New CS Seating Policy & The GAC

[Beccabunny]

So Disney has to give priority searing to disabled people. Now lets see.
What about other guests with problems?
Elderly people, parents with little tired an cranky children. They all need a seat but still they have to wait patiently like any one else although maybe they are more tired ore sick than a legally disabled person.
Maybe Disney could make a list. Disabled with GAC gold card, disabled without a GAC silver card, elderly above 65 the green card, parents with children younger than eight years the bleu card, parent with bigger kids the yellow card, couples without children the orange card, teenagers alone the read card and way back behind solo travellers with the black card because the only use up space.(sarcastic mode)
If one party gets priority seating its only fair others get this kind of treatment to.

You don't get a GAC just for being disabled. You get it only if you have specific NEEDS that require assistance and cannot be met without the GAC. It's Disney's way of providing access. I think you know this and are just being argumentative.

Being a tired cranky kid is not a disability. Being elderly in and of itself is not a disability, although I'm quick to offer help to an elderly person who appears to need assistance, but that's just me. Apparently you have a problem with disability law. Take it up with the ADA. Your sarcasm isn't helpful to anyone.

 

[clanmcculloch]

You don't get a GAC just for being disabled. You get it only if you have specific NEEDS that require assistance and cannot be met without the GAC. It's Disney's way of providing access. I think you know this and are just being argumentative.

Being a tired cranky kid is not a disability. Being elderly in and of itself is not a disability, although I'm quick to offer help to an elderly person who appears to need assistance, but that's just me. Apparently you have a problem with disability law. Take it up with the ADA. Your sarcasm isn't helpful to anyone.

Actually it seems that it's you who doesn't seem to understand disability law. The law doesn't require WDW to let people sit at tables before they have their food. Disability law requires them to provide equal access, which they're doing. Everybody is entitled to a table after getting their food. CMs will escort everybody to their tables and are therefore in a great position to help people get accessible tables. This is fully compliant.

They don't NEED to eat at these locations at these specific times.

What you're talking about is a front of the line type of access and Disney doesn't offer that to anybody besides Make A Wish type of families. Alternate entrance stamps which is what most of us with autistic kids get on our GACs generally provide for going through wheelchair entrances or fast pass lines or sitting in a quiet alternate waiting area WHEN THERE IS SUCH A WAITING AREA. In restaurants, there is no alternate waiting area so going through a wheelchair line would be how the GAC is accomodated anyway. Honoring the GAC at the CS locations won't change anything. Even with my GAC at rides, I still have to make sure that the wait is something my kids can handle or else I bypass the ride. I still don't understand why you believe it's not acceptable for special needs families to take personal responsibility to choose not eat at these peak times in these high demand locations.

No, that is not my position at all. I've made enough trips to Disney and elsewhere to know our family's experience will never be equal to those without a disability. This is just about reasonable accommodation. Your definition of reasonable is "go eat somewhere else." I disagree.

Why is it not reasonable to say at peak times at peak locations that people can't get front of the line seating ahead of those who already have food? Why is it not reasonable to say that they will create special allergy safe kitchens (or areas of the kitchens) stocked with allergy safe foods only at select locations? None of these accomodations are required by law to be anywhere at all. The fact that these options are available AT ALL is far above and beyond what WDW is required to do.

 

[Disneyadore]

Being a tired cranky kid is not a disability. Being elderly in and of itself is not a disability, although I'm quick to offer help to an elderly person who appears to need assistance, but that's just me. Apparently you have a problem with disability law. Take it up with the ADA. Your sarcasm isn't helpful to anyone.

