GAC questions

[TiggerCate]

We haven't been to Disneyland since they changed to the GAC system. When we went in 2002, it was still the SAP program and it worked so well for our DS10 (then 7) with autism.

I know they say that the GAC doesn't allow for skipping ahead in lines but will allow for diverting those who need it to separate waiting areas (and we need it- my DS has meltdowns with crowds and lines.) How do they decide how long to make you wait if you are in that separate area? How many separate waiting areas do they have? (Is it usually the same areas used under SAP?)

Also, my DD7 is completely blind in one of her eyes and it limits her vision. Is it worth it to get a GAC for her, also, for the shows?

Thank you so much for reading!!

Cate

 

[Nik's Mom]

Yes, definitely get a GAC for your daughter. If it will help for her to sit up front for shows, mention that when you get the GAC. As for how do they figure out the waiting period on the GAC, I don't know. But I'm curious to hear what others say, since my DS is autistic and we will be getting a GAC this trip.

 

[TiggerCate]

Thank you, Nik's Mom! My DS is a Nicolas, by the way.

 

[SueM in MN]

It varies depending on the attraction, and even on the same attraction, it may vary depending on how busy it is and how many other people with special needs are at that attraction when you arrive.
Some of the attractions have a separate waiting area, some don't. For the length of the wait, expect it to be equal to what the standby line currently is, but in a space more suited to your needs, and you won't be disappointed.
If the standby line is 15 minutes or less, you can probably manage with waiting in the standby line.

 

[Nik's Mom]

Most of the lines my DS can handle. It's the ones where we are in a people corral (like Festival of Lion King), or in a pre show room like in Muppet where DS can't take it. Too many bodies crammed into a small space for him. I'm going to see if they will let us use the stroller in those cases. I think that will help him a lot.

 

[bradleysnana]

The only problem we had with the stroller in the large crowds such as Festival of Lion King was that everyone else was standing up. My grandson freaked out about everyone being taller than him and he felt like he was suffocating. The shows have a separate line for folks with GAC. You do not go in earlier than the other lines but the crowds are not as large.
One thing we found interesting is that in some of the shows - if you have a GAC, you have reserved seating. We found some of this seating was at the back. So for those people who get a GAC in the hopes that they will be at the front - this is not necessarily true. Depending on the reason for the GAC, the back is actually preferred. Much less noise, lights and crowds. Much better for the autistic child.

 

[TiggerCate]

Ok, that would make it tough for us- it would be better for my DS10 (autistic)to be at the back for the show, but it would be better for my DD7 to be at the front with her vision issues. Maybe as a family, we would have to split up? (I prefer the back, myself, so I know where I'd choose to go.)

 

[MBW]

Is the new GAC really "accomodation" anymore?

I'm getting more and more nervous about the new GAC and it's impact on autistic kids. When we last went to Disney in mid-Sept 2001 (yes, it was very slow) we were able to use Fast-Pass lines w/o a FP, and exits/mobility-challenged entrances to not only by-pass crowds, but long waits.

Let's be honest - it's not accomodation to ask an autistic child to get a FP and then LEAVE an attraction, even with the promise of later return. It is not accomodation to stick a child into a "quiet" area, and then leave them there for a half hour.

These kids have day-to-day challenges that most of us could never, ever imagine. And while all kids with physical challenges have difficult lives (in comparison to their "normal" peers), for neurologically exceptional children, comprehension of their immediate situation is oftentimes 90% of the battle. They live it 365 days a year - is it so hard for Disney to really try and accomodate them for a few special days? If there are 20,000 kids at Disney at any given time, there most likely won't be more than 150 kids with autism (if you use current CDC rates) in the whole place needing that little extra accomodation, i.e., a faster, easier access to attractions.

We're scheduled to spend 3 weeks in Orlando while researching our book (on vacationing with non-NT kids), including 2 weeks at Disney, and I'm now beginning to worry after hearing of the GAC changes.

 

[Nik's Mom]

If we have to get a fp, then we can't let our autistic ds see the attraction. If he sees it, he will want to get on right away. He can't get him to understand that we are coming back. The only thing we do to prevent meltdowns in this case is to have DH take the kids somewhere (another ride, for example) while I run off and get the fast pass. I wish there was a better way to handle this though.

 

[MBW]

If we have to get a fp, then we can't let our autistic ds see the attraction. If he sees it, he will want to get on right away. He can't get him to understand that we are coming back. The only thing we do to prevent meltdowns in this case is to have DH take the kids somewhere (another ride, for example) while I run off and get the fast pass. I wish there was a better way to handle this though.

