By now, everyone has learned about Disneyland and Walt Disney World changing the old Guest Assistance Card/GAC program to one called the Disabled Assistance System/DAS. There has been a lot of anger, sadness, revolt, and more about this change, and it is now time for me to give my thoughts on all of this.
For those not aware of the situation at hand, check out this link first to catch up: Disney confirms changes coming to GAC system by Oct. 9, 2013
Now, I’m going to let a few things be known before anyone gets angry here.
First of all, please know that I welcome everyone’s thoughts, opinions, ideas, and more. I’m not speaking my mind to tell anyone they are wrong. I’m simply speaking my mind to let my thoughts be heard and get my opinion out there.
Second of all, please don’t tell me that I don’t know anything about the situation. I go around the Walt Disney World parks almost daily with someone that is in a wheelchair. Numerous times throughout each week, I’m also in the Disney Parks with a child that is autistic. So, if you’re looking to say that I’ve not experienced how meaningful the GAC card…you would be wrong.
Ok, moving on.
The GAC system is going to be taken out and DAS put in due to the fact that the old program was horribly abused. People were charging money to travel with other families and be their “Wheelchair FASTPass.” I don’t know about you, but personally, it’s despicable to me.
Those people were abusing the system, robbing people blind, and making light of those that have a disability. Not only that, the people that were willing to pay for something like this were also making light of those with disabilities. That’s absolutely disgraceful and something should have been done about it.
Well…Disney is doing just that.
And they’re getting crucified for it.
When the GAC system was being abused; so many that truly need a GAC cried foul and wanted Disney to do something about it. It wasn’t right. It wasn’t fair. It was so messed-up that people could do that sort of thing and changes needed to come.
Disney decides to change the GAC system to stop said abuse, and many of those same people saying change needed to come are not saying they can’t believe what Disney is doing. They’re outraged by these changes. They will never go back to Walt Disney World.
These people think they should…DO SOMETHING.
Well, Disney is trying to do something. This is their first attempt at trying to improve the system so that it can be done without abuse. This is their first attempt at trying to put a new system in place that will allow those that truly need a GAC or DAS to have one, use it, and take advantage of it so they can peacefully and comfortably enjoy their time in the Disney Parks.
Who knows what changes could come about once the DAS program is put into operation and Disney sees what works and what doesn’t?
More kiosks could be added. More options could be added. MagicBands and smart phone apps could be integrated into the system so that guests needing them don’t have to go around from place to place. It’s a trial and error system to get something as close to perfection as possible so how about letting Disney at least attempt to get it started before you say that you hate it or think it’s the worst thing in the world.
People are actually threatening to stop going to Walt Disney World.
Really? You’re going to take away the entirety of Disney World from yourself and others you love and travel with because of this?
What if Disney decided to do nothing? What if they said, forget it…let’s make everyone even and take out GACs, DAS, FASTPasses, and have all guests stand in the same “Forever Lines” so that it’s all equal?
Come on, I know it may be hard to stray from the norm or something that has been convenient and helpful for so many years, but Disney is trying here. They are trying to stop abuse of some extremely low-life people – and yes, they are low-lifes – and also help those that not benefit, but need something like a GAC. At least give them a chance to make this work and make it right.
Disney is attempting to correct a problem that has been caused, not by them, but by those that care nothing for others.
Look, I’m experienced in this whole thing and have been around Disney my entire life. It is a part of my daily life, routine, work, and play. I’ve seen their tremendous failures and their great successes. I’ve experienced old school, new technology, GACs, FPs, FP+, e-tickets, being a guest, being a Cast Member, soft openings, breakdowns, grand openings, previews, tours, shut downs, and just about anything else that Disney has ever done.
If you don’t want to think about what I’m saying or take it to heart or anything like that, it’s ok. I’m not trying to preach to anyone or tell anyone they are wrong. We are all entitled to our opinions. This is mine.
These changes will affect me, my family, my close friends, and many that go to the parks with me daily, weekly, monthly, and annually.
Should you be looking for yet another opinion on all of this, please take a moment to also read “Taken for a Ride” by Jess Wilson. You’ll see that my sentiment is shared by a number of others.
Very well said!!! We’ve traveled to Disney many times and seen those who really don’t need a GAC card walk right up and get one without thinking twice about it. KUDDO’s to Disney for taking the first steps to putting a stop to the abuse. As you said, Disney will probably make changes to it as it goes along, but that’s what makes them Disney! They evolve and grow….give them the chance to do that!!!
Agreed, and thank you, Pam.
Can I ask what makes you think they don’t need one? It’s the hidden problems that are sometimes the worst. Pease don’t judge others when you aren’t in their shoes
I have to say that I think the new program works far better than the GAC. My oldest son is autistic and we used the GAC sparingly in the past for exceedingly long, hot lines that would push him into sensory overoad. We had a really bad GAC experience last trip with a rude cast member and decided that we needed to plan better. We decided that instead of using something that seemed to invite hostility and suspicion, we would simply plan better. We actively used the baby swap system, which is basically the new system, and found that even the grown-ups got to enjoy rides. The only warning is that Tower of Terror is still using the old method and the kids did have to watch the preshow, much to their chagrin. But the new little passes gave us the freedom to go on other attractions without the time return of the fast pass. As someone who was very careful not to abuse the GAC, we found the new passes to be a much better alternative.
Thank you! I have two boys on the autism spectrum and two girls that are neurotypical. We have never used the GAC, but have never faulted anyone who has used it honestly either. I think people need to wait and see what Disney rolls out on October 9th instead of jumping to conclusions on what they think is going to be implemented. There will be tweaks. Heck, that’s how it is anytime they roll out a new ride (the new Test Track is an excellent example of this)….they try things to see if they work, and if not, they change it. I believe, if given the chance, Disney will continue to make their parks enjoyable to all.
I love what you said and I agree that it is a welcome change that they are trying to do something. Good for them in trying make the system better for everyone.
I think there needs to be fair access for people with disabilities. I also think it is unfair for able bodied people to take advantage of this system to their own ends. My view on this doens’t begin and end at WDW. ADA should help those who need it, and should not be abused by others. Period.
I just read the Jess Wilson blog entry, and I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiments therein. I would prefer Disney be able to maintain or enhance the existing program and people simply not abuse it, but clearly that’s not the world we live in.
This is exactly how I have been feeling about this whole situation! I think people need to try it, give feedback and suggestions instead of complaints, and let the program grow. This is just the beginning of what could be an amazing program, but until we try it and let Disney work it out, we will never know. I see the potential this program can have, since some of the parks have already tried the return passes at many of their popular rides in the past and, for us, has been the most beneficial program. Anything that cuts back on the abuse of the system, and lets face it, the abuse towards cast members and disney guests (which I have witnessed a few times regarding the GAC program), should be welcomed and given a chance. Now the guests who were unknowingly going to be the guinea pigs for this new program, I can understand their frustration. They planned their trips months in advance only to find out that the program is being changed and they are going to be among the first to try it out. I think Disney should offer a little bit of assistance for the families who didn’t expect this change and already planned their trips before the changes were announced.
Extremely well stated! This is such a hot button issue that ignites people and your comments were very educated and level-headed. I’m sure Disney will continue to tweak this program when they see it in place, just as you said!
Both my wife and I love to travel to Disney. We are both have different disabilities (mine hidden) and we are looking forward to the new program when we go in January. The previous system was so abused, guest occasionally took it out on the people who were justly using the system. The new program looks good and if there are any flaws, Disney will do what it always does – tweek it. Excellent commentary – you are 110% on target.
Thank you, Stev. I sincerely hope that it does go well for both you and your wife once you arrive.