Sorry that you thought I was being sarcastic towards disabled persons. In no way I have any problem with the ADA law.
I was only pointing out that in a place that gives equal access to every guest we all have to wait in line. Nobody is being discriminated by waiting in the same line. If and that’s a big if Disney would provide access to one party in a place were equal access is guaranteed to every one young children that are tired, heated, hungry have the same meltdowns as an autistic child. They cry they scream ,they run around and are basically the same pain in the a…. to there own parents as an autistic child.
So why not give the parents of little kids not the same access in a place that gives equal access to ever one?
And yes although I have my own meltdowns I do stand up in the buses for pregnant moms, mothers with little children and elderly guests (although they can hardly be older than I am ) and mean wile wondering how on earth is has come so far that all those who need a seat in the buses hang on the handrails and older children and teens are sitting ore hanging in the seats.

 

[ireland_nicole]

So Disney has to give priority searing to disabled people. Now lets see.
What about other guests with problems?
Elderly people, parents with little tired an cranky children. They all need a seat but still they have to wait patiently like any one else although maybe they are more tired ore sick than a legally disabled person.
Maybe Disney could make a list. Disabled with GAC gold card, disabled without a GAC silver card, elderly above 65 the green card, parents with children younger than eight years the bleu card, parent with bigger kids the yellow card, couples without children the orange card, teenagers alone the read card and way back behind solo travellers with the black card because the only use up space.(sarcastic mode)
If one party gets priority seating its only fair others get this kind of treatment to.

this post clearly shows the attitude that is at the heart of the problem. You equate equal access with special treatment. And that is so not the case.

RE: bringing an extra person- um, I DO. My DH. But even just getting food can take 10-20 minutes as you all know. QUOTE]

Yes, but you have stated that he needs to keep the kids corraled to keep them safe - so perhaps even one more adult would make the trip more safe?

I only said that we require a safe place to wait with our children. I offered several alternatives, not just one. And I am never alone w/ both our children at Disney except in the NEW circumstance.

Actually it seems that it's you who doesn't seem to understand disability law. The law doesn't require WDW to let people sit at tables before they have their food. Disability law requires them to provide equal access, which they're doing. Everybody is entitled to a table after getting their food. CMs will escort everybody to their tables and are therefore in a great position to help people get accessible tables. This is fully compliant.

They don't NEED to eat at these locations at these specific times.

What you're talking about is a front of the line type of access and Disney doesn't offer that to anybody besides Make A Wish type of families. Alternate entrance stamps which is what most of us with autistic kids get on our GACs generally provide for going through wheelchair entrances or fast pass lines or sitting in a quiet alternate waiting area WHEN THERE IS SUCH A WAITING AREA. In restaurants, there is no alternate waiting area so going through a wheelchair line would be how the GAC is accomodated anyway. Honoring the GAC at the CS locations won't change anything. Even with my GAC at rides, I still have to make sure that the wait is something my kids can handle or else I bypass the ride. I still don't understand why you believe it's not acceptable for special needs families to take personal responsibility to choose not eat at these peak times in these high demand locations.



Why is it not reasonable to say at peak times at peak locations that people can't get front of the line seating ahead of those who already have food? Why is it not reasonable to say that they will create special allergy safe kitchens (or areas of the kitchens) stocked with allergy safe foods only at select locations? None of these accomodations are required by law to be anywhere at all. The fact that these options are available AT ALL is far above and beyond what WDW is required to do.

Your comparison is completely incorrect. No one is demanding FOTL. What I and several other parents have tried to accomplish is to create some understanding that the needs of families with developmental disabilities is just as real as the needs of someone in a w/c to have an accessible doorway. Just getting through a day anywhere is difficult and demands special planning. We do not set out and plan to eat at peak times in peak seasons, but if you are a parent, then surely you understand that not every parent of a child with disabilities will know the "necessity" of this and the fact that even with careful planning our children can "gasp" get hungry when other people are too. I am happy with any policy that will allow us equal access and a place to wait that is suitable.

