Quantcast Guest Assistance Cards
 
INTERCOT: Walt Disney World Vacation Planning Guide Walt Disney World Disney Cruise Line Mousehut Mail WebDisney News INTERCOT: Walt Disney World Vacation Guide
News Discussion Theme Parks Resorts Info Central Shop Interactive Podcast INTERCOT Navigtion
Site Sponsors
  magical journeys travel agency
  INTERCOT shop

INTERCOT Affiliates
  disney magicbands & accessories
  disneystore.com
  disney fathead
  disney check designs
  amazon.com
  priceline.com

News
  site search
  headlines
  past updates
  discussion boards
  email update

INTERCOT Other
  advertising
  sponsors
  link to us
  contact us
     

INTERCOT Ads
 

 
 

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 20 of 22
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Posts
    14
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default Guest Assistance Cards

    I just returned from Disney World and I have information regarding the Guest Assistance Cards (GAC). I spoke to guest relations about the rumors that Disney is planning some changes to the GAC program. Guest relations stated that there has been lots of abuse to the GAC program and some changes are being planned. If Disney changes the program to a program based on wait times it will destroy the attraction access for many people. The GAC program Disney has is the best system I have ever seen at a them park and it works well. People need to write guest services and explain why they need this program and how it helps a person enjoy the parks, not just so a person can get to the front of the line. The people abusing the system are going to destroy a good thing for the ones that really need it, please write Disney to save this much needed benefit Disney offers.

  2.     Please Support INTERCOT's Sponsors:
  3. #2
    Join Date
    May 2000
    Location
    Houston, TX
    Posts
    14,528
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    I would have to hear what the changes are to be able to weigh in on this. Can you provide details? I am totally supportive of the use of GAC, but if there are some simple ways to cut down on abuse, that would make sense to me.
    Beth
    INTERCOT Staff--
    Theme Parks and Accommodations



    Take a look at what INTERCOT's wonderful sponsors have to offer!

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Posts
    14
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default gsc

    Guest serviced did not give any exact plans, but they did say plans based on wait times were being researched as well as other options. It is the plans based on wait times that have me concerned. I am all for stopping the abuse, but with any system people will find a way to abuse it.

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Hershey, PA
    Posts
    1,109
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    I'm sure the changes are for the better.
    You should at least wait to hear what they are before starting a letter-writing campaign.

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Posts
    14
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default gac

    No, guest services said that I better write a letter if I want to influence the changes. As seen at other parks the new changes are only good for the person that was paid to make the changes not for the people that the changes effect. Look at Bushgardens they had a good system then they hired a consultant and now virtual ques, so now you just wait in a virtual line. WRITE those letters!!

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Ajax, ON (1,325 miles from Disneyworld)
    Posts
    7,471
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    I support the use of virtual queues. If the GAC is to provide alternative waiting places etc for the GAC guest, then it makes sense for wait times to be aligned with those waiting in the standard queue. If the needs of those with the GAC are being addressed with alternative waiting areas etc, then this seems to be an appropriate accommodation.

    Speaking as a person with a disability and the mother of two autistic sons, I am not looking for special treatment, but for an opportunity to enjoy things in a manner that considers our needs when and if the circumstances require it. I do not want to jump the line.
    Jennifer (aka Mickey'sGirl)
    INTERCOT Staff: Guests with Special Needs, Dining and Disney Characters

    Last trip: March 2016 - Fantasy
    Next trip: Aug 2017 - Aulani

    I am a Galactic Hero once more!

