Removing accomodations for guests with mental disabilities

[PotteryGal]

You are only half right.

Disney's policy has not changed, BUT SOME PEOPLE DO NOT UNDERSTAND IT. It is NOT meant to "be used in PLACE of an FP".

Read Enderikari's post above. The GAC card is not meant to get you to instant admission to the attraction.

The reason the OP got the response they did is because they asked for "instant access!" "fast pass at my whim!" which is a red-flag for Disney. They make it clear that a GAC is not a fastpass-substitute, even though some times the attraction host may treat it as one. If your question is, "Will you let me in all the rides without waiting at all?" the answer is no. If the question is, "Can you help accomodate my family who has a member who cannot tolerate long waits in a line?" then you will get a different answer. Still not the one you want (for instance, you may be asked to use an alternate waiting area while the rest of the party waits in the regular line; it will depend on your party size), but not as dire a picture as the OP paints it.

As someone who travels to WDW with a member of my party who is disabled I can tell you Disney does an AMAZING job for people with disabilities of all types; but you will never satisfy everyone. Autism is a mental disorder and Disney can provide alternate entrances or alternate waiting areas, and often times that is the FP entrance; however, they will not just give you a "Fastpass stamp" on your card unless it's a terminally-ill "Make-A-Wish" trip or some other extreme circumstances. The OP's brother has a chronic illness, not terminal.

I'm not going to get further into this discussion because tempers seem high and so many people seem to have misconceptions as to how the GAC works, so I'll just recommend you contact Disney and get their guidebooks for disabilities and speak to them on the phone. When you travel with someone disabled, as my family does, Disney is absolutely wonderful; however, you have to expect to make a few concessions yourself because that's life. Never waiting in any lines for an entire vacation is just not something you can expect Disney to do, but you can expect as much accomodation as possible within reasonable expectations.

AEfx

Then I was misinformed by the CS rep, because I asked if a FP was also needed as well as the GAC and was told 'no'.
Yes, tempers are getting high, because the implication is we are using the FP to avoid any line and think we can get immediate access. I don't think that - I KNOW we still have to wait. That's fine - my son can tolerate waits to a certain extent. I have no problem with waiting - I JUST WANT TO KNOW WHAT THE POLICY IS - HEEEELLLLPPPP!!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[Unplugged]

The people here that posted the unkind, insensitive comments should be grateful that neither they nor their families have been affected by this sad condition. They should also be grateful that they didn't make these comments in my personal presence, where my response would not have been as diplomatic.

Chuck, well stated. Some of these people don't have the capacity to stop and think about how life would be without the capacity they have and obviously take for granted. They almost need a little more to imagine having less.

We'll be there in a few weeks. Your family is welcome to ride in front of us anytime.

I have a cousine with physical disabilities and a very good friend with Spina Bifida who loves WDW and the access options. In the case of my friend, he and his wife adopted special needs children, though they also minimize how they use the WDW access (as you do Chuck) knowing others may need it more. Kudos to all those who provide more than just care, but enable those in need with a quality of life opportunity like WDW. :sohappy:

Walt stated that this place was to be for children and parents to have fun together. He never qualified that statement to leave anyone with disabilities out. I'm sure he would be delighted to know that the place he created can bring happiness to those with challenges as well.

 

[AEfx]

Then I was misinformed by the CS rep, because I asked if a FP was also needed as well as the GAC and was told 'no'.
Yes, tempers are getting high, because the implication is we are using the FP to avoid any line and think we can get immediate access. I don't think that - I KNOW we still have to wait. That's fine - my son can tolerate waits to a certain extent. I have no problem with waiting - I JUST WANT TO KNOW WHAT THE POLICY IS - HEEEELLLLPPPP!!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

Just order the Disabled Guidebooks. They will send them to you at home. There is one for each park, and are very detailed. They outline the offical policy. It tells you on most FP attractions to secure a FP when available. They are free of charge and you can get them from the WDW Disabilities line.

