My guest assistance card didn't assist me much for some reason

[mergatroid]

Disney Guest Communications are the people to e-mail. Be as specific as possible with the information you give to them when giving your story. If you know any of the CMs names that you talked to or the time that you were speaking with them, experiencing that attraction, that will help ensuring that the information gets passed to the correct people. I apologize that you had such a bad experience and not coming from a parks background I don't really have answers for you on the correct use of the GAC card. That being said, it does sound like some poor CM training on the GAC cards. The specifics of the letter you send to Guest Communications will help ensure that those CMs get the proper training without, likely, getting them in trouble.

Thanks very much for that, it's very helpfull.

Unfortunately it's difficult to pin down exactly where the problem was. There are several different types of GAC cards, and every location has their own policies and procedures for them, as the infrastructure at say Jungle Cruise is very different than that of say Dinosaur. What MAY have happened at LMA was that the area was designed for wheelchairs, not just anyone with a GAC (Honestly I don't know it's just speculation). And when the other Cast Member saw it was empty anyway, offered you the seat out of politeness (which is probably what the first CM should have done, and was just being overly cautious, again, I don't know, just speculating.)

The best thing to do is exactly what the card instructs, just speak to the first cast member encountered. Hope that helps!

Yes that was a strange one that day. On the front 2 rows there were already a few people sat there who weren't in wheelchairs with a huge number of empty seats. Not to worry as I was given one of those seats by a second cast member anyway and as you say maybe they're told to deter people who don't use wheelchairs from sitting there.

It sounds you really tried not to "need" the card. It is a bummer that when you presented it, you did not have better results. I admire the fact that you enjoyed your trip and only felt compelled to present it a couple of times. You could have caused a scene, or really have been negative in your post. I tip my hat to you my friend! Hope all is well for you.

That's very nice of you to say and is much appreciated my friend. It's not Disney's fault that I have dystonia and it's not their responsibility to do stuff for me in my mind. Therefore anything they do is a bonus and as such I would never cause a scene because something they're doing to try to help didn't seem to be running quite as smoothly as you might expect it to.

The issue with fastpasses an GAC is it is written on the back (maybe the bottoms not sure dot have one in front of me) that if fastpasses are available you must use that option given to you.

Also it is written on every GAC card that it is not a skip the line card. I'll look for a picture or get one at work tomorrow to show you. They should have done a better job of explaining them and giving CMs the tools needed to actually enforce the GAC rules but since we are powerless we typically cave under pressure.

Thanks for replying and I still have the 'GAC' and here is what it actually says on the front

Guest Assistance Card

This card will alert our Cast Members to provide the assistance you have requested where applicable. It is NOT intended to provide immediate access.

Please present this card to the greeter or first host or hostess you come in contact with at each attraction

It has stamped underneath that

GUESTS CAN USE ALTERNATE ATTRACTION ENTRANCES WHERE AVAILABLE

It also has hand written on it my name, number in party, who it was issued by and valid dates. On the reverse side it says

This card is valid for use at attraction locations in the MAGIC KINGDOM Park, Epcot, Disney's HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS, and Disney's ANIMAL KINGDOM Theme Park only.

Additional waits may be incurred at certain attractions due to the need for a special vehicle or other operational concerns.

Some attractions have alternate entrances for guests with disabilities. These are intended to offer guests using wheelchairs or with service animals a more convenient entrance to the attraction. Alternate entrances are not intended to provide immediate access. Guests with disabilities and up to five members of their party may enter through these entrances. For operational considerations, additional party members are required to use the standard queue.

At attractions offering Disney's FASTPASS services, Guests should obtain a Disney's FASTPASS return ticket.


Reading that it states 'These are intended to offer guests using wheelchairs or with service animals a more convenient entrance to the attraction. As I wasn't using a wheelchair nor had a service animal then the cast member may have been right telling me I had to use the regular queue at the HM regardless of the size of the queue. However it was the lady at Guest Relations who persauded me to take the GAC knowing I had no wheelchair or service animal (I had Mrs M with me but will refrain from any cheap jokes) and stamped it with 'GUESTS CAN USE ALTERNATE ATTRACTION ENTRANCES WHERE AVAILABLE'. In fact I only went into Guest Relations to enquire about a GAC for Fantasmic after being told the previous year that I needed one? Anyway it's no big deal and I had a fantastic time but kind of find it confusing as to exactly how to use the GAC and being told different things off diferent cast members. I'll shut up now as I'm becoming conscious that I sound like a moaning person thinking that the world owes him something because he has dystonia which really isn't my intention. Thanks for everyones help and I'll maybe try contacting Disney just to clarify things.

 

[Tinkerbell 8]

Thanks for posting. My boyfriend and I are going to Disney in 2 weeks and I have been looking into getting a GAC just incase. He has had 3 back operations and sometimes he cannot stand for long periods of time without pain running down his leg which then makes it hard for him to walk. He has never been to Disney and we weren't sure how well his back would handle the long walking or having to stand in long lines so I wanted to get it incase his back started acting up one day. We have been taking longer walks and trying different types of sneakers to see what works best for his back so I'm hoping we don't have any issues in Disney, but you never know.

