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GAC question for CMs

Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2007 5:28 pm
by Christine43
Hi, I'm a guest coming back to DW in Oct. with three kids, one autistic and one with Asberger's Syndrome. We used the GAC last year and it was a Godsend for us because my autistic son sincerely cannot wait in long, long lines. He can get very frustrated and overwhelmed and upset and people stare at us etc...
The opportunities the GAC gave us made our vacation. Anyway, I know some CMs must get jaded at the way some people are trying to get away with things they shouldn't be entitled to which I agree is disgusting and I so don't want them to think we're in that category. Do you recognize the difference, I was honestly wondering. I know in some cases it's very obvious but autism is more outwardly subtle. We are also very grateful to all the great CMs out there who were very kind to us last year, hopefully this year will be a repeat. Many days are difficult for us and Disney is where we leave it behind.
I also wanted to mention here, two particular CMs. One played Capt. Jack and the other played Mack last August and these two men absolutely made my son's day. Like I said he has Asberger's and was teased to the point of severe depression last year. He was chosen for the Pirate Tutorial and the interaction between him and the pirates made a lonely little boy feel incredibly happy and special and this was an experience he will recall for the rest of his life; I can't thank them enough. Incidentally, I did fill out one of those forms for them and I wrote to Disney as well, I hope something came of it. If any of you know them, please tell them. He's doing much better now. You CMs can make such a difference in a day or a minute or leave a memory that will last much longer and I honestly thank you.

Re: GAC question for CMs

Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2007 9:36 pm
by psychomaj
When I was a CM working at Innoventions I always appreciated being told if a guest had a special need and being able to provide a GAC was usually proof enough unless there was medical equipment. I always enjoyed being able to go the extra mile if I know.

I have been chewed out by guest (who never showed me a GAC or mentioned any need for special assistance) for not providing accommodation. If you don't know you cannot do it.

One of my most fondest memories of my time at Disney occurred on my last day. It was mid afternoon and Innoventions was light. I was at SPI and a woman with a small child came up. She explained that the boy was autistic and could I help accommodate him. I loaded a light show let the boy and adult walk around so he did not have to sit thru the preshow. Since the show was light when we moved to the robot race he had his own pad (so did everyone else) and it was much less noisy. He raced and had a blast. He was even more excited when he got to the manufacturing area and built his very own robot at his own pace. He was happy his adult was thrilled and my knees got the biggest hug they had ever received. That made my day my last day at Disney.

Re: GAC question for CMs

Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2007 10:25 pm
by Big Wallaby
All I have to say is make sure we see the GAC. I, for one, choose to believe that if you have one, you had to prove your need for it to one of our Guest Services Cast Members, and I have no right to question. Most of us feel the same way. So make sure we see the card. If anyone gives you a hard time over the card or your special needs, just let me know and I'll run them over in my bus, safari vehicle, monorail or HTH elevator.

Re: GAC question for CMs

Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2007 10:40 pm
by ktulu
Big Wallaby wrote:If anyone gives you a hard time over the card or your special needs, just let me know and I'll run them over in my bus, safari vehicle, monorail or HTH elevator.
I think you mean, run them over in your bus, a safari vehicle, the monorail and last a ride on the HTH elevator (on the bottom), followed by a place to rest in the middle of main street while they run every parade running at WDW over you.

Oh, don't forget the band as part of that.

Re: GAC question for CMs

Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2007 11:29 pm
by mechurchlady
Ktulu you forgot the exiting mass of people after the parade to walk all over them.

I have been lucky with CMs and my disabilities. All of my disabilities are hidden except obesity and being crazy, lol. If you see me walking on a good day or when I am in a hurry then I look normal but there are my pretzel times when I look like the hunchback of notre dame.

Re: GAC question for CMs

Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2007 5:55 am
by leftcoaster
ktulu wrote:I think you mean, run them over in your bus, a safari vehicle, the monorail and last a ride on the HTH elevator (on the bottom), followed by a place to rest in the middle of main street while they run every parade running at WDW over you.

Oh, don't forget the band as part of that.
Steam roller ?

Re: GAC question for CMs

Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2007 9:24 am
by Meltissa
Big Wallaby wrote:All I have to say is make sure we see the GAC. I, for one, choose to believe that if you have one, you had to prove your need for it to one of our Guest Services Cast Members, and I have no right to question. Most of us feel the same way. So make sure we see the card. If anyone gives you a hard time over the card or your special needs, just let me know and I'll run them over in my bus, safari vehicle, monorail or HTH elevator.
You are quickly becoming my favorite poster on this board.

OK back to lurkerville. :D:

Re: GAC question for CMs

Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2007 2:00 pm
by Big Wallaby
leftcoaster wrote:Steam roller ?
Oh, yeah, we have those just laying around everywhere at the World! Come on over to the Magic Kingdom, we've replaced the Omnibus with a steam roller! :p:

Re: GAC question for CMs

Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2007 6:36 pm
by leftcoaster
Big Wallaby wrote:Oh, yeah, we have those just laying around everywhere at the World! Come on over to the Magic Kingdom, we've replaced the Omnibus with a steam roller! :p:
Tsk..tsk..tsk..

Isn't there one near the MGM Backlot Tour ? :p:



Don't you remember the movie Police Squad! ?

Re: GAC question for CMs

Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2007 4:48 am
by Main Streeter
leftcoaster wrote:Tsk..tsk..tsk..
Great mind left!! ;) :cool: