Special Needs Sharing Question: Would you support Disney if they created a system to equalize waiting times for those with a GAC while still accommodating the disability? About This Page:

[Sandra Bostwick]

I've moved this post because it appears that I'm about to derail a thread discussion. So here it is!

Originally Posted by Teresa

Actually, no. I think because the CMs are tired of some of the same things we all are - people who rent the WDW wheelchairs and don't need them.
We've had a problem with CMs not allowing us the use of the entrance, even with a GAC and a woman in her own electric chair!!
And we have had a harder time with bus drivers refusing to take the chair, even when they don't have any wheelchairs on at the time. Also we've had a problem last time we were there with people forgetting we were on the mono-rail.
I think we had a better experience years ago.

I do know what you are talking about there. I'm so sorry to hear that you've had some problems, especially being forgotten on a monorail. How did the CMs handle it when they found out?

I've heard about non-disabled people taking advantage of the GAC as a fastpass, then those with invisible disabilities end up being put in the same category by guests and CMs alike. I can see where the transportation system is just being overloaded, also. If two objects can't occupy the same space, a bus driver can't accommodate an overload of ECVs on a bus.

It's just reality that many people who don't need a chair or an ECV for daily activity WILL need it to get around the parks for distance. I'm always suggesting it for people who DON'T want it!

I've heard of and seen so many cases of just plain abuse of a GAC, though.

That really upsets me because so many people need accommodations, and sometimes only a medical professional would understand why. People with hidden disabilies tell me they get stares. People who need wheels only for distance get stares when they take a break from the chair to walk.

They get lumped in with the ones who are not being honest.

I always wondered if some system could be put into place to either allow ECVs/chairs to move through the main queuse OR have a system in place to equalize the wait time so those who are just trying to beat the system wouldn't have as much incentive.

[Danielle Harmon]

I do not require any special assistance, but I would definitely support something like this. It is terribly sad though that some people who do not need the assistance take advantage of a system designed to make things enjoyable for someone who may not be able to enjoy otherwise. I also get upset when people make rude comments, etc to those using special assistance. "Walk" in that other person's shoes for a minute folks before you judge.

[oldmom]

I have been encouraged to get a GAC but haven't for a number of reasons. It sounds like a system to equalize waiting times would be wonderful and probably cut back considerably on those people who get them just to save time. I'm sure disney could come up with a solution if motivated to do so.

[Eeyore Tattoo]

I have no trouble using the main que's for the most part. My trouble comes with the fact that some of them are just too hard to maneuver a ECV through.
I bring my own ECV .....
Case in point..
I wanted to try Toy Story Mania & entered the main que.. It was very tight & very zig zaggy.. It was packed with people & kids running around. I was hardly able to move & was very scared of hitting people & crashing into the ropes & rope stands..
I saw a exit door & made my way out. I was really a mess by then due to stressing out in there..
I had a GAC stamped for me to go in the handicapped entrance but was denied.
I don't mind the wait, & have spent lots of time waiting my turn using the special entrance. I don't think there is a way to make it equal for all, We are not all of equal abilities. It would be next to impossible to know who is cheating the system. There will always be dishonest people looking for ways to get around things. I just don't like the fact that others are punished for their bad behavior..
OK, I am finished with my rant

[daddyof2princessess]

Tough topic. I do know that the abuse of evcs is wrong. I think Disney may want to make getting one more difficult so that only those who truly need one will be willing to go through the hassle. It just seems unfair to add more hassle to those who do in fact need one.

[jams67]

I think it would be great to equalize the wait times. I too think people see it as a way to "fastpass" a ride without getting a GAC. That's one of the things I love about Soarin. The regular line is so nice and accommodating. The worst part is getting the ECV down to the ride. Then you get a ride like Nemo and even though it is wide, it is still so twisty and the turns are so tight it's a miracle there aren't more accidents. I just wonder what it would take to bring the queue lines up to snuff and if Disney feels it would be worth it.

The GAC is a different issue though. Both my kids have serious medical issues and DS1 is also autistic. He's very well behaved but he needs a buffer zone and not all queues provide that. It would be nice if they could do something like the lighty buzzy thing they have at restaurants. You could "check in" and they could give you one and then when your time comes, they could buzz you. A girl can dream.

IMHO, I think they should require Dr's notes for the GAC or anyone who wants an ECV or wheelchair. Realistically, most people would know before they get there that they will need one and could get a note. If someone is unsure, they (I would hope) get one anyway, just in case.

Honestly I think it's gotten quite a bit out of hand and hate the misuse of it all.

Just remember. My opinion only.

Julie

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by Eeyore Tattoo

I had a GAC stamped for me to go in the handicapped entrance but was denied.
I don't mind the wait, & have spent lots of time waiting my turn using the special entrance. I don't think there is a way to make it equal for all, We are not all of equal abilities. It would be next to impossible to know who is cheating the system. There will always be dishonest people looking for ways to get around things. I just don't like the fact that others are punished for their bad behavior..
OK, I am finished with my rant

That is a perfect example of what I'm talking about. The people who really need the accommodation are usually the ones who say they don't mind waiting, but want to be safe or comfortable. I'm so sorry to hear that you had a bad experience.

It really is an invasion of privacy to ask for Dr.'s note. It would also be a nightmare to expect CMs to decide which conditions warrant a GAC when a guest describes a condition.

There are SO many reasons to ask for a GAC, including those that don't involve a wheelchair or an ECV. Many of them involve those hidden disabilities that are personal. I've had clients who I insisted get a chair for Disney because they NEEDED it, only to come back angry at me because any time they stretched their legs, they were accused of cheating the system.

