GAC to Become DAS

[Gabe1]

Today seems to be a good day to share this story. My DD attends the University of Illinois Champaign Urbana which has for decades championed equal access. UoI has always been the leading University in access. There is one young lady Tatyana who attended school with my DD who was born in Russia with Spinal Bifida. She had surgery 21 days after birth instead of immediately and was abandoned and sent to an orphanage paralyzed from the waist down, so poor it couldn't buy crayons let alone a wheelchair for Tatyana, she remained in bed, malnourished basically left to die.


Her adoptive, American Mom visited the orphanage on a business trip bonded with her and adopted her. She almost died in the USA because she had been so malnourished and was only expected to live a few months. She pushed forward with a will. Her Mom built strength in her and enrolled her in every sport imaginable including swimming but ultimately her love was wheelchair racing.


At the University of IL she is known as the Beast. She is so strong and students are in awe at how much she can lift and goes up hills in her wheelchair that bring others to a crawl.


Today she won the Chicago Marathon in a sprint to the end in the time of 1:42:37 and put her in another elite classification, the first to win 3 marathons in a row, including Boston and the first to win 4 marathons in her wheelchair in a single year.


My DD and I both followed the marathon, separated by 4 hours from each other, cheering her on. She has accomplished everything she can do with the support of her Mom who believed she could do anything she set her mind to do. This young lady sets the bar with grace and dignity for all she has decided to accomplish.


I am so proud of her and everything she represents in life.

I bet that when Tatyana goes to WDW she waits in line with everyone else.

I betting Tatyana gets around Disney as well as she gets around outside of Disney. I really admire her and admire her Mom for focusing on what she could accomplish and the determination they both have.

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
I'm in awe of the University of IL wheelchair students and the wheelchair athletes. It is definitely a campus of students that are focused everyday on what they can do. They are amazing.

https://www.facebook.com/illinoiswheelchairathletics

 

[duchess1]

Every family has their challenges. There are "normal" families that can't take the parks for more than a couple of hours in the heat, kids that have meltdowns, blisters, bad backs, hurt feet, pregnancy, asthma, etc. Nothing you listed as not being able to hit as many attractions or having to wait for other family members is anything different than any "regular" guest would encounter on any given day. Kids that are too small to ride have to wait for their older siblings and kids that have younger siblings can't go as fast and hit as many rides. That's the reality of life for everyone.

Admission to a Disney park is not a guarantee that you will ride "x" amount of rides, it is that you will have access to the park and if you wish to ride the rides, accommodations will be made so you can experience them along with every other guest. THAT is the goal of the ADA and what the DAS is trying to accomplish. It's not about everyone getting an equal vacation, because that doesn't exist.

Before our trip in August ( a trip I waited and saved 6 years for), I came down with plantar faciitis and physically could not do the parks for more than a couple hours at a time. Couple that with asthma affected by the humidity and the fact it was AUGUST, we could not be in the park for more than 4 hours at a time. I probably could have had a GAC, but the thought never crossed my mind because I just adjusted my expectations accordingly and carried on with what ended up being an absolutely fabulous vacation.

As long as there is an incentive for people to abuse the system, it affects ALL of us, disabled and non-disabled.

*edited by me to remove specific references and because I was being overly snarky*

 

[peachykeen]

The main issue is trying to figure out who "needs help." There is not a guideline that can be followed, and there are laws policies put in place by Disney that prevent Disney from asking questions like that. Guest Relations can't pull out a chart and say "Hmmm ok you have what disability now? Ok, let's see, that means that the most you will have to wait for anything today is X."

What I personally wish is that the DAS program was handed over to the Registered Nurses at FirstAid. I think that would reduce the amount of "fakers" and also, the RN'd have more experience in disabilities (not just mental but also physical) than the poor intern working 5 months at Guest Relations. Their opinion on what type of accommodation should be made would carry a lot more weight than what a Guest Relations CM believes and could lend some credibility to the program.

