Wow! Article of line skipping

[WDWdriver]

I find it very strange that there is no longer any sort of official mention of the Guest Assistance Card on either WDW or DL's official sites. That makes me quite nervous. I am really hoping this does not mean that they plan to discontinue this program, but it is possible. Most other theme parks don't offer this sort of thing, and that is what has set Disney apart for so long. It will make me really sad if this program goes away.

That's interesting, Natalie. I'm wondering if the GAC card will be replaced by a RFID wristband in the future. Currently, we admit GAC card holders to the Fast Pass queue without any further action required.

But Fast Pass+ is coming and is already in a test mode. Our sensor posts and control console are uncovered and working. Fast Pass+ protocol will eventually require that we override the system and manually enter data for guests using the paper GAC. Wristbands for GAC guests issued by Guest Relations would be much simpler and more convenient.

I'm just speculating here. I'm not on the Fast Pass+ implementation team, and I don't have any inside information.

[DisneyGiant]

Just want to mention that the story is NOT bogus. The tour company admitted publicly that they know who this "woman" in the article is and they did, indeed, provide this service to her. The guide in question is a co-owner of the company and apparently has, by her own admission, an auto-immune disorder and uses an ECV. They have officially pulled the "no further comment" card, but Disney has also had a spokesman make an official statement on the topic along the lines of we take this kind of thing very seriously and we will be investigating this occurrence and making sure this type of thing is not allowed to continue happening.

This information was published in a story on CNN (I know, not exactly the pinnacle of reliable journalism these days), but both the tour operator and the Disney spokesperson were named and quoted, so I believe it's very real.

As far as I'm concerned, once is enough. This tour company AND that woman should be added to the "banned from Disney parks for life" list.

Thanks for the clarification. My statement was poorly worded.

I think its bogus that other wealthy mahattanites will follow these folks footsteps. Especially now that its been exposed.

[11290]

Wristbands for GAC guests issued by Guest Relations would be much simpler and more convenient.

I'm just speculating here. I'm not on the Fast Pass+ implementation team, and I don't have any inside information.

For WDWdriver:

Doubt that will happen. I work mostly PAC, some Park Greeter at MK and for us to do the disability areas for parades would mean we would have to use the handhelds to verify that GAC was on the wristband or if no wristband, on the guest entry card.

Not saying that it will not be done but I just don't see us getting 3 handhelds just for this for each parade. Even when we do the handhelds for the "non turnstile" wristband areas for party tickets, the WiFi signals are not that reliable on the handhelds. Maybe when the new tower comes online it will be better but it isn't / wasn't that great on the temporary tower. Temporary tower was behind Pirates and we had signal issues in front of Pirates. Maybe straightened out by now, who knows.

[11290]

I also don't think the story is bogus, however it is written in a way that projects everyone with a GAC, wheelchair or ECV heads right to the front of the line and that is just not the case.

I think people need to wait a bit and see if Disney changes the procedures for the GAC's and go from there. I've often thought they should change the policies somewhat after seeing firsthand some of the "misuse" of the GAC, but as I sometimes say, those kind of changes are above my pay grade.

[WDWdriver]

For WDWdriver:

Doubt that will happen. I work mostly PAC, some Park Greeter at MK and for us to do the disability areas for parades would mean we would have to use the handhelds to verify that GAC was on the wristband or if no wristband, on the guest entry card.

Thanks. I had not thought about PAC. But either way, they need to tighten up the protocol for assisting our guests with disabilities.

Apologies to all for going off topic and talking shop.

[11290]

Apologies to all for going off topic and talking shop.

Me too.

[Melanie]

Apologies to all for going off topic and talking shop.

Me too.

No, no. We love you guys and the insight and experience you provide.

[Aurora]

No, no. We love you guys and the insight and experience you provide.

Yes, yes! Please talk more shop! We like to live vicariously!

[BrerGnat]

I just had a thought about how Disney might be able to cut down on GAC abuse.

Charge for the GAC.

I mean, if you think about it, they charge for wheelchair and ECV rentals. They charge for visual/hearing impairment equipment use (maybe only a deposit in case you don't return it, not sure if the actual devices are charged a rental fee).

