Back problems at disney

[SD25]

I just recently in the past few years acquired many problems with my back (L5S1 herniated disc) and it affects my legs and feet especially when I am just standing in one place for a certain amount of time (which we know does happen in Disney!) so standing in lines for longer than 20-25 minutes is tough. I once saw a woman go through the fast pass line and show the cast member a badge or ticket of some sort. Someone in front of me asked the cast member what it was and he said it was a sort of disability card. I'm wondering how I can get one of these? Looking at me you would not know I am injured unless you watch me walk as I sometimes will limp, I'm also young and I DON'T want people to think I am faking it, so where do I go to get one of these cards and do I need a note from a doctor as proof? I usually get there at park opening which saves some waiting in line time, but there are some lines that get long immediately and those are the ones I'm worried about.

P.s I do not need or want a wheelchair, it's mostly the standing still that bothers me. Not the moving. Thanks!

And do they have anything similar to this at universal?

 

[WheeledTraveler]

I'd suggest reading the FAQ Sticky on the top of the disAbilities board. It has more information on dealing with mobility/stamina issues and on the GAC card.

The card you're thinking of is a GAC, however it will not necessarily cut your wait time (on some rides may actually increase it) and won't give you a place to sit while waiting. It also only works for attractions, not meet & greets, WDW transportation, restaurants, etc. The only people who get GACs that allow them definite 'front of line' access is some Make-a-Wish kids who are medically fragile (these days, not even all MAW kids get this). If you want to try getting a GAC, they cannot require you to provide proof, but you need to be able to explain your needs to a CM at Guest Services at one of the parks. They'll be able to tell you if they have anything that fits your needs. It doesn't hurt to ask, but be prepared that if standing in lines is your only need, to be told to rent a wheelchair or ECV.

If you really don't want a wheelchair or ECV you might want to consider renting a rollator, which is a walker with a seat. Another option would be to rent a manual wheelchair (more comfortable seat than a rollator) and push it when walking and sit in it when you need it in lines. With a mobility aid, you'll mostly go through the regular lines, but for rides where there regular line isn't accessible, you'll be directed to the appropriate entrance. There's also a map you can pick up that shows where the wheelchair accessible entrance is. If you're going to be using WDW transportation, either a manual wheelchair or rollator won't be an issue. On buses you'll be given the choice between sitting in a regular seat and holding it folded or having it & you strapped in and sitting in it. I can't tell if you're someone who is local and goes often or if you're planning a specific trip. If it's a specific trip, can you walk 6 miles every day of your trip without having problems walking as well as standing? The guest/group walks at least 6 miles per day in WDW. Most of that is between attractions where nothing can be done to shorten the distance. There are lines that are as much as 1/4 mile long one-way where there is no shorter line. Even though you don't realize it, the mileage adds up. If can't manage that for the length of your trip, you might want to consider renting an ECV from offsite. You can rent in the parks, but they do run out of ECVs some days and are substantially more expensive than an offsite rental. An ECV just would give you more freedom if you can't walk the distances than a manual wheelchair (where you'd need to be pushed because the rental ones are too big and heavy to push yourself in). If you're local and have a season pass, then it's easier to limit how far you walk since you don't need to try to as fit as much into a finite amount of time.

You wouldn't be the youngest person at WDW with a mobility aid and who cares what people you'll probably never see again think? I've been using a wheelchair at WDW since I was 21/22ish and look non-disabled most of the time. The first time I also could transfer easily to pretty much any ride and walk a bit if they needed me to (never enough for an entire line). I have never noticed comments if they were made. I'm always far too wrapped up in how much fun I'm having.

If you really want to avoid a mobility aid completely, it will probably help for you to use some of the touring plan apps. There are ones that can tell you what's going to be busiest when (not just specific rides, but areas) and some of the phone ones may even be able to give you wait times live while you're in the park. Along with park opening, parades are often a good time, as well as during Wishes.

