barricade around them and create a 'bubble' and avoid the happenstance of a friendly stranger trying to engage them in long, boring lines.

The three year old, in particular, has spectacular meltdowns which have stymied pretty much everyone we've worked with. I'm thinking it will be pretty disastrous if one happens in those long lines where it's very difficult to walk 'back out' even with a non tantrumming child.

I'd definitely appreciate any thoughts from those who have BTDT, thank you!

One thing you might find particularly helpful is the "stroller as a wheelchair" option of the GAC. They will give you a sticker you can affix to your stroller and it allows you to use the stroller in line. I could see this being especially helpful for your 3yo. He'd have his own "space" so he isn't being crowded by others in line.

 

[ThreeBeans]

8 people total, three kids, one neurotypical, 2 special needs. We will have two GACs if I understand the system correctly?

The stroller use is a good tip...what happens to it when you board the attraction? (We're bringing a Mac Volo, which is quite light and compact, fortunately)

Good to know about the Red Sea DS2 is STRONG for a three year old

 

[TeddiBarra]

Technically, if both boys needed it, you'd have two GAC cards. They should be able to help a party of 6.

If the 3 yr old is perhaps the one you are more concerned about, I think the strollers idea may be helpful (IF of course your son feels more secure in a stroller!). They can issue you a card that allows your stroller to be treated as a wheelchair and you could keep your son in it while waiting in lines.

A GAC is not in stone. It never hurts to try it out for a day... if it was just not meeting your needs, go back to guest relations and tell them it isn't working and see what else could be worked out. It may be possible for him (and your party) to be allowed to wait in a separate area, etc.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

When you have a "Stroller as Wheelchair" it can be taken all the way through the queue to Load and will be parked there. If Load and Unload are separate locations the stroller will magically appear at Unload. If the queue is not fully accessible you will be directed to an alternate entrance.

 

[jdjeffers]

Do take the letter from your Doctor! And DO GET THE GAC! Our son is in a wheelchair with Cerebral Palsy. The first year we went, we got the GAC and it was never asked for....second year at Disney we didn't bother getting it and found difficulty with many castmembers at rides! One told us that they must see the card to know his disabilities are real...don't be talked out of getting it even if no one asks for it!

 

[staceyhzoo]

8 people total, three kids, one neurotypical, 2 special needs. We will have two GACs if I understand the system correctly?

The stroller use is a good tip...what happens to it when you board the attraction? (We're bringing a Mac Volo, which is quite light and compact, fortunately)

Good to know about the Red Sea DS2 is STRONG for a three year old

When dd (SPD, Asperger's) goes we always use a stroller. I took her Mac last year and it was a disaster. It wasn't very crowded but people could still get close to her and she got bumped a few times. I had another stroller and used it for the rest of the trip (the dumb Mac's frame bent on the first day in the parks). DD has some of the same issues you've mentioned in your younger ds and she has done best if she can cover up with the sun shade on the stroller and look out the top 'window'.

GAC has been wonderful for us. We use the stroller as wheelchair and also have the stamp for needs a quiet place to wait. We have been fortunate enough to use it with character greetings too. We didn't get a shorter wait time but I was allowed to wait in line while dh, dd, and ds went for a stroll or we waited in the exit areas. It's really a life saver.

Have a wonderful time!!

 

[autismmom1]

I encourage you wholeheartedly to try the GAC. Only in very rare instances did we have a CM seem to "question" the validity of our using it.

Just like other posters mentioned, it isn't a pass...most of the time it is used with a stamp that says something specific to yor situation. You'll still have a wait, but more often than not, it will be a manageable wait. You may also use it in character lines, but only those that are "indoors" and have an alternate area to wait. You'll still be exposed to crowds, but it truly makes a difference when the wait is thirty minutes as opposed to an hour when you have a kid with autism. We were able to do so many things I didn't think possible because of the GAC and I have emailed Disney every year to thank them for making it available.

Be aware there may be instances like the "Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor" (MK) and the shows in Epcot World Showcase where using the GAC doesn't apply, since it is an audience type situation, so you won't need to show it unless your child is in a wheelchair, etc.

