Update 1/9/13
Are you looking for assistance with issues related to visiting Orlando’s theme parks with special needs family members? We would like to help! Please visit this blog post at any time for more information.
The article below has been re-published with permission from disneylovinspectrummom.blogspot.com.
The Guest Assistance Card (GAC) is intended for use by guests with Special Needs and can be obtained from Guest Relations at any of the Disney theme parks. The GAC is typically utilized by guests with “invisible” disabilities (such as autism spectrum disorders) and it is distributed according to the guest’s specific needs. Guests using wheelchairs or ECVs generally do not require a GAC as their mobility needs are more easily recognized by Cast Members who will automatically direct them to the wheelchair entrance and/or loading area of each attraction.
Disney World Guest Assistance Card.
Seems like a no-brainer, right? Well, not exactly…
It seems to be a rather common misperception that the GAC is a “front of the line” pass – in fact, I read that very phrase in a recent post by a Disney blogger (who shall remain nameless). This well-intentioned person earnestly advised his readers with special needs to step right up to Guest Relations and get their Golden Ticket, as it were, so they could “go to the front of the line” at all the Disney attractions. This information is completely misleading!
Our family has utilized the GAC during at least seven visits to Walt Disney World and so I am quite familiar with it. Whenever I hear how “lucky” we are that our family can go right on all the rides without waiting I literally have to squelch the impulse to groan and roll my eyes to the heavens.
“The GAC truly is a help, but it really doesn’t get us to the front of the line,” I say patiently. “Actually it gets us to the end of the line – the FastPass or alternate entrance line.” That is because my son’s particular accommodation allows us to utilize an auxiliary entrance because of his autism/sensory issues. The auxiliary entrance may be the FastPass entrance, if there is one.
But, according to PassPorter’s Open Mouse for Walt Disney World and the Disney Cruise Line, the GAC can be issued to guests who require a variety of accommodations:
*Using an auxiliary entrance if you cannot wait in line due to health problems, cognitive disabilities, autism ADHD, and related fears. You’ll still likely wait — possibly even longer than if you’d waited in the queue – you’ll just wait in a different location.
*Waiting in a shaded spot out of the sun if the attraction’s queue has you standing in the sun for an excessive amount of time.
*Using your stroller as a wheelchair in queues and through the same auxiliary entrances that wheelchairs and ECVs are allowed to use.
* Sitting up front at shows if you have visual impairments.
It can be stressful enough planning a trip to Walt Disney World with a family member who has a disability without the added worry that you are being put in the position of asking for special (read: unfair) treatment and will be perceived by others as doing so. The GAC offers reasonable accommodations to people with invisible disabilities and their families so that they can enjoy Disney to the fullest, despite their specific challenges.
I recall having only one negative experience using the GAC at Walt Disney World. Once, while we were being admitted to the FastPass queue after presenting our GAC to the Cast Member a man waiting in the standby queue loudly sneered, “Must be nice!” My husband turned, walked up to him and handed him our GAC.
“Here, Buddy,” he said, “I’ll make you a deal. You can have this card if your son could be autistic for the day and my son could be normal. Then I’ll stand on the longest line Disney’s got and like it.” The guy shut up, quick.
End of controversy!
Thanks Kathy for letting us re-publish this article on our site. To view the original post and learn more about Kathy, click here.
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Great article. As a parent of a child on the severe end of the autism spectrum, there are few things in our day-to-day life that come “easy” to us. Living in the Orlando area and being able to use the GAC (as you said, NOT a front of the line pass) has enabled my son to enjoy the wonders of Disney.
As a cast member, I see this issue often. And it’s very hard to say no when other misinformed Cast Members have previously allowed them to the front of the line. A lot of guests misuse these passes and it’s really unfortunate. The only pass allowed to the front of lines is “Make a Wish” which is the same pass but with a special green stamp for which is only obtainable from the Make a Wish foundation. Thank you for this article.
Thank you, Maureen! I, too, am grateful for this vital accommodation for my son’s special needs. Without the Guest Assistance Card our visits to Walt Disney World would be anything BUT magical!
I wonder how it is that you can say that “alot of guests misuse these passes”. Do you know what condition each and every guest has? Do you work in guest relations? Have you seen their medical records? I have CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome). The card has been a blessing. I bet you would look at me & say I was “misusing” it. Walk in my shoes & all the others with CFS,etc. before you think you are entitled to decide what each & every guest is going through.
Hello, CM! I’m happy to help clear up some of the confusion surrounding the Guest Assistance Card. We’ve always had such positive experiences with Disney Cast Members when it comes to managing our son’s special needs when at the parks and resorts; thanks for all you do!
Ths is a fantastic article. I get so frustrated when I see misinformation about the GAC. It is a wonderful tool to help people tour the parks with persons with disabilities. I am so grateful to Disney for these accomodations.
Me, too Tracy! The GAC is a true piece of magic!
I have had so many issues at Disneyland in CA. I have a cane and I have stability issues that make it dangerous for me to stand in regular lines. Every time I go and have to renew my card, I get told something different. I was told that my cane would get me into the wheelchair enterance, only to be turned away and told I would have to rent a wheel chair. I’m a passholder and go several times a month. I can’t afford $25 every time I go. I had to rent a stroller once so that I could take my lunch in with me as they wouldn’t let me take it into the park so that I would have access to my snacks when I needed them. I finally got someone who gave me what I needed. I have the option to use a stroller, if I need to and I can also go through the wheelchair enterance. I hope all others get the GAC that will help them.
Nice article.
I think that’s an unhelpful response to a cast member who sees both sides. I know you have your own challenges, but they have to also be mindful of the impression left with other guests. As a medic (not connected with Disney) I too have seen abuse of the GAC. One family of 8 went through the fast pass line in front of me because their child had a greenstick fracture (I could tell by the type of splint) – my daughter went skiing for a week with a similar break!
Another family I saw were using theirs to access Tower of Terror with what I assume was their grandmother who was clearly suffering from dementia and should not have been anywhere near that ride which would have been both frightening and confusing.
GACs DO have their place, but please don’t be naive and think that everyone using them deserves them, nor insult cast members who are trying to explain some of the problems which they create for others
My family has used the GAC both times we visited Disney. It is issued to my M-I-L due to “invisible” impairments from a stroke. Both times she brought her handicap documentation to Guest Services. To be quite honest, it kind of was a front of the line pass. With the exception of Dumbo, we were on rides within minutes of lining up at the handicap entrances. Also, both of our Disney trips were during Spring Break when it was decently busy. However, when she opted out of a ride, we did not use the GAC, as we shouldn’t have, and I hope other families would be just as honest.
My parents also both use the GAC when at Disney with my Sister and her family. If it weren’t for the GAC, they never would be able to experience the magic and memories with four of their grandchildren. And again, they too have described their GAC experiences as pretty much front of the line access.