 

[SD25]

I'd suggest reading the FAQ Sticky on the top of the disAbilities board. It has more information on dealing with mobility/stamina issues and on the GAC card.

The card you're thinking of is a GAC, however it will not necessarily cut your wait time (on some rides may actually increase it) and won't give you a place to sit while waiting. It also only works for attractions, not meet & greets, WDW transportation, restaurants, etc. The only people who get GACs that allow them definite 'front of line' access is some Make-a-Wish kids who are medically fragile (these days, not even all MAW kids get this). If you want to try getting a GAC, they cannot require you to provide proof, but you need to be able to explain your needs to a CM at Guest Services at one of the parks. They'll be able to tell you if they have anything that fits your needs. It doesn't hurt to ask, but be prepared that if standing in lines is your only need, to be told to rent a wheelchair or ECV.

If you really don't want a wheelchair or ECV you might want to consider renting a rollator, which is a walker with a seat. Another option would be to rent a manual wheelchair (more comfortable seat than a rollator) and push it when walking and sit in it when you need it in lines. With a mobility aid, you'll mostly go through the regular lines, but for rides where there regular line isn't accessible, you'll be directed to the appropriate entrance. There's also a map you can pick up that shows where the wheelchair accessible entrance is. If you're going to be using WDW transportation, either a manual wheelchair or rollator won't be an issue. On buses you'll be given the choice between sitting in a regular seat and holding it folded or having it & you strapped in and sitting in it. I can't tell if you're someone who is local and goes often or if you're planning a specific trip. If it's a specific trip, can you walk 6 miles every day of your trip without having problems walking as well as standing? The guest/group walks at least 6 miles per day in WDW. Most of that is between attractions where nothing can be done to shorten the distance. There are lines that are as much as 1/4 mile long one-way where there is no shorter line. Even though you don't realize it, the mileage adds up. If can't manage that for the length of your trip, you might want to consider renting an ECV from offsite. You can rent in the parks, but they do run out of ECVs some days and are substantially more expensive than an offsite rental. An ECV just would give you more freedom if you can't walk the distances than a manual wheelchair (where you'd need to be pushed because the rental ones are too big and heavy to push yourself in). If you're local and have a season pass, then it's easier to limit how far you walk since you don't need to try to as fit as much into a finite amount of time.

You wouldn't be the youngest person at WDW with a mobility aid and who cares what people you'll probably never see again think? I've been using a wheelchair at WDW since I was 21/22ish and look non-disabled most of the time. The first time I also could transfer easily to pretty much any ride and walk a bit if they needed me to (never enough for an entire line). I have never noticed comments if they were made. I'm always far too wrapped up in how much fun I'm having.

If you really want to avoid a mobility aid completely, it will probably help for you to use some of the touring plan apps. There are ones that can tell you what's going to be busiest when (not just specific rides, but areas) and some of the phone ones may even be able to give you wait times live while you're in the park. Along with park opening, parades are often a good time, as well as during Wishes.

Thanks, yeah I go to disney every year ever since I can remember. I've gone with this problem before and I noticed it was more the standing still/waiting that it starts to get aggravated. The walking doesn't seem to bother me, fortunately. Just wondered if there was something I could do to prevent that, thanks so much!

 

[lanejudy]

Thanks, yeah I go to disney every year ever since I can remember. I've gone with this problem before and I noticed it was more the standing still/waiting that it starts to get aggravated. The walking doesn't seem to bother me, fortunately. Just wondered if there was something I could do to prevent that, thanks so much!

WDW's response will be to suggest you rent an ECV or wheelchair if standing is problematic for you. If you are going with others, is it possible for them to provide a bit of a "buffer" in the line so you can do a little pacing and avoid standing still? In my experience, most lines really don't involve a lot of standing still but are almost constantly slow-moving. You certainly may discuss your concerns with Guest Relations to see if they have any suggested accommodations that might help, but don't be surprised if they only suggest an ECV or w/c.

