I've been to DW 11 times but I never heard of a GAC (let alone "GAC abuse") until I saw this posted on Facebook yesterday.
Seriously? So you don't like all those hotels in Kissimmee that are cheaper than Disney hotels?
There will always be people who scam the system and people whose morals (sometimes combined with affluence) allow them to get around rules and policies with dishonesty, half-truths, puppy dog eyes, and manipulation. This does not shock me. Saddens me, but doesn't shock me.
I've seen people with legitimate visible disabilities go in through a handicapped entrance. Never had a problem with that. I didn't realize there was a GAC for those with legitimate invisible disabilities. Seems like a nice feature, but prone to abuse. Again, I'm not shocked, and I'm glad it's available for those who truly need it.
What does shock me are the stories of those who confront or "call out" those with a GAC as 'lucky' or 'entitled'. Let's face it - there are many shades of grey in this. There are those who obtain it legitimately, those who lie to get it, and those in-between who perhaps stretch the truth or can't be bothered to wait in line, or need it on a day-by-day basis (some days they feel good, others they don't). But that cannot be determined at a glance. (And don't get me started on those whose only 'disability' is the inability to put down a fork.)
I have an acquaintance who has MS and he freely admits to "playing it up" when he needs to, and I've witnessed him in action. I consider that to be immoral, which is why I don't hang out with him. But I'm not going to "call him out" or judge him publicly. That is for a higher power. I know someone else who only pulls out the handicapped tag when she's going to a big event. She's too embarrassed to use it at the grocery store, but she'll use it at the movies or a concert for sure. It was obtained legally, of course, but although she walks miles a day for exercise she can't be bothered with the inconvenience if it's a large parking lot (and she freely admits to 'gaming the system'). She'd probably use it at Disney, too, and then walk all over the parks.
On the other hand we have friends whose son is autistic. You wouldn't know by looking at him. He's 12 and does not speak, most think he's just 'quiet'. People usually don't know until something sets him off. They go to DW every year but they have to stay in the exact same room every time, take the same schedule of visiting the parks, eat at the exact same restaurants at the same time on the same days. Otherwise he can't cope. It takes a huge effort to manage his expectations, and I'm sure they probably use a GAC, and justifiably so.
So are people abusing the GAC? Of course they are. But I will gladly wait in line without judging those with a GAC (now that I know they exist) because of karma, that's why. In my family we plan ahead, use the Fast Pass system, bring hats for shade, and have fun talking to each other in line. All with a clear conscience.
The onus is on Disney to crack down on this, but it is a psychological nightmare to do so. In my experience, those with legitimate disabilities will be happy to provide necessary documentation in a pleasant manner, if the requirements are well known and understood ahead of time. It's dealing with those who are offended by someone questioning their feelings of entitlement that would be the hard part. Or having to face the disappointment of someone who can't comply with documentation because they didn't know about it. I would not want that job.
Enough with my soapbox, here is what actually shocked me in this thread:
Bookmarks