GAC Useless in Somecases!!!!

[wtlivesey]

This is my first post, but I felt compelled to express some trouble we had recently with the GAC card on our visit to the World in late Feb, early March of 08. My wife was diagnosed with MS in Sept of 07 and this was our first trip to Disney since her diagnois, we are huge fans and were married there in 99. We are a young couple in our mid-thirties, so to look at my wife she doesn't look sick at all. Her issues with MS are fatigue from stading too long and heat. So I spent the few months before preparing for the trip by reading up and listing to all the podcasts I could find regarding guests with disabilites, the DISunplugged was invaluable for this. So I found out about the GAC card. Since this is all new to my wife she had decided that she wasn't ready to give up and us any type of wheelchair or EVC?, I think that's right. We had made a deal that if the first day she felt she needed it we would but she at least wanted that. My compromise was the GAC, so she agreed.

Our first day was Epcot, we went to the guest relations and explained the situation, was given the GAC with no trouble. My wife had decided that she would only use it if she felt she needed to, she would not abuse it in anyway. So that first day she only used it twice, once at Spaceship Earth and again at Testtrack, both with no trouble. We thought WOW what a great thing, we could have used at a few other spots but my wife didn't want to abuse it. The next time we went to use it was at Hollywood Studios, this is where it became useless, along with the Magic Kingdom, but we'll get to that. We went to use it at the Backlot Tour, we were told there was no seperate answer, and that we would have to stand for the 10 min preshow, well this is too long for my wife to stand, we explined to the castmember at the entrance and was told there was nothing that could be done, I don't understand why we couldn't be ushered past the preshow, we've seen it, and even if we hadn't we were willing to miss it. Told it wasn't possible. So we walked away, my wife in tears, one of her favorites, and it was the first time she was turned away from anything since her diagnoses. We next went to the Lights Action Stunt show, they were very accomdating there, let us sit in the handcapped since my wife would have had trouble with steps. The even tried to dry our seats, it was raining that day. Next we hit The Great Movie Ride, again no trouble, were led right to the handicapped entrance, and seated so she wouldn't have to stand while the rest of the car was loaded.
Now comes the worse and most useless of days. We attened Magic Kingdom, we actually went twice but I will combine the two visits. We attempted to use the GAC at Pirates, twice, the first time we were told to stay to the left, someone would meet us, no one was there. A second time a few days later we returned to Pirates and apporached the two cast members at the entrance, they looked at the cue time above them and told us since the wait time was only 10 min would could just join the rest of the cue, and then they returned to the conversation I guess we interruppted. We again tried to use it at the Haunted Mansion, again we were told that since the que was only 10 min we could use the regular cue, again a roughly 10 min preshow, in which my wife got sick due to the heat, and standing, so the rest of the day she was pretty shot.
After the second problem at Pirates we went to gues relations to see what the GAC was for, when we asked the castmember gave us the canned speech, and we interrupted her and told her no that wasn't what it was for and told her what had happened, after a few mintues she went to her "manager" whom we never saw, and we were told not every attraction is up to ADA (American's with Disablities) or that some it is really quicker to go through the regular que then wait for assistance. At this point I was pretty irate, and beginning to believe that Disney wasn't a good idea to bring my wife. As we told the numerous castmembers we spoke with at guest relations it was almost as if since my wife didn't show a visable disability she they were kind of blowing us off. I mean the whole point of the card was so that my wife wouldn't need a wheelchair, as she told me she wasn't ready to give up at this point, and knew that if she took her time and rested where she could she could get through it, and in most cases she was right, however after this trip she's not sure how she feels about Disney, this is a women that half our home is decorated in Mickey, now whe debated whether or not she wants to go back. Six months of getting use to dealing on a daily basis with MS was destroyed by the way she was treated at the place she thought would be the last place she would be treated differently.

Sorry this was so long, but I just wanted everyone who was thinking of getting a GAC to be prepared for the possiblities. I do want to say that in some cases the castmembers were great with us, one that defintly sticks out is the young man the the Indy Speedway, he took his time and personally escorted us to the entrance and to the shaded overhang.

