Special Assistance Pass Tips- Information on Guest Assistance Cards About This Page:

[TNTWheels]

For the one who ask about which is better to pick up the GAC, I think it easier to go inside the town Hall since you can see what they are explaining to you had the can really observe you to see if you are faking it or not. The way I speak and the way I handle myself in my power chair they know I was really disable and I can hear them better this way. Remember the ramp is on the right side of town hall where the restrooms are. You go through the side door and you will see a low counter top.

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by TNTWheels

For the one who ask about which is better to pick up the GAC, I think it easier to go inside the town Hall since you can see what they are explaining to you had the can really observe you to see if you are faking it or not.


The way I speak and the way I handle myself in my power chair they know I was really disable and I can hear them better this way. Remember the ramp is on the right side of town hall where the restrooms are. You go through the side door and you will see a low counter top.

The "faking it" issue is unfortunate. I know of many who really use they system and don't feel bad at all. We do have to remember, though, that some people have hidden needs that can't be seen. The fakers, unfortunately, cause problems for those with hidden needs. I'm always very careful to never judge who is taking advantage of the system and who isn't because so many people with hidden needs are made to feel like they are taking advantage

As far as you being disabled, Todd, after touring Disneyaland with you, I'd say you are very able, just on wheels!

[TNTWheels]

"As far as you being disabled, Todd, after touring Disneyaland with you, I'd say you are very able, just on wheels!" Said Sandy

Well Disneyland has came along way for those who uses a wheelchair. When I went to Disney World for the first time as a teen i was very impress on how they handle people like myself. I thought I could do more there on my own than I did at DL. So what you saw Sandy it just recent year they have been able to allowed me to do things on my own.

[disneyparis]

I may have missed this, but there used to be a place at Downtown Disney where you could pick up a GAC- is it still there and where is it located? We'll be heading there for the first evening and it would be easier to get that out of the way, if possible.
Just curious, when did they start using the stamps on the cards? They have used them in the parks in Paris for a while- not that that matters a lot there, because the CMs honor them very capriciously and what accommodation you get is often left up to a CM's whimsy ( such as if a few friends of theirs show up and want to see the parade and the best viewing spot is in front of those with disabilities, guess how much of the parade the person who can't stand will see?!). I've never had any problem at WDW before but we'll be going back this December after almost 10 years....

[TNTWheels]

Originally Posted by disneyparis

I may have missed this, but there used to be a place at Downtown Disney where you could pick up a GAC- is it still there and where is it located? We'll be heading there for the first evening and it would be easier to get that out of the way, if possible.
Just curious, when did they start using the stamps on the cards? They have used them in the parks in Paris for a while- not that that matters a lot there, because the CMs honor them very capriciously and what accommodation you get is often left up to a CM's whimsy ( such as if a few friends of theirs show up and want to see the parade and the best viewing spot is in front of those with disabilities, guess how much of the parade the person who can't stand will see?!). I've never had any problem at WDW before but we'll be going back this December after almost 10 years....

For the times I've been at WDW I never had the problem viewing the parade. That is when it fun watching a parade. Forget about DL's parades.

About the GAC. I never heard DTD at DL had a place to get one or are you talking about the WDW DTD?

[disneyparis]

@TNTWheels- looking for the one T DTD WDW, anyone know where it is?

[SueM loves WDW]

Originally Posted by disneyparis

@TNTWheels- looking for the one T DTD WDW, anyone know where it is?

There is a Guest Relations at Downtown Disney at Disney World, but you have never been able to get a GAC there.
Guests always have needed to get one at a Theme Park. There is a location just outside of each park where you can request a GAC at the Guest Relations window without actually entering the park.
You can also go into the park to request one.

We have been getting a GAC for our daughter's needs since 1999. I don't know when they started putting staps on, but it has been at least since 1999.
Not every accommodation is available at each attraction, so the GAC may or be handled exactly the same at each attraction.

[Moonchaser]

I don't know if any of you have encountered this, but I am kind of disappointed with the questions asked while trying to get a GAC from disneyland. I had heard about this pass and was interested in getting it for my daughter who has autism. I went straight to city hall and asked for a pass while handing the cast member my daughter's paperwork proving her disability. The cast member did not want to see it and instead asked me all these questions in such a rapid succession that I couldn't even process them quickly enough to answer. He was rude and his attitude was so off-putting from the start I felt like I had to justify not only my daughter's condition but myself for being there asking for a GAC. He asked if she would become violent etc if she had to wait in line. I'm sorry but I don't exactly understand that question...I'm not sure how to answer really...I wouldn't ever label her as violent but she does have special needs. What questions has anyone ever asked about why you need a GAC and what's the fastest way to just get the whole process over since they won't even look at my paperwork!?!?? I even called ahead of time...