Thank you, Nik's Mom - this is exactly what I mean. It's the same for my two boys, and it's certainly not as simple as sending one parent off to get the FPs, is it? Yes, while the other one watches the four kids (2 NT, 2 w/ autism) somewhere out of sight - this is why we now have a service dog with herding tendencies.

We need to try and help Disney to better understand our needs. Does anyone know if they read these boards regularly?

 

[TiggerCate]

If we get a Fast Pass to come back at a later time, there is absolutely no guarantee that we will even still be at the park. Even at our last visit when we had the SAP (2002), there were a couple of days that we unexpectedly cut our visit short, because DS10 (then 7) had had enough. I absolutely can't guarantee what shape we will be in an hour later. And yes, if it is something he really wanted to do, he would freak out and be a nightmare during that wait. The old SAP was a God-send. I really wish they could have found a better way to crack down on cheaters instead of punishing those in real need.

 

[MBW]

Well, Autism Awareness Month starts in a little over a week - perhaps we need to add this to our list of awareness issues to promote. I'd be willing to start brainstorming an action campaign to help better educate Disney of our specific needs. I know there was a petition a while back, but there are definitely more productive ways of discussing such concerns. In fact, if I recall correctly, I think my former Senator is still chairman of the board of Disney. Time to pull out the old rolodex .

It may sound trivial, but since respite care and family support are generally ranked as the more significant needs for families of autistic children, it's not too much to ask for resorts and attractions to help accomodate our rather simple issues. One week of simple accomodation can lead to months of happiness. It's a great investment all around.

 

[Talking Hands]

Disney is very good at accommodating for medical needs. You just need to make them aware what those needs are. Of course sometimes those needs cannot be met due to insurance or laws or safety for other guests and then you are stuck

 

[Figment1964]

Is the new GAC really "accomodation" anymore?

I'm getting more and more nervous about the new GAC and it's impact on autistic kids. When we last went to Disney in mid-Sept 2001 (yes, it was very slow) we were able to use Fast-Pass lines w/o a FP, and exits/mobility-challenged entrances to not only by-pass crowds, but long waits.

Let's be honest - it's not accomodation to ask an autistic child to get a FP and then LEAVE an attraction, even with the promise of later return. It is not accomodation to stick a child into a "quiet" area, and then leave them there for a half hour.

These kids have day-to-day challenges that most of us could never, ever imagine. And while all kids with physical challenges have difficult lives (in comparison to their "normal" peers), for neurologically exceptional children, comprehension of their immediate situation is oftentimes 90% of the battle. They live it 365 days a year - is it so hard for Disney to really try and accomodate them for a few special days? If there are 20,000 kids at Disney at any given time, there most likely won't be more than 150 kids with autism (if you use current CDC rates) in the whole place needing that little extra accomodation, i.e., a faster, easier access to attractions.

We're scheduled to spend 3 weeks in Orlando while researching our book (on vacationing with non-NT kids), including 2 weeks at Disney, and I'm now beginning to worry after hearing of the GAC changes.

Because there have been people who don't need GAC's that have taken info from boards like this and used them I need to be careful with what I say about the accomodation of the GAC for ASD kids. That said, we've been to WDW with my son with Asperger Syndrome numerous times. We've used a GAC on a couple of the trips. After explaining his needs to the CM issuing it we found that our needs were accomodated very well. As far as I know, the GAC changes were only at Disneyland to make them more inline with what WDW was doing.

We never had a problem with using it when it's been necessary.

I don't think you'll have a problem and hopefully this can help you relax a bit. I know how stressful it can be to travel with special needs kiddos.

 

[MBW]

Thanks, Barb, for your kind reassurances. I actually called CRO to start the reservation "process" (I'm sure it will take many more calls) and ironically, the CR who took my call has an autistic nephew who just visited. She assured me that we would have the same experience as in our previous visits, especially since we're travelling during low season (early-mid December.)

On an up note, we did get rezzies for WLVs and BCV (both 2br, a week each). What to do with the other week.

 

[SueM in MN]

Well, Autism Awareness Month starts in a little over a week - perhaps we need to add this to our list of awareness issues to promote. I'd be willing to start brainstorming an action campaign to help better educate Disney of our specific needs. I know there was a petition a while back,.

Because there have been people who don't need GAC's that have taken info from boards like this and used them I need to be careful with what I say about the accomodation of the GAC for ASD kids. That said, we've been to WDW with my son with Asperger Syndrome numerous times. We've used a GAC on a couple of the trips. After explaining his needs to the CM issuing it we found that our needs were accomodated very well. As far as I know, the GAC changes were only at Disneyland to make them more inline with what WDW was doing.

We never had a problem with using it when it's been necessary.

I don't think you'll have a problem and hopefully this can help you relax a bit. I know how stressful it can be to travel with special needs kiddos.

