Time ?'s and GAC?'s

[KorbensMomma]

I will be traveling to Disney World on this Friday. We will be at MK on Sunday, 2 in our party have Degenerative Disk problems we are getting an ECV for one of them, is this something that we can get a GAC for? If so will it include all in our party (3 adults 1 baby) or will we have to split up to ride rides. Unless they are having a very bad day they should be able to transition to ride without ECV. The other one just can't stand still for long periods.

 

[ttintagel]

I will be traveling to Disney World on this Friday. We will be at MK on Sunday, 2 in our party have Degenerative Disk problems we are getting an ECV for one of them, is this something that we can get a GAC for? If so will it include all in our party (3 adults 1 baby) or will we have to split up to ride rides. Unless they are having a very bad day they should be able to transition to ride without ECV. The other one just can't stand still for long periods.

If mobility/stamina is the only problem, the ECV lets the CM's know that you need accommodation and a GAC is not needed. Up to 6 people are allowed to stay with the person using the ECV.

 

[AmyLand98]

We are headed to the World on Friday as well

When we went in November 2010 with my parents my father needed a push wheelchair. He can't see well enough to use the ECV. We did get a GAC, we had medical documentation but they didn't really even look at it. In our situation, the only time we were not in regular line was if it couldn't accommadate the wheel chair (too narrow, stairs, etc...). We were a party of 6 (counting my dad) and they never separated us.

 

[Talking Hands]

It is 5 plus the person with the GAC. You should be fine.

 

[Piper]

A GAC won't do anything that seeing the ECV wouldn't do. A GAC doesn't help with time. It isn't a front of the line pass--those don't exist. As a matter of fact, sometimes using a GAC can add time to your touring. People see those using a GAC disappear and think they are going to the front of the line. Actually they are going to a different spot to wait (and if a lot of people who need special cars are in front of them, it takes longer---sometimes much longer.)

I know this from many trips and many years experience!

 

[Schmeck]

The other one just can't stand still for long periods.

Luckily, the queues keep moving for most the the attractions, albeit slowly for some. The only places where you can count on standing still is in the queue waiting for shows to cycle, and a GAC can't really help with that?

Using a GAC to access alternatives may even cause more standing still, as there can be a huge wait ahead of you, and no place to go.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

The last part triggered me; those involved do realise that there is no ride that would riding on an ecv, right? (comment about transfer OFF OF ECV doable unless bad day) Shows can fit ecv (if still space left, first come first serve and van be high in demand). Rides no such thing, that would require transfer to a manual chair if not being able to transfer to a regular vehicle/clam/etc. and using the accessible option instead, where available.

Also be aware of rides where a transfer to manual chair is required before getting intocht line, like for instance pirates of the caribbean.

 

[stitchlovestink]

I will be traveling to Disney World on this Friday. We will be at MK on Sunday, 2 in our party have Degenerative Disk problems we are getting an ECV for one of them, is this something that we can get a GAC for? If so will it include all in our party (3 adults 1 baby) or will we have to split up to ride rides. Unless they are having a very bad day they should be able to transition to ride without ECV. The other one just can't stand still for long periods.

No one here on the boards is really qualified to advise whether you 'qualify' for a GAC. I strongly suggest that you go talk to one of the CMs at guest services at the park and explain your situation to them and they will advise what can be done and whether a GAC can accommodate your needs.

If mobility/stamina is the only problem, the ECV lets the CM's know that you need accommodation and a GAC is not needed. Up to 6 people are allowed to stay with the person using the ECV.

you are allowed a total of 6 including the person who is issued the GAC.

A GAC won't do anything that seeing the ECV wouldn't do. A GAC doesn't help with time. It isn't a front of the line pass--those don't exist. As a matter of fact, sometimes using a GAC can add time to your touring. People see those using a GAC disappear and think they are going to the front of the line. Actually they are going to a different spot to wait (and if a lot of people who need special cars are in front of them, it takes longer---sometimes much longer.)

I know this from many trips and many years experience!