While it can’t be expected to be a front of the line kind of accomodation, the Cast Members do a fabulous job of making the handicapped guests feel normal. And if it does happen to be front of the line for some of the rides, then so be it…their daily difficuties and struggles due to their disabilities should trump any animosity from regular queue line patrons.
My son (8yrs) has down syndrome and we were informed about the pass from a Castmember who also had a perfect child like mine. : ) The pass, I will say for the record, didnt get us to the front of the line, but it did get us to the back of the fast pass lane. It was a great help! Disney did everything possible to make his trip, a trip of a lifetime, the Castmembers who we showed the pass to were amazingly friendly and helpful! I didnt experience any negative comments from other guests when i used his pass, had I, I would have responded EXACTLY like Kathys husband did in the original article. saying a comment like ” must be nice” to a parent of a special needs child just makes me mad! My son is an amazing little person who just happens to see the world the same way as Peter Pan does! Disney World is a Magical place and to be perfectly honest the “pass” helped us go on the rides just a little quicker, because he does get “wiggly” in long lines. I would think the rest of the guests would appreciate that. Hopefully, someday we will go back and have an even more Magical Experience!!
I love the way disney treats us. My son who is 7 had Cp. coritcal blindness, deaf along with other things…we take him every year…this is truly a magical place…he sleeps, he smiles and no sezuire actitvity our entire visit…I to had a father make a very nasty comment about us using a different entrance to dumbo…he was with my parents on the ride…not knowing I, his mother was standing right next to him…well everyone in my group walked away and his to same.. the wrong thing to say to a mother of a child with so many disabilities…being the nice person I am…I told him…sir, I would give anything if my son could stand I line. crying and asking for ice cream,…I’m tired …I need to go to the bathroom or just being a normal child…but see he can’t …so if you feel we are being treated like we are royality then i will gladly trade places with you and your life anytime. see the thing is my father was in the long line holding my son just like everyone else….a cast member came and told him to put him back in his wheelchair and use the ramp…we did wait until our time was due…just like everyone else did…he just happened to walk up when they were putting my son on the ride not knowing we had already waited over 30 minutes.. and thanks so much for the wonderful cast member who came into the conversation and told the father the same thing…
My husband has an artificial leg and we have always been so grateful for the GAC pass. Without it all the extra standing in line & walking causes sores on his stump that are very painful, and would keep him from being able to wear his leg. I feel we live with all the disadvantages it causes everyday, I appreciate the very few advantages (like disabled parking) that he may get .
You are making an assumption that the GAC was for the green stick fracture. It could have been for a different invisible disability. My son has autism and also had a fracture, but the GAC was for his autism.
I have to say this card has been an amazing blessing for my mother, who was a cancer patient but now a survivor. She couldn’t walk for very long periods of time, so standing in lines in the direct sun was a horrible experience during treatment, so she often skipped out on rides to sit in a restuarant most of the visit. Then a friend of mine told me about this, and it was truly a great way for my mom to enjoy the parks like she used to. I love the ability for her to wait in a shaded location, usually the exit, without the fuss and heat of the Florida sun.
That being said, some cast members are EXTREMELY rude about issuing this pass. Considering there are some people who would misuse this, my last visit to Hollywood Studios was QUITE the suprise. I went into Guest Relations, and upon request of the card, the cast member pulled me aside and ensued the following conversation:
Cast M: I’m sorry, could you repeat that?
Myself : I was just saying about my mom…we’d like the Guest Assistance Card for the shaded wait areas.
Cast M: Ok, can I please meet your mother?
Myself : Um…ok, she’s the woman outside….sitting under the umbrella
Cast M: Yea, she’s going to have to come in here, please.
Myself: Is there a problem?
Cast M: Yes, because what you’re describing to me is not a valid use of the Guest Assistance Card. Is she in a wheelchair?
Myself: …..No…
Cast M: It’s really only for those with mobility issues, and that’s a moter scooter, and she seems to be walking fine. Your best bet’s going to be the fastpass. Have a magical day!
I. was. furious. I sat there, with the cast member, showing him my mother’s medications, the doctor’s note, and he still fought me until another Cast Member came foward and gave me the card. I couldn’t understand the interrogation, and have never encountered it before.
Hi Kathy. We are travelling to Florida next month and my daughter is severely visually impaired (a cane user) and has brain injury due to two major brain surgeries which has affected the behavioural centre of the brain (she can become disruptive if she has to queue for a long time), left her with fatigue issues, and diffulties with body temperature control. Do you think we will get a GAC for her our family (there are four of us)?
Hi again Kathy. Do you know if there is a similar system (GAC) at Universal?
I’m not sure if Kathy will see your comments since this post is a bit older now. However, I did find some good information for you on Disney’s own website: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guests-with-disabilities/visual/
You may also want to consider contacting Disney directly, as they are the only ones who will be able to give you an official answer to your question.
For Universal, you should check out this post on our blog: http://www.orlandoinformer.com/oi-share/alissa-s-family-visit-universal-orlando-attraction-assistance-pass/
To contact Universal, the best way is via this online form: http://www.visitorsatisfaction.com/CONTACTUS/
Hope that helps!
I know Kathy personally and will let her know questions are being asked here
We were just at WDW and had a guest assistance pass for my son who is Autistic. Overall the card helped him experience the park with alot less stress than if he would of had to wait in the queue lines. We did get the dirty looks from people but as it was stated in an earlier post, I would wait in a line for the whole 5 days of our vacation if it meant that my son didn’t have to be Autistic. The most disturbing thing we came across was while handing our pass to a cast member to go on a ride another person asked why do they get to go in that line. The cast member said that we had a guest assistance card due to someone in our party being disabled. He then told the lady that all she had to do was to go to guest services and tell them one of her kids had “autism or something” and she would get a pass too. As much as I wanted to single this person out I decided to chalk one up for ignorance and go to my waiting family.
