Just my opinion but are people over using the GAC
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magic mickey · 09-05-2010, 08:30 PM

I don't mean to start a debate but I believe that the GAC is being over used. My DH is in a wheelchair and cannot walk but we never get a GAC. I have read a lot of posts about people getting GAC's for wheelchair use. IMO, GAC's should only be used by people who have issues with waiting in line. My DH cannot walk, but he can certainly wait in line just like everyone else. I feel that the CM's are very helpful to people in wheelchairs and unless you have another issue that prevents you from waiting, you don't need to get a GAC just because you are in a WC.

CinderAbby · 09-05-2010, 08:38 PM

I don't remember seeing that many GAC's being used this year Lisa so I don't know if maybe Disney is not issuing as many or people are learning that it is not a front of the line pass so they're not trying to get them anymore. As a matter of fact, there were several lines we went through where someone in a wheelchair would give Lenny a dirty look because we'd do the alternate entrance and they weren't (I know it happened at Buzz Lightyear). Little do they realize the GAC isn't for Lenny but for Abby.

PamelaK · 09-05-2010, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CinderAbby

I don't remember seeing that many GAC's being used this year Lisa so I don't know if maybe Disney is not issuing as many or people are learning that it is not a front of the line pass so they're not trying to get them anymore. As a matter of fact, there were several lines we went through where someone in a wheelchair would give Lenny a dirty look because we'd do the alternate entrance and they weren't (I know it happened at Buzz Lightyear). Little do they realize the GAC isn't for Lenny but for Abby.

I think you are right, Darlene. Last time we were at WDW we got GAC for both Grace and Ramoan. Grace was using her wheelchair, but very rarely used her GAC. Ramoan, on the other hand, used his quite often. He had gotten one because of his severe social anxiety. Being able to move to the alternate entrance helped him tremendously.

**Eeyore Tattoo** · 09-05-2010, 11:18 PM

I am one that gets a GAC, But Only used it when needed maybe 2 or 3 times.
Yes, Most CM's know what you need, But there are some that just don't seem to understand.

I just want to add, I agree that there are some who do get them without needing one, 100% healthy people that think they are a magic "front of the line" pass..
Those people should be ashamed..

magic mickey · 09-06-2010, 12:13 AM

I certainly if not suggesting who needs a GAC or doesn't need one and I would never presume to know other peoples needs, all I am saying is that I have heard of people abusing the use of the GAC. We have never gotten one because other than the fact that my DH can't walk, he has no other needs that make him unable to wait in line.

**mechurchlady** · 09-06-2010, 12:29 AM

I get one for DLR but rarely use one because I am too tired to ride. I used to get one because for me I cannot stand for long periods of time without something to lean on. I got sciatica during a meet and greet with an online site that lasted less than 3 hours.

Yes, people in wheelchairs should wait in line like everyone else. That would be nice if all lines were designed for wheelchairs. It would be nice if everyone in a wheelchair could sit in the hot sun for hours. I do not know why people have a GAC. I do give people a once over if they are not obviously disabled and using the GAC. Special needs, limping, what is it with that person, my mind wonders for a few seconds and back to taking in the sites.

GAC however is not a golden ticket. I have been kicked, stomped on, and walked over while waiting in line for a disabled access boat. I have to wait up to half an hour and once the people behind me were told an hour for Small World. Pirates has a wonderful line for the GAC and disabled, it is in the sun and on a crowded street. Talk about people pushing and shoving you. Jungle Cruise is not bad for us as it is usually in the shade but each wheelchair waits for the boat to come around again, long wait.

Hook's Point restaurant, Tiki Room and the bathrooms on Tom Sawyer Island use a scary elevator. One person and a wheelchair per load at the Tiki Room. Up, down, up, down, up, down, up, down. If there are more than one wheelchair or scooter then you wait and wait, Each person changing levels means more waiting.

GACs are a pain in the rump and not that abused out here as it is so much of a pain. In time people realize that GAC is not worth the hassle. I love my GAC for those times when I may possibly get to ride a ride. Coming Mom.

Minou · 09-06-2010, 06:54 PM

Actually, if you are in a wheelchair or on a scooter the CMs will tell you NOT to get a GAC. GACs are for "hidden" disabilities that aren't readily discernable. When you say your husband in a wheelchair waits in line--do you mean the handicap accessible line (except at those few rides in DL and the ones in DCA that are fully accessible?) I guess I'm not understanding what you all mean as "alternate" lines otherwise. I sometimes get a GAC even though I am riding a scooter because on "good" days I can sometimes walk regular lines but need to avoid stairs (Indiana Jones or Jungle Cruise would be examples where it would be needed.)

