Once again I find myself issuing a “just in case” apology. I know some of this may offend somebody and I apologize upfront – once again – just my opinion! It seems like this is becoming a standard first line for my posts.
photo credit: www.doctordisney.com
I first want to acknowledge that most people who use the Guest Assistance Card (G.A.C.) really need it. Unfortunately, many that have used it don’t need it. I have been amazed over the years reading about people who readily admit they get the Guest Assistance Card (G.A.C.) because their child doesn’t like to wait in line – why teach your child how to behave when getting a card that let’s you skip lines is much easier? I have read about people getting the Guest Assistance Card (G.A.C.) because a medication they take says they shouldn’t be out in the sun – this one always gets me! First of all, I know Disneyland (see the DL guide for guests with disabilities here) is different, but in Walt Disney World (see the WDW guide for guests with disabilities here), few attraction queues require you to wait out in the sun. More importantly, if you can not be out in the sun – how can you walk around the park all day? Some of the reasons I have read in many of the Disney related forums I belong to just make me scream at my computer – Are you kidding me????? Most recently the controversy over the Guest Assistance Card (G.A.C.) has been bouncing around ever since it was reported in the news several months ago that wealthy Americans were paying disabled people to go into the parks with them so they were able to get either a Guest Assistance Card and “cut the line” at attractions or enter through the handicapped lines which would, in the past, basically get you to the front of the line. This week it was announced that starting in October the Guest Assistance Card would be REPLACED by the Disabled Assistance System (D.A.S.). I cap and bold – replaced – since many have reported (wrongly) that the Guest Assistance Card (G.A.C.) is being discontinued. It is not being discontinued. Disney is simply changing the system. The Guest Assistance Card (G.A.C.) was intended to be utilized by guests with “invisible” disabilities (such as autism spectrum disorders) and was distributed according to the guest’s specific needs. Unfortunately, over time, abuse of this program began to run rampant.
There are many “invisible” disabilities that the Guest Assistance Card (G.A.C.) was intended to help with. Unfortunately the word “invisible” made it easy to abuse and those that need it the most are inevitably the ones that suffer the most and with the new system will be the ones most inconvenienced. I have several friends that truly need this assistance and I know that because they truly need it, they will work with whatever program Disney puts in place so that their family can enjoy their vacation – without complaint – without being angry – because it is a true need.
My husband uses an ECV when he travels to the parks with me. Looking at him, I am sure that many think he just doesn’t want to walk – they don’t see the road map of surgical scars that start just above his knee on both legs and run to his groin so they assume there is nothing wrong with him. They don’t know that if he walks for any length of time, his legs swell to several times the normal size and create extreme pain. He often has to stand and stretch his legs and I am sure people see this and think his ECV isn’t really necessary. We have a rule that if the wait time for an attraction is 30 minutes or less, he will park the ECV and wait in line – 30 minutes is the limit of his endurance. We do this so that the handicap entrance is available for those that MUST use it. Those with situations that leave them no other choice. I am sure when people see us park his ECV, they think his ECV isn’t really necessary. We should not judge other families unless we are 100% certain of their circumstances. Count your blessings if you are fortunate enough to not need assistance but have compassion for those that do.
Yesterday, in just under two hours I read 112 comments on various forums of people outraged that the new Disabled Assistance System (D.A.S.) will require a picture be taken of your child. This outrage makes me ask the following questions: Why are you outraged by this? What is it that you think Disney will do with your child’s photo except put it on the Disabled Assistance System (D.A.S.) card that will be in your pocket. Even if the plan is to keep the photo in their database to make your next visit easier – I am still confused by your outrage. Do you think Disney has some ultimate plan to sell your child’s photo? Your child’s photo is most likely safer in Disney hands than it is when you plaster it all over Facebook and your blogging websites (not a criticism of anyone – just my opinion).
I guess, for me, the bottom line is this: The Disney Company does not make these changes rashly or quickly. The abuse of the Guest Assistance Card (G.A.C.) has been on Disney radar for a long time. They have been doing studies for over two years on how to better the program for their guests. The new Disabled Assistance System (D.A.S.) is the result of those studies. Will it be inconvenient for those that truly need it? Maybe. Will it stop the abuse – who knows? But at this time it is what the Disney Company feels they need to do to help individuals that really need the help. Let’s give it a chance before condemning it. If you are someone that truly needs the system – don’t blame Disney for the change – blame the abusers that made the change necessary.
One of the posts I read this week that explains the new Disabled Assistance System (D.A.S.) fairly well was posted on on Chip and Company’s site – Guest Assistance Card to Become Disabled Assistance Service.
