Disney with Type 1? How do you do it?

Most attraction queues are either covered or indoors. Choosing a cooler time of year to visit may be beneficial if the heat and humidity are particularly bothersome for you.

Is there a list of attraction queues that are not indoors or covered? I have not yet tested my BG's tolerance to heat (I was diagnosed in winter), but I might need to adjust my touring schedule so that I am avoiding the rides with outdoor queues during the hottest part of the day.
 
My second child with Type 1 was DX while on Vacation at Disney in 2004; at the age 7. She has had more then 10 trips while T1D at Disney. The summer heat has caused the most problems. Both my kids are on pumps and we typically lower their basals while at Disney because the walking and heat make BS drop drastically at times. Extra carbs on hand usually prevents this. We have fought for many many years to get get carb counts but Disney lawyers put up the wall against these being provided. So, us T1D's need to wing it.......Good Luck.

We attend FFL (Friends For Life) a Type 1 convention every summer that is based in Orlando. It alternates convention sites at the Marriott World Center and Coronado Springs Resort. It is the most amazing event for T1D kids and adults that one will ever experience.

http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/activities/Orlando2014/
 
I was at the Taking Care of Your Diabetes Conference in DC this past weekend. This organization has events throughout the country over the course of the year. (I have yet to make it to an ADA Expo because those have always been just too far away or not conveniently scheduled.) It's great to get together with a lot of others with similar problems and talk about how we handle various things. There was a Type 1 track and a Type 2 track.

I attended a Type 1 track session about apps and software used to track carbs, exercise, blood glucose readings, and meds. An explanation was given for the reason why there is no one perfect smartphone app, that any apps that might be used to determine insulin dosages would have to be approved by the FDA. Most fitness and food database apps are advertised as fitness tools, not tools for diabetics.

I suppose Disney won't give carb counts because they can't guarantee they're accurate and they'd be liable if someone relied on the counts for setting their insulin dosage and was thereby injured. It sure is inconvenient, though.
 
I suppose Disney won't give carb counts because they can't guarantee they're accurate and they'd be liable if someone relied on the counts for setting their insulin dosage and was thereby injured. It sure is inconvenient, though.


We have done 2 WDW and a cruise since dx last year and the no carb counts doesn't really phase me. We go many places in life with no information and we weight, look things up etc. and then adjust later. Need a little more insulin, no problem. A place like Disney we err on the side of conservative and I would rather he be a bit high then lows. But that is our comfort level and we are fine with that. Others may want stricter control at all times.
 
We have done 2 WDW and a cruise since dx last year and the no carb counts doesn't really phase me. We go many places in life with no information and we weight, look things up etc. and then adjust later. Need a little more insulin, no problem. A place like Disney we err on the side of conservative and I would rather he be a bit high then lows. But that is our comfort level and we are fine with that. Others may want stricter control at all times.

I have type 2. It doesn't bother me much that information is not provided, but I have learned to be suspicious of anything I didn't prepare myself. I know how to estimate and what works for me, AND I don't take insulin.

I can only imagine what it's like to be a parent of a child with recently-diagnosed type 1. I'm glad there are many tools available now to help.
 
I have type 2. It doesn't bother me much that information is not provided, but I have learned to be suspicious of anything I didn't prepare myself. I know how to estimate and what works for me, AND I don't take insulin.

I can only imagine what it's like to be a parent of a child with recently-diagnosed type 1. I'm glad there are many tools available now to help.


We have had come crazy numbers (my T1 is only 2) but on our cruise last year I told DH "I would rather be dealing with this in the Bahamas then at home ;) " We're used to crazy. When things are too "perfect" I suspect something is wrong. :lmao:
 


I'm going to refer you to the discussion about diabetes on this thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3263107

DAS (Disability Access Service) Cards are used for disabilities and the condition that causes the disability is not pertinent. Diabetes is not a disability; it is a condition that can cause disability.
The majority of people with diabetes posting on this board quickly test and treat if needed in lines and there are CMs with type 1 diabetes working in the heat.
Others do have more issues, so just asking for a DAS because you have diabetes doesn't tell the CMs what level of disability you have. Your task is to explain your needs related to your disability.

I'm actually going to combine this thread with the other thread.

This link is taking me back to this same thread?
 
My son (12 yo) just got diagnosed with T1D a week and a half ago. We didn't pick up on the symptoms because he has also gone through a huge growth spurt and it's summer. So, all of his symptoms- the weight loss, thirst, fatigue- could be explained by those two things. It wasn't until he came home from spending 3 days at a friends out of town that we realized something really wasn't right. But even then, we thought it was something like mono or strep because his throat was so raw. We ended up in ICU with extreme dehydration, numbers up to 900, DKA, and an A1c of 13.7.

We are avid Disney vacationers and our next trip is in October. This forum has been very encouraging and also very helpful. It's great to see how others have gone about their family vacation and the little adjustments to make to ensure a great vacation!
 
My son (12 yo) just got diagnosed with T1D a week and a half ago. We didn't pick up on the symptoms because he has also gone through a huge growth spurt and it's summer. So, all of his symptoms- the weight loss, thirst, fatigue- could be explained by those two things. It wasn't until he came home from spending 3 days at a friends out of town that we realized something really wasn't right. But even then, we thought it was something like mono or strep because his throat was so raw. We ended up in ICU with extreme dehydration, numbers up to 900, DKA, and an A1c of 13.7.

We are avid Disney vacationers and our next trip is in October. This forum has been very encouraging and also very helpful. It's great to see how others have gone about their family vacation and the little adjustments to make to ensure a great vacation!

oh goodness, you're so new!! Big hugs to you. And your son's dx is pretty typical, scary, but pretty typical. When my son was diagnosed it was the same; all the symptoms were there, just easily attributed to other things - normal things like starting kindergarten, a brutally hot September, deployment of his father. No one expects diabetes.