... I once saw a woman go through the fast pass line and show the cast member a badge or ticket of some sort. Someone in front of me asked the cast member what it was and he said it was a sort of disability card. I'm wondering how I can get one of these? ...

There are different stamps for a GAC card, so without knowing that lady's particular needs, entering through the FastPass line may have been the best accommodation for her at that time. GAC stamps may be handled differently at each attraction, or even at the same attraction at different days/times.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[camper06]

I just recently in the past few years acquired many problems with my back (L5S1 herniated disc) and it affects my legs and feet especially when I am just standing in one place for a certain amount of time (which we know does happen in Disney!) so standing in lines for longer than 20-25 minutes is tough. I once saw a woman go through the fast pass line and show the cast member a badge or ticket of some sort. Someone in front of me asked the cast member what it was and he said it was a sort of disability card. I'm wondering how I can get one of these? Looking at me you would not know I am injured unless you watch me walk as I sometimes will limp, I'm also young and I DON'T want people to think I am faking it, so where do I go to get one of these cards and do I need a note from a doctor as proof? I usually get there at park opening which saves some waiting in line time, but there are some lines that get long immediately and those are the ones I'm worried about.

P.s I do not need or want a wheelchair, it's mostly the standing still that bothers me. Not the moving. Thanks!

And do they have anything similar to this at universal?

My DH has back issues and the same problem with standing still for any length of time. He gets a burning, tingling, numbness in both his legs and feet which gives him severe back pain. He does not have problems walking - in fact, it is his only form of exercise so his doctors encourage it. We take it slow and stop and sit when needed when walking through the park so as not to overdo it.

Our trip last year was the first time he requested a GAC. It worked out great for him, so I would say give it a try.

Have a great trip!

 

[andersonsc]

I would think most rides (other than fantasy land) that have really long lines shouldn't be ridden if you have back problems. so hopefully you really won't have problems with standing in shorter lines.

 

[stitchlovestink]

I would think most rides (other than fantasy land) that have really long lines shouldn't be ridden if you have back problems. so hopefully you really won't have problems with standing in shorter lines.

Well what you think isn't necessarily accurate....
Depending on the time of travel, there are other "acceptable" rides for those with "back issues" that can get long lines too.... Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, Buzz LiteYear, Monsters LaughFloor Comedy. Do I need to go on?? Actually, it's quite the opposite, there's really only a few things that you need to avoid in MK!

 

[sunshinehighway]

Well what you think isn't necessarily accurate....
Depending on the time of travel, there are other "acceptable" rides for those with "back issues" that can get long lines too.... Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, Buzz LiteYear, Monsters LaughFloor Comedy. Do I need to go on?? Actually, it's quite the opposite, there's really only a few things that you need to avoid in MK!

I haven't seen a line longer than 25 minutes for any of those, except Buzz, in a while. Buzz is a FP ride so I guess that could solve the issue.
A good touring plan and using the Fastpass system will eliminate most lines over 25 minutes at the Magic Kingdom.

 

[SueM in MN]

Keep in mind that the experience using a GAC can vary even for the same person at the same attraction on the same day. The card actually has a message printed on it that says it is not meant to shorten or eliminate waits and that guests who want to shorten their wait should use the Fastpass system. Just because you saw her enter there doesn't mean she didn't wait somewhere else first.
There are also planned changes coming to GACs, reportedly in October. So, between all those things, reports of exactly what people experienced is no guarantee of what you will experience.

Your best bet would be a touring plan that helps you know where to go when for the shortest waits.
Universal does have a Guest Assistnce Card; there are different messages. One has guests present the card to at the attraction and then they get a time to come back, based on the current wait time. The best rumors about Disney is that they will change many GACs to work in a similar way (they are leads giving 'come back' times for some attractions.

There are attractions where all guests must stand for periods of time and unless the guest has a mobility device with them, they won't have a place to sit.
A GAC will not help with those.