Anna Skamarakas says
September 22, 2013 at 7:39 amI hope that people will give this system a chance to roll out and see what it looks like up and running before they completely disregard any value. Disney has worked closely with Autism Speaks and other organizations for the disabled to try and determine the best way to keep the experience a happy one for all guests.
I think we have to look at this as a work in progress. As with all things, the top priority is guest experience, and I’m sure Disney would want to hear guests’ concerns with the new system once we’ve actually had a chance to use it!
Jessica says
September 21, 2013 at 10:18 pmAs a parent of a child with several different “invisible” disabilities, I find the changes to the GAC as reported to be quite disturbing at best. Our child has Autism, Apraxia- a speech disorder requiring him to use an assisted communication device, and Mixed Developmental Delay. While his actual age is 6 yrs old, his developmental age is that of a 2.5 yr. old.
We have been to Disney every year during the 1st week of December for many reasons. Our family has looked forward to this trip each year. While my son has many issues that make navigating the park difficult- even with the GAC card, we still have gone because frankly, every child deserves to have the opportunity to see their childhood heros come to life and to live in a fantasy world for a few days. To ride the exciting attractions.
While the noises, waiting, and extra sensory input the parks give off can be extremely difficult to deal with, the rare smiles that my child has experienced there while riding a ride or hugging a character makes the whole experience for us not only bearable, but looked forward to all year long. Knowing the GAC was in place to help our little one access these awe inspiring moments put us, his parents much more at ease with doing such a huge vacation. Knowing we would have access to a ride when my son impulsively saw it, and wanted it now is a huge help considering his inability to comprehend passage of time. Being able to wait for a shorter- and often times the same- amount of time in an alternate waiting area has been a godsend because of his sensory issues and his communication issues. If wait times are not to long- approximately 20 minutes or less- we would stand in the regular queues to practice waiting. Standing in a short line is much easier to quickly if needed.
My point? The new DAS card, as reported, is not going to work for an impulsive, developmentally, neurologically and communicatively challenged child or adult. I see so many people- that don’t deal with these issues- commenting on how “fair” they think the new policy is. Hmmm. Let’s reverse it for a moment. People with disabilities will walk up and get into the disabled line. And wait their turn. People who function typically will walk to the area that their ride is in. Then they will decide which ride they want to ride. Then they will declare to the world, that they are in fact completely TYPICAL by going and finding the special kiosk that is giving out passes- not at the ride, but in the area of the ride. Then you will stand in line and wait until it is your turn to ask the CM if you can get a ticket to ride the ride you want- but be aware, you can only ask about 1 ride. Then you can go off and shop, or eat, or walk around until it is your turn to walk up to the alternate entrance, wait in the line there. Woo hoo! Now you can ride the ride! Ok, rides over, now go do all of those steps again so that you can another ride! Yeah, this system rocks, doesn’t it!?! I bet you are thinking, wow those disabled’s are super lucky to have their disabilities because they didn’t have to do all this crazy work just to ride 1 ride!
Personally, I think this was WAY, WAY, WAY over thought! I DO completely agree that the GAC needs an overhaul, and I think that people who scam the system are utterly disgusting and unforgivable.
Seriously, a much simpler system could have been enacted that would be fair for all. Disney, are you reading this? Here’s a suggestion. Overhaul the system! I agree with adding a photo of the person with a disability to the card, though for children younger than 18, I think it should be the parent or caregivers picture with a note stating they are the parent or caregiver. Give out the passes. Make a new stipulation! Here’s a thought- instead of having to declare ourselves or our family members as disabled each time we want to ride a ride by having to go to the special kiosk for a special ticket- have the GAC, or DAS card act as the ticket. Why not have it time stamped at entry- and have 3-4 rides loaded onto it every 3 hours. Essentially 1 ride every 45-60 minutes. At the ride, have the CM’s scan it when used at the alternate entrance. Used up your rides before your 3 hrs are up? Then take a break, go eat, go do whatever they are suggesting you do now between rides. That way, impulsive adults will learn a lesson about spacing and waiting, they aren’t getting on any more rides in a time period than typical folks. Maybe a panel of typical and disabled families should have been consulted before this is put into effect.
Sorry so long, I guess I have so many thoughts on this matter! 🙂
Jessica says
September 21, 2013 at 10:25 pmSorry about all of the spelling errors! Typing on this iPad isn’t easy. And that 3rd to last line should have said- cognitively and impulsively children and adults can practice a lesson about waiting and spacing out their day in a much more gentle manner- and at the discretion of their families and caregivers that know them so well.