Let me preface this by stating I have kyphoscoliosis with multiple severe curvatures and extended standing, especially while carrying my toddler, is not a great time and I wait in line with everyone else. As I waited at the toy story ride for over an hour for my wife and kids to ride while my son was asleep I observed 17 groups use these passes , of which Two of them were in wheelchairs. I’m not heartless but I don’t understand why it’s horrible for others to ask why using the wheelchair or scooter for them to wait in the line or other accommodation, just as the other paying customers, is so horrible. Give every pass holder the decency to not be outcast and subjected to these horrible people who get tired of waiting 2 or 3 hours because they send them straight up the fast pass lane with their entire extended families. These groups of between 2 and 15 people were sent straight up fast pass. This PC attitude is making others angered at those of you with disabilities. I can’t obviously say that the other 15 groups didn’t have a disabled or special needs individual. What I can say is that at midnight when four18 y/o girls are running down the fast pass straight on the ride, running down the exit and back through fast pass it doesn’t make me very happy about this golden ticket pass. I was told by guest relations that those in wheelchairs are not to go straight on the ride, nor are those with other claims of disability. Only those with certain specific ones in only one category and those with a certain stamp because they are make a wish children. What’s wrong is the policy doesn’t match the enforcement which is causing this animosity. Guest relations told me they can’t ask what disability you have and although unfortunate, they are aware of this abuse but will not change the way they are currently enforcing this out of fear of lawsuits or bad publicity. What you have is longer wait times for other customers and anger at those truly disabled because others who are clearly abusing the system. Those with autism or fatigue shouldn’t be granted full and constant fast pass access. The regular fast pass with assistance is accommodation enough and don’t go crazy on that comment because all of us paid the same for those tickets. If you can’t wait in line you can wait in a comfortable location inside if you would like to. I got the fast pass and waited my time while seeing the rest of the park or sitting down and never once was inconvenienced by my disability. Those with disabilities are screaming to be treated like regular people, that is unless you try to take away the golden ticket !
Matt -Funny thing is, my disabled/nonverbal/autistic daughter can’t scream about being treated like a regular person. Yes we should wait in line for an extended period of time, I’m sure the people near us would love watching her bite & hit herself out of the frustration of waiting (in line or in a quiet area). From my experience the general public loves being around these types of behaviors and I’m sure there would be no complaining from them even when stuck in a line for an extended period and forced to listen to the strange yelping noises and possible aggressions . If you have a medical issue and choose not to use the GAC, good for you that you are an adult without neurological issues. I wonder if you would feel the same if your child had the same issues as mine and many others. I’m sure there are those who do abuse the system and Disney should do what they can to minimize that from happening. We use the GAC system without guilt – 95% of the time using the fastpass line and the 5% using the exit (like at Snow White or Spaceship Earth). The GAC has enable us to vacation at Disney World and almost feel like a normal family for one week out of the year.
We were very impressed with guest services at all three main parks i.e. disney, universal and the Busch group including sea world. They took one look at my daughters white cane and asked if we wanted an assistance card, I went on to explain about her neurological issues and offered them a doctors letter, but they said there was no need to show documentation. The assistance pass covered our family of four. Here in the UK it is totally different, a) they won’t issue an assistance pass “just for blindness” er hello? how bored and frustrated do you think a blind child gets queuing for two hours with no visual stimulation? There has to be a neurological problem too which my daughter does have. b) they want to see all documentation including doctors letter and c) only one other person is allowed on the rides with the disabled/special needs person. This really winds me up because if we go as a family we cannot enjoy our day ‘together as a family’ we have to split up. Also in a few years my daughter may like to go to theme parks independently with a few friends, but she will never be able to do this because they only allow one other person on the rides with her. Does this sound like discrimination to you? I would be interested to hear your views on this. Thanks.
After reading this article it really makes me angry that people would care if you got to the front of the line or not. I would think they would be glad to let you go to the front as waiting with a person with any kind of disability can be challenging at the least. So that card might not get you to the front of the line, but it should!!
Wow. I sure don’t know how to respond to that negative comment. I do know my daughter will never be able to dance at her wedding, give me grandchildren or speak a single word, other than a scream when she’s had to wait longer than 15 minutes in line. I am also disabled, but I have accepted it and we use the GAC with grace.
As for Toy Story – we have waited almost an hour, but once our daughter SEES the cars, her anxiety level drops and I keep plenty of tissues to wipe away her tears and snot. But that same station is used for a lot of “special guests” of Disney, not just the disabled. He needs to get his facts straight before making such comments – only 6 people can be on one GAC.
One never knows what the future has to offer. Karma….
really Matt…..really? I dont even know how to respond to you….unlike my son who has Down Syndrome ( and perfect btw) my daughters are ”normal” kids. Sure, they could wait in the regular line, but ya know what..they wont. why? because they will grow up having kids point and pick on their brother. laugh at him, in front of them, when he doesn’t act like all the other boys Make fun of him on the school bus…you know…all the things “normal” kids do. Sooo… When I take them to Disney, he has the last laugh. He may not understand why “normal” people complain because we get to go thru the line just a little quicker…but i just dont care. Would I stand in line 8 hrs for one day if he was “normal”? not on my life! He is perfect….and because he is perfect….he gets the golden ticket. end of story……. oh and we will be there from December 11th thru December 18th, in case anyone would like to meet this amazing little boy. Most likely riding the Buzz light year ride…… To infinity and beyond!
A GAC is NOT I repeat NOT a “golden ticket”. It is a tool used by families with persons with disabilities make a positive day at Disney possible.
The card is for the person with the disability and up to five others. Just because a person looks like they are getting preferential treatment they are not. These accomodations benefit the cardholder and others in the line.
The term “golden ticket” is just that…a term..a word. If you thought i honestly meant the GAC was a golden ticket to be abused, you are sadly mistaken. I am absolutely aware of Disney s GAC policies and procedures. It was a cast member who first informed me of the GAC after seeing my son struggle with simple tasks. Her granddaughter also has Down syndrome. Again, the world can be a very cruel place for people with mental and/ or physical disabilities. Some people can be downright disgusting with their pointing and remarks. That being said, In order to make my sons trip to Disney as memorable as i can, i will request the use of the GAC. And if people want to make remarks on how we get to the end of the fast pass line..so be it. walk a mile in his shoes and do not judge………
Hi There:
I am planning a trip to Disney with my 3 kids one of which is 11 years old weighs 48 pounds and is in a wheelchair…..my question is if we get on a ride and we leave her wheelchair behind do we have to carry her back to where we left the wheelchair? Also I want to state as a parent of a child with CP I can speak for many special needs kids’s parents – something someone doesnt consider is this when a child or adult is sitting all day in wheelchair 8 hours or more and its hot out they get very stiff muscles from the lack of movement – they also can get pressure sores from the heat humidity and lack of movement – my daughter also gets muscle spasms that get worse if she sits too long. My little girl is a normal kid in other ways – adorable blonde blue eyed happy go lucky 11 year old – who just cant walk. I am so thankful that these passes help these kids enjoy somehting – she misses out everyday and never complains. Please consider this before commenting on “special passes” that really dont do uch except help us enjoy a day as family – something we don often to without many challenges.
Art, I wasn’t addressing you when I posted about the “golden ticket”, I was addressing Matt. Sorry for any confusion.
Jenifer, some attractions are completely wheelchair accessible where your child can remain in the wheelchair. For the rides where she has to transfer most of them load and unload in the same area so you can place the chair next to the ride vehicle to get her on and off. An exception to this is Pirates of the Caribbean, you load and unload in different buildings. If she has her own wheelchair, not a park rented one, you would transfer her to one of Disney’s and leave hers in specified area, just ask a Cast Member when you get there You then ride and they would have another wheelchair at the end of the ride. When you are unloading let them know you need a wheelchair.