In any event, I think a lot of the GAC abuse comes from people who *could* use a wheelchair or ECV but try to get a GAC instead because it's "free".

I, for one, would have NO problem paying for a GAC. It is not a right, it's a convenience that Disney provides for individuals/families that need it. I would gladly pay the equivalent of the daily price of a wheelchair rental for use of a GAC for our son. It's totally worth it for us.

Just throwing that out there. Would you pay for a GAC?

[SBETigg]

I just had a thought about how Disney might be able to cut down on GAC abuse.

Charge for the GAC.

I mean, if you think about it, they charge for wheelchair and ECV rentals. They charge for visual/hearing impairment equipment use (maybe only a deposit in case you don't return it, not sure if the actual devices are charged a rental fee).

In any event, I think a lot of the GAC abuse comes from people who *could* use a wheelchair or ECV but try to get a GAC instead because it's "free".

I, for one, would have NO problem paying for a GAC. It is not a right, it's a convenience that Disney provides for individuals/families that need it. I would gladly pay the equivalent of the daily price of a wheelchair rental for use of a GAC for our son. It's totally worth it for us.

Just throwing that out there. Would you pay for a GAC?

No, and I think it leaves it just as open for abuse, if not more so. It would start to be used more as an extra option to be able to get on rides faster more than a legitimate need. People like the people in the article would be justifying buying these. If there's a price on it, why not? It can be bought is a bad message to send on something like this, no?

And to answer DisneyGiant's statement, no, I don't think other wealthy people would follow these people in the article. Most people with that kind of money would have the sense to hire the VIP guides that Disney offers. Hiring a guide for the GAC is beyond insensitive, it is legitimately stupid, a terrible waste of money, when Disney offers a service for about the same price or slightly more that does not involve bending rules or using people. It just takes a little knowledge of WDW. Also more impressive if you're looking to brag about your status. "I had a VIP escort through WDW" sounds so much better than "I hired a disabled guide to get on rides faster." And there's the final proof that people bragging in this article as if they represent the 1 % are truly just idiotic low class losers.

[ANG]

I completely disagree with charging for a GAC. I am extremely thankful that my family gets to enjoy WDW so often but there are many who can't. Think of all the families with special needs kids that aren't in a wheelchair, they spend thousands of dollars on their child's heath care bills. They scrimp and save every last penny to go on a once in a lifetime WDW trip. And then have to pay for a GAC?

[Jared]

The GAC situation is a disaster right now. I'm not sure there's any other way to describe it. It's a sham, it's a ruse, and it's pathetic.

There is widespread abuse of the system. Anybody who has ever been to the parks know it. The Cast Members know it, and they are powerless to stop it. The guests know it, but they don't care as long as it keeps benefiting them. Everybody knows it's a problem. If Disney decides to eliminate the program, it would be a shame for the people that it helps. But it would be a completely understandable course of action. Right now, the GAC system is hurting far more people than it is helping, and that is a sad statement.

You know, the percentage of disabled people roaming the Disney parks really is amazing. I wonder why I never see these people anywhere else in the whole wide freaking world.

What a joke.

[waymickey]

Does the GAC card Expire? Is it a length of stay pass? Does it have a picture on it in addition to name and birthdate? Does it have the number of guests in the party? If the answers are mostly no why not add these things to the GAC card . The CM's would not have to ask many questions and quickly be able to see who the card is for and age. The card would have no value once the trip is over. for those staying on property this could become part of their regular key to the world card or RFID band. Will this solve all the problems no but it may deter some of the people who just want to abuse the system.

MY DD works at a local theme park. The park has a version of the GAC card. The guest takes the card to the exit line and is given a pass to ride according to the wait time. So if the wait time is 2 hours they have to come back in 2 hours to ride without waiting in line. Is this perfect no but I do not think they see a lot of abuse of the cards.