[Eeyore Tattoo]

I am sorry you had this experience, Sounds out of line.. Only questions I was ever asked is what would you need stamped on the card to help? I always keep my card from my previous trip & show them just what stamp I need..
Let me add that I am no fan of Disneyland's Guest services as they were no help at all to me & refused to give me a GAC even when I had my expired one with me. Something that never happened at WDW.

[DisneyDaddy]

Thanks for the info
Just diagnosed with arthritis. Some days are very bad like today.
Other days I barely notice it.
Not planning on a chair for now but, may need one this GAC may be helpful

[SueM loves WDW]

Originally Posted by Moonchaser

I don't know if any of you have encountered this, but I am kind of disappointed with the questions asked while trying to get a GAC from disneyland. I had heard about this pass and was interested in getting it for my daughter who has autism. I went straight to city hall and asked for a pass while handing the cast member my daughter's paperwork proving her disability. The cast member did not want to see it and instead asked me all these questions in such a rapid succession that I couldn't even process them quickly enough to answer. He was rude and his attitude was so off-putting from the start I felt like I had to justify not only my daughter's condition but myself for being there asking for a GAC. He asked if she would become violent etc if she had to wait in line. I'm sorry but I don't exactly understand that question...I'm not sure how to answer really...I wouldn't ever label her as violent but she does have special needs. What questions has anyone ever asked about why you need a GAC and what's the fastest way to just get the whole process over since they won't even look at my paperwork!?!?? I even called ahead of time...

I'm sorry you were asked in a way that made you feel uncomfortable, but they do need to ask some questions.

They won't look at paperwork for a couple of reasons.
1) they are not medically trained so medical terms in the paperwork don't mean much to them.
2) if you were sharing something like an IEP, most of the things in there are not relevant to a trip in the park, so it is information, but not neccessarily useful information to them in deciding what you need.
3) the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) says they can't ask for proof of disability.
4) the ADA says that assistance needs to be based on the needs of the person, which is why they ask the questions.
People assume that a GAC is a pass and that all are the same. It really is a communication card to let the CMs know what assistance the guest will need. Not every person with autism is the same, so just saying "autism" doesn't help them to know what she needs.
For example, many people find that using a stroller in lines is very helpful, even if the child can walk. A stroller used as a wheelchair (or just a wheelchair for an older child) can provide a safe haven from stimulation or a separation from other guests. Some kids with developmental disabilities, like autism, may strike out, grab or hit other people who are within reach if they get overstimulated or upset. A stroller used as a wheelchair can be very helpful in situations like that because the person can be kept far enough away from others that they can't hit. A lot of people who become overstimulated easily will even be traveling around the park with a blanket over their head to further cut down on stimulation.
That is probably what the CM was trying to get at with the strangly worded questions about violence.

Think about similar situations to things you will encounter in the parks where you may wait in lines with her or where you are around a lot of people. Then ask yourself:
1) what does she do in those situations?
2) what about those situations is difficult for her?
3) what would change the situation to make it easier?

That is basically the information the CMs are trying to find out, so if you are prepared to with that information, you will have a much easier time.
Also, keep in mind that there might be some things that would make it easier, but not all of them are available. And, keep in mind that a GAC can only help in lines or in attractions. You may encounter some of the same things that are problems for her in other places, like just walking from place to place.

One last thing, if the CM is asking this to quickly or you don't understand, do feel comfortable saying "wait a minute. I need you to repeat that." They are human and sometimes forget that even though they have asked the questions a million times, this is the first time you have heard them.

[TNTWheels]

The above post need to be printed for those who are going to the park I think it will help.

[mfirst]

Originally Posted by SueM loves WDW

I'm sorry you were asked in a way that made you feel uncomfortable, but they do need to ask some questions.