 

[KPeveler]

since i was not there with you, i cant really speak about your experiences, but recently it has been the trend at disney to have people with endurance concerns to use a wheelchair or scooter when standing gets to be too much. that way she can do the preshows and everything.

i know a wheelchair can seem like giving up - but at disney, it is sometimes necessary. i have several invisible illnesses, and i am only 23, so i know also that it is hard to convince people you're really sick... honestly it may be easier in the future for her to rent a scooter, and just use it when she needs it. its not easy, but it seems that the ability to bypass lines (for any reason) using a GAC is not very common now.

on the other hand, you should not have had a problem bypassing the first part of backstage tour, the part with the water tank and the boat - i passed it last time. however, the "preshow" about pearl harbor is not really a preshow, but the line with some TVs... so that she would probly have had to wait in anyway.

i believe, and sue can correct me if i am wrong, that if your needs can be met with a wheelchair or scooter (which your wife's may have been - i cannot really say since i do not know you), then a GAC is not issued or really used... but i may be wrong...

 

[livndisney]

I am sorry you wife did not fully enjoy your vacation. I don't know that the issues you had, had anything to do with your wife not have a "visible" need. I am in similar position as your wife physically, at some point I may not have a choice and will need to be an a wheelchair/ECV. That said, I am not sure what you were looking for the GAC to do for you. Disney's answer to mobility needs is to "rent a wheelchair/ECV" so you are sitting VS. standing in lines.

I would think the reason you were not "allowed" to bypass the "preshow" water show area at the Backlot is the fact that they load the trams in a timed system and the line is wheelchair/ECV accesibile (ADA complaint). There is no need for a seperate entrance.

As far as the line at Haunted Mansion, several people have mentioned having trouble. But again had your wife been in a wheelchair, she would not have had to stand. I know the "regular" line at HM is shaded and I think has fans.

I have not used a GAC at Pirates, so I cannot comment on that.

I know that for me, without the GAC the parks would no longer be possible. But I also know they GAC does not mean I get "special" treatment or get to go right to the front of the line. The GAC is meant to provide "equal" access to WDW. Yes, there are problems with it, and they are CM's that need some more training. But I think WDW does an outstanding making it possible for me to spend time in the parks with my DD.

to you wife. And I hope your next trip is better.

 

[KPeveler]

Since this is all new to my wife she had decided that she wasn't ready to give up and us any type of wheelchair or EVC?, I think that's right.

I mean the whole point of the card was so that my wife wouldn't need a wheelchair, as she told me she wasn't ready to give up at this point,

on a purely personal note, i want to say i am uncomfortable with the idea that you believe using a wheelchair (in disney only, as this is what we are talking about) is giving up. in that case, i gave up. so did most of us here. using a wheelchair is NOT giving up. it is no different than using medications to deal with pain. it is a tool to allow you to enjoy daily life. i DO see how a wheelchair is a scary thing to require (i fight that battle everyday), but perhaps seeing a wheelchair not as "giving up" but simply living life would make your next disney trip easier.

it is not easy living with an invisible illness, and i know it is hard to accept. if your wife is newly diagnosed, then it is even more scary. however, in my uderstanding, the GAC is not there to help people avoid using wheelchairs. what did the CM at GR say the GAC was for? sometimes they are misinformed. however, it is not designed to allow you to bypass lines, if a wheelchair will help... i think perhaps more information all the way around next time may be helpful... hopefully your next trip will be easier!

 

[MightyMom]

I can tell from your tone that you are still very disturbed by your trip. I'm sorry that WDW did not live up to your expectations.... when you live with a disability or love someone with a disability it can be difficult adjusting to the changes you need to make in your life.

I think your wife would have had an amazing time had she "given up" and rented a wheelchair.

I hope I don't overstep my bounds in saying this..... but I think the bigger obstacle is not the GAC being useless.... I think it is your mentality that using a wheelchair is a sign of weakness.

Sometimes in life it is a necessity.... and I think at WDW a wheelchair is very necessary when someone has a stamina issue like your wife does.