There really IS no answer to this, and I appreciate how the discussion is staying polite. Remember that we're just exploring possibilities.

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by jams67

It would be nice if they could do something like the lighty buzzy thing they have at restaurants. You could "check in" and they could give you one and then when your time comes, they could buzz you. A girl can dream.

Julie

What a great idea! I love that! That is along the lines of what I meant by a timing system. I really would love to see that.

I am always trying to convince the parents of my students with certain types of autism or other issues to get the GAC. I feel so bad when they really require the GAC, but hesitate to use it. On the other hand, I've seen so many situations where it REALLY is not at all necessary and it is used as a fast pass. Again, who can say who really needs it and who does not?

Your solution is interesting.



Your solution would help those who

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by daddyof2princessess

Tough topic. I do know that the abuse of evcs is wrong. I think Disney may want to make getting one more difficult so that only those who truly need one will be willing to go through the hassle. It just seems unfair to add more hassle to those who do in fact need one.

That would be a tough one! How could you decide? How could you provide for hidden disabilities? What about protecting privacy? I'd also feel SO BAD if those who need ECVs would need to spend time on their vacation convincing others that they really do need it.

I guess that's why I was thinking that a timing system might discourage those who don't need it while empowering those who do need it because there would be less abuse.

[Misc]

Oh YES make sure that the wait times are equalized.

Won't be as much of a trigger for those of us with the hidden illnesses / disabilities. (Whole reason I'm scared to get one, because people questioning why I've got one and aren't physically disabled IS a very, very big trigger)

[iamgrumpy]

I'd rather wait in a line, then have to explain why I have to use the GAC for the parks. There are days where I don't use the GAC as the crowds are light enough that a short wait isn't unbearable but there are other times where its just not feasible for me to not use the card.

Looking at me you'd ask why does she need it but stand/walk in my shoes, on my feet, ankles, knees and joints in general and you will understand why.

But I would trade the pain for being able to do things like everyone else. I have never seen the "main" queue for Expedition Everst as the wait is always so long that the only way I can see that ride is by using either the single rider line (if they are running it) or using the GAC and using the fast pass line. Since I have issues with trying to manuever ecv's through lines, for the safety of others I park it outside the ride.

I think most people who truly need the GAC for ligitimate reasons and for those who use ecv's and wheelchairs would rather wait if it meant being able to access the queues without causing more harm then help for themselves. People abusing the system is going to cause Disney to change their policies and those who will "pay" for the abuse are the ones who truly need the help.

Interesting discussion one that I will follow!

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by Misc

Oh YES make sure that the wait times are equalized.

Won't be as much of a trigger for those of us with the hidden illnesses / disabilities. (Whole reason I'm scared to get one, because people questioning why I've got one and aren't physically disabled IS a very, very big trigger)

I'm so sorry to hear that you are afraid to get a GAC if you need one, but I hear that so often. Working in healthcare and special needs education, I've heard all about that trigger you mention. especially with hidden illnesses.

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by iamgrumpy

Looking at me you'd ask why does she need it but stand/walk in my shoes, on my feet, ankles, knees and joints in general and you will understand why.

. People abusing the system is going to cause Disney to change their policies and those who will "pay" for the abuse are the ones who truly need the help.

Interesting discussion one that I will follow!

Amy, you make some great points, and I feel your pain. Your comment reminds me of people with Lupus or Arthritis who look just fine, unless, of course, you looked at their X-rays.

I'm certain that Disney would NEVER take away their policies of accommodating disabilities, but there is no doubt that abuses are creating some difficulties. That's why I wonder about accommodating the disability in a slightly different way.

Another very good point was made by another PassPorter. Often, guests don't realize their need for accommodations until after a day of touring. A flare-up of something they thought was under control or even a serious blister can create the need for a GAC.

I really appreciate the way posters are remaining on topic with this, discussing their thoughts on the concept of equalizing waiting times without drifting too far off topic to some of the other directions the thread could take.

This can be such a complicated topic!

[EmpressLizBunny]

you know thos plastic cards that the cm at the entrance gives u to measure the time in line? what if they did something like that to trigger a sign in a seprate waiting area they give the card to the person who enters the line behind you you are diverted to a separate waiting area(shaded with bench and quiet) when the person behind u gets to the front of the line the loading cm takes the card and scans it a sign lights up(or if low tech they send someone to open the door to the waiting area) and volia u have waited the same time aseveryone else but able to do so in a way that acomadate ur disability

as an aspie this would have been something i could have used as a child(for the most part these days i dont have the sensory overload issues)

it seems like a workable thing

[KimbalovesDisney]

In the past I have had to get an EVC because I have a bad back (bulging discs), and just cant do all the walking to enjoy the park. I got dirty looks from people who thought I was being lazy. Its not the amount of walking I would do in my normal day in one stretch, but it made me feel like a cheat, even though I knew I couldnt walk the parks. I am very anxious over this issue on this trip. We recently went to NY and ended up getting turned around and walking much father than we inteded, and had to get a cab to get back to the car because I just couldnt walk any more, it just hurt too much. I dont want to rent an EVC, but am dreading the pain and feeling crabby because I cant walk anymore and will slow down the rest of my family. I was thinking of having a walker (the kind with a seat) shipped down via walmart to my resort. That way I have something to lean on, which helps like a cart in the grocery store, and a seat to sit when I just cant stand any longer . But I would be able to use the regular line not the handicapped access. I was thinking I could park it with the strollers. Does this sound stupid?