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    MICHIGAN
    Posts
    2,507
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Love, love, love the Disneyland Paris GAC...one person and three additional persons ...that's the limit. You go to the line and they give the next person to come a red numbered card, and give you the matching number...if more than four persons in your party, those persons JOIN the regular line...GAC group wait at either the alternate entrance or the exit entrance. When the person with the card reaches the head of the line, your number is called and you board the ride. EVERYONE waits their turn, there are no more head to the front of the line, much fairer system and very few cheaters...hoping that this means that twenty people with grandpa in a wheelchair all wait their turn...my dad was in a chair and he waited to the side, and joined us when we got to the head of the line....
    Pirate Granny



    October 2020 — 3 nights OKW, 3 nights Poly Lakeview and 1 night BWV studios
    November 2020 — BRV studio 9 nights
    December 2020 entire family GV OKW
    December 2020 January 2021 BCV studio

    OH YEAH BABY !!! Proud owners at OKW + BCV + BRV + RR

  9. #8
    Join Date
    May 2000
    Location
    Houston, TX
    Posts
    14,528
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    I have to say that I agree with Jennifer. I have referred several people to the GAC program (my own sister-in-law included--she has MS) and none of them were looking for front-of-the-line access, just accommodation to their needs--waiting out of the heat/sun or someplace to sit while they wait. So virtual queues seem appropriate to me for most scenarios.
    Beth
    INTERCOT Staff--
    Theme Parks and Accommodations



    Take a look at what INTERCOT's wonderful sponsors have to offer!

  10. #9
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    From Nola live in Prairieville, La
    Posts
    946
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    I like this idea. My son has severe anxiety and panic attacks. I never knew something like the GAC was even available. Our last trip we swore we wouldn't go back because several time my husband or myself would have to exit the regular line with my son. I really felt sorry for my daughter because we as adults know there's an issue but she was so embarrassed. I've been researching this topic some and I was feeling a little hesitant about seeing if this was an option for our family. I felt a little guilty about hoping the line because sometimes my son is fine but we never know when an attack may be triggered. And a lot of time the anticipation causes it. Keep us posted as any updates become available.
    Yacht Club May 2015
    AoA Holiday 2013
    Pop Century May 2012, July 2011, May 2008, and May 2006
    All Star Music Sept 2007
    All Star Movies May 2006
    Many Trips as a Child Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Swan, Dolphin, and Board Walk

  11. #10
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Posts
    14
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default gac

    I like the current system, we use the fast pass line Waite our turn and ride. The green light card gets even faster access, but they deserve the best access. Now how the rule changed so that a person can take 10-14 people I don't know. I was told you can only take a party of 5 or less with a gac card. I personally hate the virtual queue because all you get done is waiting for the time, its better to just get a fast pass. I don't know what the answer is but not all people will be happy with every change.

  12. #11
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    Salisbury, Md 14 hours, 21 minutes or 903.36 miles From Disney
    Posts
    687
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    We get a GAC card when we go as I have arthritis in my back, hips and feet and I use an ECV. We also get one for our daughters who are autistic (youngest one now has a special needs stroller for other medical needs). We only use it for the lines that we know will trigger a meltdown for them, with that being said, if the ride has a fastpass then we do utilize the fastpass and go that route. I was in line for test track in May when a gentleman in front of us turned to me in my scooter and held out his card and said aren't these great they are an endless time free fastpass card. I was livid and gave him a piece of my mind. Told him it was insensitive people like him who are making it more and more difficult for people like me and people who have kids like mine to get the help they need because we have invisible disabilities. I said just becuse the card is around my neck, I did not use it for this ride. We have fastpasses, see and I held it up as we waited to reach the 2nd cast member before getting in queue for our car. His wife turned and said I told you to shut your mouth, now we are going to get in trouble. As we got to theCM and showed our fastpasses, the CMs said we heard your speech, and want to say thank you. we can't say anything or we get in trouble, but thank you again for speaking up. and they gave us an open fastpass to come back again. I hate that people are abusing the system. IN the 3 years we have used the card, NEVER EVER, have we gotten front of the line access. I saw the undercover video of the unethical tour guides, and they apparently do things differently in DL and DCA. It showed the GAC holder just going in a back entrance with no assistance from a CM or anything. Maybe they get front of the line access out there? It doesn't happen in Florida. I am interested to see what changes they come up with and I won't jump on the letter campaign until I know what changes they will be making either.
    ºoº Josette ºoº
    ~*~Next up~*~
    November 2015
    Surprise trip(Pop Century)