Under the old system, a child with severe autism was treated the same way as a person with a peanut allergy or stubbed toe i.e. they were permitted unlimited, immediate access to all attractions. Fair? I'm sure the person with the stubbed toe would think so, but the autistic person's family, not so much. That is what lead to the abuse.

 

[unkadug]

The main issue is trying to figure out who "needs help." There is not a guideline that can be followed, and there are laws that prevent Disney from asking questions like that.

What I personally wish is that the DAS program was handed over to the Registered Nurses at FirstAid. I think that would reduce the amount of "fakers" and also, the RN'd have more experience in disabilities (not just mental but also physical) than the poor intern working 5 months at Guest Relations. Their opinion on what type of accommodation should be made would carry a lot more weight than what a Guest Relations CM believes and could lend some credibility to the program.

Under the old system, a child with severe autism was treated the same way as a person with a peanut allergy or stubbed toe i.e. they were permitted unlimited, immediate access to all attractions. Fair? I'm sure the person with the stubbed toe would think so, but the autistic person's family, not so much. That is what lead to the abuse.

Actually, not really.

 

[peachykeen]

Actually, not really.

Ok I fixed it. After being told by countless Guests for years that I was breaking the law by asking them what assistance they needed, I figured there was

 

[misterID]

Every family has their challenges. There are "normal" families that can't take the parks for more than a couple of hours in the heat, kids that have meltdowns, blisters, bad backs, hurt feet, pregnancy, asthma, etc. Nothing you listed as not being able to hit as many attractions or having to wait for other family members is anything different than any "regular" guest would encounter on any given day. Kids that are too small to ride have to wait for their older siblings and kids that have younger siblings can't go as fast and hit as many rides. That's the reality of life for everyone.

Admission to a Disney park is not a guarantee that you will ride "x" amount of rides (which is something you seem "obsessed" with), it is that you will have access to the park and if you wish to ride the rides, accommodations will be made so you can experience them along with every other guest. THAT is the goal of the ADA and what the DAS is trying to accomplish. It's not about everyone getting an equal vacation, because that doesn't exist.

Before our trip in August ( a trip I waited and saved 6 years for), I came down with plantar faciitis and physically could not do the parks for more than a couple hours at a time. Couple that with asthma affected by the humidity and the fact it was AUGUST, we could not be in the park for more than 4 hours at a time. I probably could have had a GAC, but the thought never crossed my mind because I just adjusted my expectations accordingly and carried on with what ended up being an absolutely fabulous vacation.

Using your words - I did nothing wrong, there were people abusing the system that were affecting my vacation by clogging up the FP return queue and having me stand in line longer on a hurt foot. So, I'm not exactly seeing your point because as long as there is an incentive for people to abuse the system, it affects ALL of us, disabled and non-disabled.

.

. My point is: I support this change, but lets tweak it to make it easier for people who need it. I don't know why that's so bad, or "unfair."

. Simple, I have a condition that makes it very painful to stand in line. I had a real reason to get that card, but I didn't. Because I decided I can tolerate it. I'm not comparing my ailment with others, because I have no real thoughtful understanding of their problems and it's not my place to decide what they SHOULDN'T get.

Expanding 15 to 30 minutes is not asking a lot, yet that's too much to handle,

 

[flynnibus]

Ok I fixed it. After being told by countless Guests for years that I was breaking the law by asking them what assistance they needed, I figured there was

No you are right for the most part. The disabled do not have to prove their disability nor answer questions on why. You are only supposed to discuss what their limitations are. Policies that would exclude the disabled or prevent the disabled from getting the reasonable accommodation are illegal. You can't deny someone because they can't prove it. That is why filtering based on questioning doesn't help a business.

What people get wrong is claiming its due to hippa or other privacy issues.

The disabled would only have to prove it in court.

 

[pddmom]

Again, you're making up arguments again, Tom. I never said anything about being given an unlimited fast pass (again, this is really sounding like an obsession) but I don't see a problem with giving someone a shorter wait who can't even ride all the rides you can, and your argument just sounds callous and purposely uninformed.

