Possible Changes coming to the Guest Assistance Cards (GAC)

[cindybeckett]

I went to Disneyland recently and told Guest Relations that I need an alternate entrance GAC because I have severe panic attacks around crowds and issues standing for long periods of time. They issued me a wheelchair accessible GAC and told me that alternate entrance GAC would not suit me.

I went to Star Tours and found out that the wheelchair accessible GAC is required to use the normal que. I found out that several other Disneyland rides are the same way as well as the entire California Adventure park. This causes the wheelchair GAC to be useless in many Disneyland rides and completely useless in the entire California Adventure park.

I went back to City Hall and requested my GAC be changed to a alternate entrance GAC and told them that the wheelchair GAC was not helpful and explained to them the issues that I had such as not being able to stand for long periods of time. The worker recommended a wheelchair and would not issue me a alternate entrance GAC. I told them that I did not want to be in a wheelchair and that I did not have someone that would push me in it. The CM still refused, and I left.

I believe their issuing a wheelchair GAC and refusing to issue me an alternate entrance GAC is their way of responding to GAC abuse to avoid long lines.

Has anyone been issued an alternate entrance GAC? If so, what was the reason you were issued the alternate entrance GAC and not the wheelchair accessible GAC?

 

[tissandtully]

I went to Disneyland recently and told Guest Relations that I need an alternate entrance GAC because I have severe panic attacks around crowds and issues standing for long periods of time. They issued me a wheelchair accessible GAC and told me that alternate entrance GAC would not suit me.

I went to Star Tours and found out that the wheelchair accessible GAC is required to use the normal que. I found out that several other Disneyland rides are the same way as well as the entire California Adventure park. This causes the wheelchair GAC to be useless in many Disneyland rides and completely useless in the entire California Adventure park.

I went back to City Hall and requested my GAC be changed to a alternate entrance GAC and told them that the wheelchair GAC was not helpful and explained to them the issues that I had such as not being able to stand for long periods of time. The worker recommended a wheelchair and would not issue me a alternate entrance GAC. I told them that I did not want to be in a wheelchair and that I did not have someone that would push me in it. The CM still refused, and I left.

I believe their issuing a wheelchair GAC and refusing to issue me an alternate entrance GAC is their way of responding to GAC abuse to avoid long lines.

Has anyone been issued an alternate entrance GAC? If so, what was the reason you were issued the alternate entrance GAC and not the wheelchair accessible GAC?

Well, to be fair and I'm not saying you're doing this, I'm sure that's probably the most common "condition" people use as an excuse. I'm sorry that you suffer from this, but, maybe a theme park isn't the best place to be until you can work through it?

 

[unkadug]

Well, to be fair and I'm not saying you're doing this, I'm sure that's probably the most common "condition" people use as an excuse. I'm sorry that you suffer from this, but, maybe a theme park isn't the best place to be until you can work through it?

I tend to agree...people that has issues with waiting in line and panic when it comes to crowds probably should avoid theme parks at all costs until their psychiatrist can work them through these issues.

 

[wdwfan22]

I feel that if you can't wait in line then you shouldn't be in a theme park to begin with.

 

[RSoxNo1]

Do NOT get me started on Jenny McCarthy - that is a HUGE can of worms in the autism community LOL. I'm sure there's abuse in every program that tries to help people, WDW or not, but when it's such a thing as an 'invisible' disability, there are always people that don't walk that path that make it their business to act like they have all the answers. Such is humanity, I guess. But it gets on my nerves at times...

and since Stella has now been banned (wow, that didn't take long), moving on now?

Believe me, I'm well aware.

 

[Tom]

Well, to be fair and I'm not saying you're doing this, I'm sure that's probably the most common "condition" people use as an excuse. I'm sorry that you suffer from this, but, maybe a theme park isn't the best place to be until you can work through it?

I tend to agree...people that has issues with waiting in line and panic when it comes to crowds probably should avoid theme parks at all costs until their psychiatrist can work them through these issues.

I feel that if you can't wait in line then you shouldn't be in a theme park to begin with.

I agree with all three of these responses. You can seek treatment or pop pills (I do the latter) to deal with something like anxiety. The symptoms can be treated, and so can the root cause. Until you're in a mentally fit state to handle Disney-like environments, don't go. Disney is my exception, but I avoid anywhere with large crowds like the plague.

Psych sessions and medicines won't get rid of things like Autism or Downs. And they won't grow a missing leg. And they won't cure Alzheimer's or old age. For these things, the GAC system is welcomed by me.