 

[ireland_nicole]

Sorry that you thought I was being sarcastic towards disabled persons. In no way I have any problem with the ADA law.
I was only pointing out that in a place that gives equal access to every guest we all have to wait in line. Nobody is being discriminated by waiting in the same line. If and that’s a big if Disney would provide access to one party in a place were equal access is guaranteed to every one young children that are tired, heated, hungry have the same meltdowns as an autistic child. They cry they scream ,they run around and are basically the same pain in the a…. to there own parents as an autistic child.
So why not give the parents of little kids not the same access in a place that gives equal access to ever one?
And yes although I have my own meltdowns I do stand up in the buses for pregnant moms, mothers with little children and elderly guests (although they can hardly be older than I am ) and mean wile wondering how on earth is has come so far that all those who need a seat in the buses hang on the handrails and older children and teens are sitting ore hanging in the seats.

You were being sarcastic. You specifically stated it in your post. Aside from that, I would STRONGLY recommend researching Austim before making another extremely inappropriate post.

 

[Beccabunny]

Actually it seems that it's you who doesn't seem to understand disability law. The law doesn't require WDW to let people sit at tables before they have their food. Disability law requires them to provide equal access, which they're doing. Everybody is entitled to a table after getting their food. CMs will escort everybody to their tables and are therefore in a great position to help people get accessible tables. This is fully compliant.

They don't NEED to eat at these locations at these specific times.

What you're talking about is a front of the line type of access and Disney doesn't offer that to anybody besides Make A Wish type of families. Alternate entrance stamps which is what most of us with autistic kids get on our GACs generally provide for going through wheelchair entrances or fast pass lines or sitting in a quiet alternate waiting area WHEN THERE IS SUCH A WAITING AREA. In restaurants, there is no alternate waiting area so going through a wheelchair line would be how the GAC is accomodated anyway. Honoring the GAC at the CS locations won't change anything. Even with my GAC at rides, I still have to make sure that the wait is something my kids can handle or else I bypass the ride. I still don't understand why you believe it's not acceptable for special needs families to take personal responsibility to choose not eat at these peak times in these high demand locations.



Why is it not reasonable to say at peak times at peak locations that people can't get front of the line seating ahead of those who already have food? Why is it not reasonable to say that they will create special allergy safe kitchens (or areas of the kitchens) stocked with allergy safe foods only at select locations? None of these accomodations are required by law to be anywhere at all. The fact that these options are available AT ALL is far above and beyond what WDW is required to do.

Please go back and read what I posted before making a comment on my knowledge of law. The other poster was saying everyone should have a GAC if the disabled do. This is NOT about FOTL access, never said it was.

 

[kaytieeldr]

First of all, I've never been a fan of "table-hogging", to use Kaytieeldr's words.

I do apologize. Despite the different needs in this thread, that 'attack' was not directed at anyone here.

Rather, I have been involved in heated threads in the past on the specific topic of saving, or hogging, tables. Although it appears I'm against the posters here whose needs make it not unreasonable that exceptions be made for their and others' situations, I'm not. I am, though, along with others, trying to explain why Disney wouldn't HAVE to provide unique accommodations. It's entirely possible they will, at the necessary times/locations.

But back to my apology In the heated threads, where supporters of free-for-all seating are adamant and outspoken, yeah, I do consider the typical seat-saver to be a table hog.

 

[Disneyadore]

You were being sarcastic. You specifically stated it in your post. Aside from that, I would STRONGLY recommend researching Austim before making another extremely inappropriate post.

It was to the solo travelers that are always treated lile cr....
Sorry but your lack of humor is sad.
And please don't tell me about autism.I come from the time autism didn't even exist.
Our neighbor son was tied to the wall at night and during the day to the garden fence because his parents did not know how to handle him ore what was wrong with him.Looking back is was "just" autism and he was not the local lunatic.
Now that was horrible and autistic children these days have far more chances and a better life than in the "dark ages" although is not that long ago.

