Can you get a gac that will allow the new fast pass time extension

[stitchlovestink]

Then perhaps the Fastpass system is unsuitable for you. Maybe visit the parks early in the morning when lines are shorter or go off season.

Wow!! That's rather rude! Don't they have enough to deal with?? Maybe they can't travel off season or they aren't a morning person. Have some compassion and consideration for others besides yourself People!!! JEEZ!!!!


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[lovethattink]

You came across much better than I would have which is why I didn't respond to that. Most people don't realize the amount of work it takes to keep a child with a chronic condition "healthy." I haven't slept through a single night since my daughter was diagnosed. I get up at least once or twice in the middle of the night to make sure my child hasn't dropped dangerously low or she isn't high from her site going bad. I don't think she deserves a "golden ticket" but just a little consideration would be nice.

I'm sorry and very much understand the not getting sleep since diagnosis. I hope that your child's conditioned is able to get stabilized soon so that you both can get some much needed rest. That lack of sleep really takes a toll on your body.

To the OP, I am not aware of any stamp for the GAC.

Since time is usually of the essence, perhaps speaking to guest services or an attraction manager AFTER the medical crisis is over may help. The worst they can say is no.

I still stand by this. My son's GAC is stamped appropriately for his medical conditions for things that will happen, not what might happen.

We are in an unusual situation though. We live close to WDW, have PAPs, so we can come back frequently, we go almost every Monday. If things don't go as planned we can always try another day, but most of you don't have that luxury.

We did run into a situation where he wasn't able to experience something in particular that really meant the world to him. Accomodations were able to be made specifically to that experience, only that park, and for a limited time frame. This went above and beyond any expectations we had!

I think what we all have to remember is that what seems to happen when anything changes is something like this:

Change Happens -> Accomedations are made on a case by case basis -> Case by Case basis is found out by public -> System falls apart

Yes, they should be made on a case by case basis. It's up to the discretion of the cm at guest services.

I may be overgeneralizing but something has got to give with this kind of thing. Absolutely accomedations should be made, but I don't think they should be, shall we say "relied on".

Go to Disney, do what you can to mitigate your issues and learn to take the good with the bad.

IMHO, I think Disney has spoiled people. They do what they can and more, but no system is ever going to be perfect and it seems people have been taught to expect it so much that they freak out when everything isn't just so. Its great and amazing that people with issues are out and mobile and all that where they might not have been 20/30/40 years ago but maybe it's time to remember how good things have gotten rather than complain again and again when things don't work in your super specific situation.

Flame on kids.

The ADA sets the standard in law.

We have annual passes to all the central Florida theme parks. Each park has their own type of GAC and each works differently. For example, Sea World's allows 1 person to accompany the guest with a wheel chair to a show. All others in the party have to sit separately. Disney allows up to 6 people total including the guest.

I don't take anything for granted anymore. Each day of life is a gift to be treasured. When my child stopped breathing Father's Day 2010 and dh had to perform CPR on him til paramedics arrived, my perception of many things changed. We live each day as if it were the last, and to the fullest, thankful for all the wonderful opportunities that come his way.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

I know all about the ADA. My problem is with those who want an experience catered to their every whim. The ADA can only do so much and there are those who still seem to think this isn't enough. They don't seem to understand that the ADA is in place to assure equal access where it can be provided, not "I have a disability and I get what I want and can't handle it when I'm told no"

 

[ttintagel]

I know all about the ADA. My problem is with those who want an experience catered to their every whim. The ADA can only do so much and there are those who still seem to think this isn't enough. They don't seem to understand that the ADA is in place to assure equal access where it can be provided, not "I have a disability and I get what I want and can't handle it when I'm told no"

"Catered to their every whim" seems a bit extreme. I haven't read anyone here mention wanting to do anything on a whim. People are just wondering about how certain unexpected situations are likely to be handled. Some people like to be prepared.

 

[k3mommy]

I don't think this thread is headed in the right direction. Obviously everyone's situation is different. Everyone spends a lot of money at Disney and wants to get the most out of their experience. I think the problem is some people believe others are trying to cheat the system or get ahead of them somehow. Disney offers GAC because they realize it isn't as easy to experience the park with disabilities. Some of what I'm hearing equates to saying there shouldn't be handicap parking available at grocery stores. Those people that need to park close should get up at the crack of dawn on Saturday to ensure they are able to get a parking space that isn't at the rear of the parking lot. After all, they are aware of their limitations and know they need groceries so make arrangements accordingly. Ridiculous. I don't see anyone asking for Cinderella and Prince Charming to escort them from ride to ride and to the front of every line. BUT I know everyone is entitled to their own opinion. God forbid a child with a disability get a little extra magic at Disney to make their life a little easier.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Disney offers GAC because they realize it isn't as easy to experience the park with disabilities.

