I use a cane to walk and have for about 20 years now. I'm only in my 40's but have a debilitating arthritis. We went to DLR in 1998. After being there for a day or so, a CM walked up to me and explained to me that since I use a cane, I qualify to go in the alternate entrance for most rides, etc. I know things have changed at the DLR over the years, but have only had trouble once or twice obtaining a GAC. The first time we went back to WDW after 5 years of DLR trips I went to the AK. The CM there was the rudest I have ever encountered. I brought my GAC from the DLR to show her, but she couldn't have cared less. I waited until I got to the MK to get mine. We leave on Friday to go to WDW and my stomach is in knots over this. I am recovering from my 2nd knee surgery since January and I am not walking well at all. Just put down the crutches Saturday and am back to my cane but it's not enough. The only way I can do this trip per my doctor and physical therapist is to use a chair. I think we've decided not to go to the MK until Monday, but I don't know what to do. I just don't want a hassle about this. We always FP everything we can and if the wait isn't too long, we wait. I'm just getting anxious about this.
I can assure you that "French CM" is one of the best CM's on property.
If you had an issue with an individual, you can always ask to speak to the manager. EVERYONE except for Bob Iger has a manager.
If you are using a chair you don't need a GAC the lines are wheelchair accessible for the most part and those that aren't the CM will tell you where to go.
The GAC is actually issued to the person with a disability, not to someone else in their party, so I can see why the CMs want to see the person. They can't 'see' most of the disabilities, but at least they can see that the person the GAC is being asked for actually exists (not exaggeration).With so many disabilities that can't been "seen" how exactly is "seeing" the person that needs the GAC going to help?
The GAC is actually issued to the person with a disability, not to someone else in their party, so I can see why the CMs want to see the person. They can't 'see' most of the disabilities, but at least they can see that the person the GAC is being asked for actually exists (not exaggeration).
I cannot believe about the Epcot cast member who said the autistic child should "learn to wait"...ahh...if only autism were so easily fixed...that CM should be glad it wasn't me she/he was talking to...
I am taking DD age 4 w/ autism on 6/9 to WDW. I got a GAC last December when we were there w/o a doctor's note...I feel like I should have one, but if the law says I don't have to, I'm not sure what I should do. If I have any trouble getting the GAC, will a note help? Or would it be better to just ask to speak to a manager at that point? DD cannot wait in lines longer than 15-20 minutes, lines that don't move (like for a show) or really hot/crowded rat-maze type lines. When she melts down we can expect screaming, kicking, hitting whatever is nearby (including people she doens't know)...how do I explain this to the CM? I am happy to use fastpasses, but if they run out or the time is too late for our schedule (she'll wear out after a few hours in the parks) what then? Help!
I cannot believe about the Epcot cast member who said the autistic child should "learn to wait"...ahh...if only autism were so easily fixed...that CM should be glad it wasn't me she/he was talking to...
I know it was almost a year ago but we got DD's GAC in Epcot with no problems at all. The CM, a sweet young lady from Germany, was trained very well and we had no problems receiving the appropriate GAC stamps based on our DD's needs. DD did come with us to Guest Relations when it was issued, the line there was long and she did have a meltdown (sensory related) which may have helped???
Proof that describing the needs accurately and having the person who's name will be on the GAC present offers no problems at all.
It sounds like it was the visual that helped in that person's case.
I am taking DD age 4 w/ autism on 6/9 to WDW. I got a GAC last December when we were there w/o a doctor's note...I feel like I should have one, but if the law says I don't have to, I'm not sure what I should do. If I have any trouble getting the GAC, will a note help? Or would it be better to just ask to speak to a manager at that point? DD cannot wait in lines longer than 15-20 minutes, lines that don't move (like for a show) or really hot/crowded rat-maze type lines. When she melts down we can expect screaming, kicking, hitting whatever is nearby (including people she doens't know)...how do I explain this to the CM? I am happy to use fastpasses, but if they run out or the time is too late for our schedule (she'll wear out after a few hours in the parks) what then? Help!
I cannot believe about the Epcot cast member who said the autistic child should "learn to wait"...ahh...if only autism were so easily fixed...that CM should be glad it wasn't me she/he was talking to...
Why would you need more than one fastpass at a time? Just a question because I'm really not sure how this would make a difference...