We're talking about extending the wait time from fifteen to thirty minutes, which you oppose because that would mean the disabled are getting a better vacation than you are. These people who haven't done anything wrong, who are being affected specifically because of others abusing the system-- that was created for them. I guarantee you that even with the old GAC pass, you spent more time on the attractions and rode more attractions than I did, just because of my disabled family member, not to mention waiting around so other family members and kids can ride the "major rides", we're not even counting that. It takes a lot of time to get around and now that time is going to be extended even more because of a flawed system. That's not fair and equal.

You've already gotten your way. GAC is dead. I want to make it easier for folks who need help to get it to have an easier time. I know you're not purposely doing this, but if your only contribution is to continue to make it harder on them so they don't have this imaginary advantage over you, then its hard to take you seriously.

thank you again, and to amplify your point....I am a single mom of two, so our group is 3, my older son has aspergers and my younger son has autism. we never get to the parks before 2 and then figure in dinner, fireworks and parades, and at least 2 hours for the bathroom. of course you are right and none here, well at least most here, don't even want to consider that because they are the ones with the "entitled" attitude and don't want any confrontation, otherwise you are a such and such. so...how much do you think we are riding? when are able, yes the GAC was good, so we at least could ride some stuff. as far at the emotional comment, don't know who made it but...of course!! they are my kids and if i feel someone is saying negative things about them or the group or disability they are associated with, i am going to be emotional, that doesn't make me a psycho, bad mom, or irrational, that makes me proactive and an advocate for my kids.

 

[pddmom]

Every family has their challenges. There are "normal" families that can't take the parks for more than a couple of hours in the heat, kids that have meltdowns, blisters, bad backs, hurt feet, pregnancy, asthma, etc. Nothing you listed as not being able to hit as many attractions or having to wait for other family members is anything different than any "regular" guest would encounter on any given day. Kids that are too small to ride have to wait for their older siblings and kids that have younger siblings can't go as fast and hit as many rides. That's the reality of life for everyone.

Admission to a Disney park is not a guarantee that you will ride "x" amount of rides, it is that you will have access to the park and if you wish to ride the rides, accommodations will be made so you can experience them along with every other guest. THAT is the goal of the ADA and what the DAS is trying to accomplish. It's not about everyone getting an equal vacation, because that doesn't exist.

Before our trip in August ( a trip I waited and saved 6 years for), I came down with plantar faciitis and physically could not do the parks for more than a couple hours at a time. Couple that with asthma affected by the humidity and the fact it was AUGUST, we could not be in the park for more than 4 hours at a time. I probably could have had a GAC, but the thought never crossed my mind because I just adjusted my expectations accordingly and carried on with what ended up being an absolutely fabulous vacation.

As long as there is an incentive for people to abuse the system, it affects ALL of us, disabled and non-disabled.

*edited by me to remove specific references and because I was being overly snarky*

 

[pddmom]

Please don't compare the problems of the disabled, ie; autism, cp, and those in wheelchairs to the "problems" faced by young children or your foot ache. Come on, it is disrespectful and just dumb.

 

[arko]

so we went to the parks yesterday and used the DAS, it definitely a mixed bag. Got there(MK) around 2pm and the line outside guest relations was outside the door and down the steps. Hard to tell if the DAs had anything to do with it but have never seen it this bad so late in the day. Getting the DAS itself was fairly easy, and quick CM had an Ipad mini asked a few questions took my son's pic and card was printed in seconds. Note no ID was asked for and I just had to sign the back. So in terms of increased deterrence I saw nothing that would really stop someone.
The system is exactly how it was described except for one major change, the kiosks that everyone said were a great idea, were nowhere to be found, you have to go to the ride.