Disney provides the GAC because it realizes some of its guests require special accommodations accessing (boarding or waiting for) attractions due to 'invisible' disabilities. Not every guest with a disability, hidden or not, needs a GAC; at this point, there's no indication there's any kind of stamp or exemption allowing guests to ignore the FastPass return window, even for medical reasons.

Some of what I'm hearing equates to saying there shouldn't be handicap parking available at grocery stores. Those people that need to park close should get up at the crack of dawn on Saturday to ensure they are able to get a parking space that isn't at the rear of the parking lot. After all, they are aware of their limitations and know they need groceries so make arrangements accordingly.

Then you're not reading the same thread I am . Sometimes you just can't do everything you want to do; if it means missing a ride, or getting a new FastPass, that's what you do. That's what every other guest who misses the return window does...

But that's not why I quoted what I did. Are you aware of the point of handicapped parking? Everywhere, not just at the grocery store? The entire goal is to get the disabled person out of the flow of traffic as as quickly and safely as possible. Period.

 

[livndisney]

I don't think this thread is headed in the right direction. Obviously everyone's situation is different. Everyone spends a lot of money at Disney and wants to get the most out of their experience. I think the problem is some people believe others are trying to cheat the system or get ahead of them somehow. Disney offers GAC because they realize it isn't as easy to experience the park with disabilities. Some of what I'm hearing equates to saying there shouldn't be handicap parking available at grocery stores. Those people that need to park close should get up at the crack of dawn on Saturday to ensure they are able to get a parking space that isn't at the rear of the parking lot. After all, they are aware of their limitations and know they need groceries so make arrangements accordingly. Ridiculous. I don't see anyone asking for Cinderella and Prince Charming to escort them from ride to ride and to the front of every line. BUT I know everyone is entitled to their own opinion. God forbid a child with a disability get a little extra magic at Disney to make their life a little easier.

Sarcasm and over the top reply noted.

What I think a lot are trying to say is a GAC is not a magic pass. LOTS of people (even some who post here) think it is. And there are people on here that don't like hearing that. A GAC helps provide equal access. It is not about "little extra magic".

For what it is worth, I have spoken to GS in the park. There is not a stamp, nor are there plans for a stamp. There is not a one size fits all answer. IF you find yourself in this situation-as others have suggested speak to the CM at the attraction. They may be able to help you. If they cannot put you on the ride right then, they may be able to help you with a later fastpass, or offer another solution that works.

 

[AddictedtoDoleWhip]

I think some people in this thread are being over-dramatic.

I thought the GAC was to help those who are disabled/have a disability be able to function at a theme park and help them do the things that those who aren't disabled can do. I don't think they will ever have a FP extention because that makes it more "not equal" where I thought the GAC was to help that situation and make things equal. If they extend FP to certain people than they would have to do it for everyone else. To make it fair.

Talk to the CM if some situation comes up, if they allow you to come back great if they don't then get another FP.

 

[andrews_dad]

I think some people in this thread are being over-dramatic.

QUOTE]

Par for the course on this message board. LOTS of great disney info up here and money saving tips, but BOY is there a ton of judgemental & dramatic folks. Disney folks seem to have an up-type typology, in general. Luckily in my touring group, which includes 2 toddlers, an 84 year old who is wheelchair bound with many health issues, and a smattering of other needs and personalities we can all enjoy Diz with an ease about us....

For the OP, speak with the CM's. Have a GREAT trip.

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

I think some people in this thread are being over-dramatic.

and I think that is the point that some people are tying to make, but getting shot down by those who are being over the top

I thought the GAC was to help those who are disabled/have a disability be able to function at a theme park and help them do the things that those who aren't disabled can do. I don't think they will ever have a FP extention because that makes it more "not equal" where I thought the GAC was to help that situation and make things equal. If they extend FP to certain people than they would have to do it for everyone else. To make it fair.

A GAC isn't always a best fit for everything it only works when you have a specific need for one and unfortuitly to the OP extending fastpass times is not one of them, and it's not likely to be made one as it is not something that everyone has to use.

Talk to the CM if some situation comes up, if they allow you to come back great if they don't then get another FP.

and that is about the best advice anyone can give in this situation


Also I would like to mention even though i am quoting someone I don't mean it as an attack to them

 

[LockShockBarrel]

Who can say they're never dramatic in real life..it's a tool for getting a point across.