Listen... I really feel for you because I have been in your shoes....except it is my 9 year old son who is disabled. When he was first diagnosed I FOUGHT getting a wheelchair..... I put him in a stroller.... I carried him.... I just didn't want to get a wheelchair. I finally ordered one.... and when I put him in it for the first time I realized he was finally independent! He didn't rely on me anymore! So as "confining" as a wheelchair seems.... it can provide mobility, independence and endurance for someone who might not have it otherwise.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I am sorry but the normal recommendation, both officially as well as unofficialy, is that if a person has stamina and/or mobility problems they should rent a wheelchair or ECV. The GAC is not designed to allow a person to skip lines (or a preshow).

Unfortunately you may have paid attention to the podcasts, but did you come here to disABILITIES, and especially did you read the disABILITIES FAQs? Or did you get a book, such as The Open Mouse, which specializes in discussion of touring WDW with disabilities?

 

[Mrsjvb]

Re: giving up.

My first day( AK) I thought I could do it all on foot. By noon it was obvious that I was incorrect in my assumption. I too have an invisible disability..an auto immune disease.

Had I not acquiesced to the DH's insisting that we get a wheelchair for me for the remainder of our week long stay, I would have ended up spending the third day on in bed unable to function at all. completely ruining our anniversary and vacation.

It isn't giving up, it's adjusting your needs accordingly.

 

[Piper]

I understand exactly where your wife is coming from. My doctor tried to get me to get a wc for about a year before I "gave up" and did.
I see that you researched the GAC and wheelchair. I didn't have that support. My family encouraged me to push myself.
I did not want to "let my family down" by giving in to my illness. Instead, I actually made myself worse. Wow! I regret that year. When I finally got the wc, I was overjoyed at how much it enriched my life.

I think not wanting to "let go" of your "normal" life is common. You just have to grieve for what is lost and then pick yourself up from there. You may find that you have gained far more than you've lost.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

First, let me say I'm so sorry both of you had such a hard time this trip!

However, Disney is pretty clear when it comes to these kinds of things. First use the standard available aids/lines etc and not untill after they do not meet a need enough/at all, they will try to accomodate a guests need with a GAC. In her case, the wheelchair would've lifted about 99,9% of the problems she ran into.

On another level; using a wheelchair is not giving up. Giving up is sitting at home, crying and knitting a doormat saying 'welcome Death', waiting until Death comes and gets you. Using a wheelchair when you're about to do something that is to hard on the body to do 'standardly' is not only not giving up, but it is actually taking care of your body and health.

Now, I realize it might sound like 'yeah, that's easy to say, but.........'. Getting a diagnosis is shocking enough and dealing with the (idea of) change of all of your future dreams and hopes is difficult. But really, really! Don't judge it untill you've tried it. It's a different world. It isn't giving up, it isn't pathetic, it isn't abusing an illness or need, it is giving the user Freedom with a very big capital F.

From personal experience? I've been using a manual chair since the age of 19. Never bothered me, as I could see the benefits and decided to treat it like another piece of clothing. Pimping it to my style, that kinda stuff. I did more or less 'everything' with that chair, or as far as my health allowed. Then came the so dreaded day that I realized those around me were right and I was wrong. The time had long came that I needed a powerchair. Oh boy oh boy! I was mad, furious and sad. It felt like the rotten thing ruined everything. How could I travel with it, people would treat me differently, all my dream would go up in smoke.

Well, lets fast forward. While I still hate the ugly look of the darned Elmo (nickname for the powerchair), it has given me freedom. I can now do things again that I couldn't have for too long. I did what was my definition of a 'full' day at the park, 7 days in a row without getting to the point of being in a park and wondering 'how the h*ll am I ever going to get back to the room, I'm so tired and in so much pain'. And to get to WDW? I flew half way round the world, so that shout my fear of not travelling no more. The chair gives me range of motion beyond believe. No longer am I dependant on others for that. The chair reduces pain and let's me conserve energy for nicer stuff than boring pushing my manual chair. Yeah, some people look weird at me, but maybe that's because I tend to be a rolling diva? The conclusion is plain and simple; I was cheating myself -and therefor everybody in my surrounding!!- out of getting the best out of my life.