I am copying post 22 on page 2 f the disABILITIES FAQs thread for you. In some case, it is a pre show. In other cases, it is a gathering spot for an attraction that loads guests in batches.
Guests can also need to stand unexpectedly if an attraction goes down and boarding is stopped.

Many attractions involve a preshow or a wait in a 'holding area' for 10-15 minutes or more. Those are often shows that have guests 'collect' in a prehow area while another 'set' of guests is in the show. Once the first guests leave the theater, the doors open for the next set of guests who are waiting in the preshow area.
Having a Guest Assistance Card will not prevent you from standing in those situations. Most of the areas have a very few or no seats at all and you have to wait in the preshow area to get into the show.
Some examples of places where you would have to stand - Guest Assistance Card or not would be:
Studio
Great Movie Ride
American Idol Experience
Sounds Dangerous
Muppet Vision 3D
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Studio Backlot Walking Tour
Journey Into Narnia
One Man's Dream (This is a walking tour)
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Magic Kingdom
Railroad - there is not a preshow, but the train has to come to the station for you to board it.
Tiki Room
Hall of Presidents (currently under renovation)
Haunted Mansion
Country Bear Jamboree
Mickey's Philharmagic
Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor
Stitch's Great Escape

Epcot
Ellen's Energy Adventure
Mission Space
Test Track
Circle of Life (Movie at The Land)
Soarin'
American Adventure
Reflections of China (a 14 minute movie that has no seats, just rails to lean against)
O Canada (a 14 minute move that has no seats, just rails to lean against

Animal Kingdom
It's Tough to Be a Bug
Festival of the Lion King (you will need to wait for the next show)
Wildlife Express Train (you will need to wait for the next train - they leave every 5-7 minutes)
Flights of Wonder (there may not be a place to sit when waiting for the next show)
Finding Nemo (you will be standing during your wait for the next show)

Having a wheelchair or ECV would give you a place to sit during those kinds of attractions and would also help you cover the distances for a WDW visit. Many people don't think about how much they walk in a day at WDW, but the average is at least 3 miles per day.
Many of the lines are very long distance to walk from the entrance to the actual boarding area. For example, Soarin’ is about 1/4 mile from the entrance to the line until the boarding area. There is an equal distance from the point you complete your flight until you get back out of the ride.
A GAC would not shorten the distance and the GAC is only used in lines and does nothing to help you get from place to place.

 

[stitchlovestink]

I haven't seen a line longer than 25 minutes for any of those, except Buzz, in a while. Buzz is a FP ride so I guess that could solve the issue.
A good touring plan and using the Fastpass system will eliminate most lines over 25 minutes at the Magic Kingdom.

Well I have seen HM many times at an hour when we were there....and there is no reg FP for it. I can't wait that long for it so we sk at that point. Now I have also seen it as a walk on!!! That's when we go! But it just depends.

 

[clanmcculloch]

Well I have seen HM many times at an hour when we were there....and there is no reg FP for it. I can't wait that long for it so we sk at that point. Now I have also seen it as a walk on!!! That's when we go! But it just depends.

We ride HM at least once per trip, sometimes twice. Yes I've seen the sign show that kind of time or even longer but we never have to wait for more than one room to fill ahead of us. We never use our GAC at HM. This is what a good touring plan can do for you. There are predictable patterns that the majority of people follow in the parks. By understanding these patterns you can easily be confident that you will get to the attractions when the lines are short or even non-existant.

A good touring plan can do a heck of a lot more than a GAC in many cases. We never have to stand still in lines. We're at attractions when the lines are moving, though they may be moving very slowly but they are still moving. Shows are where we have to stand still in one place. There is nowhere in the waiting areas for shows to sit down. You can certainly wait at the back and pace while waiting (assuming CMs aren't yelling at you to move forward; this is where our GAC comes in handy because we can easily explain that we can't be in the middle of the crowd waiting to be let into the show though for different reasons than OP). We still have to wait but we wait where there's more room to move.

