Autistic Children in the Parks - Talk Disney Vacation Planning Information

Doodlemommy3 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-13-2009, 09:26 PM

I am not sure how other people have faired, but we have a ds who will be 4 in almost 3 weeks, has been to wdw 6 times and has autism spectrum disorder. our first two trips were a little rough, but after a little advice from a local mom in a similar situation I found out about the GAC. If you have a child like mine that is on the spectrum with sensory integration disorder, I highly recomend looking into it. WDW has become a part of our son's therapy. I don't think we would be able to do it or enjoy it if not for the GAC... I believe it to hold a little magic of it's own.
The only thing that I ask and suggest is that you have your notes from your doctors on hand, just in case a CM asks when issuing the card, they are tightening the policy ( thank goodness) because people do take advantage.

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Mandy0726 · #2 (**permalink**) 08-14-2009, 07:24 AM

My grandson hasasperger's which is on the spectrum. We also used the GAC. I highly recommend it for all those who have "special" children. WDW made out trip so enjoyable.

cpudd · #3 (**permalink**) 08-14-2009, 10:33 AM

We had no problem getting the GAC. The cast member didn't want any proof. I was a little surprised but pleased. We got one for the entire trip so we saved a lot of time!

My son (3 at the time) only was able to handle a couple of rides and that was it for him. We plan to bring him back next year - Oct. 2010. He has improved so much so we're hoping he'll enjoy it more. He absolutely loves Mickey so I'd love for him to meet him.

joanna71985 · #4 (**permalink**) 08-15-2009, 05:57 PM

The CMs at GR are not allowed to ask for notes

Doodlemommy3 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joanna71985

The CMs at GR are not allowed to ask for notes

I am surprised to hear that because one of our parents called disney and was told to always have a medical letter stating the child's issue in order to obtain a GAC. They were told that people were trying to get away with skipping lines and avoind fastpasses. But thank you for the info.

I always carry the diagnosis with me anyway. We had a very bad experience 12/08 after a MVMCP with a CM on a bus.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpudd

We had no problem getting the GAC. The cast member didn't want any proof. I was a little surprised but pleased. We got one for the entire trip so we saved a lot of time!

My son (3 at the time) only was able to handle a couple of rides and that was it for him. We plan to bring him back next year - Oct. 2010. He has improved so much so we're hoping he'll enjoy it more. He absolutely loves Mickey so I'd love for him to meet him.

I am so pleased to hear that you will return with your son. I know how much it has helped mine. It will get easier as time passes, I promise. My son goes on almost all of the rides now and does extremely well. We actually go two to three times a year and it has become a part of his therapy. His OT said it would make or break him after his first trip and it made him. I wish you the best and look forward to hearing about your next trip.

liltink07 · #6 (**permalink**) 02-02-2010, 01:56 AM

how does the GAC help? my brother is on the spectrum, and we've always just had normal passes. What does the GAC do that helps the kids out? thanks!

cpudd · #7 (**permalink**) 02-02-2010, 09:41 AM

The GAC allows you not to wait in line but go through to the front of the line, through the 'Fast Pass' line or the Disabled Entrance. It includes the entire group who is accompanying the child with Autism.

liltink07 · #8 (**permalink**) 02-04-2010, 02:36 AM

oh wow! okay thank you!

joanna71985 · #9 (**permalink**) 02-06-2010, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpudd

The GAC allows you not to wait in line but go through to the front of the line, through the 'Fast Pass' line or the Disabled Entrance. It includes the entire group who is accompanying the child with Autism.

Actually, it depends on the stamps on the GAC. Not all stamps do that.

And there is a limit. Usually it's a total of 6 people.

Doodlemommy3 · #10 (**permalink**) 02-07-2010, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joanna71985

Actually, it depends on the stamps on the GAC. Not all stamps do that.

And there is a limit. Usually it's a total of 6 people.

You are 100% correct and I think that there are people who do not understand what the GAC is really for. When we went to WDW our first 2 times with our on it was tough because he could not handle the mass crowds of people on top of him. He would have to stay in his stroller a lot too because it was his "safe" place. The GAC allowed us to keep him in the stroller until we reached the actual ride and that made it enjoyable for him. We also use alternate entrances so that there are less people on top of him. In some instances with some rides, he stayed in his stroller as it was used as a wheelchair and he really enjoyed the experience. It has also been a huge help with the shows and our son really thrives with each trip we take. I am very thankful to have this.

If you have a sensory child and or a child with spacial issues the GAC is a huge help. I just don't think that if a child really doesn't have issues that people should use a GAC, I always suggest fastpass as that is what we get first and foremost.