 

[blurrycat]

It was to the solo travelers that are always treated lile cr....
Sorry but your lack of humor is sad.
And please don't tell me about autism.I come from the time autism didn't even exist.
Our neighbor son was tied to the wall at night and during the day to the garden fence because his parents did not know how to handle him ore what was wrong with him.Looking back is was "just" autism and he was not the local lunatic.
Now that was horrible and autistic children these days have far more chances and a better life than in the "dark ages" although is not that long ago.

No offense intended, but nothing you said was humorous. Saying a typical child having a meltdown needing a place away from the action equates to an autistic child having a meltdown needing that place is, while not exactly the same, akin to saying having tired feet means a person needs a place to sit as badly as a person who cannot stand needs a place to sit.

Furthermore, having a neighbor growing up with autism does not mean you understand autism. It really is, like many disabilities, one you need to live with to get a good understanding of, and that is part of why some people don't understand the nature of the disability.

 

[clanmcculloch]

Your comparison is completely incorrect. No one is demanding FOTL. What I and several other parents have tried to accomplish is to create some understanding that the needs of families with developmental disabilities is just as real as the needs of someone in a w/c to have an accessible doorway. Just getting through a day anywhere is difficult and demands special planning. We do not set out and plan to eat at peak times in peak seasons, but if you are a parent, then surely you understand that not every parent of a child with disabilities will know the "necessity" of this and the fact that even with careful planning our children can "gasp" get hungry when other people are too. I am happy with any policy that will allow us equal access and a place to wait that is suitable.

Please go back and read what I posted before making a comment on my knowledge of law. The other poster was saying everyone should have a GAC if the disabled do. This is NOT about FOTL access, never said it was.

You have both repeatedly said that FOTL TABLE access is required for some. What else would you call the need to be seated at a table ahead of everybody else?

You've both also said that GACs should be valid everywhere including restaurants and I was pointing out that even if they were, the accomodation that you're looking for would not be covered by the GAC that the majority of us with autistic children recieve.

Oh, and as a parent of an autistic child, I do get that kids can get hungry at any time including at peak time. But you know what? I *gasp* go to a place that can accomodate us easiest when this happens or I *gasp* pull out a snack that I carry with me knowing that sometimes the lines just aren't workable for us. Look, I can be just as snarky as you can. Sure doesn't get us very far, does it?

 

[ireland_nicole]

You have both repeatedly said that FOTL TABLE access is required for some. What else would you call the need to be seated at a table ahead of everybody else?

You've both also said that GACs should be valid everywhere including restaurants and I was pointing out that even if they were, the accomodation that you're looking for would not be covered by the GAC that the majority of us with autistic children recieve.

Oh, and as a parent of an autistic child, I do get that kids can get hungry at any time including at peak time. But you know what? I *gasp* go to a place that can accomodate us easiest when this happens or I *gasp* pull out a snack that I carry with me knowing that sometimes the lines just aren't workable for us. Look, I can be just as snarky as you can. Sure doesn't get us very far, does it?

I haven't been snarky; I have been frustrated that what I have been very patiently trying to explain seems to be hitting a brick wall. I have also been frustrated that although I have repeatedly said that there are several options, and in fact have been very openminded and respectful of differing opinions, several posters have latched onto one idea in a way not dissilimar to a dog with a bone. Meanwhile, the true issue gets completely lost in the crossfire, as usual. and fwiw, i already said that WE bring a snack. I was speaking in the collective, not personal. As the parent of an autistic child, I have empathy for those who have the same needs I do but not access to the same knowledge base.

 

[Lewisc]

I haven't taken the time to read this entire thread but I'm confused. Several posters talk about equal access. I thought the ADA required reasonable accommodation.

Let one parent wait in line and get the food. Give the other parent a beeper. That parent will return when the other parent is seated with the food. The parent with the beeper can sit on a bench, walk around the general area of the CS restaurant or do whatever else keeps their child occupied.

Let's change the example. Should a family with an autistic child be allowed to occupy a table in a CS, without even purchasing food, for an hour during peak dining time. They want a place to sit down and relax.