Well I don't necessarily agree with this...except unless like ttintagel stated above 'if mobility/stamina is the only problem.' But it usually isn't.
So usually there is a need for a GAC and sometimes the CMs are not so attentive in meeting the needs because they just see a 'person on an ecv' who looks 'healthy' and they make a 'judgement'. We hear the stories.
Yes, GACs are not front of the line passes. Why you brought this up, I don't understand as the OP never mentioned anything of the kind. All they said was they couldn't stand for long periods. I can't either. I have been to WDW on many trips myself. Many times the GAC has shortened my wait. Occasionally, it has lengthened it based on circumstances. As an example, Toy Story Midway Mania is one of those where the wait can be VERY long or I have gone in and gotten right on! Luck of the draw! But every time someone posts about getting a GAC, you respond with what appears to be a negative tone about them like no one else should attempt to ask for one. They can be a Wonderful tool! Not one of us here on the boards can determine who can qualify for one, only the CMs at GS can decide that. I guess I don't understand why there is always such a negative undertone to your posts about others acquiring a GAC?? Just asking? Mine has been a blessing and has saved me from waiting many times!! And I have MANY trips and years of experience too!! I guess we have very different experiences and it's unfortunate that your wait times aren't better because mine apparently aren't anywhere nearly as bad as yours seem to be.

 

[tinkerpea]

No one here on the boards is really qualified to advise whether you 'qualify' for a GAC. I strongly suggest that you go talk to one of the CMs at guest services at the park and explain your situation to them and they will advise what can be done and whether a GAC can accommodate your needs.

you are allowed a total of 6 including the person who is issued the GAC.

Well I don't necessarily agree with this...except unless like ttintagel stated above 'if mobility/stamina is the only problem.' But it usually isn't.
So usually there is a need for a GAC and sometimes the CMs are not so attentive in meeting the needs because they just see a 'person on an ecv' who looks 'healthy' and they make a 'judgement'. We hear the stories.
Yes, GACs are not front of the line passes. Why you brought this up, I don't understand as the OP never mentioned anything of the kind. All they said was they couldn't stand for long periods. I can't either. I have been to WDW on many trips myself. Many times the GAC has shortened my wait. Occasionally, it has lengthened it based on circumstances. As an example, Toy Story Midway Mania is one of those where the wait can be VERY long or I have gone in and gotten right on! Luck of the draw! But every time someone posts about getting a GAC, you respond with what appears to be a negative tone about them like no one else should attempt to ask for one. They can be a Wonderful tool! Not one of us here on the boards can determine who can qualify for one, only the CMs at GS can decide that. I guess I don't understand why there is always such a negative undertone to your posts about others acquiring a GAC?? Just asking? Mine has been a blessing and has saved me from waiting many times!! And I have MANY trips and years of experience too!! I guess we have very different experiences and it's unfortunate that your wait times aren't better because mine apparently aren't anywhere nearly as bad as yours seem to be.

I have to totally agree with you on this! I almost posted myself when I read the reply ( the same negative one she gives everytime)
Often the op has not even mentioned trying to shorten their wait time??
The really is a bitter negative tone to it, I almost feel like its trying to scare people off from getting one!!

 

[Schmeck]

I have to totally agree with you on this! I almost posted myself when I read the reply ( the same negative one she gives everytime)
Often the op has not even mentioned trying to shorten their wait time??
The really is a bitter negative tone to it, I almost feel like its trying to scare people off from getting one!!

Actually, the OP stated that one person in the group could not stand still for a long period of time - hence, a need to shorten wait time. Of course, WDW's standard reply for stamina issues is to get a wheelchair or ECV.

 

[Granny square]

My mom used a scooter. She could either ride it through most lines, and we planned our fp's well. We sent her to retrieve. The one benefit of wheels. . We didn't need a gac. Most if the lines are in motion too. Have a good trip.

On rides like the safari where she would ride through we just all stayed together. Be prepared for some longer waits on rides like this because of the limited facilities.

 

[Piper]

The title of the OP is Time ?'s and GAC?'s

Because of the "time" part of the post, I mentioned that people with ECVs and WCs may have a longer wait. I am sorry that my posts seem negative. Sue has agreed with me on many occasions that this is true. She has also stated that many people perceive that they are getting in quicker when that isn't true. I base my experience on times when my extended family is waiting for me when I exit a ride or has actually been able to ride twice in the time it took me to ride once! I am happy for your family that this has not been the case. It has for me multiple times. I do not have experience on any of the mountains, test track, Everest, etc. as I cannot do any rides of that sort.