For us now, nearly 9 years into this, vacationing just requires packing a little bit extra, but otherwise it barely registers. It will be that way for you too, someday. Promise. :)
 
My 3 year old DS was just diagnosed with type 1 a few weeks ago. We have a trip planned for the beginning of September that we are still planning on going on (this will be his 3rd trip to Disney, so we go somewhat often). This thread and others on the boards have been so helpful to me!! I have my calorie king app downloaded, pocket scale, frio cooling wallet, and extra supplies on the way. Planning on testing pretty frequently as we have noticed that our little guy gets low when he plays outside and we know it will be hot in September! Any other tips out there? It is overwhelming, but I know it is doable!
 
My 3 year old DS was just diagnosed with type 1 a few weeks ago. We have a trip planned for the beginning of September that we are still planning on going on (this will be his 3rd trip to Disney, so we go somewhat often). This thread and others on the boards have been so helpful to me!! I have my calorie king app downloaded, pocket scale, frio cooling wallet, and extra supplies on the way. Planning on testing pretty frequently as we have noticed that our little guy gets low when he plays outside and we know it will be hot in September! Any other tips out there? It is overwhelming, but I know it is doable!
Just have fun. :) And test a LOT. And test at night, even if you don't normally. Bring twice as much as you think you'll need, and then a little extra. Carry low supplies with you, juice boxes or glucose tabs or whatever your son likes. Don't expect that anyone will let you jump in front of them in a line to "get a coke" (it's been suggested before..eye roll). Being prepared is the best thing you can do.
 
Just have fun. :) And test a LOT. And test at night, even if you don't normally. Bring twice as much as you think you'll need, and then a little extra. Carry low supplies with you, juice boxes or glucose tabs or whatever your son likes. Don't expect that anyone will let you jump in front of them in a line to "get a coke" (it's been suggested before..eye roll). Being prepared is the best thing you can do.

My 3 year old DS was just diagnosed with type 1 a few weeks ago. We have a trip planned for the beginning of September that we are still planning on going on (this will be his 3rd trip to Disney, so we go somewhat often). This thread and others on the boards have been so helpful to me!! I have my calorie king app downloaded, pocket scale, frio cooling wallet, and extra supplies on the way. Planning on testing pretty frequently as we have noticed that our little guy gets low when he plays outside and we know it will be hot in September! Any other tips out there? It is overwhelming, but I know it is doable!

My T1 is 2.5 so I know what you are going through. We've done WDW and the cruise since dx last year and we're booked again for November. It is harder for sure, this trip we have the CGM now which I know will be amazing. Carry everything with you at all times and test, test, test. I looked like a pack mule with my huge backpack but I never had to worry if I was running out, had a snack etc.

I don't know if you are interested but I have an awesome support group for T1 toddlers online PM me if you would like to join.
 
My son (12 yo) just got diagnosed with T1D a week and a half ago. We didn't pick up on the symptoms because he has also gone through a huge growth spurt and it's summer. So, all of his symptoms- the weight loss, thirst, fatigue- could be explained by those two things. It wasn't until he came home from spending 3 days at a friends out of town that we realized something really wasn't right. But even then, we thought it was something like mono or strep because his throat was so raw. We ended up in ICU with extreme dehydration, numbers up to 900, DKA, and an A1c of 13.7.

We are avid Disney vacationers and our next trip is in October. This forum has been very encouraging and also very helpful. It's great to see how others have gone about their family vacation and the little adjustments to make to ensure a great vacation!

OP here and reporting live from Disney. I just want to reassure you that you can do this- I was so scared to come (alone managing six year old DS)
but didn't want my DS to think that D will stop us from doing anything.
I made lists, packed twice the supplies, had a grocery delivery to the hotel for snacks/juices and really prepared for this trip. The one thing I needed was a bigger, sectioned backpack. When I packed all my stuff it was too disorganized so I wound up purchasing a new one at the hotel. You are going to be fine!! I can't believe I am here saying this as I really almost had a nervous breakdown three months ago but it does get easier. :)
 
... I can't believe I am here saying this as I really almost had a nervous breakdown three months ago but it does get easier. :)

Mich Mouse -- I remember your posts earlier this summer and just wanted to say I'm so glad it's going well for you! Enjoy the rest of your vacation!
 
Mich Mouse -- I remember your posts earlier this summer and just wanted to say I'm so glad it's going well for you! Enjoy the rest of your vacation!
Me too!

Hope the rest of the vacation goes as well.
 
OP here and reporting live from Disney. I just want to reassure you that you can do this- I was so scared to come (alone managing six year old DS)
but didn't want my DS to think that D will stop us from doing anything.
I made lists, packed twice the supplies, had a grocery delivery to the hotel for snacks/juices and really prepared for this trip. The one thing I needed was a bigger, sectioned backpack. When I packed all my stuff it was too disorganized so I wound up purchasing a new one at the hotel. You are going to be fine!! I can't believe I am here saying this as I really almost had a nervous breakdown three months ago but it does get easier. :)


So glad to hear things are going well.
 
My DH is T1. He is now on the pump, but he used to do injections for many many years. I just wanted to say, don't forget about the first aid stations! The nurses are really nice. They have refrigerators to store insulin if you need it and a nice cool clean private space to take your shot if necessary. Once we figured this out, it was so much nicer to leave the insulin somewhere that i knew was safe instead of hauling it in 90+ weather. Now that he has the pump, he rarely visits first aid, but they are there if needed.
 

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