Naomi says
September 21, 2013 at 5:44 pmI’m am concerned with many things regarding this change, but what bothers me the most at this point is that people assume that those complaining are ones who abuse the system and that people who truly need it will happily agree with whatever changes are made. I agree that many people have abused this system, and I have read many comments on other posts of how people plan to abuse this new system.
If you saw my family in the parks using a GAC, you might assume that we were abusing the system. My children have very little outside appearance that they have problems. Little would you know that my son is on the Autism Spectrum and has no concept of time. That a 10 minute wait for him is like a 90 minute wait for Neuro-typical kids. Also, you would not realize that both of my children have physical disabilities that affect their stamina among other things. We work lots of downtime into our touring routine, but that isn’t even enough, and we had to get a wheelchair during our last trip. The kids want to be as normal on vacation as they are at home, so neither of them wanted to be in a wheelchair full time. Therefore, they took turns with the wheelchair. I’m sure that many saw us as abusers due to the changing use of the wheelchair. Of course, they didn’t see my daughter almost throw up and pass out because she tried to do as much as a normal child would be able to. Then, there are the times that we split the family up for character visits. Remember, there are no accommodations at character greeting lines, but remember my son on the Spectrum? An hour wait in a line for Tink is not an option. Not because he is spoiled, but because he has a pervasive developmental disorder. So, as I said, we split up with my husband taking the kids to do something else while I waited in line. When my family came to join me when I texted them to come, we received dirty looks from those around us because they perceived my family as jumping line. I wonder how they would have liked it if my son had stayed in line and had a huge and violent meltdown. I see the accommodations that Disney has made in the past as benefitting not just us but everyone who would have been waiting with us in line.
Honestly, I know that Disney can’t ask for nor look at doctors notes or other proof of diagnosis; however, I wish that would change. I would have no problem providing proof of need.
I understand that Disney needs to do something to avoid the abusers of the system. However, for children on the Autism Spectrum, doubling the number of lines to stand in, regardless of where the lines are, is not really the answer. I will be waiting and watching to see how Disney tweaks this program as time goes by. Unfortunately, I have a feeling that no matter how Disney changes this program, there will always be people who try to abuse the system and make it even harder for people who really need the assistance to get it.
This is a very controversial issue, and it saddens me to see people who say they abuse the system, but I’m also saddened to see people say that they are unfollowing people because those people have had different experiences and opinions about what Disney is changing. Let’s all just watch and listen to see what happens. But most importantly, unless we have lived with or with a person who has some of these different and invisible disabilities, we should try to be understanding of what they might be going through.
bjkbrady says
September 21, 2013 at 6:25 pmThank you so much for taking the time to comment. I agree – counting our blessings and having compassion for others is the most important issue at hand.
Heather says
September 21, 2013 at 4:09 pmI just have to say that this is by far the best written article on this subject that I have seen over the past few days. I have used the GAC for my daughter do to her “invisible” disabilities that you have mentioned. I do however believe in utilizing the FP system and making the most of our time while at Disney. Recently I have stopped using the GAC because now that my daughter is older we just take breaks when she has leg/hip pain and so I no longer use the stroller as a wheelchair because I no longer have a stroller and the doctor recommended to make the problem better she walk more now that she is older. We also have annual passes so that we can take advantage of slower times if you want to call them that and just take our time. My daughter also has severe anxiety that can lead to panic attacks so again we take breaks. A big problem we have is her food allergies as well and typically I find more people eating in the regular wait line vs the FP Entrance. All of this have been made better by using the FP System! I have watched many people abuse the current GAC system and the only reason I know this is because I over hear them talking about it. I know that I am happy the system is changing and I think overall it will be better in the long run.
bjkbrady says
September 21, 2013 at 4:46 pmThank you so much Heather for taking the time to comment. I am hoping the new system will be a great help to those, like you, who really need it.
Amy Hall says
September 21, 2013 at 12:56 pmThank you for posting this. My mom uses an ECV when we come to the parks because of her knee. She was in car wreck several years ago that like your husband she has to be careful. She has handicap parking and stuff and gets shots in her knee. People looking on the outside would think she was okay. However, with out the help of the services at WDW we would not be able to go. We went ahead and her last visit with the doc got a doctor’s note just in case. We learned last time that it is well worth it staying on property.
