Mild PTSD, Panic Disorder and the GAC

heyitsmejosh

DIS Veteran
Joined
Feb 9, 2012
i'm an annual pass holder and i do go to disney a few times a year, i'm a vet and i have mild ptsd and i get panic attacks.. usually im fine at disney i go on rides mostly at non busy times like late at night during EMH, i do either fast pass or single riders when i can. my issue is at times when im stuck in a place or building in a crowd for a long period of time i start to freak out and can have a panic attacks, it pretty much ruins my day since at that point i want to go back to the hotel room. i was just curious what getting a GAC can do for me? ive read a lot of faqs and i'm still kinda fuzzy on how it would help and i'm kinda confused as to what it does. i know its not a front of the line pass but what are the alternate lines and waiting areas and stuff. just pretty much seeing if i should just stick to
 
GAC for individual who can not manage the enviroment of crowded lines is a pretty well understood "art" at WDW due to the high number of individuals with Autism gentics who visit.
Some of our kids only use them all the time and others infrequently, but they do often save a "ruined day".

The accomidations are quite variable by both attraction and CM but they work mostof the time.

bookwormde
 
I think if it would help you not have a ruined vacation it would be worth it. Disney is fantastic about accommodating individuals with any special need. Bring the necessary information from your doctor and get one, if you need it then you have it, better to be safe than sorry.

Have a great trip, and good luck, I hope there are no instances of any panic attacks for you!!!
 
I think if it would help you not have a ruined vacation it would be worth it. Disney is fantastic about accommodating individuals with any special need. Bring the necessary information from your doctor and get one, if you need it then you have it, better to be safe than sorry.

Have a great trip, and good luck, I hope there are no instances of any panic attacks for you!!!

You don't need anything from you doctor. It is illegal for a CM to ask for a doctors note and they likely won't look at it if you bring one. Be prepared to explain what the issue is you need help with and the CM will figure out what they can do for you. Enjoy your trip.
 
I didn't mean for each CM at each attraction/ride, I meant to obtain the original GAC at Guest Services.

Am I wrong? I thought there was documentation needed to obtain a GAC??

I apologize if I am wrong.
 
I do owe an apology, I was mistaken.

I just looked it up and apparently a dr's note is not required, but can be of assistance when one's disability is not readily apparent; it can help Guest Services pass along the most appropriate and helpful Guest Pass.

I stand corrected, thank you!:thumbsup2
 
i'm an annual pass holder and i do go to disney a few times a year, i'm a vet and i have mild ptsd and i get panic attacks.. usually im fine at disney i go on rides mostly at non busy times like late at night during EMH, i do either fast pass or single riders when i can. my issue is at times when im stuck in a place or building in a crowd for a long period of time i start to freak out and can have a panic attacks, it pretty much ruins my day since at that point i want to go back to the hotel room. i was just curious what getting a GAC can do for me? ive read a lot of faqs and i'm still kinda fuzzy on how it would help and i'm kinda confused as to what it does. i know its not a front of the line pass but what are the alternate lines and waiting areas and stuff. just pretty much seeing if i should just stick to

While I don't know anything about the GAC, I wanted to tell you I can absolutely sympathize.
Panic attacks are horrendous and you are right, once you have one, the day is pretty much ruined at that point.
I get them very very rarely, but my trigger is claustraphobia or "being stuck" as you described.
I had never ever had a panic attack at Disney, and then one day we got stuck on Splash Mountain. It was no big deal until I thought "Hey, I wonder if I could wiggle out of here if I had to (not that I was even going to). I quickly realized that because of the park bag around me, and the lap bar I was stuck.
Cue MASSIVE panic attack.
I managed to stay quiet and breathe, but avoided anything with restraints for the rest of our trip:sad2:

One thing that works wonders for me is Lorazipam. Only as needed. I only get it for flying and vacation. Even just having it in my bag is enough to be calm and not need it.

So if you don't have a prescription please consider speaking to your doctor about something to help in Emergencies.

I hope that helps.. I don't mean to overstep your boundaries.:)
 


sweet thanks!! i guess ill just get it just incase, like i said the only things that might be a problem are rides that have lines indoors like star tours and space mountain.
 

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