To Spot A "Faker!"

[Cheshire Figment]

Actually, that's a good idea to get a GAC for my mom and brother when they are here. My brother has a problem that he can't stand in lines very long... he has a growth in his foot that keeps coming back... it was caused by that shot they give (or take from) you when you are born. So for him, it would be a REALLY good idea to get one. Hadn't thought about it before.

Unfortunately the standard GR response to a stamina and/or mobility question is to recommend renting a wheelchair or ECV as the distance between attractions often is worse than the lines.

And a side note, are you aware that as a CM you can "rent" a stroller or wheelchair for members of your party at no fee. This does not apply to ECVs. Also, there are some block-out dates around Easter and Christmas/New Years.

[GuestJockey]

Unfortunately the standard GR response to a stamina and/or mobility question is to recommend renting a wheelchair or ECV as the distance between attractions often is worse than the lines.

And a side note, are you aware that as a CM you can "rent" a stroller or wheelchair for members of your party at no fee. This does not apply to ECVs. Also, there are some block-out dates around Easter and Christmas/New Years.

On my first (and only - I'm poor) trip to WDW, I turned my ankle and took advantage of the complimentary wheelchair rental for CMs, and boy was that awesome!

There are differences (very limited ones, like how long you're allowed to issue one for) between GACs in Anaheim & Orlando. I always feel bad in City Hall trying to explain to someone that I can't issue them the GAC like the one they got in FL because ours has different rules. It hardly ever happens, but every once in a while you get one. That, OR our attractions CMs will take and tear up a FL GAC because it's a different color and they think it's fake and the guest didn't know they had to get a CA one, then the guest is in City Hall mad that they took their GAC. All in all, GACs are just bad news.

[Shorty82]

All in all, GACs are just bad news.

No, GACs can be a lifesaver for some people. Some people need extra assistance and the GAC provides an easy way for CMs to know what that person needs. The problems you mention can be solved by possibly standardizing the rules between WDW and DL and by informing CMs of the difference in the GACs so they will know instead of tearing up the card to instead send them to Guest Relations to get the one for that resort.

[Cheshire Figment]

But normally a GAC at WDW is issued for "length of stay". It becomes invalid when the people leave.

However, on request they will give GACs with a 3 to 6 month expiration date for Florida AP holders who request it, so they don't have to go to Guest Services every trip.

BTW, there is a very good explanation about GACs on Page #6 of the disABILITIES FAQ, which is a sticky in the disABILITIES Forum over at DisBoards. We try to keep it as accurate as possible without giving out too much information which could lead to misuse.

[GuestJockey]

No, GACs can be a lifesaver for some people. Some people need extra assistance and the GAC provides an easy way for CMs to know what that person needs. The problems you mention can be solved by possibly standardizing the rules between WDW and DL and by informing CMs of the difference in the GACs so they will know instead of tearing up the card to instead send them to Guest Relations to get the one for that resort.

You're absolutely right, I meant that we (plaids) take so much crap for them. Between the CMs who have no idea how they're supposed to work to the hoardes of people trying to abuse them. I don't know, maybe it's not at bad at WDW, but at DL I'd say that for every person who legitimately needs one, we get 6 who just want to skip the lines. It doesn't help that Knotts down the road gives you "front of the line" if you tell them you stubbed your toe, so they come to DL expecting the same thing.

[Cheshire Figment]

Did you know that before DLR clamped down on the Guest Assistance Passes they were giving out over 1,000 per day, while at WDW there are only about 200 Guest Assistance Cards given out property-wide per day.

Getting rid of FOTL really helps. At WDW the only people getting a FOTL GAC are those from MAW or similar.

[DisneyMom]

We were at BTMRR at Disneyland one time last year when these 2 girls came up the exit, told the CM "We're VIP's" and had some sort of VIP button and they were let on the train AFTER ours. Anyone have any insight on this one?

[CMGUY89]

We were at BTMRR at Disneyland one time last year when these 2 girls came up the exit, told the CM "We're VIP's" and had some sort of VIP button and they were let on the train AFTER ours. Anyone have any insight on this one?

Sound suspicious, normally we try to draw as little attention as possible to VIP's and a pin does not sound right. If they were really VIP they would have a member of the plaid patrol/smile squad with them who would explain it to the CM.

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Sound suspicious, normally we try to draw as little attention as possible to VIP's and a pin does not sound right. If they were really VIP they would have a member of the plaid patrol/smile squad with them who would explain it to the CM.

Maybe A birthday badge?

I know last time DW and I went, not only is it my birthday, but our anniversary! We "wore" the badge the first day, then left them in our rooms. The CM spotted us as we were leaving and gave us "new" ones!! They really made DW laugh at the attention we were getting!!

[DisneyMom]

Sound suspicious, normally we try to draw as little attention as possible to VIP's and a pin does not sound right. If they were really VIP they would have a member of the plaid patrol/smile squad with them who would explain it to the CM.

No Plaid around, and it wasn't the Birthday badges they were handing out at City Hall, they actually did say VIP but I don't recall any certain design on them....Would they be someone with MAW or something like that? They both looked about 12 years old.