If little Billy plays video games all day at home, and can't handle standing in a line for 5 minutes without bouncing off the walls....there are plenty of solutions for that, including things that aren't quite PC

 

[diznyboyz]

I have an autistic 16 year old who lives everyday for Disney. We go shopping where we live and my other two boys ask for Wii games and other stuff. My 16 year old NEVER asks for anything other than a yearly trip to Disney. The GAC makes it easier for him to enjoy himself without putting him in situations that would make him so anxious and "stemming" where he would not appreciate his surroundings. Everyone who either has a disability or knows of someone with a disability truly is entitled to use the GAC so that they could have the fun they deserve. Thanks to Disney for making it possible for the disabled people to enjoy their trips and giving them the opportunity to make special memories in their own way. As far as this celebrity who thinks you can "cure" autism, that is just not true. You cannot cure something that people are born with. You just thank God that your child was put on this earth to live with you as a parent, whether disabled or not, our children are special and are to be cherished. These parents, family members of these disabled people are never lazy. We are always trying to help our children experience new things in their own way in addition to keeping things for them as normal as we can. Glad to see Stella banned because I cannot believe there are people on earth with those thoughts. Apparently, they haven't experienced life with a special child or family member who struggles with small everyday things. Well, I don't often post, but felt I had to get this off my chest. Thanks for your patience and best wishes to all who love Disney, play at Disney and dream every night of Disney.

 

[Tom]

I have an autistic 16 year old who lives everyday for Disney. We go shopping where we live and my other two boys ask for Wii games and other stuff. My 16 year old NEVER asks for anything other than a yearly trip to Disney. The GAC makes it easier for him to enjoy himself without putting him in situations that would make him so anxious and "stemming" where he would not appreciate his surroundings. Everyone who either has a disability or knows of someone with a disability truly is entitled to use the GAC so that they could have the fun they deserve. Thanks to Disney for making it possible for the disabled people to enjoy their trips and giving them the opportunity to make special memories in their own way. As far as this celebrity who thinks you can "cure" autism, that is just not true. You cannot cure something that people are born with. You just thank God that your child was put on this earth to live with you as a parent, whether disabled or not, our children are special and are to be cherished. These parents, family members of these disabled people are never lazy. We are always trying to help our children experience new things in their own way in addition to keeping things for them as normal as we can. Glad to see Stella banned because I cannot believe there are people on earth with those thoughts. Apparently, they haven't experienced life with a special child or family member who struggles with small everyday things. Well, I don't often post, but felt I had to get this off my chest. Thanks for your patience and best wishes to all who love Disney, play at Disney and dream every night of Disney.

Thanks for the post. Disney does indeed make the experience more enjoyable for many guests. However, they do so as a courtesy, for the most part. The one word that should be changed in your post is "entitled," because nobody is entitled to anything at Disney. They extend a huge courtesy to many guests who would not otherwise be able to experience their parks.

The overall point of this thread, and the original subject, is that the system is being abused by guests who DO feel that they're entitled to certain "benefits" that come with obtaining a GAC. Most of us are hoping that they do something to curtail the abuse, which will ultimately make the parks more enjoyable for families like yours, and for guests who do not have disabilities but are sick of seeing someone who "doesn't like crowds" get a front-of-line card.

Celebrities know nothing - so just ignore them. Their only purpose is to entertain us, not educate or evangelize.

 

[marni1971]

GAC use is being closely monitored by TDO at several attractions now.

 

[rct247]

Attractions have been monitoring GAC card and other non Fastpass use of the Fastpass lines these past couple weeks again. Most popular Fastpass attractions getting hourly guest counts of on average 150 guests per hour using GAC and on average 20 guests per hout using a guest relations tour guide or other priority entrance passes. If an attraction can accommodate 2000 guests per hour with 70% of that coming from the Fastpass line and the the amount of that that is from nonFastpass guests, you can see how it takes a toll on Fastpass and Standby.

 

[ThemeParks4Life]

Attractions have been monitoring GAC card and other non Fastpass use of the Fastpass lines these past couple weeks again. Most popular Fastpass attractions getting hourly guest counts of on average 150 guests per hour using GAC and on average 20 guests per hout using a guest relations tour guide or other priority entrance passes. If an attraction can accommodate 2000 guests per hour with 70% of that coming from the Fastpass line and the the amount of that that is from nonFastpass guests, you can see how it takes a toll on Fastpass and Standby.

150 per hour? That's ridiculous. I bet 75% of them had no disability.

 

[rct247]

That is a real number. Some hours there were more or less. Some attractions see more or less. If you do the math with those figures about 8.5% of that hypothetical attractions hourly target would be non Fastpass priority entrances including GAC cards. That is very close to 1 in 10 riders in that hour would use this method of entry. I would say that the.percentage taking advantage of GAC is not as high as 75%. My best guess would be 40% may be abuse or not entirely needed.

 

[RSoxNo1]

GAC use is being closely monitored by TDO at several attractions now.

In what way? Repeat usage? General abuse?

 

[jrogue]

Even in your case, hiptwinmama, I'm sorry to say this, but what about your situation entitles you to unlimited use of the Fastpass lines? I'm not suggesting that you abused the card, just using it as an example as the flaw with the system, as the opportunity did present itself.It absolutely is. I encourage you guys to just hang out and observe a popular attraction's Fastpass Return line on a busy day. You might be shocked.

Well technically isn't a regular standby line unlimited use? Therefore allowing those who have the GAC card to ride multiple times is only being fair. Of course, like we've said over and over, there are those who abuse the system ... but it's worth it in some cases for people who really need it.