They won't look at paperwork for a couple of reasons.
1) they are not medically trained so medical terms in the paperwork don't mean much to them.
2) if you were sharing something like an IEP, most of the things in there are not relevant to a trip in the park, so it is information, but not neccessarily useful information to them in deciding what you need.
3) the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) says they can't ask for proof of disability.
4) the ADA says that assistance needs to be based on the needs of the person, which is why they ask the questions.
People assume that a GAC is a pass and that all are the same. It really is a communication card to let the CMs know what assistance the guest will need. Not every person with autism is the same, so just saying "autism" doesn't help them to know what she needs.
For example, many people find that using a stroller in lines is very helpful, even if the child can walk. A stroller used as a wheelchair (or just a wheelchair for an older child) can provide a safe haven from stimulation or a separation from other guests. Some kids with developmental disabilities, like autism, may strike out, grab or hit other people who are within reach if they get overstimulated or upset. A stroller used as a wheelchair can be very helpful in situations like that because the person can be kept far enough away from others that they can't hit. A lot of people who become overstimulated easily will even be traveling around the park with a blanket over their head to further cut down on stimulation.
That is probably what the CM was trying to get at with the strangly worded questions about violence.

Think about similar situations to things you will encounter in the parks where you may wait in lines with her or where you are around a lot of people. Then ask yourself:
1) what does she do in those situations?
2) what about those situations is difficult for her?
3) what would change the situation to make it easier?

That is basically the information the CMs are trying to find out, so if you are prepared to with that information, you will have a much easier time.
Also, keep in mind that there might be some things that would make it easier, but not all of them are available. And, keep in mind that a GAC can only help in lines or in attractions. You may encounter some of the same things that are problems for her in other places, like just walking from place to place.

One last thing, if the CM is asking this to quickly or you don't understand, do feel comfortable saying "wait a minute. I need you to repeat that." They are human and sometimes forget that even though they have asked the questions a million times, this is the first time you have heard them.

Is there a way that this information can be "stickied" somehow? I've found it very helpful for plannign our summer trip. My child will be a month shy of his third birthday and has recently been diagnosed with ASD. We have an IEP, and have been discussing the GAC as our last trip he was only 11 months old, and wasn't walking. Now that he's mobile (and does have violent fits), we have a comopletely different situation.

Thank you for the information about the stroller as wheelchair...I had been under the impression that it was reserved only for those typically in a wheelchair that were wishing to ride in a stroller instead. That is especially helpful because our son does tend to hit, kick and roll around...as well as wander off quickly.

We're going to be doing a "theme park" test run at Cedar Point in June, so we should have a better idea of how he'll handle lines before we travel to WDW in July. That said, it's nice to know what the procedure is for GAC's if we find that one will help him have a better vacation (and therefore the rest of the family too).

[court1127]

I'm so glad to have found this post! I'm 28 and have 4 chronic conditions 2 severely affecting my back and legs which makes it very hard to walk for long periods/stand in lines. I LOVE WDW but at the end of each day I'm in tears walking back to the bus after a long day at the parks. Usually i come home and pay for the trip for weeks with extra pain, totally worth it of course. Now I'm seriously debating getting a wheelchair or scooter. I like the idea of walking when i can and using the wheelchair/scooter when I can't. But would y'all feel safe leaving the wheelchair or scooter parked somewhere in the park?

If i go with wheelchair i realize that's more work for my arms (or my DH's), but with a scooter that's more responsibility not to lose it!

Any suggestions on outside places to rent either? It sounds like waiting till I need one in the afternoon might not work out if they run out.

[Eeyore Tattoo]

Originally Posted by court1127

I'm so glad to have found this post! I'm 28 and have 4 chronic conditions 2 severely affecting my back and legs which makes it very hard to walk for long periods/stand in lines. I LOVE WDW but at the end of each day I'm in tears walking back to the bus after a long day at the parks. Usually i come home and pay for the trip for weeks with extra pain, totally worth it of course. Now I'm seriously debating getting a wheelchair or scooter. I like the idea of walking when i can and using the wheelchair/scooter when I can't. But would y'all feel safe leaving the wheelchair or scooter parked somewhere in the park?

If i go with wheelchair i realize that's more work for my arms (or my DH's), but with a scooter that's more responsibility not to lose it!

Any suggestions on outside places to rent either? It sounds like waiting till I need one in the afternoon might not work out if they run out.

I have parked my scooter & walked into shops or on to rides many times. Always take your key, if the seat folds down do it.. If not bring a towel along from your room & cover the seat. Never leave packages in the basket. Park either near the stroller parking area or somewhere near other scooters or anyplace where it will not be in the way of people or lines.