The CM's seem to be well trained on the system and it is fairly well implemented, but it was a challenge for my son to understand why he couldn't go on the ride right away like he always could. Its now going to have to be a strategy of running ahead and getting a time and then figuring out what to do for 30 minutes because despite everyone's assurance we can do anything we want he really doesn't want to. We basically had to zig zag through the park. Got the time for pooh, went to Philharmagic and then went back and waited. Was it horrible no, is it more stressful, yes. We basically decided that semi busy days are out, unless we want an eventual meltdown.

I will say this I saw absolutely no difference in overall wait times in standby from our many previous visits and if anything FP lines were fuller than before.If it was as big a problem as some people say there should have been some effect, but I could see none.

The Kiosks would make a huge difference, in that you could get the time without having to have someone run ahead.

I saw one or 2 families with grandma in a scooter waiting in the standby line looking none too happy.

Many families will do ok with this system, others especially those with limited time due to medical or other issues maybe not so much.
But as I said in my previous posts this system is just as easily abused as the old one, as long as you don't mind having your kid's pic taken.
We will be at Epcot today so I will let everyone know how that goes

 

[natatomic]

These is another reason that the FP lines might be fuller currently - I know this is an issue and more than one attraction, but possibly not all of them. But now that so many guests are using FP+ bands, we're starting to see their effects. They're working pretty well, and they seem to be a huge guest satisfier, BUT instead of one person handing 8 FPs to the person at merge and then walking on their merry way, now each person has to tap their individual bands at the tap points, which does have a 2 second delay or so (and since these are still in the testing phase, many FP+ issues are popping up on the merge kiosks which must be dealt with as well). Those seconds add up quickly, and they're having a hard time keeping the FP line moving. And because they have to stick to a certain strict FP:Standby ratio (i.e., they can't just let Standby keep going for the sole purpose of filling up the post-merge line), they're having a hard time moving guests from both lines.

I just say this to say that busy or full FP and/or Standby lines currently probably have very little to do with DAS, and a lot more to do with them ironing out the kinks of the brand new system of FP+.

 

[networkpro]

The suits (TM) have an introductory guide available now that looks like they've spent some time compiling with the assistance of knowledgeable resources. There's no mention of a "front of the line" pass.

https://wdpromedia.disney.go.com/me...disabilities-services/wdw_cognitive_guide.pdf

Planning a Trip to the Walt Disney World® Resort
A Resource for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

 

[Gomer]

thank you again, and to amplify your point....I am a single mom of two, so our group is 3, my older son has aspergers and my younger son has autism. we never get to the parks before 2 and then figure in dinner, fireworks and parades, and at least 2 hours for the bathroom. of course you are right and none here, well at least most here, don't even want to consider that because they are the ones with the "entitled" attitude and don't want any confrontation, otherwise you are a such and such. so...how much do you think we are riding? when are able, yes the GAC was good, so we at least could ride some stuff.

Yeah, I'm not questioning the numbers that were stated before about 1% of guests accounting for 10% or FP use, but neither my son nor any GAC user I have ever known have been capable of putting up numbers like that. We are never really in the parks for more than 4 hours at a time (usually a 3-4 hour break mid-day), and we do max 4-5 rides per day. We may have used GAC to get on Pooh right after IASW, but after that we sit for an hour and have a snack so he can calm down before moving on. We don't really do roller coasters (if he's having an especially good day he might do BTMRR) except for maybe once per trip. The type of commando ride attack needed to hit those numbers is not something he could ever handle. My only guess would be that the qty of riders needed for that sort of demand could only be maintained by the fakers and abusers.

 

[JimboJones123]

Every family has their challenges. There are "normal" families that can't take the parks for more than a couple of hours in the heat, kids that have meltdowns, blisters, bad backs, hurt feet, pregnancy, asthma, etc. Nothing you listed as not being able to hit as many attractions or having to wait for other family members is anything different than any "regular" guest would encounter on any given day. Kids that are too small to ride have to wait for their older siblings and kids that have younger siblings can't go as fast and hit as many rides. That's the reality of life for everyone.