HOWEVER, most times the CM will be nice and just direct you through the FP line anyway. The point is, Disney doesn't want people to EXPECT this to occur, because it does not always. There is a "fast pass" stamp, but you will not get one unless your child is dying, to be blunt.

You also may want to pick up the Passporter's Guide to WDW Special Needs. It's invaluable.

Disney goes absolutely out of it's way to help those with disabilities, and I'm sure you will have a magical trip.

AEfx

 

[Enderikari]

I JUST WANT TO KNOW WHAT THE POLICY IS - HEEEELLLLPPPP!!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

The policy is as stated above....

This card is valid only at attraction locations in the MAGIC KINGDOM park, Epcot, Disney-MGM studios, and DISNEY'S ANIMAL KINGDOM Theme Park.

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 in 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 service, Guests should obtain a Disney's FASTPASS return ticket.

The policy is that the alternate entrance Guest Assistance card (just one of the different type of Guest Assistance Cards there are, but the one that is usually the most appropriate for austism situations) is not supposed to work as a fastpass... It is supposed to aid in the situation by removing the guest from the overstimulating situations that may stem from being around a large crowd of people in line, putting them into an alternate entrance which keeps them away (hopefully) from a possible meltdown situation.

Now, thats the policy... The practice may be a bit different, but thats the policy

 

[Lucky]

Then I was misinformed by the CS rep, because I asked if a FP was also needed as well as the GAC and was told 'no'.
Yes, tempers are getting high, because the implication is we are using the FP to avoid any line and think we can get immediate access. I don't think that - I KNOW we still have to wait. That's fine - my son can tolerate waits to a certain extent. I have no problem with waiting - I JUST WANT TO KNOW WHAT THE POLICY IS - HEEEELLLLPPPP!!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

Enderikani and AEfx correctly stated the official policy. Unofficially, CMs will almost always allow you to enter the FastPass line upon showing a red Guest Assistance Card. Since it's unofficial, you can't be sure each time you go that this will still be the case. I can attest it was still the case as of two weeks ago. You can also use an alternative entrance at an attraction that does not have FastPass if the wait time is very long, e.g. the wheelchair entrance at Dumbo.

My understanding is that wheelchair users with physical disabilities are issued a different Guest Assistance Card. Where there are alternative entrances designated for wheelchair users, it appears that they do not wait in the usual stand-by line. Where the regular entrances accomodate wheelchairs, however, my understanding is that wheelchair users wait in the regular line.
As with the card for mental disabilities, there is probably some difference between official policy and common practice at many of the attractions.

 

[BCNHF]

Back in 04 when I went to MGM in a wheelchair, we only stood in 2 "real" lines - TOT and GMR. GMR was a b---h to navigate through but otherwise we where ushered through FastPass line without needing a actual fastpass.

 

[THECARISMINE]

Wait When did this change I was there not even 2 weeks ago and My family got the pass?? did it just change like this week or something?

 

[Enderikari]

Wait When did this change I was there not even 2 weeks ago and My family got the pass?? did it just change like this week or something?

Nope, the policy hasn't changed in the recent history... Same GAC time, same GAC channel

 

[Lucky]

Don't worry; just read more of the thread.

 

[politicsguy]

Raven and Pottery Girl I have tears in my eyes reading your comments, it hits so closed to home cause I live it everyday, the things you talk about. The meltdowns and times when he’ll hurt himself or those around him and he can’t explain why. He’ll even cry after such episodes sometimes. Thank G-d as he has gotten older those incidents have become less and less frequent. I also Thank many other commentors which helped explain to those who are unfamiliar why "just sending someone else" in the party to obtain a fastpass may in some cases be untenable, though whenever it is possible this of course should be done. It appears the CM on the phone had unnecessarily caused a great deal of distress, and the policy is as it has always been. *read my update of this thread

 

[AEfx]

"We would like to clarify, however, the intention of this service has never been to bypass attraction wait times..."

