Questions about GAC(Guest Assistance Card)

[bsiev1977]

Just booked for May 2011. We're staying close by off-property through a timeshare exchange. It'll be me, my mom, my sister and my niece.

My question is geared toward cast members, or possibly past visitors who have had a similar experience.

Anyone who is in the know, I'd like to know anything you do about the Guest Assistance Card.

My niece will be five when we travel, and has some form of autism. Honestly, whatever it is is actually so rare we haven't gotten a name for it yet. She does exhibit a lot of the delays and behaviors common to the autism spectrum.

Anyway, the main concern we have is waiting in line. She likes amusement park rides, and loves visual stimulation. She doesn't have issues with loud noises. The problem is she gets impatient when standing still for any amount of time. The week we will be there is listed as a low crowd week, but any help would be good.

So, after that rambling, what I'm asking is would the GAC be worth the effort to get? I've made some inquiries with Disney Customer Service, and from reading guide books the impression I've gotten is that the GAC doesn't mean line skip privilege. What would the benefits for my family be?

I intend to use FP as much as possible, but would like to hear from those with knowledge/experience what other courses of action we could or should take.

 

[Monty]

If you explain her situation in simple terms, they'll give you a GAC appropriate to her needs. I used one in the past because of inability to stand in lines for extended periods. I allowed me to use the FP line or alternate entrances to rides. I have since found a solution to my issue and I no longer get the GAC, but when I needed it it was a godsend.

I only ever had one CM who wouldn't let me use the FP line, I never understood why, but I just accepted and moved on. It wasn't worth arguing, if I couldn't ride, I couldn't ride. :shrug:

 

[wannabeBelle]

I agree with Monty. I went with a cousin who has Cerebral Palsy, seizures and some other stuff I never manage to keep up on. I went to Guest Relations and was given a GAC without a question. The trip was so much easier for her to do with that pass and it definitely enhanced her experience. Id say in your case make the effort, if you want to try a line with her, you can. If you think she wont do well, you do have the option. Marie

 

[bsiev1977]

I appreciate the input. I asked because the information I found wasn't clear about how the card would help for line-waiting. Also, my niece's disability isn't apparent at first sight.

From what you all have said, I'll definitely go for it.

Is a doctor's note required and/or recommended?

 

[Gepettotrevor]

I appreciate the input. I asked because the information I found wasn't clear about how the card would help for line-waiting. Also, my niece's disability isn't apparent at first sight.

From what you all have said, I'll definitely go for it.

Is a doctor's note required and/or recommended?

Dr's note isn't necessairly required; I think you will be fine without it. However, if it is easily to obtain a doctor's note...it would never hurt. Guest relations typically does not require them. They realize that not every disability is aparent and are extremely courteous.

As far as benefits go, it can definately help out. As previously stated, it isn't necessairly a line skip card- or an automatic fastpass. Sometimes, the alternate entrance might not even be the fastpass line. However, it is definatley worth getting because it will cut down the time you will have to wait.

My biggest tip: please make sure you show it at the front of every attraction to minimize your wait time!!!!! I can't tell you how many times these guests go through the regular line on certain non-fastpass rides, not realizing that we do offer an alternate entrance. If in doubt, ask

I hope you enjoy your vacation!!! If you have any other questions, feel free to give me a shout!!

 

[erinshaneb]

WHOA wait a minute..we just back from our trip on Saturday..We arrived on Sunday night the 12th..we ended up at Guest Relations at Studios (that is another long story) and my father asked about the assistance card..he has MS, COPD and walks with a cane..standing in line is kinda hard on his feet..he was told by the cast member that they no longer offer any kind of assistance..if he was a wheelchair they would help him board rides as needed, but the assistance card or sign up or whatever was no longer available..they would be more than happy to rent him a scooter for $50 a day..I was kinda surprised and bummed for him..let me know if you are able to get some help..bcuz that would kinda bum me out that they won't help anymore..

 

[Gepettotrevor]

WHOA wait a minute..we just back from our trip on Saturday..We arrived on Sunday night the 12th..we ended up at Guest Relations at Studios (that is another long story) and my father asked about the assistance card..he has MS, COPD and walks with a cane..standing in line is kinda hard on his feet..he was told by the cast member that they no longer offer any kind of assistance..if he was a wheelchair they would help him board rides as needed, but the assistance card or sign up or whatever was no longer available..they would be more than happy to rent him a scooter for $50 a day..I was kinda surprised and bummed for him..let me know if you are able to get some help..bcuz that would kinda bum me out that they won't help anymore..