A great resource book is Passporters Open Mouse. My boyfriend has CP, I understand about the muscle spasms and pressure sores. If she needs to lay down to stretch out please use the first aid stations. They have plenty of beds.
THE GAC is not typically needed if you use a wheelchair. Cast Members will see the chair and direct you where to go. If you have any questions please ask them.
As for the term “golden ticket”, as far as I’m concerned, it IS golden for us and I do not see it as a negative! I’m not going to say I would give up my daughter and both our disabilities to be normal again, as my daughter has taught me more than I can list! Some people are still biased where handicaps are concerned. I lost my best friend when my daughter was born because she honestly believed there to be something wrong with ME because I had this child. She has missed out on knowing a WONDERFUL person. Her loss. But some of these people who have no compassion need to walk in someone else’s shoes just once….
Jenifer, since my daughter first went into her chair I knew I needed something better to carry her belongings, so I designed and made a wheelchair bag that works perfect for us. You do not need to take your backpack off the chair. Disney and Universal attendants seem to take care of personal chairs quite well and most make sure they will be where you need them when you disembark. Of course, we don’t leave anything of value in it, just in case. Although we used to have rented chairs taken from us, no one has bothered to take her personal chair or the bag on the back. One thing I ALWAYS do is speak to an attendant to make them aware we NEED the chair as soon as we get off. And thanks for your wonderful post. We need to stick together!!
A couple of things you should know – when you go on Haunted Mansion, make sure you show the first attendant your pass. They have a new “wheelchair” entry that is not marked as such. It has a bat on it and an attendant will show you to the entry. Once you get to the first door, if you want to by-pass the shrinking room and lines to the rest of the ride (that can get congested), tell the attendant there that you’d like to skip that part and they will take you through a hallway to the ride exit and you can embark the ride from there. They have the ability to stop the ride completely if that will help your daughter board easier. Just tell them. You might have to wait a few more minutes, but all in all, it’s worth it. Oh, and make sure you keep your daughter’s hands near her when the ride automatically closes the restraint bar. Sometimes they flip into place rather quickly and it can hurt terribly. I had a 3″ contusion on my hand from it one time and had to be seen in First Aid!
Have a great trip!
I know that the GAC can be truly beneficial to so many needed families, but my complaint is that like all things it is over-abused. For example, my sister just emailed me asking if she should pay $75 for the use of someone’s GAC card for a couple of days. I told her emphatically no way. That is a special pass only to be used by people with disabilities, but I bet that happens so, so much. That is why when I see a group of teenagers who are all laughing, running from ride to ride with one of these passes I get a little ticked off, because I bet you that there are way too many abuses of this pass. Also, there is a whole range of disabilities. My son has ADHD, but I wouldn’t think that diagnosis would equate the need for use of this pass. I think people have got to evaluate their own individual circumstances and really be honest with themselves and not just an excuse to have a front of the line pass. Nobody wants to stand in a two hour line and thank goodness that Disney had the foresight to create FastPass and I’m sure every group could find an excuse to say well I have a really bad back, bad knee, etc. The GAC pass is truly designed for a small group of people with significant disabilities and not for everyone who has a complaint. Also, for those people who sell their GAC passes for others to use – shame on you. By the way, there are many great books designed to help entertain you while you are in line. Also, create new friends while in line. The lines are part of the whole Disney experience – don’t fear the line.
Everyone have a magical Disney day.
You have fun standing in line with your kyphoscoliosis. If masochism is your thing, go for it! Seriously, your refusal to use the assistance available to you is your own personal hangup, no one else’s. I have the option to use a GAC to help make my day and DW enjoyable and I WILL use it.
I have 2 herniated discs in my lower spine. The first time I went, I was very stubborn and refused to get the GAC when my sister, who’s husband requires the pass due to back injuries, told me I would benefit greatly from it. I thought, “Why would I need that? Please! I can stand in line!” By the end of the first line, I had tears in my eyes, and I wasn’t even excited to get on the ride anymore (i *was* excited about a place to sit)! I had to use a wheelchair for the rest of the day and I struggled with severe pain to the point where I could hardly care for my toddler for over a week. Come to find out, standing still puts far more pressure/stress on my discs/nerves than walking (which I can do all day without much problem). So, you know what? I use a pass, and I get around without the use of a wheelchair. I will continue to do so.
I’ve been doing a lot of research on this subject lately as we are considering taking my special needs nephew next time we go. What strikes me most is that many people could do without the hastle and stares of a GAC if they planned their trip a little better. I went with a 2,4,6 and 8 yo in August. Hot and crowded! We refused to wait in a line listed as longer than 20 minutes. The only thing we truely missed out on was Toy Story – it had just opened at the time - the line for a fast pass was longer than 20 minutes and standby line was well over an hour. Between getting there first thing, using fast passes and child swap, and researching touring plans before hand we did basically everything we wanted to with limited wait. Please don’t flame me as I realize some people just can’t do certain things and the GAC is essential, but what I’m saying is there are other ways to get the same benefits for many people without a GAC – especially when it seems thag GAC usage can be Cast Member specific.
As to the abuses some people talk about, they are everywhere. I know of a person who uses a relatives car with handicap license plate during the holiday’s to get better parking even when the relative isn’t with them. She’s said, “Nobody is going to question me because they don’t want to look like a jerk and have it be an ”invisible” disability.” I feel for people who truely need accomidations and they aren’t there for them to use because people who didn’t need them abused the system. The fact of the matter is you can let it bother you and have it truely be an abuse of the system or risk that it bothers you and find out the person truely needs the special accomidations. Why worry so much about judging others? Why not just enjoy the ride!
Hi Tim, I understand that there are people who will abuse the system. Those people will always be there.
It’s unhelpful, however, to have our need for a GAC questioned by every guest and Cast Member in the park. If Guest Assistance issues a GAC, then it’s done. We feel bad enough having to get a GAC in the first place, and the fact that Disney offers the GAC to its guests is simply awesome. I’ve had some terrible experiences before I got a GAC. Now I just have terrible experiences of a different kind — stares and questions. But I’d rather have that than to have my vacation ruined for my family by my disease.
I have MS, and the more time I spend out in the heat, the quicker I tire. Without the GAC, I might only be able to do half of the day with my family and then have to go back to the hotel because I was too tired to continue. Now that I have the GAC, I can get into a faster line so I can do more with my family. The card has been a Godsend.
Maybe Guest Assistance should buckle down on the cards; maybe they should ask for more supporting information for people with hidden disabilities; I always bring my prescription for my MS drugs and a doctor’s note, so I don’t mind if they want to ask for it before giving me a GAC. Maybe that would help cut down on the fraud and abuse.