Really, for these very very energy consuming things like a WDW-park I'ld advice her to 'go crazy' and give a wheelchair or ECV an honest chance. It'll make a world of difference. No worry about 'will I be able to rest/sit somewhere'. No worry when something happens when she's in line that makes the line longer than expected. More energy left she can use for getting around the resort, restaurants etc. Give it an honest try before judging it. It isn't just a bad foul thing. It's an option that has many many good sides.

 

[pigletforever]

Strange about the Back Lot Tour. Our son has ASD and they let us bypass the preshow. They took us a back way and we saw some amazing things. They they just put us in the front of a tram line. If you have a GAC for a legit reason you are not abusing it.

I was DX'ed with RA and Fibromyalgia. My doc has already told me to get an EVC for our trip in January.

 

[wtlivesey]

"Unfortunately you may have paid attention to the podcasts, but did you come here to disABILITIES, and especially did you read the disABILITIES FAQs? Or did you get a book, such as The Open Mouse, which specializes in discussion of touring WDW with disabilities?"



Chesire in response to your above, I did in fact use the Open Mouse book, in fact that is where I got the information on the use of a GAC card, as they stated it was indiviuals like my wife, those that felt they did not, or were uncomfortable using a wheelchair. At least that is the way I read it, guess maybe I misunderstood. The fact that it was in the book was the number reason I inquried about the GAC.

In response to the person inquiring what the Guest Relations person said to us when asking about the GAC, nothing at all was said to us about it's use, my wife advised the castmember the reason she needed and it was handed to use.

It seems I've offended some of you, by using the words "giving up" when talking about the use of wheelchairs/evc and I apoligize for that, that was not my intention, but for someone who has had no serious medical issues for 35 years and was free to do what she pleased without any obsticles is something that person needs time to deal with and maybe WDW was the wrong place for that at this time. Maybe I didn't state previously but my wife was only diagnosed 6 months ago, and she still has trouble accepting both that she has a cronic disease and she needs an injection three times a week to keep the affects at bay, let alone that she can longer move at the same pace she once did without have to rest constatnly. I was or am in no way trying to gain sympathy, however I do appreciate all of your kind words of encouragment. I was only trying to let others know that if they are looking into the GAC they may want to inquire about other options before hand.


P.S.

We did not use the GAC as a way to "bypass the lines" as some of you stated, we only used it towards the end of the day when my wife was at her most fatigued, and when the Fastpass was unavailable, or like the Stunt show in the Studios where there were steps.


P.S.S.

I might not have made it clear earlier, her issue isn't so much that she can't walk, walking is actually still strong for her, we walk 2 1/2 miles about three times a week to keep her moving, and we are currently preparing for the local MS walk to together, so she, along with myself, don't really believe she needs a wheelchair at this point, will she at some point down the road, a real possibilty, but at this junction she is still able to do it, it just that standing for a long period of time is what fatigues her quicker. So please don't "condemn" her or me for feeling the way we do. For others with the same or similar diseases we both realize that those types of things are needed, but it is up to that indiviual to make that decision for themselves, not for it to be made by someone else.

I apoligize if I sound definsive I don't mean to be.

 

[KPeveler]

i think when people are suggesting your wife using a wheelchair, they did not mean in daily life, but in disney only. i do not need a chair in daily life, but definitely need one in disney!!

 

[DIS-NH]

I've had similar experiences at Pirates and Haunted Mansion. I'm the father of 2 Autistic boys, who's disabilities are not obvious.

At HM..they have always accomodated me when I explain that the pre-show length, darkness and confined feeling will cause my boys problems. They allow us to enter and skip the pre-show.

At Pirates, they are not so accomodating. In one instance, I asked for the Ride manager. When she arrived and I explained my situation, she gladly assisted us, and assured us that she would speak to the attendent as he was not acting as he should.

