flynnibus
Premium Member
then it wouldn't be equal access if a person could only be accomodated 'once' per day. You would have swung too far.
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Possible Changes coming to the Guest Assistance Cards (GAC)
- Thread starter RSoxNo1
- Start date
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then it wouldn't be equal access if a person could only be accomodated 'once' per day. You would have swung too far.
71jason
Well-Known Member
But if 99 families using GAC are abusing it, then it ceases to provide its intended benefit to the 1% who trult needed it. The 99% of abusers may be happy they're spending 45 minutes vs. 3 hours in line, but those who truly can't wait in line won't be able to do even that ... meaning they probably will not ride the ride, and the system has failed them.
71jason
Well-Known Member
5 minutes seems far too long. We've had front line CMs say they just hand them out. These are the problems when we just make up random numbers to use as statistics (as Tom Morrow basically did as well).
Numbers aside, there seems to be a fair amount of evidence in this thread that A LOT of GACs are being issued.
lazyboy97o
Well-Known Member
I speculated about this earlier in the thread and I do not think it would be too difficult once the NextGen infrastructure is fully in place. Maybe for those who ask, attractions could be swapped for multiple rides or it is a set limit that can be freely used on your attractions of choice.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
Premium Member
'just hand them out' means not to contest.. not that they are handing them out like the card guys on the Vegas Strip.
5mins is on the long side.. but any counter interaction would require some dialog between people, as well as the change between the person being helped and the next guest starting, etc. Any discussion, Q&A, etc. Either way.. 500 transactions for a SINGLE type of Guest Relations seems extreme.. especially since GR is doing everything else too.. like handing out those buttons, etc. I don't know how many clerks they have running at once.. but the numbers seem far too extreme to be practical.
captainkidd
Well-Known Member
5 minutes is about average. I'm sure some are quicker, but myself, I always feel weird asking for it, even though I know I need it. So I end up speaking with the CM trying to let them know that I do actually need it.
This thread has kind of bummed me out a bit. Now I'm feeling guilty about getting the card. I almost wish I could speak with a CM and get their thoughts. Would they prefer it if we just stopped coming all together? And I don't mean that in a threatening or sarcastic way. I really don't want to be taking advantage of the system.
jakeman
Well-Known Member
If it's a true need then you aren't taking advantage in a negative way. You are using the system the way it is designed.
pookiepooh
New Member
5 minutes per GAC transaction is MUCH too long. The only time it take that long is if the Guest is arguing about us saying "It does not provide immediate access."
The normal encounter is
"Hi how can I help you today?"
"Hello, I/my child has xyz disability and I need one of those assistance cards."
"Ok and what kind of assistance to you need?"
"Well I have difficulty in crowds/heat/lines"
"Who is the card for, and how many are in your party?"
"My son, 5 people."
"And the last day of your vacation?"
"The 20th"
"Here is your card (brief spiel about how it works)"
In total it can be done in 2 minutes maximum,
Ask any GR cast member what the majority of their morning consists of and they will say writing GACs. Say, for example, that we write 400 GACs in the first 6 hours of the park being open. That is 67 per hour. When you consider that there are usually 7-9 cast on the counter at a time; that means 8-10 per hour per cast member. And from personal experience (which if anyone else has they can chime in) sounds about right. Most of us already have the card in our hands and writing by the time the Guest has finished the "My son/daughter has xyz" sentence.
The normal encounter is
"Hi how can I help you today?"
"Hello, I/my child has xyz disability and I need one of those assistance cards."
"Ok and what kind of assistance to you need?"
"Well I have difficulty in crowds/heat/lines"
"Who is the card for, and how many are in your party?"
"My son, 5 people."
"And the last day of your vacation?"
"The 20th"
"Here is your card (brief spiel about how it works)"
In total it can be done in 2 minutes maximum,
Ask any GR cast member what the majority of their morning consists of and they will say writing GACs. Say, for example, that we write 400 GACs in the first 6 hours of the park being open. That is 67 per hour. When you consider that there are usually 7-9 cast on the counter at a time; that means 8-10 per hour per cast member. And from personal experience (which if anyone else has they can chime in) sounds about right. Most of us already have the card in our hands and writing by the time the Guest has finished the "My son/daughter has xyz" sentence.
Todd H
Well-Known Member
Me too. Some of the comments here have made me feel like crap. Trust me, I'd give anything for my child not to be autistic. It's an everyday struggle raising him. There's speech and behavior therapy every week, visits with the child psychologist multiple times a month, the medical bills that my insurance doesn't cover. Sometimes I hear stories from other parents about how their child hit a certain milestone and it brings me to tears knowing my son will probably never do the same. I often think about what will happen to him if he is never able to take care of himself and I pass away. Who will take care of him as he gets older?
I remember the first time we took him to Disney World. He is not a very social child but for some reason WDW really brought him out of his shell. The joy he experienced was incredible. And while we kept him away from loud parades and fireworks, he absolutely had a blast on the rides. We didn't use a GAC then and most of the time the long waits in crowded lines caused him to start screaming and hand waving. When that happened we would leave the queue out of respect for the others in line. It was rough and we didn't do that many rides because of emotional breakdowns he had but it was still a great experience.
Knowing the disdain some folks feel towards people with disabilities that use a GAC is making me hesitant to use one again.
rct247
Well-Known Member
I am a CM and agree that it is abused and needs to change.
For one, GACs should be limited to a total of 3 people. It is the same as the rider switch/child swap. It accomodates the GAC holder and two party members.
GACs should be intigrated with the RFID / Fastpass + system. Once the GAC is scanned the same info should pop up on a screen and include a picture of the GAC holder or for children an age of the child. This would help preveny people from altering, sharing, or selling the card. At Fastpass attractions, the card could allow for the machines to print Fastpasses for either the designated FP time OR the current wait time. The FP+ will also help as it will allow larger groups to plan ahead.
Those who can't stand for a long periods should be given a wheelchair voucher only or be told they can use designated attraction wheelchairs at the attractions they visit. Embarrassment shouldnt be an excuse. Some special accomodations can be made if necessary.
For one, GACs should be limited to a total of 3 people. It is the same as the rider switch/child swap. It accomodates the GAC holder and two party members.
GACs should be intigrated with the RFID / Fastpass + system. Once the GAC is scanned the same info should pop up on a screen and include a picture of the GAC holder or for children an age of the child. This would help preveny people from altering, sharing, or selling the card. At Fastpass attractions, the card could allow for the machines to print Fastpasses for either the designated FP time OR the current wait time. The FP+ will also help as it will allow larger groups to plan ahead.
Those who can't stand for a long periods should be given a wheelchair voucher only or be told they can use designated attraction wheelchairs at the attractions they visit. Embarrassment shouldnt be an excuse. Some special accomodations can be made if necessary.
wilkeliza
Well-Known Member
I don't want anyone who actually needs it to feel like crap or not use it. I apologize if my comments made you feel that way.
However, the card is not a front of the line/line skip card and I hate that people refer to them as that. I know the can't stand for long periods was actually suppose to allow you a place to sit while you wait not just shove you into the fastpass line, also it is hard on us CMs when some families (none of you here) think that GACs are their golden ticket. They will try and use it at all meet and greets, quick service food locations, all parades and fireworks, and the worst I've seen for getting out of the park and onto a bus first. The families I come in contact who really truly need it are typically great and I love talking to them and helping to the best of my ability. However it only takes 1 parent or group in a day for us to be on are guard the rest of the day.
I love interacting with guests who truly need the card and don't abuse it. This issue is the sheer number of guests we come across a day who will blatantly tell you they lied to get it. It is kind of sickening. I wish I could tell them the things they deserve to hear. I did have one parent tell someone who said they were so lucky to get their GAC that he wishes he could give them his autistic son for a day so they could see how "lucky" he is. I don't judge people when I don't know their story I judge the ones who have told me or I know 100% for fact that they don't need what they have. I couldn't tell you how many people rent EVCs and then their 7 and 8 year olds end up driving them all day while grandma and grandpa walk everywhere until finally they are told by a CM that kids can't ride those in the parks.
However, the card is not a front of the line/line skip card and I hate that people refer to them as that. I know the can't stand for long periods was actually suppose to allow you a place to sit while you wait not just shove you into the fastpass line, also it is hard on us CMs when some families (none of you here) think that GACs are their golden ticket. They will try and use it at all meet and greets, quick service food locations, all parades and fireworks, and the worst I've seen for getting out of the park and onto a bus first. The families I come in contact who really truly need it are typically great and I love talking to them and helping to the best of my ability. However it only takes 1 parent or group in a day for us to be on are guard the rest of the day.
I love interacting with guests who truly need the card and don't abuse it. This issue is the sheer number of guests we come across a day who will blatantly tell you they lied to get it. It is kind of sickening. I wish I could tell them the things they deserve to hear. I did have one parent tell someone who said they were so lucky to get their GAC that he wishes he could give them his autistic son for a day so they could see how "lucky" he is. I don't judge people when I don't know their story I judge the ones who have told me or I know 100% for fact that they don't need what they have. I couldn't tell you how many people rent EVCs and then their 7 and 8 year olds end up driving them all day while grandma and grandpa walk everywhere until finally they are told by a CM that kids can't ride those in the parks.
Tom Morrow
Well-Known Member
Just ask any cast member at a high demand Fastpass attraction.
B#ll#cks. If you need it, then you're not abusing the system. And forget what anyone here or anywhere else has to say....
FabulousFigment
Active Member
Seriously your post just brought me to tears... You and your family have a right to enjoy Disney regardless of all the messed up people in this world who take advantage!! I have seen first hand what Disney can do for children with autism and I think that you should continue to go and enjoy! The joy that you get out of seeing your son smile is WAY more important than some people's rants about line cutting.
Plus, if you dont go, the people who are abusing the card win. They continue to go and abuse while families who truly benefit from it stay home from embarrassment. Dont be embarrassed. Take your son, watch the joy in his eyes, and take whatever advantages you have at your fingertips-you deserve them! If any of these people had a child or family member with autism.. they would be singing a different tune! This is from a Momma who would rather stand in line with her children and watch a few people take advantage then see the card disappear for those who really enjoy and benefit from visiting Disney not be able to go! /rant
Passenger507
New Member
Me too. Some of the comments here have made me feel like crap. Trust me, I'd give anything for my child not to be autistic. It's an everyday struggle raising him. There's speech and behavior therapy every week, visits with the child psychologist multiple times a month, the medical bills that my insurance doesn't cover. Sometimes I hear stories from other parents about how their child hit a certain milestone and it brings me to tears knowing my son will probably never do the same. I often think about what will happen to him if he is never able to take care of himself and I pass away. Who will take care of him as he gets older?
I remember the first time we took him to Disney World. He is not a very social child but for some reason WDW really brought him out of his shell. The joy he experienced was incredible. And while we kept him away from loud parades and fireworks, he absolutely had a blast on the rides. We didn't use a GAC then and most of the time the long waits in crowded lines caused him to start screaming and hand waving. When that happened we would leave the queue out of respect for the others in line. It was rough and we didn't do that many rides because of emotional breakdowns he had but it was still a great experience.
Knowing the disdain some folks feel towards people with disabilities that use a GAC is making me hesitant to use one again.
I have read this board for years and it took this post for me to join and reply. My child is in the exact same situation. We have taken her to Disney World the past 2 years. I never used a GAC card or asked for special treatment. This year, we are going again, and I am thinking about asking for the card.
Every day is a struggle. Some are better than others. If someone wants to trade spots with me and cure my kid, I will stand in the longest lines all day long and smile every step of the way. I would be happy to wait an hour to get into a ride if I didn't have to worry about my daughters saftey every step of the way.
Autism, ADHD, ADD are focus related diseases. If a child can not maitain direction, they can very easily get distracted or hurt waiting in long lines. This is no different than walking through a parking lot or riding a bike.
majortom1981
Active Member
MY mother has MS and we are going next week. I still havent decided if we should get the card or not. We have the doctors note and everything. MS gives people severe balance problems and muscle problems. any rides that make you climb up stairs in the que will be difficult. those same attractions have better exits.
The thing is my mother rather not use that card. she wants to feel as normal as possible.
Disney can cure the problem totally by making the ques as friendly as possible. LIke pirates and small world. have ramps as the que. Any rides that cant be changed One member of the party should have to wait online . Then when that one person gets to the ride the GAC members get on the ride with them.
The people who really need the cards rather NOT have to use them. I know the feeling. I have been through 3 comas and spend every day trying to be as normal as possible.
The people who really need them wouldnt mind having to wait the right amount of time.
The thing is my mother rather not use that card. she wants to feel as normal as possible.
Disney can cure the problem totally by making the ques as friendly as possible. LIke pirates and small world. have ramps as the que. Any rides that cant be changed One member of the party should have to wait online . Then when that one person gets to the ride the GAC members get on the ride with them.
The people who really need the cards rather NOT have to use them. I know the feeling. I have been through 3 comas and spend every day trying to be as normal as possible.
The people who really need them wouldnt mind having to wait the right amount of time.
bubbles1812
Well-Known Member
For an autistic child, I very very much understand getting a GAC. My best friend from college has an autistic brother, and I saw her family's struggles up close. I have no qualms whatsoever about someone getting a GAC for someone with autism.
I do have a bit of an issue with someone getting them for ADHD/ADD, at least some of the time. They are actually not even on the same disease spectrum as autism though yes, they do share some similarities in that focus can be an issue. If the ADHD/ADD is not well controlled (and I have definitely seen it), as I stated earlier, I don't really have a problem with someone getting a GAC, especially if it could become a disturbance in line for the child, family, and other guests. However, I have also seen kids who have very well controlled ADHD/ADD. I'm not sure those children really need a GAC. Though obviously, that would be a thing for the parent to decide. I'd hope they'd choose not to get one if in reality, their child doesn't really need it.
When it comes to people who can't stand for long periods of time, it's sort of an interesting issue. I very much understand that there are some people who can't be up for long without lots of pain. And I wouldn't want that for anyone, especially at what is supposed to be the Happiest Place on Earth. At the same time, I don't think it's absurd to suggest to that just renting a wheelchair may be the right way to go, to a least try it. That video posted earlier in the thread cracked me up and I thought it was very telling. Also, if embarrassment is really the only thing keeping a person from utilizing a wheelchair...at a certain point, I'd say they just need to get over that. I understand that feeling of embarrassment (had to be in one for a period of time), but I got over it.
MARTIMOUSE
New Member
First of I do not see anyone that has a disability responding to this thread . With me who has a disability and has had one all my life see the GAC as a good idea. First let me tell you on state issue handicap parking. In order to get a parking pass you have to go to the doctor and then fills out a form you send it to the state and you are issue a parking placement card and a card . with this card you are told by the state that you can not be denied any available services and if you are denied that it is a violation of the law .this card can be issue for a permanent or temporary disability ( e.g. broken leg ) i know it will not cover every one but just asking for the card will cut down on abuse of GAC and not breaking any privacy laws.
Bush Gardens has a virtual weight time were they look at the stand by time and then they give you a card to come back the same amount of time of the stand by or later . universal has if the stand by is less than 30 min you can get in now if more than 30 min then they give you a card to come back later. all ways work well no problem with any
Now to tell you what I see all i have read about in this thread is how why I had to stand in line and some one else did not have read how you are upset with Disney for not enforcing it policy but this non enforcement go both ways every time that I have gone to Disney I have to spend extra time weighting for a bus because no one will take there stroller off the seat with the sign on the bus when you walk in and it clearly says must give up seat to those needing it also being push aside because I am moving to slow and then these people complain when I get out of the ride the same time that they did. Also there is getting the card even though it is very obvious that I have a disability I have denied the GAC card several times as if issuing the card come out of there paycheck and when I do get one it often come with a lecture from the cast member.
Now let look at ways the card is being use are you complaining that it being used way to much in the hall of presidents to my guess is no you are concerned that it being use for the long weight rides and how many are there in each park that would be about 3 per park .The GAC is not faster on all the rides in some cases it a lot faster to go on stand by for example space ship earth you have to find someone where they make you weight and weight for some one else to come out and tell you it OK to go on the ride . The GAC only apply to attractions and does not apply having to weight in line for meals not in any of the stores and not any special events for example star wars weekend .
So in reality the system got overwhelmed at car land at DCA one time and now you want to get rid of it because some one with a disability (real or not) might get a head of you on 3 rides witch took 8 times longer just to get there.
Bush Gardens has a virtual weight time were they look at the stand by time and then they give you a card to come back the same amount of time of the stand by or later . universal has if the stand by is less than 30 min you can get in now if more than 30 min then they give you a card to come back later. all ways work well no problem with any
Now to tell you what I see all i have read about in this thread is how why I had to stand in line and some one else did not have read how you are upset with Disney for not enforcing it policy but this non enforcement go both ways every time that I have gone to Disney I have to spend extra time weighting for a bus because no one will take there stroller off the seat with the sign on the bus when you walk in and it clearly says must give up seat to those needing it also being push aside because I am moving to slow and then these people complain when I get out of the ride the same time that they did. Also there is getting the card even though it is very obvious that I have a disability I have denied the GAC card several times as if issuing the card come out of there paycheck and when I do get one it often come with a lecture from the cast member.
Now let look at ways the card is being use are you complaining that it being used way to much in the hall of presidents to my guess is no you are concerned that it being use for the long weight rides and how many are there in each park that would be about 3 per park .The GAC is not faster on all the rides in some cases it a lot faster to go on stand by for example space ship earth you have to find someone where they make you weight and weight for some one else to come out and tell you it OK to go on the ride . The GAC only apply to attractions and does not apply having to weight in line for meals not in any of the stores and not any special events for example star wars weekend .
So in reality the system got overwhelmed at car land at DCA one time and now you want to get rid of it because some one with a disability (real or not) might get a head of you on 3 rides witch took 8 times longer just to get there.
MARTIMOUSE
New Member
First of I do not see anyone that has a disability responding to this thread . With me who has a disability and has had one all my life see the GAC as a good idea. First let me tell you on state issue handicap parking. In order to get a parking pass you have to go to the doctor and then fills out a form you send it to the state and you are issue a parking placement card and a card . with this card you are told by the state that you can not be denied any available services and if you are denied that it is a violation of the law .this card can be issue for a permanent or temporary disability ( e.g. broken leg ) i know it will not cover every one but just asking for the card will cut down on abuse of GAC and not breaking any privacy laws.
Bush Gardens has a virtual weight time were they look at the stand by time and then they give you a card to come back the same amount of time of the stand by or later . universal has if the stand by is less than 30 min you can get in now if more than 30 min then they give you a card to come back later. all ways work well no problem with any
Now to tell you what I see all i have read about in this thread is how why I had to stand in line and some one else did not have read how you are upset with Disney for not enforcing it policy but this non enforcement go both ways every time that I have gone to Disney I have to spend extra time weighting for a bus because no one will take there stroller off the seat with the sign on the bus when you walk in and it clearly says must give up seat to those needing it also being push aside because I am moving to slow and then these people complain when I get out of the ride the same time that they did. Also there is getting the card even though it is very obvious that I have a disability I have denied the GAC card several times as if issuing the card come out of there paycheck and when I do get one it often come with a lecture from the cast member.
Now let look at ways the card is being use are you complaining that it being used way to much in the hall of presidents to my guess is no you are concerned that it being use for the long weight rides and how many are there in each park that would be about 3 per park .The GAC is not faster on all the rides in some cases it a lot faster to go on stand by for example space ship earth you have to find someone where they make you weight and weight for some one else to come out and tell you it OK to go on the ride . The GAC only apply to attractions and does not apply having to weight in line for meals not in any of the stores and not any special events for example star wars weekend .
So in reality the system got overwhelmed at car land at DCA one time and now you want to get rid of it because some one with a disability (real or not) might get a head of you on 3 rides witch took 8 times longer just to get there.
Bush Gardens has a virtual weight time were they look at the stand by time and then they give you a card to come back the same amount of time of the stand by or later . universal has if the stand by is less than 30 min you can get in now if more than 30 min then they give you a card to come back later. all ways work well no problem with any
Now to tell you what I see all i have read about in this thread is how why I had to stand in line and some one else did not have read how you are upset with Disney for not enforcing it policy but this non enforcement go both ways every time that I have gone to Disney I have to spend extra time weighting for a bus because no one will take there stroller off the seat with the sign on the bus when you walk in and it clearly says must give up seat to those needing it also being push aside because I am moving to slow and then these people complain when I get out of the ride the same time that they did. Also there is getting the card even though it is very obvious that I have a disability I have denied the GAC card several times as if issuing the card come out of there paycheck and when I do get one it often come with a lecture from the cast member.
Now let look at ways the card is being use are you complaining that it being used way to much in the hall of presidents to my guess is no you are concerned that it being use for the long weight rides and how many are there in each park that would be about 3 per park .The GAC is not faster on all the rides in some cases it a lot faster to go on stand by for example space ship earth you have to find someone where they make you weight and weight for some one else to come out and tell you it OK to go on the ride . The GAC only apply to attractions and does not apply having to weight in line for meals not in any of the stores and not any special events for example star wars weekend .
So in reality the system got overwhelmed at car land at DCA one time and now you want to get rid of it because some one with a disability (real or not) might get a head of you on 3 rides witch took 8 times longer just to get there.
jakeman
Well-Known Member
Why am I going to do that when I could be enjoying my day?
Why not use my anecdotal evidence of not seeing 1 out of every 3 parties whip out a GAC card in the Fastpass line? I'm sure I've experienced a wider variety of Fastpass queue than a cast member at a singular attraction.
At the end of the day, my statement still stands:
If someone get's their jollies by lying about a disability to get on a ride 20 minutes earlier, then so be it. It's not right, but also isn't my job as a consumer to police them.
Bottom line, I would let 10 people lie about it if it guaranteed that one Make a Wish kid got to do every thing they wanted to on their vacation.
I just don't feel the need to take a stand on this, especially when the abuse is mostly perceived and not quantified.
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