Matt, you’re kidding, right? I’m very glad for you that you have a disability and can last the entire day in the park with your family. Before recently, my MS wasn’t so bad that I couldn’t manage with my family for the whole day. But my disease has worsened, and now if I’m out in the heat too long, my day is over. My family will have to go on without me, which isn’t a big deal for me, but it is a big deal for them. They spend the rest of the vacation feeling guilty for pushing me too hard.
When my MS is in remission, you can’t see it. I walk normally, I look fine. That’s the thing about MS: it’s one big dichotomy between how good you look on the outside and how bad you feel on the inside. Yes, I use my GAC and yes, it gets me on the Fastpass line (not the head of the line, but into the Fastpass line). But without it, most of the time I’d only be able to last for half the day before I’d be spent, and that’s no fun for anyone.
I’d give up quite a bit to be in your shoes and to be able to not pass out from exhaustion for an entire day. You should count yourself among the fortunate.
For most attractions that require you to transfer out of the wheelchair onto the attraction, you can take your wheelchair almost right up to the attraction, transfer out of the chair into the attraction, and then the Cast Members move the chair to the end of the attraction for you to get right back into it. If you do have to carry her, it is for a very short distance to transfer from the ride to the chair. Most of the attractions have been designed to minimize the distance one would have to travel from chair to ride.
I have lived here for 3 years. I do get different reactions from different cast members. Which makes it wishy washy how some give certains stamps and others say it is not needed only to get all they way there and have to go back because the proper stamp was not given. I do get looks when using the card, I have heard you all look fine. Well, good for you, I do not need to tell every grumpy person in line why I have my card. PERIOD! You dont have to live with my medical issues or my kids medical issues. If you have disabilities and chose not to take the card good for you. ANd if you use it, fine also. As for spliting up a family because some is upset your family can be you?? seriously? should I let my 4 year old go alone because someone is offened? I think not. As for 8 plus people. The card says 6. If a cast member let someone in with more, ask the cast member. Dont intimadate the family. geez! It seems some people that don’t have to deal with major medical issues just do not get it. I agree with the other poster… KARMA…..
One more thing for the grumpy people that just do not understand. There have been MANY times my wait is LONGER. To accomodate me. It is not a front of the line pass. And sometimes, we have waited in shaded areas to join in when its our turn. EVEN when YOU didn’t see it.
I’m not a parent nor do I have anything that would require a GAC but it seems like a wonderful thing. I see many children with a variety of sensory issues at my job (we even offer a night were things are turned down or off for them.) I actually enjoy seeing the parents a bit more these nights because they can relax a bit. When their child has a meltdown, the other parents aren’t going to stare at them as though they are terrible parents. I’ve heard from a few people with kid who are autistic that it is the simple things that get them through some days. If this card makes a trip to Disney just a teeny bit more enjoyable for the family, I don’t see the issue. Especially since an outsider is only seeing the child at that moment (like the one parent described how her daughter’s anxiety would drop just seeing the cars) and not what they can be like when they are waiting or something sets off a sensory issue. I would gladly let a family with one of these cards (whatever the issue may be) on ahead of me. Its Disney. Let the children (and parents) have a moment of happiness.
and to “art”, I would love to met your son! I’ve had some wonderful conversations with kids who have Downs. They are amazing people. I bet your son is as perfect as you describe. Have a magical visit in December!
hi my son is 13 next year when we go disneyworld – even though you cant tell by looking at him – he does have a disability . he was born with meninjatas and has affected him throughout his life -he has a poor memory – gets fusstrated very easyily , gets bored in que – cant stand still for long without getting bad tempered because he,l forget why hes in the q in the first place so will constanstly ask the same questions over and over.
will this entiltle him to a pass? what docoments will we need to how? he goes to a special needs school so has a sp statement ?
thanks lisa
With such specific questions about your travel plans, I’d recommend that you contact Disney directly: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/contact/.
We are going to Disney in Dec and I have a child with CP who cannot sit, walk, or talk and is developmentally delayed AND my young son is autistic. Going to parks would be utterly pointless for my children if there werent any accomodations. I wonder if I should get a T Shirt that days “Autistic” for my son so people dont question us, I think my daughters wheelchair and the fact she is a bobble head should make it clear she is disabled. How about the fact my daughter who has less function than a 2 yr old has to pay full price despite an 18 month old gets in for free. WHat is the difference? And when we bring a personal care attendant who is paid to care for my daughter, that person needs to have a ticket too, you dont have to pay for a service animal, the PCA is the arms and legs for my daughter. THe park benefits in that the PCA will spend money to eat!
Melady,
You made me laugh when you said “bobble-head.” Your sense of humor and your ability to laugh at your adversity is a sign of strength. Good for you.
I can totally understand your issue with your PCA in the park. It was a strategic decision to charge everyone to enter and not check wristbands or take tickets at every ride. For the large majority of people, not having to juggle tickets at every ride is a blessing. For you, it’s a curse. I really don’t see any way around that, unless they offer a discounted ticket price for your PCA who is specifically present not as a family member but who is caring for one of your children. But that’s a tough one for the park, and it’s ripe for abuse.
For those with legitimate mobility impairments, I see no problem with the GAC.
HOWEVER, for those of you who have kids who “get bored or frustrated in long lines”, who “get anxious and impatient in large crowds”, and who “don’t like standing in the heat for extended periods of time”, I have three words for you: Join. The. Club.
I don’t know a single human being alive who doesn’t suffer from those “symptoms”. You people are also tremendous hypocrites; you insist that you want “equal treatment”, but then have no problem lecturing other people about your “disabilities” while you sit in the shade and enjoy your special treatment…
AC,
Some disabilities do not affect a child’s mobility nor are they apparent at first glance. As a parent of a 16 year old son who was diagnosed with Asperger’s Sydrome at the age of 3, his issues are not external. So without the commendations Disney provided he would not have been able to enjoy the our trip. I won’t go into great details but long exposure to crowds causes mental & physical pain. And that just one of his issues. So try to be understanding if you see a family jump the line. You may not see the disability but I can almost guaranty it’s there. And when you think about it what’s the cost to the people who need to wait a little longer so a child with a life long disability can enjoy the park.
Btw, to get a disability fast pass at Disney you need to provide a letter from your primary health provider explaining why the pass is needed and proof the disability such as a IEP which is services provided to the child in their school system issued by the your state’s board of education. So in other words, they don’t just hand them out at the front gate.
Sidebar: not to leave Universal out, the Express Pass was a god sent.
Tom
Tom, I completely agree with you about hidden disabilities and the need for the GAC.
I need to clarify some things. The GAC is NOT a “disability fastpass”. It is a card that states the needs of the name of the person on it.
Also you do not need a letter from your doctor or an IEP. Disney CM’s can not ask for proof and do not use paperwork to determine if a GAC is needed. They do not hand them out at the gate, you have to go to guest service with the person in need of the card and state what needs you have.