Speak up...remain calm and collected.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

It seems I've offended some of you, by using the words "giving up" when talking about the use of wheelchairs/evc and I apoligize for that, that was not my intention, but for someone who has had no serious medical issues for 35 years and was free to do what she pleased without any obsticles is something that person needs time to deal with and maybe WDW was the wrong place for that at this time. Maybe I didn't state previously but my wife was only diagnosed 6 months ago, and she still has trouble accepting both that she has a cronic disease and she needs an injection three times a week to keep the affects at bay, let alone that she can longer move at the same pace she once did without have to rest constatnly. I was or am in no way trying to gain sympathy, however I do appreciate all of your kind words of encouragment. I was only trying to let others know that if they are looking into the GAC they may want to inquire about other options before hand.

You know what? It might sound SO stupid what I'm about to say, but this is the exact reason I'ld advce her to use a wheelchair or ECV at WDW. She has enough to deal with allready. That's OK. It's OK to feel sad, angry etc. Why the h*ll would she have to deal with worrying about her stamina, keeping up with you, what if the line takes longer than expected etc.

It is so humiliating to have to worry about those things, it turns you into someone you aren't if you don't watch it. Even worse if the 'worst case scenario' does happen.

You know, the ECV feel less 'failure' (or facing the raw deal, whatever) to many. It's a bit more commen and it's geared (or better said; UNKNOWN PUBLIC WOULD THINK SO) more towards people that are able to walk but have stamina problems. Also, it's way easier to do all of those miles at WDW with something moterized than a manual chair if you aren't used to it. The World isn't on a flat ground, it's uphill on lots of parts, so it drowns energy to move a manual chair if you're not used to it. With the ECV, YOU will have to worry about keeping up. With an ECV, she'll have no worry about whatever line what so ever. If she wants to see a parade? She'll have her seat, no need to stand and wait. (oh, how energy consuming)

Just think about it. Her doing WDW almost like she used to, without all of the worries. How great would that be? That's what an ECV can do. And at the end of the trip? She'll just turn in the rental, go home and done.

Really, there are a lot of people out there that don't need a wheelchair or ECV in every day life. They don't have to walk miles, stay in the heat humid weather of Florida and can avoid uncertain situations like how long a waitingine might take. Untill they are faced with the challenges of doing WDW. You'll probably be tired after a day at WDW. On a normall day you probably wouldn't feel your feet as much. It's the same for her. She is fine at home, but her stamina is in such a way she'ld benefit from using an ECV or wheelchair at WDW. And really; WDW is heaven on earth if you don't have to worry. She's worth that experience, hopefully she can accept that and allow herself to enjoy that freedom asap.

You know, I've got a sort of a motto. (I've got to many to say I've got A motto). I can't change the poor health nature gave me, but I can sure give it a run for its money and challenge it. That darned thing called eds thinks it can stop me? Think again, eds! I'm doing WDW, I'm doing all kinds of things I've dreamt of doing, up yours. You think you controle me, but think again; I'm controling what I do or leave and nobody or nothing else.

 

[LauraVV]

It seems I've offended some of you, by using the words "giving up" when talking about the use of wheelchairs/evc and I apoligize for that, that was not my intention, but for someone who has had no serious medical issues for 35 years and was free to do what she pleased without any obsticles

I'm a 44 year old nurse. I used to work at a hospital. Then I worked in home health. I now work at home. My health has declined so much that I am barely able to work sitting on my behind.

It's OK to mourn. It sounds to me like that is what you guys are doing. I used a scooter at our Disney vacation in January/Feb of this year. My son, who has more significant problems than I do, wouldn't use one. He wouldn't borrow mine. I walk fine most of the time. So does he. We just can't walk all day. It's terribly difficult to give up your view of yourself as a normal, healthy person who needs assistance.

My 19 year old went to parks for a couple of hours and then back to the room for most of the day. In the evening he was able to go to the parks again. To me, it was better to use the scooter and be able to go out to the parks the whole day. By the way, this was in January so lines were VERY short and we had a GAC for our daughter.