[Mrs Bus Driver]

I think there is a lot of over reaction here to the story of the woman claiming to cut in line by using a disabled tour guide. Was she silly for doing it? Yes. Was she insensitive to the disabled? Yes. Is she the tip of a very large ice berg? Not likely. Most people aren't going to abuse the system like this its just to embarrassing. Most people will use fasspass, take a tour, or just go ride something else. As for the disabled tour guide, can I get that job? Just think about it paid to give someone a tour of WDW. I am betting this guy really likes his job but like any service industry job there are always those customers you could do without. As for Disney getting rid of GAC I don't think so, think of all the bad publicity that would create. No they'll keep it even if a few abuse it.

[TheVBs]

Two comments in regards to the incident in the article. First, I don't think a lot of people are doing this. And, second, you really can't do anything about people like that. If someone goes to the trouble and expense to find a way to abuse the system, they will continue to make that effort. Certainly, if Disney can find a way to change something to keep it from being abused as much, that's great, but there are people who will always go all out to find a way around it. But I really think those kind of people are in the minority.

I have to say that I have never, in all our visits to WDW, noticed someone using a GAC card. I wouldn't even know they exist if it weren't for Intercot. Now, granted, I'm not the most observant person in the world, but if it were that prevalent, I would think even I would notice it.

A few other thoughts, it's great if someone is comfortable openly talking about a disability. Not everyone is and no one wants to feel uncomfortable or embarrassed on vacation, especially if they're having to ask for help. This would likely deter people genuinely needing it, not abusers. I think it's great that Disney offers this service at no charge. Again, I think charging for it would likely take the option away from people who genuinely need it, more than it would take away from abusers. Where are all these people who need GACs when they're not in WDW? How would you know them? There is no where else where you can spot them showing a GAC card.

I'm not at all denying there are abusers. I just think they're more of a minority than some people perceive. Definitely, I'm all for WDW trying to make sure abusers don't succeed, but I hope they don't end up excluding people who really do need it.

[BrerGnat]

Does the GAC card Expire? Is it a length of stay pass? Does it have a picture on it in addition to name and birthdate? Does it have the number of guests in the party? If the answers are mostly no why not add these things to the GAC card . The CM's would not have to ask many questions and quickly be able to see who the card is for and age. The card would have no value once the trip is over. for those staying on property this could become part of their regular key to the world card or RFID band. Will this solve all the problems no but it may deter some of the people who just want to abuse the system.

MY DD works at a local theme park. The park has a version of the GAC card. The guest takes the card to the exit line and is given a pass to ride according to the wait time. So if the wait time is 2 hours they have to come back in 2 hours to ride without waiting in line. Is this perfect no but I do not think they see a lot of abuse of the cards.

The GAC is good for the length of your trip. If you are an AP holder who visits frequently, you can get one that is good for 90 days.

At Disneyland, with some rides, they do the thing where you show your GAC and they give you a card with a time stamped on it (looks like a FP ticket) and you come back and ride an hour (or whatever) later.

[Main Street Jim]

At Disneyland, with some rides, they do the thing where you show your GAC and they give you a card with a time stamped on it (looks like a FP ticket) and you come back and ride an hour (or whatever) later.

At WDW, we did the same thing at the attractions I worked at (with the exceptions of CBJ, TSI, CoP, and the steam trains).

Every attraction has a different procedure, though. For example, at Splash Mountain, if a guest came to the entrance with a GAC, the outdoor part of the queue *is* wheelchair-accessible. They would get in line, go about halfway through the regular line (just before the stairs), and a CM stationed there would let them in through the exit (on the unload side). We had room for four wheelchair/ECV guests at a time, so on busy days, some would have to wait until that area cleared out.

At Space Mountain, only the FastPass side is wheelchair-accessible. If a guest presented a GAC, we would look at what the posted wait time was, and write out a "blue card" to come back to the FastPass entrance at whatever that posted wait time was (say, 40 minutes later).

At Buzz, the entire queue is accessible. When the wheelchair party to the "Load" area, they would bypass it through the hallway to the exit area, and there, a CM would help them get loaded. Then when they got done, their chairs or scooters were right there.

Same thing at Speedway. Entire queue is accessible up to the turnstiles. There is then a gate that they go through to load on the far-outside track.