    Just because I cannot see it, doesn't mean I can't believe it! -Jack Skellington

  13. #12
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Ajax, ON (1,325 miles from Disneyworld)
    Posts
    7,471
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by troy0228 View Post
    Its better to just get a fast pass. I don't know what the answer is but not all people will be happy with every change.
    Honestly, a fastpass is all we ever needed, we've never used the GAC. But, there are many who have needs which prevent them from using a queue and they are waiting in alternate areas.
    Jennifer (aka Mickey'sGirl)
    INTERCOT Staff: Guests with Special Needs, Dining and Disney Characters

    Last trip: March 2016 - Fantasy
    Next trip: Aug 2017 - Aulani

    I am a Galactic Hero once more!

  14. #13
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Sidney, Ohio
    Posts
    237
    Post Thanks / Like

    Unhappy

    Being a mother of a 11 yr old Autistic ADHD son, this has been a life savor for me. We have never been to the front of the line, just in fast pass and have waited several minutes also. My son could never wait in a line for 30 min or more. Every chance we get to wait in a normal line 15 min or less we will go do that instead. I also bring a letter from the DR stating about how my son has issues standing in line. Now they don't have to read it, but they always do. It just makes me feel better knowing they really do no he has a disablity. I hope they do not change the policy. There are ALOT of people that this would really affect.
    71-78 Fort Wilderness
    78-07 Various resorts
    Nov 08 Pop Century
    Oct 30-Nov 8-Pop Century(
    28-March6th Port Orleans reschudled trip!
    Oct. 23rd-Oct. 30th POP CENTURY
    May 4-11 2014 Pop Century
    1 in 50 Children will be diagnosed with Autism and I am proud to say one of them is mine!

  15. #14
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Location
    Buffalo, NY
    Posts
    74
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Pirate Granny View Post
    Love, love, love the Disneyland Paris GAC...one person and three additional persons ...that's the limit. You go to the line and they give the next person to come a red numbered card, and give you the matching number...if more than four persons in your party, those persons JOIN the regular line...GAC group wait at either the alternate entrance or the exit entrance. When the person with the card reaches the head of the line, your number is called and you board the ride. EVERYONE waits their turn, there are no more head to the front of the line, much fairer system and very few cheaters...hoping that this means that twenty people with grandpa in a wheelchair all wait their turn...my dad was in a chair and he waited to the side, and joined us when we got to the head of the line....
    This sounds perfect, and simple. Why doesn't everywhere use this system?
    Bay Lake Tower - 2014, 2015
    Polynesian Resort - 2013
    Wilderness Lodge - 2011
    Port Orleans - 2003
    Hotel Plaza - 2002
    Coronado Springs - 1998
    Disneyland - 1997
    All Star Music - 1995, 1997
    Offsite - 1980, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994

  16. #15
    Join Date
    Aug 1999
    Location
    California
    Posts
    12,252
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    I am also a mother of 2 autistic sons and from what I have heard, the changes will be for the better.

    It seems most likely that the system will be set up the way they are handling the GAC at Radiator Springs Racers at DCA. There, you show your GAC and are given a hand written ticket with a time to return written on it. The time is the lesser of 60 min or the current standby wait time. When we went, the standby line was 150 min, so we got a pass to return in 60 minutes. While we waited for the time to come around, we enjoyed some rides in the nearby Bug's Land, and when we returned, used our ticket to enter the FP line. My son just can't really be surrounded by a lot of people for a long period of time so this worked out really well for us.

    If they do this for all rides, I would totally welcome it. In fact, it would be MORE accommodating than the current system, for us, as the ability to stand or sit away from the crowd of people at the attraction while we wait our turn would help immensely.

    I have no issues waiting, and my son that has the issues in lines understands waiting for things just fine. It's the physical challenges of the environment of crowded queues that is hard for him. Being given a set time to return for immediate access would be a wonderful change, and that is what is being considered at this time.
    Natalie
    INTERCOT Staff: Disneyland Resort-California, The Water Cooler

  17. #16
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Posts
    14
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default gac

    The current system is great it works perfect for my family, I just hate I have to suffer because of all the abusers. I personally feel the virtual queues are terrible that's why I never go to universal studios.

  18. #17
    Join Date
    May 2000
    Location
    Houston, TX
    Posts
    14,528
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Troy, you're certainly entitled to your opinion on this, but just curious--why do you dislike the idea of virtual queues? Is it that the return time is too long or that you can't go do anything else while you wait? I agree with you, though--it stinks that the actions of some folks can ruin it for others. But that's the way our society tends to work these days.

    One thing that hasn't been mentioned (and maybe Natalie has some experience with this at Disneyland) is whether or not you're allowed to be in more than one virtual queue at a time. With a potential wait time of 60 minutes I would think that you would be allowed to hold two wait times at one time. I know at Universal Studios they don't allow this, but then again the max wait time in a virtual queue there is 30 minutes.
    Beth
    INTERCOT Staff--
    Theme Parks and Accommodations



    Take a look at what INTERCOT's wonderful sponsors have to offer!

  19. #18
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Morristown NJ
    Posts
    7,146
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    One thing that hasn't been mentioned (and maybe Natalie has some experience with this at Disneyland) is whether or not you're allowed to be in more than one virtual queue at a time. With a potential wait time of 60 minutes I would think that you would be allowed to hold two wait times at one time. I know at Universal Studios they don't allow this, but then again the max wait time in a virtual queue there is 30 minutes.
    Wouldn't this lead to more abuse? If it's easier to get unlimited queues over the three FP+ that everyone else will be using, I see those cheating the system just piling on more. It's a shame.

    I just spent 5 days watching a Make a Wish family having the time of their lives (we seemed to run into them each day) and using the GAC. I would love to see improvements made and the bad apples weeded out.
    - Lynn -
    INTERCOT Staff: Theme Parks, DVC

  20. #19
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Posts
    14
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default gac

    Most virtual queues I have used you have to Waite the time the regular line has posted and you just spend time waiting for that Waite time to expire. Some parks will not let you be in more than 1 queue at a time so you just sit. I my case it is not the queue line or the waiting area, it is the time itself. I get very fatigued quickly and I endure a great deal of pain because of my injury. I like the fact I can use the fast pass line, myself, my wife and son can enjoy the attractions and then if needed I can go back to the hotel and rest. I ride the attractions 1 time and then we do whatever for the rest of the day. Yes I know with a GAC card it like a fast pass for all the rides but it works great for my family and I enjoy Disney so much more because of this benefit, and I think this is the reason why the GAC program was created to allow a guest to enjoy the parks. I like the use of the fast pass line because you go where everyone else goes and you don't make a scene or go to the front and make people mad. I also understand Disney has levels of gac cards, not all of them give you access to the fast pass line. I am just saying for my needs and others like me the current system works great. I don't have the answer but maybe a virtual queue could be used for some people and the current alternate entrance program used for others. I think the program needs to meet the needs of the individual guest not be a blanket program one size fits all. Meeting my needs is why I spend so much time and money coming to Disney because other parks do not accommodate my needs.

  21. #20
    Join Date
    Aug 1999
    Location
    California
    Posts
    12,252
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Well, in our experience at DL, we rode several rides in that hour we waited for RSR. We could have used our GAC for those rides too, but they were just the kiddie rides at Bugs Land and we don't need it there as the lines are less than 5 min. We did use our GAC at Mater's Jamboree which had a 45 min standby. We were let in the exit gate after two ride cycles. We then returned for our RSR time. Since the RSR ticket was hand written, there is no way to "track" that we had it.
    Natalie
    INTERCOT Staff: Disneyland Resort-California, The Water Cooler

Share This Thread On Social Media:

Share This Thread On Social Media:

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

 
Company
Advertising
Guest Relations
Community
Discussion Boards
Podcast
Newsletter
Shop
Social
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
Pinterest
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Enter your email address below to receive our newsletter:
INTERCOT Logo PRIVACY STATEMENT / DISCLAIMER | DISCUSSION BOARD RULES
© Since 1997 INTERCOT - a Levelbest Communications Website. This is not an official Disney website.
> Levelbest Network Site