Posters are claiming a right to occupy a CS table for longer then the time it takes to eat a CS meal purchased at that restaurant. Does it really matter if that time is prior to getting food or just looking for a place to sit?

 

[Disneyadore]

Furthermore, having a neighbor growing up with autism does not mean you understand autism. It really is, like many disabilities, one you need to live with to get a good understanding of, and that is part of why some people don't understand the nature of the disability.

Well I exchange my life with every one that has autism now at this moment providing they take the burden of fighting cancer for years and the disableties and mutilations I have to live with. So try to walk in my shoes.
And you know in the morning my husband and I often laugh when I put on my "plastic gear" to look normal and to stay mobile on my own feet.
Next week I have another appointment at the hospital to hear what the next treatment will be. Staying at WDW I discovered a new lumb, but we still had a wonderful vacation.
I'm even planning another vacation next year but the lord only knows if I'm even still around here.

And no I'm not complaining ore being sorry for myself. I had and have a wonderful life with caring people around me that comfort me when the chemo is really bad and joke with me when I'm bold.
You know all this worrying about things like "maybe not getting seated" only makes the live harder. Live by the day and don't make yourself crazy about things that may even never happen, tomorrow it could be over.
So please don't tell me what living with a disability means.
O and for a laugh about myself, I hardly ever swim in public because children might think I'm a robot wit all my sixs million dollar woman gear.

 

[blurrycat]

Well I exchange my life with every one that has autism now at this moment providing they take the burden of fighting cancer for years and the disableties and mutilations I have to live with. So try to walk in my shoes.
And you know in the morning my husband and I often laugh when I put on my "plastic gear" to look normal and to stay mobile on my own feet.
Next week I have another appointment at the hospital to hear what the next treatment will be. Staying at WDW I discovered a new lumb, but we still had a wonderful vacation.
I'm even planning another vacation next year but the lord only knows if I'm even here still around.

And no I'm not complaining ore being sorry for myself. I had and have an wonderful life with caring people around me that comfort me when the chemo is really bad and joke with me when I'm bold.
You know all this worrying about things like "maybe not getting seated" only makes the live harder. Live by the day and don't make yourself crazy about things that may even never happen, tomorrow it could be over.
So please don't tell me what living with a disability means.
O and for a laugh about myself, I hardly ever swim in public because children might think I'm a robot wit all my sixs million dollar woman gear.

I'm sorry for the things you are going through, but playing the "my disability is worse than yours" card is never a good thing.

But, since you brought it up, I will say this. I have not brought this up because it is not specific to the conversation. I have asperger's. I also have multiple sclerosis. I also have aplastic anemia, and when my newborn twins were a month old, I died on the operating table for several minutes.

This coming trip is being taken during a somewhat busy time because it is the only trip I will be taking with my children to Disney World. Be careful about which autistic person with whom you switch places.

The fear of not being able to sit because of my stress from Asperger's is still a big deal. Just because one person may have more dire challenges does not diminish the needs of those who are not terminal.

 

[saveaquarter]

Actually it seems that it's you who doesn't seem to understand disability law. The law doesn't require WDW to let people sit at tables before they have their food. Disability law requires them to provide equal access, which they're doing. Everybody is entitled to a table after getting their food. CMs will escort everybody to their tables and are therefore in a great position to help people get accessible tables. This is fully compliant.

I may be incorrect in my assumption, but I believe she is referring to the GAC offered to guests with specific needs, which is far different from ADA laws. No, Disney is not required to offer these things, but have always been steadfast and adamant about offering ample accommodations regardless of guests' individual needs. This new policy and what it implies for the future is not in line with their longstanding policy in that regard, which is the point myself and several others are attempting to make here.

