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[5SOXFNZ]

Let me give you a little background. I have an 8 year old DS with Tourette's Syndrome (Very mild on the spectrum), ADHD and OCD (Also very mild).

We just returned from 9 days in the World. While we were there DS developed a new tic. We noticed it came out more while waiting in line, being in tight, crowded spaces. Since we have been home, we have only seen the tic once or twice so we know it was the experience that caused it.

My question is this...we, in no way shape or form want to skip lines. There are people who need this much more than us and we are trying to teach DS that he needs to work with his diagnosis instead of expecting everyone else to yield, but it is a stressing factor for DS to stand in line in such a tight space for so long. By the end of the week I felt like a horrible parent because I could tell he was stressed emotional by the frequency of his ticking. Is there a way to get a GAC that would allow us into the Fast Pass line instead of the standby line or to allow DS & DH to stand outside the queue while I wait with the other children and allow them to join us when we reached the front?

We did use FP's as much as possible but there were some times it just wasn't an option (Like Dumbo or the Tomorrowland Speedway). Just trying to do my reaserach for next time.

[mechurchlady]

At WDW there is a stamp that lets CMs know to put you in a seperate less crowded waiting area. Also you can talk to the CM greeter and they can sometimes arrange something. There is a GAc. Remember that you do not have to use the GAC all the time. I try not to use my ECV as a way around waiting in line.

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by mechurchlady

I try not to use my ECV as a way around waiting in line.

That is very good point! I really have seen the GAC abused on many occasions! It is admirable that you would see it that way.

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by 5SOXFNZ

Is there a way to get a GAC that would allow us into the Fast Pass line instead of the standby line or to allow DS & DH to stand outside the queue while I wait with the other children and allow them to join us when we reached the front?

We did use FP's as much as possible but there were some times it just wasn't an option (Like Dumbo or the Tomorrowland Speedway). Just trying to do my reaserach for next time.

When you go to Guest Relations, you explain the situation, and they will help you to know which accommodations will be best for you.

It is a great life lesson to try to work with the diagnosis as much as possible, and very admirable of you to want to do that!
One suggestion, if tight crowded spaces are a problem, would be for you and DH to help create a little space around your son with your own body position, not allowing others to crowd him too much.

Are there any particular sensory tools that work for you son?

[notjustamom]

I would get the GAC and only use it when necessary. We were there in Nov. and got one for my son (autistic) for the first time. When the lines were short enough that they were manageable for him (under 10 min) we waited in line. The GAC helped to cut down drastically on his (and mine) stress level.

[Misc]

The GAC is a tool, one that has the potential to be misused, yes, but still a very useful tool. (Didn't need one my last trip, but will be getting one this trip)

From research, here and in other places, using the GAC to get out of the general line can be beneficial in that hey, you're not in a situation that can provoke issues to pop up. However, the trade off is that sometimes you wait even LONGER to get on the ride! Suggestions are also that you try to avoid using the GAC as much as possible, either by using Fastpass or planning it so that you hit the rides when they're less crowded.

But, I'd suggest getting one, better to have that piece of paper and not use it than to need it and not have it.

[suejen]

Originally Posted by notjustamom

I would get the GAC and only use it when necessary. We were there in Nov. and got one for my son (autistic) for the first time. When the lines were short enough that they were manageable for him (under 10 min) we waited in line. The GAC helped to cut down drastically on his (and mine) stress level.

DS9 is developmentally disabled and can only handle 10-15 minutes in line and that's only if he has his Nintendo DS. We use the fastpass as much as possible and when we can't we use the GAC. With the GAC we sometimes wait longer (ie. Haunted Mansion comes to mind) but we are away from the crowds and if he is on the verge of a meltdown it is much easier to deal with! CMs are AWESOME with special needs!!!!

[mechurchlady]

The 17th I was at DLR. The Pirates disabled line was out the door and then heading toward the river, very long line while the regular line was 30 to 45 minutes tops. Some times GAC means very long waits at WDW or DLR.