 

[unkadug]

Well technically isn't a regular standby line unlimited use? Therefore allowing those who have the GAC card to ride multiple times is only being fair. Of course, like we've said over and over, there are those who abuse the system ... but it's worth it in some cases for people who really need it.

As long as they wait the same length of time that those in the regular line must wait, then it is totally fair for them to ride as often as they wish.

 

[diznyboyz]

Thanks for the post. Disney does indeed make the experience more enjoyable for many guests. However, they do so as a courtesy, for the most part. The one word that should be changed in your post is "entitled," because nobody is entitled to anything at Disney. They extend a huge courtesy to many guests who would not otherwise be able to experience their parks.

The overall point of this thread, and the original subject, is that the system is being abused by guests who DO feel that they're entitled to certain "benefits" that come with obtaining a GAC. Most of us are hoping that they do something to curtail the abuse, which will ultimately make the parks more enjoyable for families like yours, and for guests who do not have disabilities but are sick of seeing someone who "doesn't like crowds" get a front-of-line card.

Celebrities know nothing - so just ignore them. Their only purpose is to entertain us, not educate or evangelize.

Yes, you are right: entitled is a strong word. What I really meant is that these people who have a disability take the "opportunity" presented to them to make their trip enjoyable. In fact being there a couple of years ago, my husband and I saw an incident where a woman was escorted by a cm to the front row of Beauty and the Beast, struggling with walking and had dark glasses on. Couple of minutes later, once the cm left, this same woman got up without assistance to go get her other family members so that they could sit together on the front row. Now this kind of thing, I do not agree with. And the GAC is being abused but hard to keep control of the misuse.

 

[Tom Morrow]

Well technically isn't a regular standby line unlimited use? Therefore allowing those who have the GAC card to ride multiple times is only being fair. Of course, like we've said over and over, there are those who abuse the system ... but it's worth it in some cases for people who really need it.

The Fastpass queue is not intended to be unlimited use, though. They didn't pay more... why should we have a system that allows anyone without a conscience to ride much more than us? Its easy to say, "yeah, but most people have a conscience and morals." But, well, unfortunately they don't, or the abuse of the cards wouldn't be out of control, and will only continue to grow as more and more people find out about the cards. Seriously, like I said, watch an attraction's Fastpass return line.

 

[luv]

I also saw a family get waved through the FP line for pretending they didn't speak English. They got into the regular line, hopped into the FP line and then, when asked for FPs, pretended they speak English...he waved them through.

 

[Belowthesurface]

This thread is hilarious.

It would be such an eye opening experience for any of you to actually work a Fastpass Return or Merge position. Only then would you understand the annoyance of GAC cards and the way some Guests throw them in your face and say "we have a Fastpass, where do we go!?"

The Stand-By line hasn't a clue how much longer they wait because of GAC cards, but since everyone who gets a GAC card dare never be questioned, I guess it's ok!

How "ok" would you be with the "disabled" getting GAC cards the next time you see pre-teens using their parents GAC card to skip ahead of you? How untouchable is this topic when you are wait 60 minutes and you see 10 straight families of GAC cards skip ahead of you? It's bad enough that people who get GAC cards complain that they have to wait. Get over it.

GAC cards are used for an alternate entrance, not immediate access. Yet, many Guests with a GAC yell at or act annoyed with a Merge Cast Member or length of the line if they have to wait more than 5 minutes. Here's a fact: Cast Members get GAC cards on the ride quickly, because they don't want to deal with those people.

I don't believe for one second that most people need GAC cards. Again, if only MOST of you understood the impact of GAC cards on the operation.

 

[rct247]

This thread is hilarious.

It would be such an eye opening experience for any of you to actually work a Fastpass Return or Merge position. Only then would you understand the annoyance of GAC cards and the way some Guests throw them in your face and say "we have a Fastpass, where do we go!?"

The Stand-By line hasn't a clue how much longer they wait because of GAC cards, but since everyone who gets a GAC card dare never be questioned, I guess it's ok!

How "ok" would you be with the "disabled" getting GAC cards the next time you see pre-teens using their parents GAC card to skip ahead of you?

GAC cards are used for an alternate entrance, not immediate access. Yet, many Guests with a GAC yell at or act annoyed with a Merge Cast Member or length of the line if they have to wait more than 5 minutes. Here's a fact: Cast Members get GAC cards on the ride quickly, because they don't want to deal with those people.

I don't believe for one second that most people need GAC cards. Again, if only MOST of you understood the impact of GAC cards on the operation.

^A lot of this is true. I will add that yes, GAC serves a real purpose and not all cast members "don't want to deal with those people", but most cast members understand that they can't really do any special questioning or enforcement because medical special needs are touchy subject that we are not the judges of. I will also add that this situation also happens:

[Guest approached non-Fastpass attraction with GAC card folded up in hand, but still somewhat visible]
-Guest: "Where's the Fastpass?" (obviously mentioning their GAC card)
-CM: "We don't have Fastpass at this ride." (not making the effort to point out the card they see in their hand)

Some cases, they turn and leave and others they just hold up their card and say, "But we have this.".