 

[stitchlovestink]

We ride HM at least once per trip, sometimes twice. Yes I've seen the sign show that kind of time or even longer but we never have to wait for more than one room to fill ahead of us. We never use our GAC at HM. This is what a good touring plan can do for you. There are predictable patterns that the majority of people follow in the parks. By understanding these patterns you can easily be confident that you will get to the attractions when the lines are short or even non-existant.

A good touring plan can do a heck of a lot more than a GAC in many cases. We never have to stand still in lines. We're at attractions when the lines are moving, though they may be moving very slowly but they are still moving. Shows are where we have to stand still in one place. There is nowhere in the waiting areas for shows to sit down. You can certainly wait at the back and pace while waiting (assuming CMs aren't yelling at you to move forward; this is where our GAC comes in handy because we can easily explain that we can't be in the middle of the crowd waiting to be let into the show though for different reasons than OP). We still have to wait but we wait where there's more room to move.

We "usually" ride HM if we go to MK.... I have ridden it as many as 6 times in the same trip. I have witnessed/experienced the posted time taking even longer there!! I cannot afford to get 'landlocked' in a crowd like that, so I will not chance it.
Because there really isn't an "alternate entrance", that GAC stamp can't really be accommodated there. If you watch you will see the threads pop up "complaining" about that issue. But depending on the time of day/evening, it is not uncommon at all for the wait for HM to exceed 30 min. Many times when we checked it was at 45 or 60 minutes. We did find times when it was a walk on, but not the norm! I guess it depends on when you are there...

 

[clanmcculloch]

We "usually" ride HM if we go to MK.... I have ridden it as many as 6 times in the same trip. I have witnessed/experienced the posted time taking even longer there!! I cannot afford to get 'landlocked' in a crowd like that, so I will not chance it.
Because there really isn't an "alternate entrance", that GAC stamp can't really be accommodated there. If you watch you will see the threads pop up "complaining" about that issue. But depending on the time of day/evening, it is not uncommon at all for the wait for HM to exceed 30 min. Many times when we checked it was at 45 or 60 minutes. We did find times when it was a walk on, but not the norm! I guess it depends on when you are there...

Do you mean like our Christmas trip where there was only one other family with us in the stretching room (this was December 26 so we're talking the busiest time of year)? When I recommend touring plans all the time on this board, I do it because it REALLY does make a huge difference. I'm not trying to say that long waits don't happen because they absolutely do. I'm just saying that by understanding crowd movement patterns you can avoid waiting regardless of when you're there.

 

[SueM in MN]

Do you mean like our Christmas trip where there was only one other family with us in the stretching room (this was December 26 so we're talking the busiest time of year)? When I recommend touring plans all the time on this board, I do it because it REALLY does make a huge difference. I'm not trying to say that long waits don't happen because they absolutely do. I'm just saying that by understanding crowd movement patterns you can avoid waiting regardless of when you're there.

 

[stitchlovestink]

Do you mean like our Christmas trip where there was only one other family with us in the stretching room (this was December 26 so we're talking the busiest time of year)? When I recommend touring plans all the time on this board, I do it because it REALLY does make a huge difference. I'm not trying to say that long waits don't happen because they absolutely do. I'm just saying that by understanding crowd movement patterns you can avoid waiting regardless of when you're there.

And like I said, I found it the SAME WAY during the busiest summer months... Sometimes a very long wait and sometimes a walk on!! So I don't understand what your argument was.
The only problem with touring plans is it locks you into a time pattern and for some people depending on their medical issues, that isn't always workable.

And there can be lots of other mitigating factors too...like yucky weather that helps clear the park out or the ride breaks down and you happen to be in the area when it reopens....just to name a few.

 

[KPeveler]

Time of year aside, I can tell you that Disney is going to tell you to rent a wheelchair or ECV, so that you can sit when you need to, thereby giving you the option to stand, walk, and sit. I too have problems at L5S1, and all the fun neuro stuff that goes with it.