Admission to a Disney park is not a guarantee that you will ride "x" amount of rides, it is that you will have access to the park and if you wish to ride the rides, accommodations will be made so you can experience them along with every other guest. THAT is the goal of the ADA and what the DAS is trying to accomplish. It's not about everyone getting an equal vacation, because that doesn't exist.

Before our trip in August ( a trip I waited and saved 6 years for), I came down with plantar faciitis and physically could not do the parks for more than a couple hours at a time. Couple that with asthma affected by the humidity and the fact it was AUGUST, we could not be in the park for more than 4 hours at a time. I probably could have had a GAC, but the thought never crossed my mind because I just adjusted my expectations accordingly and carried on with what ended up being an absolutely fabulous vacation.

As long as there is an incentive for people to abuse the system, it affects ALL of us, disabled and non-disabled.

*edited by me to remove specific references and because I was being overly snarky*

And this is the key, understanding thay limitations have their limits. Should we givespecial treatment to parents with small children that opt not to use a stroller? Those children may tire easier and need special accomadations. Or the family that comes with grandparents. They cannot do 90+ degree heat in their 90s and cannot enjoy a summer day waiting in AK lines.

There are times of the year where crowds are very lite. Times of the day as well.

And again, the expectations of guests need to be reeled in. Sure, it was nive while it lasted, but if this DAS conversion is the last straw, let it be the last straw. Don't go.

Again, Disney World is not all about riding a quota of rides a day. Be thankful for the insane amout of grace given previously, but also the great amount still given. In 1994, you would have had far less options than DAS gives you. 1984, even less.

The gratitude of some people (or lack of) makes me sick.

 

[Gabe1]

The main issue is trying to figure out who "needs help." There is not a guideline that can be followed, and there are laws policies put in place by Disney that prevent Disney from asking questions like that. Guest Relations can't pull out a chart and say "Hmmm ok you have what disability now? Ok, let's see, that means that the most you will have to wait for anything today is X."

You came very close and your thought process is correct. Disney has created policy to be compliant with the law
Under ADA and Transition, Section 504 and in the category Recreation and Leisure.

Disney dances to garner information to assist. They cannot ask for a diagnosis or proof of disability hat violates privacy laws. Disney needs to watch their sentence structure, poor wording could put them in violation even if that isn't their intent. So they will ask more or less what assistance they need and what in the park they think will cause them difficulties. More or less. They can prompt if there are mobility issues, hearing etc that we can assist you with? But never do you have to give a diagnosis or prove your disability.

 

[Gomer]

And this is the key, understanding thay limitations have their limits. Should we givespecial treatment to parents with small children that opt not to use a stroller? Those children may tire easier and need special accomadations. Or the family that comes with grandparents. They cannot do 90+ degree heat in their 90s and cannot enjoy a summer day waiting in AK lines.

You may be onto something there. I think you finally found a way to eliminate the ECV and stroller congestion problem that everyone hates so much. One free "Re-AD" to everyone over the age of 65 and under the age of 6 that chooses not to opt for an ECV/Stroller.

Kidding of course...sort of. I do wonder what that park would look like. Only people who truly need strollers and wheelchairs would have them, but then FP would be clogged up. So, which do we hate more, stroller congestion or FOTL abusers?

 

[duchess1]

And this is the key, understanding thay limitations have their limits. Should we givespecial treatment to parents with small children that opt not to use a stroller? Those children may tire easier and need special accomadations. Or the family that comes with grandparents. They cannot do 90+ degree heat in their 90s and cannot enjoy a summer day waiting in AK lines.

There are times of the year where crowds are very lite. Times of the day as well.

And again, the expectations of guests need to be reeled in. Sure, it was nive while it lasted, but if this DAS conversion is the last straw, let it be the last straw. Don't go.

Again, Disney World is not all about riding a quota of rides a day. Be thankful for the insane amout of grace given previously, but also the great amount still given. In 1994, you would have had far less options than DAS gives you. 1984, even less.

The gratitude of some people (or lack of) makes me sick.

