GAC abuse to be discussed on Today Show

[Ian]

I think they probably CAN, but they are choosing not to.

Your interpretion of the situation and mine are 100% aligned.

Perhaps this recent negative publicity will prompt them to re-evaluate the situation. I think it's unfortunate that the folks who legitimately need these cards will be negatively impacted by the behavior of a few bad apples, but unfortunately that's just the reality of the world we live in today.

[Butters]

I agree with everyone assessment but if I was Disney I would leave the system as is....

I have a sister with CP, we will be taking her to the world in Sept, it is a once in a lifetime trip for her.

My question to everyone... Would we ruin a system that truly benefits those who need it to prevent the abuse of a few people. I'm sure if you look at the percentage of abusers compared to total GAC users it would be lucky to break 3%

Do I find those people disgusting? Yes... But I do not believe it is a large enough issue to burden with more regulations and rules that the abusers will just find new loopholes for.

[Mrs Bus Driver]

I would like to ask a couple of questions and take a minute to think about the answer. How many times can you remember the media over playing a story for ratings? How often does the media play on our emotions to get us to watch? I am hoping the interest in this story will wane sooner rather then later. Because this kind of publicity will only hurt those who need to use Gac.

[JMTStone]

I would like to ask a couple of questions and take a minute to think about the answer. How many times can you remember the media over playing a story for ratings? How often does the media play on our emotions to get us to watch? I am hoping the interest in this story will wane sooner rather then later. Because this kind of publicity will only hurt those who need to use Gac.

Exactly! I don't think there is as much *abuse* as the media is making it out to be. I've probably spent a few months in the parks in the past 10 years. Never has a GAC guest adversely affected my park experience.

[joanna71985]

After working in attractions, I can tell you that there is abuse unfortunately. I don't let it bother me though, as I feel fortunate I don't need to use one

[Hammer]

Just FYI for those interested:

On the Today Show tomorrow morning (5/31), Jeff Rossen will be discussing his investigation on the GAC/line skipping abuse at Disney. The preview showed undercover cameras following a family through this process.

Please remember who owns NBC. I'm sure they won't be pointing out that Universal does not offer ANY kind of pass for people in need of assistance.

After working in attractions, I can tell you that there is abuse unfortunately. I don't let it bother me though, as I feel fortunate I don't need to use one

I would like to ask a couple of questions and take a minute to think about the answer. How many times can you remember the media over playing a story for ratings? How often does the media play on our emotions to get us to watch? I am hoping the interest in this story will wane sooner rather then later. Because this kind of publicity will only hurt those who need to use Gac.

I agree that while there is abuse, I think it is a much smaller percentage than people are making it out to be. For the record, we are almost never asked to show a GAC when we take Mom into a ride or attraction. Only thing they ask is if she can transfer or not, which she usually cannot unless the transfer does not involve stepping down or up (it is very difficult for her to step into and out of a boat, for example).

[Terra]

Abuse happens in a lot of things. I don't like it but I like to think there are still far more good people than those lacking ethics.

I think it's a great show of character [and not in a good way], on the family that chose to let the cameras come with them. It's sad what they are teaching their children.

As a mom of an autistic child, we utilize GAC. I absolutely can provide proof from the doctor. However, I do think it would be an infringement on my personal rights since it is outside of a medical or educational [IEP] setting. And honestly, if they start doing that, people will find a way to 'fake' the proof as well.

But by the same token, whatever will be, will be and whatever Disney wants/needs/changes, I will do in order for my son to continue to have a magical time.

[minnie04]

I would like to ask a couple of questions and take a minute to think about the answer. How many times can you remember the media over playing a story for ratings? How often does the media play on our emotions to get us to watch? I am hoping the interest in this story will wane sooner rather then later. Because this kind of publicity will only hurt those who need to use Gac.

That is my thought exactly, wont this bring out the worst in people by showing them that there is a way to beat the system at Disney World. I have a family member that gets this pass and he is walking, talking with no visual symptoms to show what he has (MS) and it would be crazy for him to have to PROVE in some way he needs this pass i.e. medical records EACH time he goes to Disney. He can only ride a few things in a visit so he really isn’t hurting anyone by getting a pass to move forward in a line. The pass usually allows him to go through the FP entrance which at times is longer than the regular line. It just makes it easier for him as the line is always moving. I have been with him when he has asked for the pass and the cast member couldn’t be nicer to him. They never ask what is the problem or anything they are just there to fill out the card and send him on his way. I would hate for him to have to explain “well it all started when I was a baby” I was diagnosed with this illness and here are the papers to prove it” “NOW can I go and start to have fun” And what if they don’t believe him would they bring out a team of experts to make sure he has it.. I just think it’s a nice thing they offer to make a guest have a better day and if people abuse it they will get theirs in the end.

it is very sad that the women in the story SOLD her illness to a family to make money. I guess nothing suprises me anymore

[Capt_redshirt]

I would like to ask a couple of questions and take a minute to think about the answer. How many times can you remember the media over playing a story for ratings? How often does the media play on our emotions to get us to watch? I am hoping the interest in this story will wane sooner rather then later. Because this kind of publicity will only hurt those who need to use Gac.

Exactly! I don't think there is as much *abuse* as the media is making it out to be. I've probably spent a few months in the parks in the past 10 years. Never has a GAC guest adversely affected my park experience.

This is a good point. I was watching the news last night and they reported on the gun at AK and instead of it being someone found a loaded gun it became "TERROR AT DISNEY" like people were running out of dinosaur because there was one gun