JFSinIL says
September 21, 2013 at 11:06 amI am the mom/guardian of a man with autism and hypotonia (muscle weakness) and while the new system will be a lot more trouble, I agreed the change was needed. I will watch from afar (we live in Illinois) as this new system is implemented and tweaked, as I am sure it will be, before our next visit in June. I, too, worry about dealing with a person with autism or another developmental disability who may not understand why they have to get a pass and come back to a ride later (which is why I had to give up on Fast Passes in the first place and get Joe a GAC). If the kiosks are next to the ride, I can see Joe getting agitated and hard to redirect. even having one per land might be a problem- if Joe is in Fantasyland and NOT getting on, say, Peter Pan when he sees the ride…h’mmm….could get interesting. Disneyland has been a wonderful place to take Joe – I hope it continues to be so.
pardon any typos but I hate typing on this ipad!
Barb says
September 21, 2013 at 10:29 amI say that they should wait in line like the rest of us they can wait by the wheel chair entrance and wait until there family shows up. Unless you are one of those family where waiting is not unopption the pass should be for only those families.
Linda C says
September 21, 2013 at 9:33 amTHANK YOU!!!!! I have decided to unfollow a lot of bloggers and unsubscribe to mailing list because of the different things I have read where people feel entitled to special treatment. I completely understand where people with disabilities need help but to DEMAND that things be done their way without giving the program a chance is completely absurd. I have a son that has hemophelia among other medical issues but I have taught him that he can do anything he wants to and that he needs to earn things not demand them because of the “what if” situation where he may have a bleed.
Kristina says
September 21, 2013 at 12:15 pmI have seen a lot who have demanded, but parents of children with disabilities have to already look to the future. If you do not have a child with an “invisible” disability, you can have no understanding of what this is like for us. We can already see some flaws, but we are also willing to accept change because of the bad apples. What we do not want to see is, once again, our children excluded from the “fun” of childhood. Disney makes that possible to give our children a chance to be a “normal” child/adult. It’s not that we DEMAND our children are made exceptions, but because our children are exceptional we have to take into account that our children are not able to process Disney like a typically developing child.
Kristina says
September 21, 2013 at 12:18 pmI forgot to mention that while your son does have a disability, it does not prevent him from UNDERSTANDING why he cannot get on particular ride for more than 40 minutes. Our kids cannot comprehend why the Peter Pan ride will take them over 45 mins just to get on.
Linda C says
September 22, 2013 at 12:05 amHere you are assuming I don’t know what it is like…although I may not elaborate on the situation with my family you are ready to assume I don’t want families that have medical issues to get assistance. My problem is with the people that are outraged when the new changes haven’t been given enough time to take shape. I know how magical Disney World can be to a child with a disability which in any other normal situation he/she would be made fun of because others don’t understand the meltdowns, seizures, anger episodes among other things. What I have a problem with is people assuming that because I am not enraged with the changes being made I must not have ever had to use the program or that my family doesn’t have to deal w/an invisible disease. It is easy to jump to conclusions and accuse someone of not knowing how it feels because one doesn’t reveal all their families medical conditions. I believe we should request not demand assistance so that there will be programs to help all those in need because sometimes all the negativity leads to programs being taken away completely and children and adults alike whom can’t comprehend the concept of time or certain situations are the ones who will suffer in the long run. I pray that the program ends up a success with the new changes and that the executives who are in charge of making the decisions take all situations into account when making improvements that are needed to ensure all guests have an enjoyable visit and can make some life long memories. I know it can be hard because I at one time was one of the people who would easily get upset and assume others didn’t care whether my family had a good time due to medical issues. Assuming I don’t understand is not fair either because you don’t know the loss I have had to endure.
mseda says
September 21, 2013 at 9:31 amThanks for posting! I agree with your view point(s)!!
Kristina says
September 21, 2013 at 9:26 amI understand and get where you are coming from on this issue. The GAC card is invaluable to parents who have children on the autism spectrum. However, from the way that I am reading how the new system will work, I find flaws. I am the mother an autistic 10 yr old. Now, we just got back from WDW and used the GAC sparingly. He can stand in line for 10-15 mins, depending on how his day is going. When he can do this, we do not use the GAC. Most rides were not that long of a wait because of when we went. The ease of the GAC (and the uncertainty of his meltdowns) made the trip better for him and our family. I have read that for EACH RIDE we will have to go to kiosks located throughout the park to obtain a ticket for a particular ride, then go for another one for another ride, and so on and so forth. Ummm, going back and forth and more lines (if that is what I am picturing) is NOT going to work for a child who needs certain things planned out for him. If we should deviate: meltdown, screaming, crying…in short, we will leave the parks. I agree that a change is needed, but I do not think that a lot of people TRULY understand the ramifications of this change. I will gladly give a doctor’s note (which I know HIPPA laws disallow), have his picture taken, etc, but to take away something that allows him to feel like a “typical” child for a few days is frustrating. It’s not that we will not work with Disney, but it seems that Disney is not truly understanding what autism, or “invisible” disabilities are really like for a parent. I get where others are saying that “we” are whining about this change, but do you not think that our lives are already complicated enough? I will give any parent of a typically developing child a week in my shoes and they might just change their minds on what our home life is like, let alone a “magical” vacation that will never be possible again. I love my son (and my other two children) to the ends of the earth, but I guess that taking him away to a place that makes all things possible is not in our future if these changes take effect. These are my thoughts and thank you for letting me share them.