Tracy,
You are right. GAC is not a disability fastpass. I only used that description because we were allowed to use the “Fast Pass” lines instead of waiting which helped alot. On the subject of proof, we were informed by our Disney travel planner to have a letter from our doctor just in case because of our son’s diability not being obvious. We bought along a copy of the IEP just in case being overally prepared parents (it comes with the territory). But as my wife reminded me after I wrote my last post, Guest Services did not ask us for written proof, only that our son was present.
Here’s the thing: the “Alternate Entrance” stamp on the GAC is basically an fully unlimited Fastpass. And unless there’s a downtime, fastpass lines average 5-10 minute waits (Toy Story, Soarin’, being two exceptions off the top of my head). MK and Studios no longer give out the wheelchair stamp alone – they are now required to be accompanied by the “Alt. Entrance” stamp, so little Johnny with his sprained ankle – even though he is perfectly fine sitting in a wheel chair and requires no other accommodations gets the unlimited fastpass stamp. GACs are even sold on 192, online, given to relative and/or neighbors (true story). The problem is not accommodating those who truly need it. The problem is that those with disabilities are supposed to be treated equally as everyone else. Not worse and not better. However, that it exactly what this card does: treats some people better than others.
“The problem is that those with disabilities are supposed to be treated equally as everyone else. Not worse and not better. However, that it exactly what this card does: treats some people better than others.” ARE YOU KIDDING ME???!!! And let me ask you Dan, are you one of those people who stare at my son who has Down Syndrome?? if so then YOU are the problem! “this card treats some people better than others.”….your damn strait it does! I bet your one of those families who moans and complains when I show the GAC pass….and my 2 daughters and my son, walk right by you. I will make you a deal..Dan…walk one day in his shoes and i will never again ask for the GAC. Oh by the way..we will be there from December 11th thru the 19th just in case you want to meet and apologize to him. most likely riding Pirates of the Caribean over and over.
Amen Art.
Love you Art!
Darn, Art. I couldn’t have said it better! Would have written sooner but I’ve been busy for 2 months putting my daughter through tests to rule out cancer. We finally got all back and cancer has been negated, so we can once again hit the parks and annoy those people who aren’t lucky enough to have a special needs person in their lives so they can get a GAC!!
Hello, I am taking my family of 6 to Disney world for Christmas. I have my 9 yr old daughter that has ADD and we have trouble keeping her focused and has anxiety when waiting in lines. We usually avoid places like this because she gets stressed out. Will Disney help us out with the GAC if we request it?
Since Disney really is the only one who can answer that question, I’d recommend that you contact them directly: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/contact/
Having raised a son with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), it is not considered a disability but is a condition. Kids with ADD usually have high IQs are not mentally disabled, say, like Downs syndrome. They are able to understand “wait” and all other behaviors that all humans experience. ADD is like a short in the brain, making it difficult for the person to focus on just one of the many tracks going on in thinking processes at the time. We always waited in the regular lines with our son and used the waiting as an opportunity to help him overcome his being distracted. Actually, this can be a great tool because it helped him adjust to what is expected of adults, to wait patiently. Take a favorite book, involve her in conversation, ask her questions about what she sees around her. ADD does not normally have the physical outbursts seen in those with ADHD. We only used the mediation with our son long enough for him to understand what it felt like to be in control of those tracks, to pick and choose the one he needed to focus on at the time. I know – I have it and was raised in a time when the disorder did not exist as a learning condition. I was always being told to “pay attention” and I would do it IF someone could only tell me HOW! I developed my own tools when I was in high school, many of those tools are used today with ADD kids, by the way. I played music while I studied – kept me from hearing all the outside noises when I needed to focus on what I was reading. I still use many of the tools I developed now because I am also easily distracted and can’t stay on focus sometimes. But as a parent, I would NOT use the GAP pass in this instance. I know when we did do something like that our son took it to mean we didn’t trust HIM to be able to do it on his own, it made him feel handicapped when, in fact, it is NOT a handicap. I KNOW the difference because I have a Downs daughter who, to this day, throws fits in the car when we stop at a traffic light because she just want to keep moving and she does not understand we can’t and this carries over to waiting in any line, be it at a theme park or the grocery store. Please – do not make your daughter EVER feel disabled with ADD because she is anything BUT that! Just my take on this since I’ve lived with both ends of the spectrum….
I have to come to Matt’s defence……..sort of. I am speaking from PERSONAL experience so there is no need to jump down my throat based on what I heard and saw. While planning my last Disney trip, many friends explained that I should bring my elderly father (who cannot walk) along so that we could take advantage of the short lines. That’s a great idea……the man can’t stay out in the sun for more than 20 minutes because he will pass out and driving in the car makes him vomit. So sure, lets go to Disney dad!! NOT. But to my surprise, a dozen or so aquaintances did just that. One person rented a motorized scooter in Orlando but had no disability at all. Short lines for his party of 14. Considering he was sitting down, he could have handled the regular lines on most rides.
I watched a woman who was morbidly obese and had to use oxygen to breathe get wheeled straight up to the front of the boarding area with her party of 8. No fast pass lane, no waiting. Come to find out, she ate herself to that size and smoked like a chimney. Glad she found her reward!!
On another note though, I have watched people with Down syndrome wait in regular lines. I’ve watched kids with autism wait in regular lines. There will always be people who will abuse the system. And if you don’t believe the pass is called the Golden ticket, just do a google search some time!!!!
my husband and I are taken my son and daughter to Disneyland,first time. My son sadly has autism. My daughter however doesn’t and she is ok with waiting but obviously gets cranky and tired just like any child does. However my son finds it painful to wait,not just in ques but waiting is a foreign thing to him. Even the shortest waits can have him in tears,he just doesn’t understand what wait is and for those who say ‘explain it then’ • my son has a mental age of a toddler,explain that to a toddler? But I’ve decided to first try the regular lines with my son and if it is excruciating for him,I will ask for a pass which I find hard due to ignorent others. I will not go straight to guest services before trying the regular lines,though waiting for 1 minute at a small holiday resort fair was a great deal for him
Xx
pippa, I SO understand what you are saying. Please read my other posts above as so you can see what I’ve already said about my Downs daughter.
