Embarrassing Question on my "disablity"

[mummajea]

I really don't consider this a disablity, but it is still very debilitating (sp) for me. I suffer from extreme fear of closed in spaces. If I am in a small space that I "can't get out of" or see the exit to I go into panic attacks. We are not flying for this very reason, but driving.

Last year at DL I had probs with Splash Mtn and Pirates because of the "cave like" stuff. I had to fight my way out in reverse and was soooo overwhelmed. Is there a way to get on the rides with out going through these Ques??? I feel really bad about missing out on the story part of the rides...it is the part I usually like best "the show". but am very concerned about having another panic attack. i am not on an meds for this, though it has been discussed with my doctor. Any suggestions.

Thanks <IMG WIDTH="15" HEIGHT="15" SRC="/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif" alt="razz">

 

[SueOKW]

I can tell you this - the wheelchair entrance to Pirates is really, really narrow and dark - do NOT go there!!

It's been a while for me on splash, but I recall a similar situation as POTC.... However, on Splash, the majority of the time is spent in the outside queue with the regular folk.

Good luck to you!
Sue

<img width="200" src="http://www.geocities.com/dmurphydis/cleveland.gif">

 

[teri]

Well, I think you do need to talk to yor doctor about it. This is often treatable with medication and short-term therapy, and if it interferes with your life to the point that you are avoiding otherwise pleasurable experiences, then it would be worth trying to do something about it. I just met someone at WDW last month who has overcome a severe anxiety disorder including panic attacks and agoraphobia, with the help of medication, and she is a very happy camper. Very happy.

Many of the attractions have closed in spaces in the queue, and it seems to me that this would be an appropriate use of the GAC to get to alternative entrances at those attractions. This would be something you would ask of the CM at the entrance, to guide you to the appropriate waiting area. Sometimes the alternative antrances are closed in as well, but at least you would not be penned in with a crowd and have to fight your way out if you did decide you needed to leave in a hurry

"My brain takes a vacation just to give my heart more room..."
teri@iluvdisney.com

 

[lisapooh]

This is the same problem my older daughter experiences, Get GAC.

Pooh Bear

 

[SueM in MN]

I agree with the other posters. A lot of rides have a narrow dark place as part of the queue. You can't bypass all of it, but at least not having to wait in all of it would be a help. For most rides, wheelchairs wait in the same line as everyone else and only miss out on part of the queue that has to do with stairs.
For Splash Mountain, the alternative entrance for wheelchairs is to wait in the fastpass line outside until you get to the stairs. At that point, wheelchair users go to the exit and are not waiting anywhere small and confined.
The medication idea is a good one to pursue with your doctor. I am on a medication for a heart problem that is also used for panic attacks (which I also have). It has helped a lot.

SueM in MN
Co-Moderator of disABILITIES

 

[Pud'nHead]

I saw a special on phobias on PBS a while back (That makes me an expert, right?). they followed a young boy with a fear of dogs, a woman with a fear of birds (couldn't even be near a feather), and another woman who was deathly afraid of mice (Panicked even when she saw cartoons of mice).

The Doctor involved in their treatment had them all coming to terms with their fears within 1 day. It was incredible. I'm sure the same sort of treatment must be available for claustrophobia?

Mike in the Maritimes
35 Days and counting....