You should e-mail guest relations.

 

[wannabeBelle]

You should e-mail guest relations.

Ditto!!!! Marie

 

[Gepettotrevor]

WHOA wait a minute..we just back from our trip on Saturday..We arrived on Sunday night the 12th..we ended up at Guest Relations at Studios (that is another long story) and my father asked about the assistance card..he has MS, COPD and walks with a cane..standing in line is kinda hard on his feet..he was told by the cast member that they no longer offer any kind of assistance..if he was a wheelchair they would help him board rides as needed, but the assistance card or sign up or whatever was no longer available..they would be more than happy to rent him a scooter for $50 a day..I was kinda surprised and bummed for him..let me know if you are able to get some help..bcuz that would kinda bum me out that they won't help anymore..

wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com

 

[Disneykidder]

WHOA wait a minute..we just back from our trip on Saturday..We arrived on Sunday night the 12th..we ended up at Guest Relations at Studios (that is another long story) and my father asked about the assistance card..he has MS, COPD and walks with a cane..standing in line is kinda hard on his feet..he was told by the cast member that they no longer offer any kind of assistance..if he was a wheelchair they would help him board rides as needed, but the assistance card or sign up or whatever was no longer available..they would be more than happy to rent him a scooter for $50 a day..I was kinda surprised and bummed for him..let me know if you are able to get some help..bcuz that would kinda bum me out that they won't help anymore..

That is horrible that they wouldn't help you. How nice of them to allow you to rent a scooter for $50 a day...so gracious. I see no reason why they didn't help you. I would have tried another guest relations.

 

[jencor]

My first post, though I read often. This is a subject that interest me, being that my wife has MS. We went last year and had problems in a ride and I wrote Disney about it. Here is the reply we got back.

I have also arranged a Guest Assistance Card for your next visit.
Depending on a Guest's need, this card may provide a variety of services
such as allowing Guests to wait in a shaded area, or providing admission
to our attractions through auxiliary entrances, where applicable. To
accommodate the individual needs of our guests, we ask that everyone
discuss their assistance requests with a Guest Relations cast member
prior to the card being issued. Upon your return, we ask that you visit
Guest Relations at any of our theme parks for additional information
regarding the Guest Assistance Card, and the options available to you.

We got this reply in March of this year, so unless they have changed things, fairly up to date.

 

[Monty]

I appreciate the input. I asked because the information I found wasn't clear about how the card would help for line-waiting. Also, my niece's disability isn't apparent at first sight.

From what you all have said, I'll definitely go for it.

Is a doctor's note required and/or recommended?

The first time I went I had a doctor's note. The Guest Relations CM I showed it to quite cheerily said it wasn't necessary and explained that she probably wouldn't understand it anyway and proceeded to ask what I needed assistance with.

 

[erinshaneb]

Okay well I will leave the pp alone, but will definitely email guest relations..THANK YOU SO MUCH for the information...my father may have under estimated how hard it was going to be on him, but still

 

[erinshaneb]

That is horrible that they wouldn't help you. How nice of them to allow you to rent a scooter for $50 a day...so gracious. I see no reason why they didn't help you. I would have tried another guest relations.

We probably should have, but at the time we were so disgusted with WDW and the whole experience..my husband was at another window trying to get us into the park in time for our dinner reservations and Fantasmic, bcuz the resort screwed up our park hoppers...but I will definitely email them..thank you all for the input

 

[Pioneer Hall]

This is a reminder that this forum is made for people asking questions and responding to their points. No one should be making comments about another members situation when they do not know the details. In addition, there is no need to add gasoline to the fire by responding to these negative posts either. The report post function is there for a reason, and a moderator can take care of these issues.

I left this thread open because it does provide some valuable information in regards to the original question. Please keep it clean or I will delete it entirely.

Thanks.

 

[The Mom]

My advice to anyone with special needs is to stop at Guest Services and explain as carefully as possible what you need to make the day tolerable - knowing that it will not be perfect, and the solution might not even get you on a ride any faster, but might involve a more comfortable wait. And let your conscience be your guide.

And remember the old saying about assume. Please stop before you fire off a response that makes assumptions about other posters.