Well I exchange my life with every one that has autism now at this moment providing they take the burden of fighting cancer for years and the disableties and mutilations I have to live with. So try to walk in my shoes.
And you know in the morning my husband and I often laugh when I put on my "plastic gear" to look normal and to stay mobile on my own feet.
Next week I have another appointment at the hospital to hear what the next treatment will be. Staying at WDW I discovered a new lumb, but we still had a wonderful vacation.
I'm even planning another vacation next year but the lord only knows if I'm even still around here.

This is a perfect example about making assumptions about other people's abilities and lives. Blurrycat is my husband, and has detailed a bit more about his situation in the above post. He may not be around for our next vacation either, and if he is, will certainly be in a wheelchair for it. I am very sorry you're suffering through so much, but as I've said before, no one can make assumptions about anyone else's needs or situations.

 

[Disneyadore]

I'm sorry for the things you are going through, but playing the "my disability is worse than yours" card is never a good thing.

But, since you brought it up, I will say this. I have not brought this up because it is not specific to the conversation. I have asperger's. I also have multiple sclerosis. I also have aplastic anemia, and when my newborn twins were a month old, I died on the operating table for several minutes.

This coming trip is being taken during a somewhat busy time because it is the only trip I will be taking with my children to Disney World. Be careful about which autistic person with whom you switch places.

The fear of not being able to sit because of my stress from Asperger's is still a big deal. Just because one person may have more dire challenges does not diminish the needs of those who are not terminal.

I'm certainly not playing the more than card because I don't need ore use a GAC I think that there are people that need it more then I do and yes I will gladly give you me seat if you think that you need it.

This is a perfect example about making assumptions about other people's abilities and lives. Blurrycat is my husband, and has detailed a bit more about his situation in the above post. He may not be around for our next vacation either, and if he is, will certainly be in a wheelchair for it. I am very sorry you're suffering through so much, but as I've said before, no one can make assumptions about anyone else's needs or situations.

Nothing to ad as this comment just that I'm sorry for your family and as stated I and my family will gladly give up our chairs for you if we ever should bump into another. Who knows maybe we could laugh about this. In real live people are quit different than on a board.

 

[blurrycat]

I'm certainly not playing the more than card because I don't need ore use a GAC I think that there are people that need it more then I do and yes I will gladly give you me seat if you think that you need it.

I think you missed the entire point of what I was saying. Yes, you did use the more than you card when you said you would trade places with anyone with autism.

My statement had absolutely nothing to do with the GAC card.

 

[Disneyadore]

I think you missed the entire point of what I was saying. Yes, you did use the more than you card when you said you would trade places with anyone with autism.

My statement had absolutely nothing to do with the GAC card.

I have really nothing to ad further.

 

[saveaquarter]

Nothing to ad as this comment just that I'm sorry for your family and as stated I and my family will gladly give up our chairs for you if we ever should bump into another. Who knows maybe we could laugh about this. In real live people are quit different than on a board.

Thank you, and we'd certainly offer the same to you. You're right, people are usually quite different in real life than the face they put forward on the internet!

 

[momejay]

I haven't read all the posts, but I do have some advice.
To the OP, I have a similar problem. I have 2 autistic children, one uses a wheelchair. My 3rd child, a teen, sits with the other 2, also teens, while I, a single parent of several, stand in line to order & pay for our food. (while on cell phone with one of DDs) I then bring the receipt to my DDs. They pick up the food & carry the trays to the table. I do order a fruit cup & a water to occupy my DS while I wait to order, so they aren't sitting there not eating. When I return to the table, I feed him the food I brought from home. The DDs & I eat the purchased food.
I have never been told I am violating a policy.
I do eat at odd hours as it is hard to find seating for DS at times. We eat breakfast in our room, Lunch at 1:30 & Dinner at 7PM. We like a table where his chair fits & in an area where he can't reach another table's items. No one wants a stranger's fingers in their food, but DS doesn't understand this is not cool. It would be nice to have a quiet dining area to sit with families like ours.
Until that happens...