I would rather people go with realistic expectations and be pleasantly surprised if things progress quicker than go thinking they will get right on every ride and that not be the case!

 

[stitchlovestink]

The title of the OP is Time ?'s and GAC?'s

Because of the "time" part of the post, I mentioned that people with ECVs and WCs may have a longer wait. I am sorry that my posts seem negative. Sue has agreed with me on many occasions that this is true. She has also stated that many people perceive that they are getting in quicker when that isn't true. I base my experience on times when my extended family is waiting for me when I exit a ride or has actually been able to ride twice in the time it took me to ride once! I am happy for your family that this has not been the case. It has for me multiple times. I do not have experience on any of the mountains, test track, Everest, etc. as I cannot do any rides of that sort.

I would rather people go with realistic expectations and be pleasantly surprised if things progress quicker than go thinking they will get right on every ride and that not be the case!

And that is TOTALLY OK to want people to go with realistic expectations and be pleasantly surprised, but it's the tone of the post and you're often the first to post. And the key is 'MAY'. Your experience is longer...but there are others of us who have had shorter. But it is like you want to accentuate the negative...that is different that bringing attention to the fact that sometimes the wait can be longer. And maybe they won't be getting the same stamp on their GAC that you have on yours!

So it is interesting that you are posting, because you don't have experience on MANY rides that they may riding because you have just eliminated yourself from them by your own admission... I am going to assume that list would include almost every headliner (except maybe Soarin' & TSMM).
Epcot...Mission Space, Test Track
Studios...ToT, RnRC, Star Tours (not sure about TSMM because some consider it to be jerky)
Animal Kingdom...Expedition Everest, Dinosaur, Primeval Whirl, (possibly Kali River Rapids & Kilomanjaro Safaris because they are also both on the rough side too)
Magic Kingdom...Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mtn, Astro Orbiter, Tomorrowland Speedway, (possibly the Teacups)
I'm sure that there's a couple I have forgotten, but that is a lot of rides to not have experiences with especially considering that is amost all of the headliners.
I guess my point is that while Sue has agreed with you at times, she posts in a much nicer, kinder way and refers people to the sticky regarding GACs. None of us as board members can determine any eligibility. It is like you intentionally try to scare people off from even trying to ask IMO and I think that is sad because it is such a wonderful tool.

 

[Piper]

Since I am no help here--deactivating.

 

[tinkerpea]

And that is TOTALLY OK to want people to go with realistic expectations and be pleasantly surprised, but it's the tone of the post and you're often the first to post. And the key is 'MAY'. Your experience is longer...but there are others of us who have had shorter. But it is like you want to accentuate the negative...that is different that bringing attention to the fact that sometimes the wait can be longer. And maybe they won't be getting the same stamp on their GAC that you have on yours!

So it is interesting that you are posting, because you don't have experience on MANY rides that they may riding because you have just eliminated yourself from them by your own admission... I am going to assume that list would include almost every headliner (except maybe Soarin' & TSMM).
Epcot...Mission Space, Test Track
Studios...ToT, RnRC, Star Tours (not sure about TSMM because some consider it to be jerky)
Animal Kingdom...Expedition Everest, Dinosaur, Primeval Whirl, (possibly Kali River Rapids & Kilomanjaro Safaris because they are also both on the rough side too)
Magic Kingdom...Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mtn, Astro Orbiter, Tomorrowland Speedway, (possibly the Teacups)
I'm sure that there's a couple I have forgotten, but that is a lot of rides to not have experiences with especially considering that is amost all of the headliners.
I guess my point is that while Sue has agreed with you at times, she posts in a much nicer, kinder way and refers people to the sticky regarding GACs. None of us as board members can determine any eligibility. It is like you intentionally try to scare people off from even trying to ask IMO and I think that is sad because it is such a wonderful tool.

Again I have to sadly agree.

