Guest Assistance Pass Advice

[Annielkd]

Perhaps slightly off topic, but by far the most difficult thing of my entire Disney career was dealing with GAC cards. Boy, talk about a sensitive issue! The problem was, in my experience, is that their usage is out of control. Now keep in mind I only saw a fraction of guests in a day who actually entered the park, so to me there was a proportionally large size of people wanting GACs. The apprehensiveness of CMs, as someone stated above, has nothing to do with the genuine guests with disabilities. You're just talking about a heavily abused system which also has millions of combinations of variables. What I mean by that is that some people think they NEED a GAC for one thing while someone else may just go about their day without it.
Like many things, the issuance of GACs is a "judgement call" (I hate that term!). It's difficult because you could really help out someone who needs it or you could really mess up someone's trip by denying it.
And consider, again, all those variables! What if a parent comes in saying they have an autistic kid they need a GAC for and they have a party of 10, but the kid is no where to be found? What do you do? Ask to see the kid? But, wait, autism isn't readily apparent so even when they bring in the kid, what are you proving?
What about "adult ADHD"? GAC?
Someone already in a wheelchair? Do they need a GAC?

The issue is extremely sensitive but my advice is simple: go to Guest Relations. Explain things just as you did here, and ask "Is there any assistance you can provide me?" The CM will then explain not only the GAC but all the other wonderful ways Disney goes out of their way to especially help those with disabilities. By no mean sshould you feel strange about using it once you have it; honestly the CMs at the attractions see literally hundreds of these a day; no one is "checking you out" to see if you're really disabled or something.

I'm sure it must be extremely difficult to be put in that position. All I can do is explain my issues, show my medicines (photocopy with date and my name) show my handicapped plate, and doctor's note. I can actually show one part of the disability that's easy to see... the other's... not so much. I personally think it's very difficult to ask for help. Part of me wants to hang on as long as I can without one... but, the other part had a very difficult time last year and I know I can't go on the rides without it.

 

[misterID]

My dad, who does not look sick, had to use a wheelchair last time we went. We never had any problems with the CMs-they went out of their way to help in any way they could. We did get a few nasty looks and a couple of comments from people but we chose not to hear them and not to let it bother us. It was more important making memories with our family than letting people who I will never see again in my life ruin our vacation. If you stop at guest relations in the front of the park, they will explain the GAC sytem to you. Like everyone else said, just talk to the greeters at the attractions and they will help you out.

You seriously got comments? I thought people just saved their nasty comments for the internet.

I would love that to happen to me. My dad needs one (he's on kindey dialysis and can't walk the park, can't stand in line) plus he has to leave to be sure he's back in his room so he can hook up like at 7. I know people like to get froggy at the world sometimes, but that really blows my mind.

 

[Annielkd]

You seriously got comments? I thought people just saved their nasty comments for the internet.

I would love that to happen to me. My dad needs one (he's on kindey dialysis and can't walk the park, can't stand in line) plus he has to leave to be sure he's back in his room so he can hook up like at 7. I know people like to get froggy at the world sometimes, but that really blows my mind.

I've been there when people have made comments... that's why I was afraid of getting one. People can be so mean at times!

 

[dopeylove]

I am thinking about asking for a Guest Assistance Pass, however, I have heard many nasty things people say here about people scamming the system. You can't tell my disability until about 2 hours in the park. I do not use a wheelchair. (My issue is I can't stand still on it for more than 1/2 hour and I am on a immune suppressant and shouldn't be in crowds) Anyway, last year I spent most of my time either sitting in the shade while my DH and DS went on all the rides, and they icing my leg while elevated in the hotel room. I had no quality time with them at all.

Will people be nasty... is it worth it to have together time? I really had a miserable time last time and heard there are alternatives... I'm just really sensitive and don't know how I would handle a nasty comment. What is your advice?

First of all you really shouldn't worry about what others say and just have a great time.

Secondly, under the HIPAA privacy act, no one can ask you about your health/disability so therefore you don't need to bring a doctor's note, your prescriptions or parking card. In fact, at Disney and SeaWorld, we have NEVER been asked any questions. (Universal is another story-several years ago, they actually wanted to ask my son questions even though he is non verbal).

My son has autism and we have used the card for the last 8 years. It has helped immensely. In fact, now if the line is short enough and he is not too agitated, we stand in line with him so that he can get more used to it for when he has to be other places and stand in line.

In our experience, the CMs have been wonderful and we've received no comments, no complaints from anyone ever. Just show them your card and ask them where to go.

Enjoy your time there and PLEASE do not worry. Don't forget the First Aid station if you need it.

As for your question as to you not knowing how to handle a nasty comment, just say "Have a MAGICAL day" and SMILE. :wave:

 

[Annielkd]

Have you used the first aid station? I was wondering if they would let me ice my leg there for about 20 minutes to prolong my time in the park. I would definatley make things a bit easier. Thank you for your advice!

 

[Lucky]

What if a parent comes in saying they have an autistic kid they need a GAC for and they have a party of 10, but the kid is no where to be found? What do you do? Ask to see the kid? But, wait, autism isn't readily apparent so even when they bring in the kid, what are you proving?

Definitely the kid should be with the parent making the request. I always bring my son with me. The point isn't for the CM to try to diagnose the kid. It's to establish that there is an actual kid, and to deter many fraudulent requests - most adults would not lie in front of their own non-autistic kid about their kid being autistic.

Where does one get these passes.

Guest Relations just inside the gate at any of the 4 major parks.