I can also tell you that there is not a GAC that will alleviate standing. In fact, if you were to use a queue other than the mainstream queue (accessible, alternate, FP, whatever you call it), you are MORE likely to be stuck in one spot for a longer period of time. Most rides can only accommodate so many people from the alternate/accessible entrance at once, for safety reasons. This means that your most common experience will be waiting approximately the same amount of time as the stand-by time, but you will be standing in one spot for long periods of time.

Take Jungle Cruise, for example. If you do not use the standard queue, for whatever reason, you wait in a line near the exit. And you can be standing in one spot for long periods of time. This is true, in my experience, for HM, BTMRR, Splash, Space, and many others.

There is no card you can get to have you stand less - that is what wheelchairs and ECVs are for.

And, in response to an earlier post, HM, Pirates, and even Laugh Floor can be difficult for people with back problems.

I suggest looking into renting a scooter or wheelchair. Especially with changes in the works for GACs (and I think we can see a lot of small changes coming as they try new things and see what works, as with all new systems), they will be cracking down on who gets a GAC. Disney's policy for people with mobility and stamina concerns is to rent a wheelchair or scooter. And, at least here in DL, I have heard this being said to people more and more often.

I understand you must change positions frequently with this particular problem (as I said, I have it myself) and a wheelchair or scooter would only give you more options - to sit when in lines, so you do not have to stand in one place.

You do not have to use the wheelchair all the time - many people park theirs in stroller parking and only use it when needed.

I think you can ask about a GAC, but you also need to prepare yourself for the real possibility you will be told the only accommodation is to rent a wheelchair or scooter.

 

[Rowanonfire]

I have the same issue in that I have a mobility disability that isn't addressed by a wheelchair alone. I find it really hard to believe that were I to ask for a GAC, Disney would refuse to help me and I would have to suffer. Go to guest services and explain the issue. The gac is issued based on needs, and your needs mean a mobility aid alone wont solve the problem.

 

[KPeveler]

I have the same issue in that I have a mobility disability that isn't addressed by a wheelchair alone. I find it really hard to believe that were I to ask for a GAC, Disney would refuse to help me and I would have to suffer. Go to guest services and explain the issue. The gac is issued based on needs, and your needs mean a mobility aid alone wont solve the problem.

While a mobility aid may not solve the problem alone, a mobility aid used in conjunction with periods of standing and sitting, as well as taking breaks to lie down, whether in first aid or the hotel, would cover most aspects of the issue.

I am not sure what the GAC would be able to help with in this situation (I have nerve problems at the same level, so I understand the daily pain that gets worse with standing in one place for too long). Most walking that takes places would take place between the attractions.

Once at attractions, there are three main groups, shows, batch loaders, and continuous loaders (with some overlap of course). There is no GAC that would help a person not have to stand to wait for the next show, Philharmagic for example. The person with the GAC would have to wait for the next show no matter what was stamped on the card.

Batch loaders are rides like Haunted Mansion (which eventually turns into a continuous, I know), Soarin, Small World, Pirates, Ellen's Energy Adventure, Great Movie Ride, and many others. In these cases, a person is in a queue that is in one place for a period of time, then moved forward quite a bit at once, and then stops in one place until it is time for the next batch to go in. These times between batches can be 2 minutes or 15 minutes, with little way to guess ahead of time.

Continuous loaders cause the fewest problems with standing - people get on a ride continuously, like Buzz Lightyear or Nemo in Epcot, and the line gradually moves forward.

Obviously it would be the standing in one place for shows and batch loaders (which is the majority of the attractions at WDW) that would cause difficulties. Sitting sometimes, standing, walking when possible, and moving around in place would give multiple positions and multiple options to avoid standing in one position for a long period of time.

What could a GAC do that would change the above situation, with batch loaders and shows? It could not change the number of minutes spent waiting, as people are only taken in at certain times for things like shows. Occasionally a GAC will change the distance walked, but distance is not the problem here, standing in one place is the problem.