I just can't imagine anyone giving someone in a wheelchair a dirty look!

PamelaK · 09-06-2010, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minou

Actually, if you are in a wheelchair or on a scooter the CMs will tell you NOT to get a GAC. GACs are for "hidden" disabilities that aren't readily discernable. When you say your husband in a wheelchair waits in line--do you mean the handicap accessible line (except at those few rides in DL and the ones in DCA that are fully accessible?) I guess I'm not understanding what you all mean as "alternate" lines otherwise. I sometimes get a GAC even though I am riding a scooter because on "good" days I can sometimes walk regular lines but need to avoid stairs (Indiana Jones or Jungle Cruise would be examples where it would be needed.)

I just can't imagine anyone giving someone in a wheelchair a dirty look!

There are some CMs that will not allow you to use an alternate entrance when it is needed, and for that reason, a GAC is useful for those in a wheelchair/ECV. If you feel that it is not needed, and then find that you DO need it, you can go to any Guest Relations office/window to get one.

**Caldercup** · 09-06-2010, 08:19 PM

I have Multiple Sclerosis and "look" perfectly healthy. Since I feel healthy most of the time, I find I do not need a GAC or an alternate entrance.

But, when I'm suddenly having MS fatigue and need to be out of the sun or need an easy escape if the line becomes too much for me, having the GAC is a godsend. I don't have to explain a darned thing to the CM manning the entrance to the line -- I just show the GAC, explain that I need a shaded entrance and they direct me to the appropriate spot.

**mzozzietj** · 09-06-2010, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caldercup

I have Multiple Sclerosis and "look" perfectly healthy. Since I feel healthy most of the time, I find I do not need a GAC or an alternate entrance.

But, when I'm suddenly having MS fatigue and need to be out of the sun or need an easy escape if the line becomes too much for me, having the GAC is a godsend. I don't have to explain a darned thing to the CM manning the entrance to the line -- I just show the GAC, explain that I need a shaded entrance and they direct me to the appropriate spot.

We took my Best Friend's mom with us last year and she is in a wheelchair fulltime from her MS. She is not able to get in/out of the chair easily and is too proud to let others help her. Even though we did our homework, it was disappointing how few things she could go on without transferring out. We rented her an ECV for the whole stay and a few places they made her transfer out of that into a regular wheelchair for the line. When she mentioned the GAC they did let her use a different entrance though. I found it odd that they didn't offer initially. Perhaps they think the ECV isn't enough of a disability indicator since anyone can rent them.

CinderAbby · 09-07-2010, 08:26 AM

Quote:

When she mentioned the GAC they did let her use a different entrance though. I found it odd that they didn't offer initially. Perhaps they think the ECV isn't enough of a disability indicator since anyone can rent them.

Most lines at Disney are ADA compliant and wide enough for ECV's and Wheelchairs so unless there's another reason to avoid the main lines (where the GAC comes in -for those hidden disabilities like Abby's), that's where most people are going to be sent.

SueM loves WDW · 09-07-2010, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CinderAbby

Most lines at Disney are ADA compliant and wide enough for ECV's and Wheelchairs so unless there's another reason to avoid the main lines (where the GAC comes in -for those hidden disabilities like Abby's), that's where most people are going to be sent.

Agree.
It is not LEGAL according to the ADA for them to require proof to use an accessible entrance or to use a wheelchair or ECV in line if it fits.
All of the attractions have a specific entrance that is designated as a accessible entrance. Since most attractions now have Mainstream lines, the designated entrance is usually the regular line, with all the other guests. All of the places listed on the Guidemap for Guests with Disabilities for each park are wheelchair accessible, but some are not ECV accessible. For those, the attraction does keep wheelchairs for guests with ECVs to transfer to. That is a legal accommodation since some attractions are able to be made wheelchair accessible, but not ECV accessible.