And a lot of the recent PP are echoing essentially what I meant. A GAC is not a magical do all pass. It's there for specific reasons. Accomedations can be and are made as seen fit. I think it's ignorant and foolish to go in and demand some of what people on these boards think they should be getting (I'm not singling anyone out and it's not even necessarily from this thread) I don't fault anyone for asking about these things, it's those that get snippy about when their random specific need isn't accomedated the way they think it should be. I think there comes a point when people on these boards need to say to themselves "OK, this just isn't going to work" rather than fighting and arguing over something that's out of their control anyway.

 

[Sparkly]

I'll just make the peace here and say I'm sorry for my previous comment. I understand it's hard for you and that you just want the best possible holiday you can. I hope everything works out for you

(and what song should be on in the background but Good Life )

 

[aubriee]

I think some people in this thread are being over-dramatic.

I thought the GAC was to help those who are disabled/have a disability be able to function at a theme park and help them do the things that those who aren't disabled can do. I don't think they will ever have a FP extention because that makes it more "not equal" where I thought the GAC was to help that situation and make things equal. If they extend FP to certain people than they would have to do it for everyone else. To make it fair.

Talk to the CM if some situation comes up, if they allow you to come back great if they don't then get another FP.

I agree! Giving someone a GAC that says they can come back anytime they want, to use a fast pass, is 'not equal' access. Before you know it, everyone would try to come up with a reason for needing that particular GAC. Heck, me and my mom are both diabetics and she is very, very brittle. She can eat a full meal, and her blood sugar will still drop and drop quickly for absolutely no reason. Alot of times she has no warning and goes from feeling fine to being confused having to sit down and eat immediately. Sometimes our only warning her blood sugar is low is her sudden confusion. Her endocrinologist says she's probably her worst patient. Her blood sugar will never be stable, no matter how good she follows her diet. Should we be allowed a GAC that allows us to come back anytime we want, just because her blood sugar dropped and we had to stop to treat it. No we shouldn't. We should have planned ahead and arrived at the beginning of the fast pass window time to allow for such occurrences.

 

[Schmeck]

I agree that there are probably few legitimate excuses, but the fact remains that even if we do get to the line, there is no guarantee my DD blood sugar isn't going to plummet to 40. She's 3. She doesn't recognize when she is dropping. So now we are either in line or approaching the line at the beginning of the one hour window and she starts whining. Should I go ahead and get in line? Check her BS in line? Start treating in line? And then force her to ride the attraction while trying to recover from a low BS? BTW, when we treat a low BS recovery isn't instantaneous. There have been instances where she drinks her juice and we recheck and she is still dropping. Another juice. Another check. Not high enough so some other form of sugar because we have learned more than 2 juices leads to puking.

I don't think we should be given a free pass to just hop on and off the rides whenever but on a bad day with lots of highs and lows we may have a hard time making the one hour window.

On a bad day, the best thing would be to return to the cool, relaxing hotel room to get things settled down, and get out of the hot sun, long walks, and stress, I would think? Then there is a better chance of a good day the next day? Wouldn't that be best for the child?

I understand the frustration of having to get out of line, or changing plans, and just not getting the vacation one imagined, but if it really is so bad, then wouldn't it just be better not to keep pressing on at that point? We've retreated to the hotel numerous times (two kids with issues, and an intolerant husband) and were all the better for it.

If the blood sugar issue happens in line, then just leave and see the CM as you go - you still have your FPs in hand, and they can see that you were there, etc. I've found WDW to be very understanding as long as you can show that you were in line to begin with.

 

[cm8]

I agree! Giving someone a GAC that says they can come back anytime they want, to use a fast pass, is 'not equal' access. Before you know it, everyone would try to come up with a reason for needing that particular GAC. Heck, me and my mom are both diabetics and she is very, very brittle. She can eat a full meal, and her blood sugar will still drop and drop quickly for absolutely no reason. Alot of times she has no warning and goes from feeling fine to being confused having to sit down and eat immediately. Sometimes our only warning her blood sugar is low is her sudden confusion. Her endocrinologist says she's probably her worst patient. Her blood sugar will never be stable, no matter how good she follows her diet. Should we be allowed a GAC that allows us to come back anytime we want, just because her blood sugar dropped and we had to stop to treat it. No we shouldn't. We should have planned ahead and arrived at the beginning of the fast pass window time to allow for such occurrences.