 

[Jimmy Thick]

I needed a Gac card for one trip right after I had an unplanned knee surgery and was on crutches for my entire vacation. I could barely walk and standing in line was totally out of the question. I used the card, and if I had to the other members of my family were allowed to join me in a quicker queue. It had nothing to do with me cheathing the system and everything to do with me being in pain.

Not one person let out a smart remark or did not have the courage to do it aloud. I say, give the benefit of the doubt when it comes to compassion, there are those with issues, absolutely, but most will not even notice.


Jimmy Thick-I still cringe thinking about that trip...

 

[MaryJaneP]

Secondly, under the HIPAA privacy act, no one can ask you about your health/disability

Actually, under HIPAA, anyone who HAS protected health information needs to protect release of that information. Under freedom of speech, anyone can ASK. Protected health information can only be released under certain specified reasons, or pursuant to an authorization for release. Thus, the question is not prohibited.

 

[I_heart_Tigger]

One of my Disney trips included a friend who outwardly looks like a healthy, fit 22 year old girl but she has had a heart transplant and was waiting for a double lung transplant.

She got a GAC because she tires very easily and can't walk or stand for a long time. She didn;t want a wheelchair because she thought it would be harder to get around so we just made sure to take frequent rest stops.

It worked great for her, we didn't notice any stares, we had no comments from anyone and she was able to see her favourite attractions. Don't worry about anything, the CM's will treat you great and no one else matters - just have a good time with you and your family.

 

[Annielkd]

I needed a Gac card for one trip right after I had an unplanned knee surgery and was on crutches for my entire vacation. I could barely walk and standing in line was totally out of the question. I used the card, and if I had to the other members of my family were allowed to join me in a quicker queue. It had nothing to do with me cheathing the system and everything to do with me being in pain.

Not one person let out a smart remark or did not have the courage to do it aloud. I say, give the benefit of the doubt when it comes to compassion, there are those with issues, absolutely, but most will not even notice.


Jimmy Thick-I still cringe thinking about that trip...

I think when you see someone struggling with crutches, it's obvious that they are in some kind of distress. For me, I don't use assistance. I want to hold off as long as I can... I might be able to go another year or two without it. I can walk, I'm in pain... but, walking is good for my general health. So, you can't tell by looking at me I need it. That's what I was worried about. I'm not going to worry at all. I will take the advice others have given me and tell them to have a magical day!

 

[Annielkd]

One of my Disney trips included a friend who outwardly looks like a healthy, fit 22 year old girl but she has had a heart transplant and was waiting for a double lung transplant.

She got a GAC because she tires very easily and can't walk or stand for a long time. She didn;t want a wheelchair because she thought it would be harder to get around so we just made sure to take frequent rest stops.

It worked great for her, we didn't notice any stares, we had no comments from anyone and she was able to see her favourite attractions. Don't worry about anything, the CM's will treat you great and no one else matters - just have a good time with you and your family.

I'm so glad you had a lovely time. That really makes my day. (I know it sounds corney... but, it did)

 

[potatoheadfan]

can everyone please just settle down and not ruin it for people that need it.

 

[Annielkd]

I'm confused... who do you want to settle down?

 

[Emma2603]

You should get one as it will help make your trip easier and more enjoyable. At the end of the day, you've paid to be there like everyone else and should be able to enjoy the same attractions as everyone else.

My partner has similar concerns. This year will be our first trip after he had a serious accident that left him with mobility problems. He doesn't really need a wheelchair but will not be able to stand in long lines. I think we will struggle to fully enjoy the trip without one.

Does anyone know whether you need to ask for a card on every day you visit the parks, or will they provide one to cover the entire duration of your trip?

 

[Annielkd]

You should get one as it will help make your trip easier and more enjoyable. At the end of the day, you've paid to be there like everyone else and should be able to enjoy the same attractions as everyone else.

My partner has similar concerns. This year will be our first trip after he had a serious accident that left him with mobility problems. He doesn't really need a wheelchair but will not be able to stand in long lines. I think we will struggle to fully enjoy the trip without one.

Does anyone know whether you need to ask for a card on every day you visit the parks, or will they provide one to cover the entire duration of your trip?

From what I was told, you get one for your entire trip. There was information on the internet about it. But, I've never gotten one.... so this is just what I've read.

 

[Annielkd]

Any more advice

Does anyone have anymore advice?

 

[Captain Hank]

Guest Assistance Cards are issued for the entire length of the Guest's stay and are valid at each of the four parks, regardless of the park in which they were issued. Please note that they can only be written for a maximum party size of six (the Guest with the disability plus five other Guests). Parties larger than six may/will be asked to split into two groups and ride separately.

 

[Annielkd]

Captain Hank,
I've heard online in this forum that some places are easier to talk to the guest relations people. Do you know anything about that? My first day in the parks will be at Animal Kingdom, I was planning to ask them there.

 

[Captain Hank]

Any of the four park-based Guest Relations locations will be able to issue a Guest Assistance Card. Is that what you meant?

 

[Annielkd]

Thank you all for your advice. I got the guest assistance pass and it made a huge difference. I wasn't able to stay long in the parks, but it did allow me to pick and chose rides that I wanted to go on and then get on them. One time they had an area to sit and wait, and then you were escorted into the ride, I thought that was awesome. This was the first year I was able to go on any ride I wanted. I've never been able to do that. (usually we get a fast pass... but they are usually for later on in the day) Thank you all! Not one person said anything or looked at me funny.