Possible Changes coming to the Guest Assistance Cards (GAC)

[joanna71985]

GACs of some sort will be around to stay because guests with disabilities are special to Disney. I just think the system will be altered to make it easier for the people who really do need it and be more fair for everyone. Right now I say it can be hard for people who really do need it because in some rides (TSMM being the biggest) the wait for GAC can be more than the fastpass or standbye wait as all GACs are sent to the wheel chair side which only has a few cars running at a time. This is also the issue with rides such as BTMRR or Everest where the GAC has you load in the back so only one GAC family can be loaded at a time. When the busy season arrives those waits can get very long thus negating what the GAC was for.

The worst I have to deal with is when guests with a GAC card want the special viewing of Illuminations. Most people don't realize reserved fireworks seating is for wheel chairs, evc, and strollers as wheel chairs all other GAC technically do not apply. The issue comes when 1 CM allows a GAC card for alternate entrance or shade or sitting come into their parade viewing area the guest then expects that every time. This then puts all of us in an awkward situation when the next CM to work that position is someone who follows the rule to a t.

Actually, that's not true. The only people sent to the wheelchair side are guests who can not use the stairs. So if you have a GAC, but can walk fine, you can go up the stairs.

 

[wilkeliza]

Actually, that's not true. The only people sent to the wheelchair side are guests who can not use the stairs. So if you have a GAC, but can walk fine, you can go up the stairs.

Oh I didn't know that. Every time I saw one they were sent to the wheel chair side if it said alternative entrance. That must be why the one woman was complaining though because she was sent up the stairs and she was yelling every other time they sent her through a door. Thanks for letting me know that.

 

[Tom Morrow]

Yes, the liars and fakers are disgusting. But to say 90% of GACs are written for the maximum of 6 people is an exaggeration, and to say nearly half of people entering FP lines use a GAC is a gross exaggeration. I actually do "stop and take notice" every time I'm in the parks (because someone who's since been banned from this site used to raise this issue on here a lot) and it's more like 10-15%, not half.

All I'm going to say is that at any given moment, at least 1/3rd of everyone entering the Fastpass line is a GAC holder. 15% is too low. 50% is a bit high but it does happen.

 

[Tom Morrow]

DISCLAIMER! I fully understand that some folks have legitimate needs for GACs and I am not trying to minimize their issues or make fun of them in any way.

I was lucky enough to be able to work at Guest Relations for a good period of time recently, and can tell you without a shadow of doubt or hesitation that the GAC problem is out of control. For reference, MK gives out around 400-450 of these cards, stamped Alternate Entrance, per DAY. Probably 90% of these cards are written for the maximum of six people each. That is nearly 2,700 people in the MK each day getting a BRAND NEW GAC. That 2,700 does NOT include Guests who have gotten a GAC on a previous day at MK, or a previous day or the same day at the other 3 parks or DTD. Epcot does around 300, DHS around 250 and AK does around 150. DTD maybe 50 per day. That means on an average busy day, there are around 7,000 Guests getting NEW GACs for alternate entrance. Remember that does not include GACs from previous days!

This has FLOODED the FP queues with alternate entrance GACs, to the point that if you really stop and take notice, I would say almost half of the people entering the FP queue are doing so with GACs. [On further review I believe that the number is less than half, but still enough to cause an issue with FP distribution ratios]

GACs are the bane of the GR cast. We know that some people have a legitimate need, but so many more just have heard about them or "can't" wait in line. (Their word.) The reasons we have heard are as numerous as the people that ask for them. Peanut allergy. Pregnancy. Hemorrhoids. "My doctor said to ask for the front of the line card." "It's too hot." One of my favorites: "I have small children with me."

We as GR cast have been asked to simply write the card, by park management. Now, they are seeing the abuse and want to try to rein it in, so for the past few months we have been actively tracking the amount of GACs with Alternate Entrance we give out, and they, and the FP+ team, are shocked. It's as if they had no idea. But GR cast have known for months.

Did you know that, right along side the stolen and reused tickets sold on 192, you can BUY an "All-Day FastPass" for Disney parks?! Isn't that great! But I'm sure you can already guess what they are selling. Yes, the ticket sellers also SELL (which means another Guest SOLD) their used GAC. Disgusting.

Also, how do you think some of those "VIP tour services" that charge 1/2 what Disney's legitimate VIP tour service charge are able to provide "VIP access" to Disney attractions? Yep, the VIP tour operators have their guides get the Guests a GAC.

MK had a tour guide that had diabetes. He walked around, in the sun, all day giving the Keys to the Kingdom tour with an insulin pack strapped to him. He could not bring himself to ever write a GAC to a Guest with diabetes.

You may say I am making all this up, but I saw it, every day, for a year. It's truly disgusting what people will do and say to you to get one of these cards. I think the reason GR cast are so bitter about them is how often we know, in the bottom of our hearts, that a total stranger is lying to us about a disability, and it cheapens it for the people that really need the help. If I had a dollar for the amount of times I have heard "Yeah, hi, I need the front of the line pass for my kid who can't wait in lines" I could have retired months ago. I even had one person come up to me, say "My kid is retarded, I need a front of the line pass." WHO SAYS "MY CHILD IS RETARDED?! He couldn't keep a straight face when he said "retarded" either, which is a word I hate. Tell me this guy has a legitimate need for a GAC, go ahead and try. But, we've been taught "They ask, they get."

Disney truly does work miracles though, because I can't tell you how many times a Guest has come into GR, limping, hardly able to move, to get a GAC. And then, miraculously, as they exit the building, their debilitating condition has healed itself, as we watch them jump out and down, GAC in hand, and go meet the rest of their family.

That, folks, is magic.....

THIS post. EVERYONE needs to read this post. Thank you. Bolded for emphasis - 450 cards at MK a DAY.

 

[menamechris]

All of this GAC abuse, and buried in the same article, he announced AP prices will go up this winter yet again for Disneyland. Of course, WDW will follow... I actually found that more disturbing than the GAC issue...

 

[Gomer]

I apologize if this has been mentioned, as I haven't had time to read the entire thread, but I wanted to add this point.
Something else needs to be considered when estimating how many people in the Fastpass lines are there due to GAC's.

I have a son with autism. We have gotten him a GAC each of the last 5 trips to WDW and have used it for "front of the line rights" maybe 3 or 4 times total. In general people with real disabilities will only use the card if its truly needed, because they don't want special assistance otherwise. I know this is true with other parents with autistic children as well. I've had to refuse requests from adult members of my party wanting to abuse my son's GAC, but have never had my son ask to use it himself. We only use it if he is having a "freak out" and need to get him onto one of "his rides" (Pooh, Pan, Pirates) quickly to calm him down.

Anyway, this is not a complaint about comments here. I just thought that this should be taken into account in that 450 people a day number. Not all of us are using it all the time. Personally, I wish they would increase the rigidity around the card. I'm sick of getting dirty looks and snarky comments from cast members and other guests. My son's disability is not always visible, and many have just assumed we were abusing the card. I blame that, not necessarily on their ignorance, but on the abuses of others making them bitter.

 

[captainkidd]

BS... *plenty* can be done!

Such as?

 

[captainkidd]

Judging by the number of people in this thread alone who simply could not survive without their GAC...I would say the problem is even worse.

It's not a question of "not surviving" without one. It's a question of not being able to vacation at WDW. If Disney decides to do away with the cards, which is their right, then so be it. Until then, I'm going to get one. Trust me - I'd trade my issue in any day of the week.

 

[unkadug]

It's not a question of "not surviving" without one. It's a question of not being able to vacation at WDW. If Disney decides to do away with the cards, which is their right, then so be it. Until then, I'm going to get one. Trust me - I'd trade my issue in any day of the week.

So, without the GAC you would absolutely have to stop going to the parks? Even with the Fastpass+ in effect?

Me thinks you have gotten use to a perk that isn't really necessary for your survival.

 

[captainkidd]

So, without the GAC you would absolutely have to stop going to the parks? Even with the Fastpass+ in effect?

Me thinks you have gotten use to a perk that isn't really necessary for your survival.

1. I have no idea how the Fastpass+ works yet, so I don't know.

2. As I already said, it has nothing to do with survival. Of course I could go to the parks. And I could sit on a bench all day. I'm not paying over $10K to do that though. If I'm going to spend the money to go to WDW, I want to enjoy the attractions. I can't do that if I have to stand in one place for too much time.

3. Me thinks you know nothing about me or my situation and are stereotyping.

 

[M.rudolf]

Guys can everyone calm down here. I'm in first stage Lou Gehrigs. So my extremities don't move nearly as well as they used too. My wife and I go to Disney 3/4 times a year and without the GAC it probably won't happen, unless something else is put in its place. Do I like using it no. Do I have too yes, I can no longer climb stairs or stand for a long period of time in one place. For everyone person who abuses the system there are 3 who don't. Its not like Disney can refuse issuing the pass, do you know the lawsuits that would bring. If you need the pass get it. If you don't please don't abuse it. And for the holier than thou, what is it any of anyone's business here, why someone has a GAC,its none of anyone but Disney and the respective people's business. I agree it shouldnt be abused, but you and I don't know anyone's condition but our own.
As far as the numbers posted above go the poster admitted that they weren't accurate. So take them with a grain of salt.
I'd give up everything for more time that's what healthy people dont understand, all my earthly possessions,everything. You can't judge anyone for using the GAC until you know for sure what the issues at hand are. Disney will always take care of the disabled one way or the other, but the guests have to find it in their hearts to understand.

 

[M.rudolf]

I read thru the thread again before I made this comment. I can't believe how petty some the posters here are. What do you go on vacation looking for GAC abusers. I saw this this person do this, I saw this group of kids do that. Sounds like people are not enjoying there vacations and are looking for something to complain about. This has turned into the I'm upset I'm not disabled and wish I was so I had special privileges at DW/DL. You know it's really sad when the worst part of someone's vacation is letting a person with disabilities have a better spot in line than you do. And the people who do abuse GAC shame on you. Theres a special place for you.

 

[Jo DeVil]

Guys can everyone calm down here. I'm in first stage Lou Gehrigs. So my extremities don't move nearly as well as they used too. My wife and I go to Disney 3/4 times a year and without the GAC it probably won't happen, unless something else is put in its place. Do I like using it no. Do I have too yes, I can no longer climb stairs or stand for a long period of time in one place. For everyone person who abuses the system there are 3 who don't. Its not like Disney can refuse issuing the pass, do you know the lawsuits that would bring. If you need the pass get it. If you don't please don't abuse it. And for the holier than thou, what is it any of anyone's business here, why someone has a GAC,its none of anyone but Disney and the respective people's business. I agree it shouldnt be abused, but you and I don't know anyone's condition but our own.
As far as the numbers posted above go the poster admitted that they weren't accurate. So take them with a grain of salt.
I'd give up everything for more time that's what healthy people dont understand, all my earthly possessions,everything. You can't judge anyone for using the GAC until you know for sure what the issues at hand are. Disney will always take care of the disabled one way or the other, but the guests have to find it in their hearts to understand.

I will say it again! Because I know even if it only a small number of people who should have GAC get to use it and until the laws, rules or whatever needs to be done is done I can put up with those who abuse it, just so 1 family in 100 get the right treatment required. TTFN

 

[lostpro9het]

I'll be honest, I really don't know how the GAC works when you get it but is sounds like you get unlimited front of line access for every ride all day during your visits. If this is the case, why couldn't they just modify the pass to allow front of the line access to each ride once a day, like a punch card or basically one anytime fastpass for each ride per day? Would that reduce the load on FP lines and wait times? GAC users would still get to experience every ride.

 

[captainkidd]

I'll be honest, I really don't know how the GAC works when you get it but is sounds like you get unlimited front of line access for every ride all day during your visits. If this is the case, why couldn't they just modify the pass to allow front of the line access to each ride once a day, like a punch card or basically one anytime fastpass for each ride per day? Would that reduce the load on FP lines and wait times? GAC users would still get to experience every ride.

If people are using it on an unlimited basis, something should be done. However, although I agree with what you're suggesting, it wouldn't work, as it would take up even more time with the CM's having to punch the cards and people trying to get around it.

This is somewhat OT, but it really makes me wonder if Disney should adopt the system Universal has for it's On-site guests. Modify it so people can purchase an unlimited fastpass. Then you'd just have people who can't afford it complaining about it.

In situations like this, Disney really is in a lose-lose position.

 

[lostpro9het]

If people are using it on an unlimited basis, something should be done. However, although I agree with what you're suggesting, it wouldn't work, as it would take up even more time with the CM's having to punch the cards and people trying to get around it.

I think it could work because it sounds exactly like how Fastpass+ will work, of course I may be missing how a FP+ works. You have a "tap" card with an itinerary on it, tap the sensor and if its your time you're in. The GAC could be modified to do the same thing. Each day a set of passes gets put on the GAC(one for each ride) and as you use tap them to gain entrance it deducts and wont allow you to use it again for that ride. Yeah, it would eat up some CM time but I cant imagine it will eat up any more than what will be taken with the FP+ system.

 

[captainkidd]

I think it could work because it sounds exactly like how Fastpass+ will work, of course I may be missing how a FP+ works. You have a "tap" card with an itinerary on it, tap the sensor and if its your time you're in. The GAC could be modified to do the same thing. Each day a set of passes gets put on the GAC(one for each ride) and as you use tap them to gain entrance it deducts and wont allow you to use it again for that ride. Yeah, it would eat up some CM time but I cant imagine it will eat up any more than what will be taken with the FP+ system.

Yeah, I suppose that could work. But it would probably be a big investment that they don't want to make for GAC's. Plus, my guess is Disney probably wants to keep GAC's on the down-low. Needless to say, this thread isn't helping that.

 

[flynnibus]

For reference, MK gives out around 400-450 of these cards, stamped Alternate Entrance, per DAY

What's the capacity at guest relations??

Assuming this type of transaction in total takes like 5mins.. 500 passes is over 41 hours of work. If they had 5 clerks running non-stop, that is 8 and 1/3 hours solid of continuously giving out GACs. Is that really what happens?

 

[jakeman]

All I'm going to say is that at any given moment, at least 1/3rd of everyone entering the Fastpass line is a GAC holder. 15% is too low. 50% is a bit high but it does happen.

87% of statistics are made up on the spot.

 

[71jason]

The irony of a 45 minute line for people who freely acknowledge they can’t wait in line is not lost on any of the Cast Members from Guest Relations or Radiator Springs Racers.

This line from the article OP posted pretty much sums the issue up in a nutshell.