I've been a member of the Dis for some time now, but, this was the first time I learned of the Podcast... I only came on today because I was wondering who won the photo contest which I entered. I heard your rant and wanted to share something. I have been to WDW many times because it is a healing place for my youngest and medically fragile child. She also had a Make a Wish trip on the Dream last year and we are scrapping pennies and going on the Fantasy this year (was her original wish but MAW only does 4 night trips in our region). Anyway, A few years back when we used the GAC card we were in line for Toy Story Mania (when it was fairly new). We Used our GAC and during the process actually had a person say how lucky we were to get a GAC and that they wish they had one too. My Son , about 13 years old at the time was so upset.. my daughter 14 was too.. My medically fragile child didn't understand .. but I looked at this person and said.. Well, How bout we trade my daughters inoperable brain tumor, intractable epilepsy, Chemotherapy treatement, developmental delays, open brain surgeries and numerous other issues with you so you can get a GAC and I can have a healthy child who can wait in line w/out having a seizure or other medical issue and who could stand w.out her wheelchair... You see, My kid can only handle the park for a short period of time before having a seizure or other medical issue that requires us as a family to leave the park and retreat for rest. The GAC gives us the ability to do as much as we can before this happens and also gives us the help we need to allow our daughter to have a safe and comfortable visit with her needs.. I remember wanting to cry while confronting this guest.
I had the rare opportunity to go to WDW this past Feb. and used the new DAS system which worked well for us. While in line waiting for Pooh Bear I was confronted by someone wanting me to sign a petition about restoring the GAC... I am so upset over this whole thing that I think WDW is going to be out for us for a very long time.. unless of course had I won the Photo Contest then we would have gone
I fully and respectfully understand everyone's issues - and with the way the lines where when we were there can appreciate even typically abled guests loosing a marble or two... It just makes me so sad to think that anyone would think that being disabled is a perk.. Life is so hard for us on a daily basis , when we choose our vacations as a family we do so with our medically fragile DD in mind and how we can all spend quality time together. Disney usually fits that bill - but I am finding it more and more difficult to afford it .. but when we can , I hope that people listen to rants such as this .. Thanks for the rant.. and looking forward to listening to furture podcasts...
Nicole
I agree with Pete to an extent that it is out of line for someone to say that they wished they had a kid with autism so they could get front of the line. That said, I can certainly understand the frustration. Also, I think Pete is way out of line saying that unless you have a disability you have no say. When someone's demands for accommodations adversely impacts other guests then they do indeed have a right to voice their opinion.
Prior to the DAS, the disabled community's mantra was "GAC is not front of the line pass". Now there is outrage that DAS is not front of the line like GAC. Am I missing something?
The comment in question may have been in response to abuse of the DAS. Autism is a spectrum. Apparently neuro-typical kids may still be considered autistic. After waiting in an extremely long standby line made longer by everyone using FP+, it is understandable that someone would be very frustrated seeing what appears to be a normal kid and 14 family members saunter to the front of the line using a DAS (and FP+). Heck, there are even parents on this very board demanding DAS for the "ADHD" kids. Guess what? We all get antsy waiting in long lines. If your kid acts up, correct them. I think the disabled community would do well to remember that the accommodations they are demanding are adversely impacting the other guests. A study was posted here that 25% of guests were using GAS at DL. Crazy. You are being given charity with the DAS, say thank you and try to work within the system that is already benefiting you.
Now, before Pete or anybody gets all worked up. I am considered 100% disabled so by Pete's definition I am "allowed" to have an opinion.
Depending on the day I use a walker, cane, or just a bad limp. I was badly wounded by a mortar strike and have only been walking "normally" again for a couple of years. While prostehtics have come a long way, I have good and bad days. Because of that injury, I have a hard time dealing with crowds. Although my PTSD/crowd issue would most likely entitle me to a DAS, I will not use one. When the parks get to be too much, I go to my hotel to rest. It would never occur to me to DEMAND preferential treatment. I would be mortified to put someone else out because of my problems. The few times when I had no choice to accept assistance, guess what, I was grateful for the special treatment. Personal responsibilty, self relience, and accountability are watchwords for me and my family. We all need a hand from time to time, but again, atitude is everythng.
It is all about the attitude. Acknowledging that you are being given a benefit and expressing gratitude instead of entitlement would certainly help. If less people with marginal or exaggerated issues would demand front of the line treatment, those who truly need the accommodation (cases like Skip) will have less issues and much greater acceptance. Life is tough for someone with disabilities, get tough and adapt to your world. Don't make the world adapt to you.
To tell someone that they need to adapt because it is what you were able to do is a poor attitude to have towards others. Good for you that you are able to do so but not everyone is and showing understanding for that goes along way. Empathy is a value that would help in this situation. Maybe compassion as well. You enjoy WDW the way that you chose, and allow others to enjoy it the way they need .