The *only* GAC cards that we were allowed to let in "right away" (skip the entire line and get *right on* the ride<s>), were the ones that said "Expedite entry" (for example, autistic children or disabled guests that couldn't stand in line or be around large crowds, due to their disability). Most queues are either indoors or shaded (another "note" that could be found on GAC - "Provide shaded waiting area"). If the GAC said "Alternate entrance", then we would write out those cards with the return time (like a hand-written FastPass) and to return to the FastPass entrance at that time (if the attraction had one; again, see the exceptions I listed above).

These guests were more than welcome to get FastPasses just like everybody else.

And, since someone asked: most GACs are written with an expiration date. They also have the number in their party (up to a total of six guests). I can recall guests coming up to my attractions with GACs that had expired over a year ago (we discretely then make a phone call to a manager or coordinator; they then confiscate the card). If I had a party of say, eight guests, I wouldn't make two of 'em go through the regular line. I'd hand-write 'em a pass.

[WDWdriver]

Every attraction has a different procedure, though.......

Good information, Jim. It illustrates how GAC guests must be treated differently at the various attractions. You might think that Disney could develop a standard procedure that fits all attractions, but that really isn't possible due to the many variations in the ride operation, seating configuration, load & unload procedures (i.e. loading while moving vs stationary loading), and many other considerations.

At Kali and Everest GAC guests (with the appropriate stamps on the card) are admitted to the Fast Pass queue. There is no other alternate entrance, and most of the queue is shaded. They then proceed through the queue all the way to the load area. At Everest the guest must transfer into the train in the loading area. At Kali guests that need extra time or cannot board from a moving turntable are diverted to a separate stationary loading area.

It must be confusing for first-time users of a GAC. The best advice is to just present the card to the CMs at the ride entrance and then follow instructions. Don't hesitate to ask questions if you are not sure what is happening.

[biodtl]

The awful thing about this scam is it makes people who honestly need a GAC or use a wheelchair/scooter treated terribly by people who just assume they don't "really" need it.

This is what bothers me. I agree with the poster who said

Is she the tip of a very large ice berg? Not likely.

I don't think this article will set off a huge influx of this type of behavior. I also don't think most people who read the article (present company excluded) understand the GAC/wheelchair/ECV thing. And while we all know that it's not as simple as just having a member of your group in a wheelchair & immediately going to the front of the line, the average non-WDW-fanatic does not. And this article does as much damage - if not more - than the people who abuse the system.

On a previous trip, my husband was recovering from a devastating accident and had recently learned to walk again. He could walk, but not long distances without severe pain. He rented and ECV, and despite the fact that he only used it to get from ride to ride, and never once attempted to skip a line (he was able to stand long enough to wait, fortunately, and felt that there are others who needed that option more than he), we still got MANY nasty looks and some downright rude comments from people, assuming that he was lazy or trying to get away with something.

And THAT attitude is what I think is the most unfortunate outcome of this article - not that more people will try to cheat, but that more people will feel or be harassed by those who have now been "alerted" to this issue.

[BrerGnat]

And THAT attitude is what I think is the most unfortunate outcome of this article - not that more people will try to cheat, but that more people will feel or be harassed by those who have now been "alerted" to this issue.

Yes, this bothers me too. I hesitated to use a GAC for many years. We visited Disneyland with our very young boys from the time they were born, and in 5 years of going, we never got a GAC. We had learned what our Autistic son could and could not tolerate, and we often just skipped over things since we could always come back another time (we lived VERY close). I knew about the GAC, but I actually wanted to try to teach my son how to wait and be around people.

However, WDW was a new, unfamiliar place and my son had a very tough time dealing with it on our first trip. We relented and went to Guest Services the next day to get one. It made our trip SO much easier and less stressful. My son's anxiety was kept in check and he ended up having a great time.

But, along with using a GAC comes the rather nasty comments and assumptions from other guests. While I generally pride myself on being able to let this stuff roll off my back, I got SO SICK of the "must be nice" comment after about the hundredth time, and I spun around and snapped back to the guy who said it, "It must be nice to have kids that don't have Autism. Wanna trade?" I admit, it's not my proudest moment, but I had had enough. I needed a after that!