I think that pretty much sums it up.

As advice to those needing GAC's, explain your needs, not your wants; you will get a lot more help that way.

AEfx

 

[WDWRLD]

I certianly agree with people with special needs not having to wait in line. If you think about it the time they might save by not waiting in line does not outweigh the extra amount of time it takes them to get ready to go to a park, use transportation to a park, move around a park, and anything eles that most of us do quickly. How many times at night have you been leaving MK when there is a bus waiting that is almost full and you squeeze on? Those traveling with wheelchairs must wait for the next bus. Everything they do must be planned out and thought through in how its going to be done for the comfort of their companion. Now on the other hand it really p#$$$&* me off when im standing in line for a attraction and I watch someone argue with a cm because they are told that the line accomidates a wheelchair of ECV and its obvious that they could easily wait like everyone else. How many times have you watched someone in a wheelchair waiting at the exit of a ride with like what seems like 50 people. The train or ride vehicle comes into the station and the person hops up like they were just "healed" and walks to their seat like there was never anything wrong along with everyne else. I even saw two people on MS once, one was pushing the other when all of a sudden they switched. And one more thing, those people who are going down MS or hollywood boulevard right after wishes or fant using a rental ECV who are tooting that little annoying horn that they have for the people to move out of their way, I hope that you get stuck on the trolley tracks, everyone is trying to leave, be paitent. I generally try to give people in wheelchairs a little extra room there, I too am guilty of stepping right infront of them though only because sometimes there are soo many ppl that I dont see them coming. Theres nothing worse than to see a family pushing a child in a chair through the park in a downpour trying to find somewhere to ride out the storm. I think overall Disney does good with guests with special needs, im sure its like everything else they have to have some limits or too many people would take advantage of the system.

 

[seabee1]

For what it's worth, I just spoke with someone at WDW regarding services for disabled people, and the GAC IS in place for autistic kids. Should alternative arrangements entering an attraction need to be made, the GAC can be used. From what this gentleman told me, a fast pass does not also need to be obtained. It's possible the OP was speaking to someone new on the job.

It's important to reiterate that this was put in place to help caregivers diffuse potentially difficult situations, NOT to be taken advantage of as a 'bending of the rules'. We're just grateful to have a place to have some fun with our son, as well as with his big sister (who is awesome with him - proud mom :animwink.

81 days and counting! :sohappy:

Not to go off subject, but we are going to be there at the same time!:xmas:

 

[seabee1]

I hope that you get stuck on the trolley tracks, everyone is trying to leave, be paitent.

That just cracked me up. I don't know how many times I gave my husband a heart attack pushing him over those tracks. They are brutal! He is in a manual chair, and the front wheels just don't do well over those things.

 

[Trishnh]

I agree that Disney is a haven that should be open to all. My cousin's 5 year old son is autistic and I know that they recently took a trip to Disney and that the GAC was a life saver for them. Disney should be a place where the guest with special needs and his/her family can really come to enjoy themselves. I know that an autistic person who has a "meltdown" can cause hours of distress for themselves and cause them not to be able to enjoy their day at all.

I would gladly wait an extra minute or two to allow a guest with special needs to board in front of me.

I am simply curious though, does anyone know the criteria to obtain a GAC? Do you need a doctor's note or an application? I am just curious about the process.

Disney does not reqire a doctors note, although this may be a good way to help cut down on abuse of the system. You just have to explain your needs and issues and they will give you a pass accordingly.