Some attractions have alternate entrances; if that is the only accessible entrance, a GAC is not need to use it and it will be listed on the disabilities maps as the 'Mobility Entrance.' if a CM questions the need to use a GAC for those listed attractions, showing the map is usually going to tske care of it. If it's not, the manager or supervisor will know what to do. Again, if that is the only accessible entrance, it is NOT legal for them to require proof to use it.
The maps are available with other park maps at the entrance kiosk.
Some attractions have the Mainstream line listed as the 'Mobility Access' but also have an alternate entrance. You do need a specific GAC to use those entrances since there is another accessible entrance that meets the needs of most guests. It IS legal for them to require proof, in terms of a GAC, to use those entrances since there is another accessible entrance you don't need a GAC to use. Those entrances ate for people who need more than the 'regular' accessible line provides.
There are attractions that do not have an alternate entry and others where it is not available all the time, depending on how many CMs are working or how the queue is being routed right then ( some of the entrances require a CM to accompany the guest since the entrance is backstage, in a non-guest area or the currently used queue route doesn't open to that area. )

nurse_mom · 09-07-2010, 10:24 AM

We use the GAC for our DD who has "hidden disablity" It has truely made our trip more enjoyable. However even my DB made a comment that Autumn doesn't need one.
I simply replied. "if you want to stay in line with her, and see what happens when the melt down begins, be my guest, pick any ride" However he quickly declined and said "maybe you are right"

I don't pay attention to who has what or who needs what. If your child needs it far be it from me to judge.
My niece has a bad hip and femur and walks with a slight limp. We are thinking of renting a w/c for her in 2012 or using a GAC. her MD suggests she limits her long distances and isn't allowed to be in sports. She has daily pain and discomfort. However to anyone else, I'm sure they would think she is abusing the system.

PamelaK · 09-07-2010, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nurse_mom

My niece has a bad hip and femur and walks with a slight limp. We are thinking of renting a w/c for her in 2012 or using a GAC. her MD suggests she limits her long distances and isn't allowed to be in sports. She has daily pain and discomfort. However to anyone else, I'm sure they would think she is abusing the system.

My DD has Hereditary Spastic Paraparesis. However, she has it to such a mild degree that unless you KNOW what to look for, you will miss the signs completely. Her doctor has encouraged to stretch and to play SOME sports. She does draw the line at track (running), basketball, or any other sport that would require massive amounts of use and abuse of her knees and legs. She does however, ok volleyball and field sports. When it comes to trips to WDW or Fiesta Texas where there will be a lot of walking, the doc insists that DD use her wheelchair. This is the same wheelchair that usually just takes up space in my car. We have it in case she needs it, but she doesn't use it on a daily basis.

At Disney, however, she will use the chair. When she has to get out of the chair to transfer to a ride or to go get food at a buffet, she will jump right up because she is tired of sitting. If she didn't have the chair, she would not be able to make it past two hours in the parks.

DD truly has a hidden disability, as physical as it truly is, that no one spots unless they have seen it before. She would be one of those looked at as "abusing" the system, but she is not.

Also, DBF has severe social anxiety. Being stuck in the middle of a queue with hundreds of people around him, would send him into an anxiety attack. Having a GAC that allows an alternate entrance allows him to still wait for the ride, but in a less crowded area. Again, he would be one that would be seen as "abusing" the system, but he is not.

As other posters have stated, it truly does make a HUGE difference for those that need the GAC. We cannot be quick to decide if others are abusing the system or not, as we do not know what their specific need is.

Is there an abundance of misuse and abuse? I think there might have been at one time. But as those that attempt to misuse and abuse the system have found (especially in more recent years), Disney does a good job of preventing as much of that as possible. They have truly done a wonderful job at making all the rides, attractions, and queue lines as accessible as possible. They have also done a fabulous job of making sure that the wait times are as even as possible no matter the mobility/ability level. (By "ability" I mean the ability to wait in lines or handle/deal with those sensory issues that can sometimes overload even the most "normal" of us at times.)

**mechurchlady** · 09-07-2010, 08:00 PM

I did a short trip to Disneyland today. Mom needed her passport renewed and I wanted pizza. The CMs were very helpful at the submarine ride, omnibus and trams. The only person not obviously disabled was the guy in front of me but then I heard them talking about an operation. You never know. One rude person and the rest were really nice today. People worked to fill trams and elevators for example.

The rude lady tried to push between me and the entrance of the Pizza Port like anyone can push me around. I did not see GAC abuse especially now that disabled lines are being mainstreamed where possible in DLR. When people see that they have to wait for just as long if not longer then they stop abusing the system. When they are told that wheelchairs may have to wait 8 hours for a train that is available for them then they walk away.

I am so happy to have gluten free pizza.