bjkbrady says
September 21, 2013 at 10:04 amFrom what I have read today Kristina, during the test phase in Disneyland, there was a kiosk at each attraction. Hopefully it will remain that way to make it easier for those, like you, that truly need a working system. Thank you for sharing your opinion and thoughts with us. I always welcome open debate so that we can all learn from each other.
Kristina says
September 21, 2013 at 12:16 pmThanks for the reply. I am hopeful that this goes off without a hitch, but I do know that Autism Speaks has now become involved in this issue. It’s not just the parents that see the flaws, but whole communities that see it.
BeeGees says
September 28, 2013 at 2:12 pmAutism Speaks helped developed this new process, so if you’re looking at them to help change it, good luck.
The GAC was never meant to give front of the line access, and to a degree, I blame Disney for allowing it to happen, since doing so not only made it attractive to the low-life scammers that have no disabilities, but it also set up unrealistic expectations for families of ADS children. Now, way too many people see it as their absolute right to go to the front of the line and ride the rides as many times as they want, consecutively, with no wait. That is completely unacceptable, and is just another way of abusing the accommodation that Disney offered.
SAM says
September 21, 2013 at 9:19 amRight on target! I just wanted to add to your thoughts on the “safety” of Disney possessing your photo. Indeed it will be safer than posting pictures online since most people do not disable the “location” function on their smart phones thereby “embedding” exact coordinates to the location the picture was taken. (more on this is easily found with a quick search) I imagine the system will resemble what I’ve seen used at hospital for visitor passes. Even if the do save the photo and link it to your My Disney Experience account, I see nothing amiss with that. In the future, they may then be able to send you your DAS card ahead of time! Just a thought.
bjkbrady says
September 21, 2013 at 10:01 amGood point! I myself don’t see an issue with the photo when so many photos are shared all over.
Moe Gillen says
September 21, 2013 at 9:03 amI really appreciate this I am a nurse nanny to 2 special needs children an there brother who is without special needs Disneyland is truly the one place where it is understood that waiting is really not a option for these children. This is great and I don’t think a photo is going to make it harder on us GRANTED IF THE PHOTO TAKES IT HAD TAKEN ALMOST OUR WHOLE PASS YR TO HET OUR AP photos straight. Thank You this clears allot up
Moe Gillen says
September 21, 2013 at 10:33 amThe photo was suppose to say every time we go through the gates wether Disney or DCA they say you need a picture we should have about 25 by now. Yes I’ve commented on other sites just cause you don’t see a disability doesn’t mean there isn’t one. You truly write the truth an if some don’t like then maybe they HAVE NO CLUE what it is like to be a part of ADA, have children in wheelchairs or who has severe Autism. Sometimes you find that some people think that if you have a special pass that you are entitled to the world no you need to be kind also. I hope people get as much help from this article as I have
Anna Skamarakas says
September 21, 2013 at 8:47 amI think you did an amazing job tackling this topic. I’ve first hand witnessed abuse of this system in my many trips to the theme park, and it irks me that guests who legitimately have needed – and benefited – from using the card may now be inconvenienced because of guests who are catering to spoiled children or trying to save themselves some time or effort. Well done.
bjkbrady says
September 21, 2013 at 10:01 amThank you Anna!
Faith says
September 21, 2013 at 8:18 amI applaud you for your honest and informative post :). I am in agreement…..the system was broken and Disney is trying to fix it. I have read many of the outrage post as well, one of which stated if Disney now required a doctor’s note they wouldn’t be able to get one because their doctor stated the leg/foot issues were weight related and to lose weight. I know that initially, it will be difficult to transition to the new system but as you said, those who truly need the assistance will comply because they TRULY NEED the assistance.
bjkbrady says
September 21, 2013 at 8:43 amThank you so much for your comment! Hopefully, the new system will be a big help to those that really need it.