You may occasionally get dirty looks, especially since your child may not "seem" disabled, but trust me, these people don't want to stand in line with a child having a meltdown either, so you'd get those looks even if you didn't use the GAC.

It is a Godsend, take advantage of the opportunity!

 

[cosine4]

I think that you have gotten some pretty good advice. As an adult who has issues in crowded spaces (when people crowd/bump me it causes pain, then anxiety from worrying about people bumping me causes even more pain), in addition to the advice already given I would:

1. Check out www.touringplans.com The crowd calendar will give you advice one 'best' park to go to on any given day based on lots of data. They are pretty accurate and can make a huge difference.

2. Take advantage of Fast Pass, take the time that you would have been standing in line and go somewhere quite.

3. Stop to smell the roses (but don't pick them ). There are so many small details that Disney puts into their parks that you can still be entertained and amazed without going to the crowded headliner attractions. This will give you time to 'unwind' between attractions.

Have a great trip!

 

[donaldandpirates]

We used the GAC and the stroller as a wheelchair sticker for our autistic son. It was a lifesaver, and we will be using it again when we go back. When we saw Turtle Talk with Crush and Monsters, Inc., Laugh floor, we were able to go through the wheelchair entrance and be seated down front off to the side in the theater. I also agree with the PP to take time to stop and smell the roses. There is so much to discover!!!

 

[sl_underwood]

You have gotten some great advice. I have a son who has PTSD and a PDD-NOS dx and the GAC helped immensely. We did the stroller as a wheelchair and it helped him to feel safe in the crowds. We also used tourguide mike for our last trip. This trip (we will be there around the same time you are) we are using touring plans and planning as much as we can on the least crowded days. I think that good planning can really make all the difference. Some good advice that I received before our first trip with Luke was to try and keep his schedule as close to normal as possible. For us, keeping both his sleeping and eating schedule similar helped. He has less anxiety when he eats at specific times and his sleep schedule does wonders for his behavior issues. Also, dont try and do to much. Pick the few things that are the most important and everything else is jst extra. Be flexible and take cues from your kids. If they are headed for a meltdown, try and find a place where they can get some quiet time. Rides like the one next to space mountain (cant remember the name) that are slow and usually dead are great for this. Feel free to PM me with any specific questions and I will be glad to help in any way I can.

 

[livndisney]

You have gotten some great advice. I have a son who has PTSD and a PDD-NOS dx and the GAC helped immensely. We did the stroller as a wheelchair and it helped him to feel safe in the crowds. We also used tourguide mike for our last trip. This trip (we will be there around the same time you are) we are using touring plans and planning as much as we can on the least crowded days. I think that good planning can really make all the difference. Some good advice that I received before our first trip with Luke was to try and keep his schedule as close to normal as possible. For us, keeping both his sleeping and eating schedule similar helped. He has less anxiety when he eats at specific times and his sleep schedule does wonders for his behavior issues. Also, dont try and do to much. Pick the few things that are the most important and everything else is jst extra. Be flexible and take cues from your kids. If they are headed for a meltdown, try and find a place where they can get some quiet time. Rides like the one next to space mountain (cant remember the name) that are slow and usually dead are great for this. Feel free to PM me with any specific questions and I will be glad to help in any way I can.

Carousel of Progress or the Peoplemover?

 

[sl_underwood]

honestly I cannot remember the name of the ride but it is the one that goes slow and takes you through a small part of space mountain. Luke loved this our last trip and used it as downtime. When we rode, no one else was on it. Great for us.

 

[SueM in MN]

honestly I cannot remember the name of the ride but it is the one that goes slow and takes you through a small part of space mountain. Luke loved this our last trip and used it as downtime. When we rode, no one else was on it. Great for us.

Thanks.
That is Tomorrowland Transit Authority, also known as the Peoplemover.

 

[livndisney]

Carousel of Progress can also be used for down time. Rarely crowded, air conditioned with seats. The theater slowly rotates often putting people to sleep

On thing to note, same as any other ride-once it starts you cannot leave until the end of the show. But it is a wonderful break from the heat (and has a catchy song LOL)