Take a doctor’s note with you (although it’s not required) and get the pass from the beginning. It’s not fair to your son or your family to do otherwise. You DESERVE to have a happy day, just like everyone else. It’s a real shame that so many have chosen to take advantage of something that was meant for children and adults like our family members. Our society has just become one of “me first” and take what you can get anyway you can, so it puts us at a real disadvantage many times. There ARE older adults who should also be granted the “golden pass” as enjoying a trip to a theme park, but some people don’t think the elderly has the right to even be there. Both Disney and Universal are VERY strict about the number of people who may enter the fast pass/express pass lines on a GAC and that limit is 6. When people see parties of 14, it’s probably NOT the disabled pass that’s being used but those that have PAID for special escort or even the Express Passes that Universal now sells instead of offers free like Disney still does. If there’s a person in a wheelchair they “assume” that it’s the GAC being used. Unless they have actual knowledge, spoken with the party or KNOW them, I take these statements with a grain of salt and I do NOT let their comments make me feel badly about my family member! I have learned many valuable lessons from my daughter, had moments of sadness but also many of great joy in what she has accomplished. It’s taken her 30 years but she finally can put on her own shirt!!! She will never date, marry, have children, go to college, run a race or do most of what those who make those thoughtless comments take for granted. That’s one thing I’ve seen growing in our society – a lack of compassion for those around them. I’d give the world to have my daughter understand WAIT!!! But it means no more than “pick up your toys” does. Sure, there are Autistic and Downs people waiting in regular lines but they have higher levels of functioning than our children. It makes a great deal of difference, but there are some who just will never understand, just like our kids!
Take your son and family and have a GREAT DAY! Smile at those people who frown at you – they’ll never understand anyway. It’s their loss, not yours.
I think both sides have some vaild points and both sides could be more understanding. I completely agree that there are those who abuse the cards. Personally, I think a Dr. note should be required. Most people with legitamite issues are use to handing over a note to recieve accomodation. This would help others realize that those holding the cards really do need them.
Secondly, I understand how people can get irritated when they hear “I need a pass bc my child gets, tired, cranky, hot, bored, etc. waiting in line.” What child doesn’t? It seems to me that when it comes down to it, there are people on both sides that don’t understand the difference between, not wanting to because it is unpleasant and physically not being able to. This leads to abuse of the cards and assumptions by others that anyone who doesn’t look like they are dying must be abusing the card.
Something no one has mentioned yet is that lines at Disney aren’t like other parks or carnival lines. Most have interactive exhibits / walls to entertain kids with pre movies, games, and stories. There are numerous things to look at and stimulate a child and hidden mickeys to look for. I actually enjoy most of the lines and usually don’t feel like I am “waiting.” I’m not saying this means your kid can handle that. For alot of kids this would be too much overstimulation, but some may be able to handle it. For my family, the queue areas are part of the fun, and bipassing them alltogether would make me feel like I was missing out on something, on part of the story. As others have stated, if you plan ahead, you can avoid waiting without any passes. We have walked straight onto almost every ride when we go using touring plans. I’m only stating this because I know a few of you are undecided on if you really need the cards or not. I suggest you get the card, but try the lines first. You may find its not as bad as you think.
Having said all that, those of you who don’t want to see teenagers using a GAC, don’t go this May. That’s when my sister and her friends will be there, and if I catch her and her friends running around and laughing, I’ll smile at them and dare anyone to say anything. To look at her, she looks like a completely normal teenager, and you know why that is? Because she’s really good at putting on a brave face, smiling and telling everyone she’s ok. She doesn’t want anyone to worry about her or ruin any one else’s vacation. But underneath she’s not ok. Kids with disibilities/chronic illnesses are really good at hiding their symptoms beacuse they want everything to be ok. It makes me so mad when I read negative comments about people who are not in wheelchairs or are “obvoiusly fine” using passes, but I understand that this comes from ignorance and not hate.
My sister has Crohn’s, a disease with no cure. She will be on meds and in and out of the hospital her whole life. She takes enough medicine to open a pharmacy each day and will never be able to go off it. These are serious drugs, steroids, immunosuppresents, chemo drugs, chemicals and biological agents. She pretty much feels like she has the flu 24/7, and her meds cause horrible side effects like nerve damage, fatigue, nausea, and can even cause cancer. She has to have blood tests done every couple of weeks to monitor the effects of all the meds to make sure they don’t permantly damage her organs. She physically can’t be in direct sunlight due to the meds she takes. Her energy level is zero, and my worst fear is that we spend a ton of money on tickets and then get there, and she is too weak to do anything but sleep in the hotel room. I know at best we will have a few hours to a half day of park time each day. There will be no getting up early, staying out late, as we have done in the past. I’ve actually been trying to talk her into going on a different vacation as I don’t feel we will be getting our money’s worth this trip. So like others have stated, I’ll trade your being able to spend the whole day at the park while waiting in line to my few hours we will manage before she is too exhausted to go on.
So before you judge someone maybe think about my story for a sec. My sister has all her arms and legs, her hair, she walks and talks, jokes and smiles, she looks completely normal but that doesn’t mean that she is. You are seeing her “public face.” You don’t see her private one. You don’t see her in the hospital or missing going out with friends or going to school events because she can’t physically handle it. You don’t know that due to her meds she will get sick if she is in the sunlight, or that she can’t physcially stand or walk for long, or that she has to have quick easy access to bathrooms and can’t be trapped in a confined area without an exit. You don’t know that she may have spent all night up sick or even hemorraging as she did on our last vacation or that debilitating cramps might hit her at any second making it impossible for her to stand as also happened on our last vacation.
So, yes, we will get a GAC. We may not use it all the time, but it will be there if we need it. We aren’t looking for the front of the line; we are looking for accomodations to meet her needs. We need a shaded area to sit and wait that will allow us to leave and go to the bathroom and then come back. We don’t mind waiting. I really do like the queue areas, but that is just not an option for us this trip. So next time one of you sees a kid / teenager / adult who is “obviously abusing” the GAC, maybe you want to think twice about if you’d be willing to switch places with them or not. Are you so very sure they are healthy because I’m sure my sister would love to trade her health for yours.
Thank you for your reply.:)
Its very hard to live with a child with autism even harder when you have the world judging and assuming. I am a very honest person,if a shop keeper gives me too much change, I would tell them. I don’t abuse things or take things for granted but if there is something which can help my son then I would love for him to have it. Its ashame that we have to be terrorized by ignorence in order to have it. I’m a sensitive person and what people think about me matters though I really wish it didn’t. Its unfair to those like yourself and I who generally do need the assistance and do really appreciate it.
I think as a society we need to have faith in the good,this would help those who do need the pass but it would benefit ourselves also as our hearts and minds will not be angered,upset or untrustworthy-all feelings which don’t help one self especially when your spending the whole day at Disney!
x
I have to say having a child with Autism has been a curse more than a blessing. Yes, I have learned to see the world in a different light, but what my family has been through the last 12 years has been nothing short of torture. Everyday is pretty much guaranteed to be ruined by a meltdown or an argument. Have you ever seen a meltdown from a child/tween w/Autism? I can tell you, you wouldn’t want that happening next to you in line and ruining your day anywhere, let alone Disney. I can’t tell you how many times I have left a store in tears because my child doesn’t have a clue how much $1 or $50 is when he is looking for a small reward or something for having a good day and I have to wrap him like a pretzel in a shopping cart and run out of the store. He takes 3 medications to get through the day w/out being aggressive and sometimes it takes the edge off but he still gets very frustrated over little things. He also is mildly mentally retarded and I have 2 other children who experience these things everyday as well. They can’t have friends over and at the ages of 15 and 11, they have been instructed to take care of their brother if need be when they are older. SO MY POINT IS…if we as a family can get a few days of happiness and pleasure by not having to wait as long as you do, I am not going to feel guilty because every other day of the year is a challenge that no one should have to experience. If my life could be as ordinary as my childhood was, I would gladly stand in line with a smile but it’s not. If you haven’t experienced life with Autism, then you have no idea what it’s like. So please don’t assume we are using a GAC for a cranky, tired, or fussy child. We are using it to spare you a massive meltdown with possible foul language, hitting and uncontrollable crying for the entire time we are in line. Thank you.