, Once Disney changes the GAC to rival UO and IOA, there are going to be a lot of heads turning Having to come back an hour later is going to accommodate the needs of everyone in a one-size fits all package

 

[lovethattink]

, Once Disney changes the GAC to rival UO and IOA, there are going to be a lot of heads turning Having to come back an hour later is going to accommodate the needs of everyone in a one-size fits all package

Nah! UO and IOA's works great!! We went to the darkside this past weekend and didn't have any problems. If the line was less than a certain time, they sent us right on, if it was longer (like Minion Mayhem) they signed a time for us to come back. We rode it twice Sunday and once Monday. The first time it was 70 minutes, the 2nd time was an hour. Monday it was a 90 minute return window. In the meantime we ate, shopped, or hung out somewhere else airconditioned. We were late (by 15 minutes) one of the returns and that didn't seem to be a problem. Of course, with the rules of their pass, we couldn't use it for another attraction until after we did Minion Mayhem otherwise we'd forfeit that time for the different attraction's time.

Legoland's works similar to UO/IOA

 

[TLSnell1981]

.
Talk to Guest Relations and ask what they recommend. They may already have a procedure in place for this kind of thing but don't want to make it public knowledge.... Hopefully you never actually have to find out because hopefully you don't have to endure a crash at WDW.

 

[tinkerpea]

Ive used the GAC at Disney many times for either my son or myself and I dont always agree with what some people say on here about the passes as in my experience of the last 20 years they have worked in a way that i describe very different to what some people want you to believe. I think everybodys experience with them can be incredibly different..and what mine was might not have been yours but it doesnt make mine wrong just because you believe thats not how they work even if you will argue it till the death But that's a matter for another thread

Anyways to the OP i would just go to guest services or to the CM at the ride the FP was for if the emergency arrises Disney are amazing at accomadating peoples needs even more so when something like that happens, I doubt there is a stamp for this as they have only just changed the FP over!

I never even knew that you could use a FP beyoung its time before people started posting about the issues with being bk by the time stated so for my family it has never been an issue.

Good luck with your trip

 

[special ed teacher]

I agree! Giving someone a GAC that says they can come back anytime they want, to use a fast pass, is 'not equal' access. Before you know it, everyone would try to come up with a reason for needing that particular GAC. Heck, me and my mom are both diabetics and she is very, very brittle. She can eat a full meal, and her blood sugar will still drop and drop quickly for absolutely no reason. Alot of times she has no warning and goes from feeling fine to being confused having to sit down and eat immediately. Sometimes our only warning her blood sugar is low is her sudden confusion. Her endocrinologist says she's probably her worst patient. Her blood sugar will never be stable, no matter how good she follows her diet. Should we be allowed a GAC that allows us to come back anytime we want, just because her blood sugar dropped and we had to stop to treat it. No we shouldn't. We should have planned ahead and arrived at the beginning of the fast pass window time to allow for such occurrences.

I believe this would be a good reason to allow your mom special accommodations.

 

[littlbugmom]

My DS8 is T1D and I think I might ask about this during our Oct trip. I don't think it will happen over and over and over again but it is very likely to happen a few times during our vacation.

Every day of our lives, my DS's diabetes is on our minds. We plan for and around it. We check our son often. We have snacks, water and fast sugar on hand at all times. We're even more diligent while out and about at a park, zoo, pool, etc.. Going to a place like Disney takes planning and diligence to the extreme. It's just how it is.

But even if we do everything right and plan to arrive at the beginning of the FP window, things in the World do not always follow my carefully thought out and typed out touring plans. A ride that I think or read would take about 30 minutes ends up taking 45 so now we're approaching the halfway mark of our fastpass return time. Then I might notice my son putting his hand to his head and I ask him if he feels low. He says he's just hot but he's starting to walk slower and looking mad. That tells me he's low but fighting it. So, we look for some shade to sit down and test his blood sugar. He's low but insists he isn't and gets annoyed because he wants to ride XYZ and we're making him rest and drink/eat something he doesn't want to drink/eat. He's not exactly cooperative when he's low. Not his fault...he can't think straight. We have to wait 20 minutes before checking him again to see if his blood sugar is up. 15 minutes isn't enough for him....we end up over compensating if we test too soon.

So, we check him again and he might be fine and ready to go but we still might not make it on time.

Or, we check him again and he's still not high enough so we have to wait longer and definitely miss the FP window.

In this very realistic scenario, we weren't pushing things to the last minute and expecting to be allowed to ignore the FP rules....but trying to manage a disease like T1D while at a place like Disney can be very unpredictable and difficult. With a child, it could happen more than once a day because of the heat and the activity. It would be nice to have a small accommodation like a slightly extended FP time so that my son doesn't feel like he's also punished for having this disease.

It makes me a little sad that I get the feeling from some of the posts here that people think we should just plan better.

All that said....I plan to go about our business first and IF we find that his diabetes makes it difficult for us to benefit from the FP system, only then will I ask about a GAC.