 

[tinkerpea]

The title of the OP is Time ?'s and GAC?'s

Because of the "time" part of the post, I mentioned that people with ECVs and WCs may have a longer wait. I am sorry that my posts seem negative. Sue has agreed with me on many occasions that this is true. She has also stated that many people perceive that they are getting in quicker when that isn't true. I base my experience on times when my extended family is waiting for me when I exit a ride or has actually been able to ride twice in the time it took me to ride once! I am happy for your family that this has not been the case. It has for me multiple times. I do not have experience on any of the mountains, test track, Everest, etc. as I cannot do any rides of that sort.

I would rather people go with realistic expectations and be pleasantly surprised if things progress quicker than go thinking they will get right on every ride and that not be the case!

I also have done Disney for 26 yrs going many many times for 3wks at a time, plus living locally for a period of time, so my experiences with the gac for multiple reasons and taking multiple people/family members needing GACs is not isolated case or 1 offs.
and like the other poster have had many times of shorter waiting, as well of course of spells of longer I.e TSM or small world if staying in a wheelchair, I'm not going to try and scare people off of coming.
Too many people come close to cancelling trips thinking its not do able I think it's much better to try and help these people with out making them feel they are trying to play the system, and without such negativity.

 

[lanejudy]

Wow! I am really saddened tonight to log on and find such direct attacks to someone trying to share her experience. It is VERY difficult to ascertain the intended tone on an Internet message board, but I can clearly understand the tone of some of the most recent posts on this thread as attacking one individual. If there is a concern about any post on any thread, we each have the right to tag it to be reported to the moderators. They will handle it. Anybody here on the disAbilities board is only trying to help by sharing our own experiences. Readers should take each response as they wish - you may agree with some but not others.

Let's keep to answering the questions from the original post and not getting down on each other.

 

[LilyWDW]

Piper was trying to help and is not the only person who has had longer waits when using a GAC for attractions. They are posting accurate information. No where were they rude or negative. They were realistic.

 

[lanejudy]

I will be traveling to Disney World on this Friday. We will be at MK on Sunday, 2 in our party have Degenerative Disk problems we are getting an ECV for one of them, is this something that we can get a GAC for? If so will it include all in our party (3 adults 1 baby) or will we have to split up to ride rides. Unless they are having a very bad day they should be able to transition to ride without ECV. The other one just can't stand still for long periods.

OP - if the ECV "solves" the needs of your party, then a GAC is not needed. If there are other "hidden" needs then I suggest a stop at Guest Relations to discuss those needs and see what can be accommodated. A GAC is for hidden needs, so the ECV tells CMs that the person will need to avoid stairs, might need a walkway slowed, etc. Anything else not obvious would be handled by a GAC; but keep in mind that WDW's response to stamina issues or a seat in line is to use a wheelchair or ECV. The GAC is issued to 1 individual (each person may qualify on his/her own needs) and will allow the holder plus 5 others - so your party should be fine staying together.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[stitchlovestink]

Wow! I am really saddened tonight to log on and find such direct attacks to someone trying to share her experience. It is VERY difficult to ascertain the intended tone on an Internet message board, but I can clearly understand the tone of some of the most recent posts on this thread as attacking one individual. If there is a concern about any post on any thread, we each have the right to tag it to be reported to the moderators. They will handle it. Anybody here on the disAbilities board is only trying to help by sharing our own experiences. Readers should take each response as they wish - you may agree with some but not others.

Let's keep to answering the questions from the original post and not getting down on each other.

Let me clarify that I am not trying to attack Piper in any way, BUT I do feel like that every time she posts how long she has to wait, I feel like I have to counter post how generally "I don't" so that people don't get scared off just like tinkerpea stated. And the truth is there are a LOT of rides that she is NOT riding so it is really hard for her to judge what those people are going to encounter that want to ride those rides, RIGHT? How can you post what kind of wait people may or may not experience if you yourself are not utilizing those attractions?? That would be like me trying to explain how the wheelchair cars are loaded at HM. I have NO EXPERIENCE with this, so I cannot give advice on something that I don't know about or utilize as I am not in a wheelchair (nor is anyone in my family). Am I making sense?
We are all here to help one another and give advice. But it should be helpful... not negative.