I actually think that everyone posting here is in agreement. I don’t have need of the GAC card and I certainly wouldn’t wish to swap places with those who do, but the problem is the families who abuse the system by using the card just to jump the lines.
I had never heard of the GAC until I read “advice” on another site telling visitors to get one to save waiting in line. It even said which conditions to say one of your party suffered from that couldn’t be challenged.
I think the problem lies with Disney who should make more effort to screen out these bogus applications. Most visitors in need of a GAC will be on some form of medication, so why don’t they ask to see a bottle of pills prescribed to the guest needing the GAC? In the few cases where that isn’t possible, I’m sure the family could get a letter from their doctor confirming the condition.
If everyone knew that GACs were only available to genuine cases, they would be more sympathetic to those using them.
Stephanie, bless your heart! I HAVE experienced meltdowns; my former dil’s brother is Autistic and my own daughter has Autistic tendencies, which is where we believe her meltdowns lie. I also worked for years in an SED center (severely emotionally disabled) and even though I was in the office. had to learn tools on not only how to calm these kids but to protect myself. It’s NOT always a fun life and I appreciate your honesty.
And Tim, you are right about those who are using the system. Unfortunately, it is against the law for parks to ask the condition of the person requesting the pass. I’ve said before, I don’t agree and wish special rules could be written to help weed out those who are pretending. Parks can not ask for a drug script, they can not even ASK for a doctor’s note. If you wish to provide one in order to make your request go more smoothly, that is up to you. A couple of years ago we met up with my husband’s best friend from Virginia. His wife has end-stage MS, leans over in her chair, can hardly use her hands, let alone her legs. (Due to the lack of companion restrooms at Universal/IOA, it was disturbing to me to see him have to push or carry his wife into the mens restrooms, but that’s another topic.) We also had another couple come from Yonkers to meet up with us (an Air Force buddy reunion of sorts), so we had 7 people instead of 6. Universal honestly was NOT going to give her a pass like we had! They did end up allowing us to have 7 on ours, only because my wheelchair friend would not be able to do a lot of the “rides”, accommodations or not. I really wasn’t comfortable having that many people on our pass, because I KNEW how others would look at it, but we did have 2 people in wheelchairs in our party. We actually only used the pass 4 times that day.
Thanks, OI, for provided this forum for those of us with disability questions and concerns. To do this may help educate those who have never experienced anyone with the lives we live and I’m hoping that through this, we may begin to see more compassion from the “able” community. And maybe, those who are “using” it will see that they are NOT helping those who really need the accommodations. Of course, speeders still speed, tickets or not….
Tim said:
“I think the problem lies with Disney who should make more effort to screen out these bogus applications. Most visitors in need of a GAC will be on some form of medication, so why don’t they ask to see a bottle of pills prescribed to the guest needing the GAC? In the few cases where that isn’t possible, I’m sure the family could get a letter from their doctor confirming the condition.”
It is against the law for Disney to ask to look at prescription bottles or to require a doctors note. Even if they could do that, how would a Cast Member be able to determine who could get the GAC? Unless they were a doctor or had a pharmacy degree that information would be useless to them.
Is there abuse? Definitely, but in the grand scheme of your vacation (the general you not specifically Tim) with your family/friends shouldn’t people be more concerned about having a good time rather than who is using a GAC?
“Unfortunately, it is against the law for parks to ask the condition of the person requesting the pass. – Parks can not ask for a drug script, they can not even ASK for a doctor’s note”
I had no idea – I now see the problem facing parks management.
I guess I’m part of the “able” community, and the best advice I’d give to anyone observing those you think shouldn’t be using the GAC – believe in Karma – I won’t even park in a disabled space at 6am when the car park is empty because I don’t ever want to be in a position where I need to use one!
I never thought I would be able to go back to Disney and it turns out we get to go back this Spring. It’s very expensive and not in our yearly budget but thanks to family we will get to go back. I never heard of the GAC until 2 yrs ago when a friend of mine who is all about Disney and has a son with Autism told me about it. We did Disney (1 day in MK) when the kids were very young and it was a night mare. The last time we were there (2 yrs ago) we had the GAC card and had the best day of our lives.
I know the CM’s can’t ask for a doctors note or anything but I would be glad to get one to show proof of an invisible disability (even though it’s not so invisible all the time!). I just want people to know what it’s like to take an autistic child on vacation. Sometimes it’s not a vacation to them, they have to be in new surroundings, crowds and even the hotel can bother them, it takes them away from their routines and there is nothing Homey about it. But we have to try new things and let them experience life too. Try to be more understanding of people and maybe you will thank God you and your family are able to do many things that these children w/disabilities can not.
Eric, to lessen the waits for your family I suggest a couple of things:
- A good touring plan, something like http://www.touringplans.com . With a paid subscription they have plans you can follow to map out your day in the parks, they have a crowd calendar to let you know which parks to avoid on what day, and they have a phone app called Lines which can let you know the wait times of each attraction while you are in the park.
- Get to the parks at rope drop if you can, it is easier to get things done within the first couple of hours of park opening than latter on in the day.
- Use the fastpass system. It is free and gives you a time frame to come back and go through the fastpass line instead of waiting standby.
We are planning our first trip to Disney and my 10 year old son will need a GAC card. He is a normal healthy boy on the outside. On the inside, he only has half a heart. He has had three open heart surgeries and numerous procedures in the hospital and is on lifelong medication. The extreme heat or cold bothers him and he gets fatigued easily. He needs to sit a lot and does not have the stamina or a healthy child. When rude people make comments about him or roll their eyes at him or say rude things to us, it hurts him. He is intelligent and very aware of his disability. He feels bad about himself sometimes due to the hurtful actions of others. So I hope that all of you who are lucky enough not to have a child or someone in your family with and invisible disability see a child and a family get on a line a little bit before you do, that you hug your child and thank God that you are so blessed that you do not need this card because as many of other people have said before I’d trade places with you in an instant.
UPDATE 1/9/13
Are you looking for assistance with issues related to visiting Orlando’s theme parks with special needs family members? We would like to help! Please visit this blog post for more information.
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Karma is right! Sometimes you can’t “see” a disability!