Hey Great to see you and hope you and Eva are doing well.   We have missed you but glad to hear about your family reunion coming up... Can you give us a few more details? Like how many is your whole famiy? how old or approx. ages of the older adults?  You know when you say GAC you do know there are different types.. Of course they will give you a GAC but they are tough when it comes to giving out a GAC with an alternate entrance. My dad had 3 strokes, parkinson's and neuropathy in his legs and they didn't think he needed one but they gave one to my mom??? So much depends on the CM you talk to .

Are they staying with you? or staying on grounds? I would love to help you and you know you will help others too but planning here and supplying detail... I have a few more suggestions but I think the older adult is not considered as "in need" as a child. Its unfortunate but alas we pay the price for years of abuse by many.

Also you say he has extreme back problems...what are the rides he can ride with ease? And we can give you more advice for traveling with our parents because we have loads of experience with that here, you will find your plans change... So again how large is the family?? remember the GAC only allows 6. 

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Hi Kyle! 

Disney has changed the GAC a little. They are now putting 2 stamps on the GAC when they are used for the elderly or situations like mine... back injuries.

They used to use 2 different cards with a single stamp. One for wheelchair entrance that allowed you to enter through an alternate entrance where there is not an accessible entrance. If there is a handicap accessible entrance then you should use the Fast Pass or go through the regular line.

The second gave you an alternate entrance. Even if there is a fast pass available you are allowed to go through that line without getting the fast pass.

Disney has cut back on the second card. What they are doing now is putting both stamps on one card. By doing that it tells the person taking the card that if the person is in a scooter or wheelchair they should get a fast pass and wait for the fast pass time or go through the regular line unless a wheelchair can not go through the regular line. This is cutting back on the number of people renting a chair to get to the front of the line. If they are in a chair they are sent to the regular line. If they can walk but have problems they will use the GAC.

Good luck. Make sure he takes breaks...

And remember, some of the rides that you would never expect to hurt do hurt a back injury. If you have any questions let me know... I found out fast that many rides are not back friendly.

I put my two cents in

Thanks for asking Rob.... the GAC is the Guest Assistance Card that is distributed by guest services to people with special needs. There are different cards and as Angel mentioned different stamps they are applying to the card. Some allow you to use a scooter or W/C into the line. Some with the alternate entrance allow you to use a different entrance than the regular line...

For example, the Haunted Mansion was built before the high demand for W/C access on this ride you enter the exit and miss the preshow or ante room and stretching room and loading hall (whatever you call it) You are loaded at the exit where they can and do slow down the line for people with limited mobility. 

Good point Rob... we have articles on traveling with elderly too... Hydration is so important in summer and try to stay out of the summer heat at midday.  Crowds are usually lower late at night and early mornings so take advantage of that too... As you mentioned your dad has back trouble.... some rides can be tough on your back....

Angel taught my mom to just enter the exit to wait for family on the rides they are skipping... rides like Tower of Terror (TOT) have wonderful A/C at the exit and my mom loves watching people's faces when they exit the ride and look at their pictures.