Thank you, Figment1964.
You are absolutely right.
It is important to remember that not everyone who reads these boards is honorable (I've gotten several PMs from people who saw unscrupulous friends or relatives use information they got from places like this to get special services without any special needs.)
For that rason, I've tried to keep things a little vague. The people who actually need assistance have enough info to get it.

Here is a link to a past disABILITIES thread concerning that autism petition.
There were a LOT of problems with that PETITION. It was based on a lot of rumors and very little fact.

WDW has not changed their method of access/accomidation/Guest Assistance Card.
What was changed was that DisneyLAND got rid of their Special Assistance Pass (SAP). This was to change from their system where everyone got the same SAP and same accomidation, no matter what their needs were.
DisneyLAND was actually changed to make their system in line with the way WDW has operated for the last 5 years or so. WDW's system looks at what is needed and tries to provide accomidation that fits the needs.

DisneyLAND had also been giving out a lot of SAPs based on the diagnosis of the person rather than the needs. Now, like WDW, it is based on needs, rather than diagnosis. That makes sense because not everyone with the same diagnosis has the same needs/problems.
As an example, I'll use Cerebral Palsy (CP), which is my youngest's DD's main diagnosis. In her wheelchair dance class, there are 3 other young ladies who all have CP and use power wheelchairs. if they just looked at diagnosis, all 4 would get GACs.
But, even though they have the same diagnosis, they have different needs (and one of them probably would not need a GAC at all as long as she has accessible lines).

 

[Nik's Mom]

Thank you, Figment1964.
You are absolutely right.
It is important to remember that not everyone who reads these boards is honorable (I've gotten several PMs from people who saw unscrupulous friends or relatives use information they got from places like this to get special services without any special needs.)
For that rason, I've tried to keep things a little vague. The people who actually need assistance have enough info to get it.

Here is a link to a past disABILITIES thread concerning that autism petition.
There were a LOT of problems with that PETITION. It was based on a lot of rumors and very little fact.

WDW has not changed their method of access/accomidation/Guest Assistance Card.
What was changed was that DisneyLAND got rid of their Special Assistance Pass (SAP). This was to change from their system where everyone got the same SAP and same accomidation, no matter what their needs were.
DisneyLAND was actually changed to make their system in line with the way WDW has operated for the last 5 years or so. WDW's system looks at what is needed and tries to provide accomidation that fits the needs.

DisneyLAND had also been giving out a lot of SAPs based on the diagnosis of the person rather than the needs. Now, like WDW, it is based on needs, rather than diagnosis. That makes sense because not everyone with the same diagnosis has the same needs/problems.
As an example, I'll use Cerebral Palsy (CP), which is my youngest's DD's main diagnosis. In her wheelchair dance class, there are 3 other young ladies who all have CP and use power wheelchairs. if they just looked at diagnosis, all 4 would get GACs.
But, even though they have the same diagnosis, they have different needs (and one of them probably would not need a GAC at all as long as she has accessible lines).

You do a great job on this board, Sue! It does anger me to think about us not being able to freely share information though. There are some scum people out there who would use this information, even though they or their loved ones are not disabled. Speaking for myself, I wouldn't mind if WDW started asking for proof of disability in order to receive the GAC. Then at least we would be able to use these boards without fear of the info of getting into the wrong hands.
Anyway, thank you to Sue for always being around for help and support.

 

[SueM in MN]

 

[TiggerCate]

I am in complete agreement about the proof. I know it is supposed to be against the ADA, but I would rather bring a thick file folder telling them everything about him (plus multiple letters from docs/specialists) than lose special assistance because of lying, cheating losers.

 

[MBW]

I am in complete agreement about the proof. I know it is supposed to be against the ADA, but I would rather bring a thick file folder telling them everything about him (plus multiple letters from docs/specialists) than lose special assistance because of lying, cheating losers.

I think perhaps if we should be "vague" about anything then, it should be about the proof needed to acquire a GAC. Those who need the GAC will have no problem getting the documentation (don't we all have those big, thick folders ) even if they don't need to show it, but it might scare off those who would obtain a GAC for less than honorable purposes.

I think parents of neurologically exceptional kids need a little extra hand-holding and support in their preparations, in part because the prevalence of our kids disorders is still relatively new in terms of public awareness. Perhaps making a concerted effort to let them know the services are there, while conspiring to scare frauds off, might be a better tactic in the long run? At least once a week we post some thread on all the documentation needed (wink, wink), so those scoundrels who troll our board for helpful tactics think twice about trying to use them.

And I agree, wholeheartedly, Sue you still run these boards as wonderfully as you did when I first found them nearly four years ago ;-).