Disney does not want you to suffer, and if there is a GAC that can help, then they will provide one for you. But many people had started asking for a GAC simply because they did not "want" to have a wheelchair or scooter, even when one was offered to them free of charge.

I spend a lot of time in City Hall (it takes a while to print the sign language interpretation schedule at least once a week, plus I am in there every two weeks to renew my GAC), and many people come in saying they have back problems or knee problems, and that they cannot stand in the lines. This is when Disney suggests their best option to avoid standing is to rent a wheelchair or scooter, especially since the most walking is done between attractions. Then the person explains that they can walk just fine, they just cannot stand in one place. Again, the CM suggests that having a wc/ECV would allow them the option of sitting sometimes. I will not speculate on what percentage of people get a GAC or what the stamp is - I cannot see it and any numbers would just be guesswork on my part.

I am simply stating that this situation is one common for Guest Relations to hear. And at least in DL (CA), they have been very good about stressing that mobility and stamina concerns can often be met through using a wheelchair or ECV. Of course there are always situations that are not met through a seated mobility device (as opposed to crutches, canes, and other types of mobility devices).

I am not sure what a GAC can do to make standing times shorter - even Make A Wish kids need to wait for the next show to start.

The answer none of the people I have asked (not on this board, elsewhere) is why they refuse to use a wheelchair or ECV at all, even as part of a larger strategy which includes walking, standing, lying down, stretches and ice packs/heating pads (either in First Aid or the hotel), and whatever else a person does in the rest of their life to alleviate the pain the L5-S1 problem causes.

I know a wheelchair is not going to fix everything (I use one full time - I am aware of its limitations), but I really do not understand why people refuse to consider it out of hand. I have even heard people ask Guest Services to give them a GAC which allows them to sit while in line (or while their party is in line), but utterly refuse to consider a wheelchair, even when one is offered for free.

And what is a wheelchair but a place to sit in the lines?

I know it is not a cure-all, but neither is a GAC, and I am not sure what people want a GAC to provide in this case.

 

[SueM in MN]

And like I said, I found it the SAME WAY during the busiest summer months... Sometimes a very long wait and sometimes a walk on!! So I don't understand what your argument was.
The only problem with touring plans is it locks you into a time pattern and for some people depending on their medical issues, that isn't always workable.

And there can be lots of other mitigating factors too...like yucky weather that helps clear the park out or the ride breaks down and you happen to be in the area when it reopens....just to name a few.

That's a misconception a lot of people have about touring plans. Just because there is a plan doesn't mean it has to be followed exactly (or at all).

Even if you get a GAC, a touring plan can help a great deal. The most often recommended websites are www.touringplans.com and www.easywdw.com

Those websites come up with very detailed touring plans, but you don't need to follow them exactly (or even at all) to get benefits from a touring plan. You can use the basic information about which park is likely to be the busiest - avoiding that park will help you to avoid crowds. And, information about which part of that park is going to be helpful, even if you don't go on the attractions the plan is recommending for that one period.
Knowing which areas are likely to be most busy can help you avoid those parts.
The situation of yucky weather or ride breaking down are obviously unplanned, but whether using a GAC or a touring plan would not make really a difference in those cases.
Having one of the smartphone apps (the one from touringplans.com or My Disney Experience) could help in those cases because you could get more information about current wait times in the area.

We don't follow a touring plan, but do use the information from those sites to help us to the least busy places.

 

[SD25]

My DH has back issues and the same problem with standing still for any length of time. He gets a burning, tingling, numbness in both his legs and feet which gives him severe back pain. He does not have problems walking - in fact, it is his only form of exercise so his doctors encourage it. We take it slow and stop and sit when needed when walking through the park so as not to overdo it.

Our trip last year was the first time he requested a GAC. It worked out great for him, so I would say give it a try.

Have a great trip!

That is EXACTLY what happens to me! Thanks