GAC at DL

[clausjo]

Does anyone know if DL issues the GAC like in WDW? If so, how does it work since it seems as though there are not as many fastpass rides as in DW. My son has a lot of anxiety issues and, while he's really familiar with WDW and has no real issues there, the unfamiliarity of DL may set him off and I'd like to avoid a meltdown if at all possible.

[BrerGnat]

Yes, there is a GAC at Disneyland. From what I've witnessed, if a ride doesn't have FP, you will be directed through the exit, where you will wait until a CM escorts you into/onto the ride.

We have the opposite problem with our DS. Disneyland is our "home". We never used the GAC at Disneyland. But, when we went to WDW for the first time last year, the Magic Kingdom really messed with his head (it was so similar to Disneyland, but SO different, and I think he was really confused). He had a lot of anxiety, and we knew we had to get a GAC on our second day.

You can get a GAC at either City Hall in Disneyland or at Guest Relations in DCA. It basically works the same as at WDW. Be warned, though, that the CMs at DL are a bit more vigilant as asking what your child's specific needs/issues are. When we got a GAC at WDW, the only words out of my mouth were "Hi, my son has autism and I wanted to know..."; I was then politely cut off and issued a GAC, no further questions asked beyond the size of our traveling party. When I tried to get a GAC at DL on a particularly crowded and hot summer day, the CM asked me about 5 questions, trying to narrow down what, exactly, I needed the GAC for. I think there's a lot of abuse at DL. Unfortunately, I personally know of a mom who utilizes the GAC even though her son is more than capable of waiting in line. She brags about it.

Get it, but try to not use it unless you really need to. See how your son does. Many lines in DL are outdoors, not "cattle chute" style, and most are not claustrophobic at all. He might surprise you.