 

[Dwarful]

On our next trip my mother & step father are going with us. He is 77 and has Parkinsons. We were planning on renting a scooter for him or a wheelchair. He does have the handicap card for parking. Would the GAC be helpful for him to have? I'm thinking mostly of the days he and mom will be doing the parks when we are at the water park.

 

[mergatroid]

Thanks for posting. My boyfriend and I are going to Disney in 2 weeks and I have been looking into getting a GAC just incase. He has had 3 back operations and sometimes he cannot stand for long periods of time without pain running down his leg which then makes it hard for him to walk. He has never been to Disney and we weren't sure how well his back would handle the long walking or having to stand in long lines so I wanted to get it incase his back started acting up one day. We have been taking longer walks and trying different types of sneakers to see what works best for his back so I'm hoping we don't have any issues in Disney, but you never know.

I really hope you have a good trip and that his back doesn't play up.

On our next trip my mother & step father are going with us. He is 77 and has Parkinsons. We were planning on renting a scooter for him or a wheelchair. He does have the handicap card for parking. Would the GAC be helpful for him to have? I'm thinking mostly of the days he and mom will be doing the parks when we are at the water park.

I would think so especially if he's using a wheelchair or scooter. My friend who is permanently in a wheelchair went a few years back with me and he had no issues using his 'GAC'. I seems to me if you're not in a wheelchair it's a slightly grey area depending on your needs which is understanable as one persons needs can be very different to anothers. Enjoy your trip.

 

[DisneyGirl3820]

I get a card for my daughter every trip ,and i've never experienced that.they are usually very good and very accomodating,we used it at Haunted Mansion recently too and were led in through the exit,because the fastpass line wasn't open. I'm sorry that you had this happen it usually isnt this way and The cm's at The Nemo Show are a great help eventhough it's not meant for shows they have always offered us an alternate entrance .

We get the GAC card for my child and have never had a problem. I'm surprised that the cast member would not accept it. They are usually very accommodating and helpful. I'm glad you had a wonderful trip, though, despite the incident!

 

[laurieloveswdw]

I am also glad you had a great trip. There isn't much that can damper our family trips to WDW. But I do want to help you out with the GAC. My son gets one. He has for the past 3 trips. It has helped us tremendously. We have been sent through the fastpass line every single time. But they have asked us if we needed other accommodations, like can he climb stairs (Toy Story Mania), need shade, etc. And his "disability" is mental/emotional. I am thinking that you perhaps came across some cast members that either have come across too many people cheating the system and are skeptical or are just improperly trained. If I were you, I would have said, I will have a difficult time standing in line that long. I am sure they would take you right in or at least find a place where you could sit and wait your turn. Next time, just tell them flat out. They aren't allowed to ask you questions, which is why the system has so many abusers. As my sons abilities improve, we may choose not to use the GAC in the future, but it sure has helped us (and those around us) enjoy the experience a lot more. Good luck.

 

[Mawg]

I'm going in June with a Nephew in a Wheel Chair and trying to read up on the GAC. I've read multiple times that if FP is available you should get one, if not use the GAC. Well let's say the standby wait for an attraction at noon is 60 mins and fast pass is available but the next time slot is 7pm and we are planning on leaving the park at 3 pm for a dinning reservation somewhere else. If we did not have the wheelchair we would be able to ride the ride granted we would have to wait in standby for an hour. Should one of us get in line and see if the rest can meet up through the exit or something? Wheelchairs already have their disadvantages but not being able to use the standby or a fastpass seems pretty unfair.

 

[Poofiesdream]

I was told by CM's outside of test track you do not need a FP if you are in a wheel chair or scooter. Just go threw the FP line.

 

[joanna71985]

I was told by CM's outside of test track you do not need a FP if you are in a wheel chair or scooter. Just go threw the FP line.

Not necessarily. Most lines are mainstreamed, so wheelchairs/ECVs go through the regular line

 

[mergatroid]

I am also glad you had a great trip. There isn't much that can damper our family trips to WDW. But I do want to help you out with the GAC. My son gets one. He has for the past 3 trips. It has helped us tremendously. We have been sent through the fastpass line every single time. But they have asked us if we needed other accommodations, like can he climb stairs (Toy Story Mania), need shade, etc. And his "disability" is mental/emotional. I am thinking that you perhaps came across some cast members that either have come across too many people cheating the system and are skeptical or are just improperly trained. If I were you, I would have said, I will have a difficult time standing in line that long. I am sure they would take you right in or at least find a place where you could sit and wait your turn. Next time, just tell them flat out. They aren't allowed to ask you questions, which is why the system has so many abusers. As my sons abilities improve, we may choose not to use the GAC in the future, but it sure has helped us (and those around us) enjoy the experience a lot more. Good luck.

Thanks for the advice and it's good to hear that your sons abilities are going to improve. All the best.

 

[RHRH]

I am in a very similar boat as the OP. Last time I went to WDW was over 10 years ago, about 5 years after my diagnosis with a neuromuscular disease and slightly longer than that from back surgery. I had my son in a jogging stroller so I used that as a walker, and I could lean on that while waiting in line (just like leaning on a shopping cart). I would really really like to visit WDW again, but I am not sure what to do. I could rent a scooter, but my back is bad so sitting for a long time is not good. I would like to walk or use a Segway (would that be allowed at all in the park?), but in either case, I would want a GAC so I could sit when I needed to and also not be out in the sun waiting. How can I avoid incidents like those mentioned by the OP? Should I just suck it up and use a scooter? I have not needed a scooter at home but I do sometimes use a walker. I just sit or lean when I need to. For example, I was waiting in line at a diner, and I was leaning against the wall.

And also, I know that HIPAA is the reason they don't need any medical documentation from someone to get a GAC, but why don't they just accept the Disabled ID card from every state (maybe have some way for foreign citizens to get the same thing) as proof of a walking or wheelchair disability? They wouldn't even have to know why you have it, just that you have it (other ID necessary to prove it is you).

PS, how about using a walker (with wheels on two legs) or a cane? I think I could use a sturdy can sometimes, but that is not enough to stand in line leaning on a cane.

 

[Mark In KY]

Sounds like "the average CM" is undertrained about what to do for an ambulatory guest with a GAC.
There are many people with medical issues that aren't readily apparent by the presence of a scooter, wheelchair, crutches, walker or cane.

 

[Nemo14]

I am in a very similar boat as the OP. Last time I went to WDW was over 10 years ago, about 5 years after my diagnosis with a neuromuscular disease and slightly longer than that from back surgery. I had my son in a jogging stroller so I used that as a walker, and I could lean on that while waiting in line (just like leaning on a shopping cart). I would really really like to visit WDW again, but I am not sure what to do. I could rent a scooter, but my back is bad so sitting for a long time is not good. I would like to walk or use a Segway (would that be allowed at all in the park?), but in either case, I would want a GAC so I could sit when I needed to and also not be out in the sun waiting. How can I avoid incidents like those mentioned by the OP? Should I just suck it up and use a scooter? I have not needed a scooter at home but I do sometimes use a walker. I just sit or lean when I need to. For example, I was waiting in line at a diner, and I was leaning against the wall.

And also, I know that HIPAA is the reason they don't need any medical documentation from someone to get a GAC, but why don't they just accept the Disabled ID card from every state (maybe have some way for foreign citizens to get the same thing) as proof of a walking or wheelchair disability? They wouldn't even have to know why you have it, just that you have it (other ID necessary to prove it is you).

PS, how about using a walker (with wheels on two legs) or a cane? I think I could use a sturdy can sometimes, but that is not enough to stand in line leaning on a cane.

My sister uses a walker with a seat, so if she needs to sit while waiting in line, she has it right there.

 

[RHRH]

I'll have to look into that. I might also look into those canes with a seat. Having younger kids, sometimes I have to (much to my own physical detriment) dart after them. Thinking of getting some kind of proximity sensor for the kids to keep them near me; I don't think putting a 10 year old on a leash would be a good idea (and she'd drag me away probably LOL).

 

[Nemo14]

I'll have to look into that. I might also look into those canes with a seat. Having younger kids, sometimes I have to (much to my own physical detriment) dart after them. Thinking of getting some kind of proximity sensor for the kids to keep them near me; I don't think putting a 10 year old on a leash would be a good idea (and she'd drag me away probably LOL).

In that case, you should look into one of these:

 

[RHRH]

Like Frankenstein, I'm pretty sure she'd just laugh it off. I do visualize something like for the boss in "9 to 5" where if she started to get too far away, it automatically would bring her back and put her little hand in my hand...

 

[Nemo14]

So something more like this?

 

[DznyGrlSD]

Disney apparently needs to re-train ALL of their CMs on GAC policies & procedures. *SMH*

 

[luv]

God love you for keeping your positive attitude after all that jazz.

I have no idea why you got so many confusing, contradictory messages from the Disney staff. I hope you get some answers before your next trip.

How was LMA?

 

[mergatroid]

God love you for keeping your positive attitude after all that jazz.

I have no idea why you got so many confusing, contradictory messages from the Disney staff. I hope you get some answers before your next trip.

How was LMA?

Hi, wow was surprised to see this thread bumped after nearly 8 months, time seems to fly by. I may email Disney before I go in October this year just to clarify things as I believe things may have changed since last year when I was there after reading stuff on here. I probably will get a GAC on our first day again, however as always I hope to not to have to use it and just go about my visits as normal wth it there for any bad days.

LMA was great as always thanks, I know many on here hate it but I really enjoy it whilst Mrs M seems to enjoy watching me enjoy it more. She also uses it as a bargaining tool after sitting through it usually saying something later like "Darling, remember when I sat through that car stunt show at Disney for you ..............well there's this bag".

Anyhow folks I'll be there for 3 weeks from October 9th, anyone want to hire me and my GAC just give me a shout. I'm $100 a day and I expect all my meals and beverages to be paid for too. If you want me to speak to you that's an extra $50 and if you want Mrs M to stop talking then that's another $50 too. Cheap at double the price if you ask me