We get a pass for my daughter since she has Down Syndrome and uses a wheelchair when in a large place like Disney since she can not walk long distances and she has no regard for safety. I am sure when people see her jump out of her chair they are thinking we are abusing the system. She is not confined to a chair and is able to walk, but like I stated she does need to use it in certain situations. She is also prone to outbursts and melt downs--she is small for her age but extremely strong and strong willed and it is not an easy fight!! It helps to be able to secure her in her chair when this happens. It is very frustrating when CM's question whether her wheelchair is in fact a wheelchair or a stroller--even though we go through the process of getting a GAC to clear any misconception. Like I tell them--it is a $2500 stroller:hammer:
We also use the GAP on an "as needed" basis and get a fast pass when they are offered. Although the person who stated this is not always ideal is correct--we had to put up with quite the meltdown last week when we got a fast pass for Pooh--she saw it and wanted to go on NOW. I was there alone with her and my 10 y/o son so we could not split up. And no, I do not let her get her way on everything, and we teach her you have to wait your turn, etc but this is often easier said than done when you are dealing with someone with mental disabilities.

I really dont think the majority of people who get GAP for legitimate reasons expect it to be a front of the line access card, just an alternative to make the wait more bearable and enjoyable--for their family and others. This is what makes it possible for many families to even consider a vacation to someplace like Disney. I know it is a life saver for us.:wave:

 

[Lee]

I've got no beef with GAC passes, or with people in wheelchairs going through Fastpass.
My only issue is that they should inforce the limit on the numbers of the party. A "special needs" person plus 1 or 2 others....I can see that.

However, too many times I've seen a wheelchair guest, plus 7 or 8 other members of their pary going through the fastpass and skipping the wait time. :fork:

 

[WDWRLD]

I've got no beef with GAC passes, or with people in wheelchairs going through Fastpass.
My only issue is that they should inforce the limit on the numbers of the party. A "special needs" person plus 1 or 2 others....I can see that.

However, too many times I've seen a wheelchair guest, plus 7 or 8 other members of their pary going through the fastpass and skipping the wait time. :fork:

Its funny because if you notice those who travel with LARGE groups are usually using rental chairs. They too are usualy the ones who throw a fit when they are told that the line accomadates wheelchaits or ECVs. Those who really need the special assistance dont want to make a big deal about it because they dont want to draw any attention to their special person and want them to have a "normal" experience and enjoy WDW without feeling uncomfortable from everyone starring at them.
However its no diffrent than the celebrities that are "snuck" in through the exit. We have seen a few stars loaded onto rides with no wait. They dont even have to be sneaky about it, disney usually provides them with a guide to take care of what ever they want.

 

[ELopez]

I, admittedly, have not read this entire thread, and please forgive me if this is slightly off topic, but I have a question. We are going to WDW the last week of September with another family. The dad is legally blind (he can see to walk, generally, but not drive). Can he get some kind of Special needs pass that allows him (and his family) closer seats for shows?

 

[Trishnh]

I've got no beef with GAC passes, or with people in wheelchairs going through Fastpass.
My only issue is that they should inforce the limit on the numbers of the party. A "special needs" person plus 1 or 2 others....I can see that.

However, too many times I've seen a wheelchair guest, plus 7 or 8 other members of their pary going through the fastpass and skipping the wait time. :fork:

While I do think there need to be limits, I think it should allow immediate family members only. We are a family of 6; 4 kids and 2 adults so I dont think we should be split up. However, I dont think extended friends and family should be allowed to use it. Even when we went with friends and extended family, we split up on many rides for this reason.

Elopez, yes, you can get a GAP for visually impared that states you can sit in the front when possible. My daughter is also visually impared and this has helped us.:wave:

 

[WDWRLD]

I too agree that there should be some limits on the number of guests. But also some kids really love a particular ride and parents would love to have that picture of their child enjoying thair favorite ride with their group. It could be the only ride that that child is up to riding and that could make it impossible for them to get a nice group shot with everybody. I dont know any real good answer but inorder for those that really need it we have to put up with those with low morals that abuse the system just so they are not inconvienced by having to wait like everyone else. I would even go so far as say that there should be some kind of special meet and greets for those that need that extra time and not be rushed through like everyone else is. You can watch some parrents at character meets, by the time thay get their child situated up by the character and get back to take a picture they have already missed the best shot, then they have to hussle to get moving on. Im not saying nothing on the scale of mickeys judges tent but something simular on a smaller scale.