I purchased the scooter before our Jan visit. I don't need it for daily life. But, rental costs were about half the cost of a scooter and I can't take my daughter trick or treating anymore. I also have difficulty at hospital appointments due to all the walking.

 

[bookwormde]

Up front I would like to say that Disney does a far an away better job with disabilities than any other theme park.

With that said, there is certainly more they could do and there are things they could do much better.

Accommodations are supposed to allow the disabled person to participate to the greatest extent practical with the minimum of modification to their “normal life”.

It is my opinion that in cases like this Disney falls short of that goal. Just because they have rules and policies does not make them the best ones.

If a wheel chair is not part of your wife’s everyday life and she does not want to use one and there is another practical accommodation it should not be Disney’s place to make that decision for you.

Waiting in a separate place as other special needs people do and entering the “line” at the equivalent time frame should be an option.

When you are fighting something and you have to step over a line that you are fighting against there is no going back no matter how you are rationalizing it. This is not like this is a temporary issue. I support your wife whole heartedly in not wanting to set that milestone yet.

If Disney really has a policy that the only accommodation they will offer in these situation is a mobility device then they need to rethink the policy (both from a moral, legal and obviously a financial basis).

And yes I know Theme parks have a big “exemption” from some of ADA laws but that does not remove the other obligations.

Sorry for disagreeing with the moderators (I do not very often) but in this case I think you are flat wrong.

bookwormde

 

[KPeveler]

Waiting in a separate place as other special needs people do and entering the “line” at the equivalent time frame should be an option.

i just wanted to say that in the vast majority of cases (to my knowledge) there are no "special waiting areas" at most attractions. there is the line, the exit, and backstage areas (which, obviously, are not for guests)... so if you cannot wait in line for whatever reason (such as the woman here who has neices with a form of albinism, they cannot wait outside for dumbo in any circumstances, and there is no "special area") generally you are not put in a special area... i am not even sure what rides DO have that area...

 

[merryweather20]

i just wanted to say that in the vast majority of cases (to my knowledge) there are no "special waiting areas" at most attractions. there is the line, the exit, and backstage areas (which, obviously, are not for guests)... so if you cannot wait in line for whatever reason (such as the woman here who has neices with a form of albinism, they cannot wait outside for dumbo in any circumstances, and there is no "special area") generally you are not put in a special area... i am not even sure what rides DO have that area...

I definitely have to agree with KPeveler here. Disney can only do so much at each ride or attaction, just do to space constraints, and staffing levels. And while something might work for one person with MS or RA, another person would need a different accommodation.

In this situation it sounds like an area with a chair would have been useful, but what if another party was using it, they'd be back to square one. And thats only if there was a good space for one and appropriate staff to oversee the area.

 

[bookwormde]

Yes there are some places without accommodations and in many attractions it is not a formal place or line. Maybe it is my perception but in carrying a GAC for my son (but rarely using it) in most places we went which were not “theater” events it was simply a matter of letting the staff be aware that you were going to stay to the side until your time was up (a necessity because my son would never allow us to go ahead of anyone else) and then just coming in through an extra or side gate.

A great deal of planning goes into these attractions, setting up efficient accommodations for those who need a “different place” to wait is neither complicated, nor expensive. It just takes the will. Other types of accommodations are much more involved.

Maybe thats not the “formal” process, but it is what we and others who do not want to take advantage GAC do. Then again I do not go at very crowded times.

bookwormde

 

[Talking Hands]

While I do not use a PWC at home except to go out to malls or the zoo for the day I do use it at WDW. I don't view it as giving up but giving me the freedom to enjoy myself at the parks. I also have an GAC because I am also hearing impaired so need to sit close to the speakers if there are no interpreters or captioning available and have panic attacks in lines because I can't hear people come from behind and have been hit and even had my wheelchair tipped over by others guests who want to push past the w/c. Don't really use the GAC much because I mainly do shows and pin trade but it come in handy for the few times I do want to go on a ride. I could never walk Disney. Today I had to rent an ECV At DHS and I was in pain just walking from the bus to Oscar's to get the ECV. Never again will I forget to plug in my chair.