Thank you for seeing what I was trying to say. There isn't a standard day at a Disney park for anyone, not just the disabled. Every person who walks through the gates of Disney (and for the sake of space, please insert "with the exception of MAW" for most of what I am about to write) is entitled to what they paid for - regardless of their own challenges and/or lack thereof. Now, what did you pay for? Entrance to a Disney park. That's it. You are not entitled to ride 4 rides in the first 4 hours, or "loop" the Great Movie Ride 25 times (as Autism Hippie stated in her video). Disney had a broken system that favored one set of guests over another and they are trying to correct that for the benefit of all their guests.

If everyone is special, then no one is.

I am all for equal access and accessibility. I am not for unequal preferential treatment for a certain subset of guests that Disney has not specifically called out for that kind of extraordinary service.

Oh, and who are some of these other "normal" guests? Let me tell you a story about the foster daughter of our best friends who traveled with us on our trip... Her mother committed suicide at age 8. Her father then physically, mentally, and sexually abused her until his incarceration when she was 13. He would often leave her home for days while he went out drinking with no food in the house. She would trade "favors" to some of the neighborhood boys in exchange for money or food so she could survive. She wakes up almost every night screaming and life will probably never be normal for her. She is just one of the many guests standing in line waiting their turn to have a little magic in her life. So no, I'm not heartless or disrespectful. I'm conscious of the fact that I don't know anyone's story but my own.

 

[Gomer]

Thank you for seeing what I was trying to say. There isn't a standard day at a Disney park for anyone, not just the disabled. Every person who walks through the gates of Disney (and for the sake of space, please insert "with the exception of MAW" for most of what I am about to write) is entitled to what they paid for - regardless of their own challenges and/or lack thereof. Now, what did you pay for? Entrance to a Disney park. That's it. You are not entitled to ride 4 rides in the first 4 hours, or "loop" the Great Movie Ride 25 times (as Autism Hippie stated in her video). Disney had a broken system that favored one set of guests over another and they are trying to correct that for the benefit of all their guests.

I haven’t noticed anyone on this board (recently) saying that anyone is entitled to a certain number of rides. Nor have I seen anyone from the disability side suggesting that we are more entitled to a good vacation than those with the “normal” lives. (I have seen my own words twisted in this thread to imply that I had said just that, but it was never the case and it was never my opinion) There were some folks with that sentiment way back at the beginning. But the folks on here now seem to be making suggestions on how to best fit the program to the needs of those for which it was designed. Meanwhile it seems that both sides continue to argue against Autism Hippie (giving bad names to those with Autism and hippies alike) who isn’t even here.

I didn’t read every post over the weekend, but I haven’t seen anyone here from the disability side, defending what Autism Hippie was asking for. And while I myself don’t think Disney is required to provide anything, they have clearly decided that they want to provide this to those within the disability demographic in exchange for what I’m sure they see as a benefit of having those with disabilities target Disney as their destination of choice. I mean, it makes sense to me. From my perspective with Autism, (and I mean this with all the love in the world for those on the spectrum), they are a perfect consumer for Disney’s current model. They are built on routine, so they want to visit the same vacation destination and they generally hate change, so they would actually prefer it if rides weren’t changed or replaced. We’re kind of like the DVC crowd, but worse. My son, if he had his way, would never have Disney build a new ride again and still go every year. Disney must be thrilled with his feedback.

In the end, with the ever growing number of people with disabilities, it makes financial sense for Disney to give accommodations to those within that demographic. And although, many may not agree, we can surely agree that it is within Disney’s right to offer these accommodations to whoever they deem their target for additional spending. And if they want to offer accommodations, then it only makes sense for those using it to offer up ways for it to work better.

 

[DISNEYCASTAWAY]

We got to use the new DAS this past week, and it didn't seem bad at all. We would get a return time for the busier attractions and enjoy the less frequented ones, or grab a bite to eat in the mean time. Yes a little more work is involved, but it is not as tough as some are making it out to be. Also used the fast pass + for the most popular rides, add that to the DAS and it was a very enjoyable vacation.