A little more info on GAC and panic disorder

[NoodlesTheRabbit]

Let me start by saying I have not had a panic attack in a line in WDW. I have had them many times at home in the supermarket line, Target, etc. As long as I have a way OUT of somewhere, I am usually ok.

That being said, my father passed away in December and I have noticed I feel anxious much more often; I don't know if there is a connection. We are going to WDW in May (me, DH, mom and aunt) and I am worrying about standing in some of the lines...surprisingly, the stretching room doesn't bother me, but lines like Splash, BTMRR, etc. have those narrow lines with no escape (or anywhere to sit and compose myself!)

Is the GAC any help in this situation? I don't want to avoid those lines and not ride the rides because of the fear that "something" might happen.

Thanks! Holly

 

[shades]

Let me start by saying I have not had a panic attack in a line in WDW. I have had them many times at home in the supermarket line, Target, etc. As long as I have a way OUT of somewhere, I am usually ok.

That being said, my father passed away in December and I have noticed I feel anxious much more often; I don't know if there is a connection. We are going to WDW in May (me, DH, mom and aunt) and I am worrying about standing in some of the lines...surprisingly, the stretching room doesn't bother me, but lines like Splash, BTMRR, etc. have those narrow lines with no escape (or anywhere to sit and compose myself!)

Is the GAC any help in this situation? I don't want to avoid those lines and not ride the rides because of the fear that "something" might happen.

Thanks! Holly

I recommend that you read the other thread on this board about panic attacks, & GAC. If I'm understanding your post, you are basically asking the same questions. You will most likely receive the same responses: ie. ask your doc for emergency meds (Lorazepam, Ativan, etc); and go to guest services and explain your situation. Good luck!

 

[SueM in MN]

I agree with shades.
Also, if you haven't looked yet, please take a look at the disABILITIES FAQs thread. There is one part of that about GACs.

 

[NoodlesTheRabbit]

Maybe I am missing something...I already have prescription meds if needed. My question is if I have the GAC and I am nervous about waiting in line or having a panic attack, what will be done? I understand its use for people who have stamina issues or must be out of the sun, but what can they do for me in my situation?
I'll look again at the FAQ but I didn't get any detailed information.

 

[NoodlesTheRabbit]

"Exactly what happens depends on how busy it is, how many other people with special needs are there at the time and staffing. Some times you may be sent thru the regular standby line, occassionally the fastpass line; sometimes the person with the GAC and a member of their party will be given an alternate place to wait while the rest of the party goes thru the standby line - and then meet up with them when they get to the front. Sometimes you might be given a slip and told you can come back at the time written on the slip (usually equal to the standby time); very occassionally, you might be taken right in. It depends on what they call "attraction considerations" (which is basically the things I listed in the second sentence)."

So if I start to take an attack in a line, I may be able to wait somewhere else out of the narrow crowded queue?

 

[SueM in MN]

"Exactly what happens depends on how busy it is, how many other people with special needs are there at the time and staffing. Some times you may be sent thru the regular standby line, occassionally the fastpass line; sometimes the person with the GAC and a member of their party will be given an alternate place to wait while the rest of the party goes thru the standby line - and then meet up with them when they get to the front. Sometimes you might be given a slip and told you can come back at the time written on the slip (usually equal to the standby time); very occassionally, you might be taken right in. It depends on what they call "attraction considerations" (which is basically the things I listed in the second sentence)."

So if I start to take an attack in a line, I may be able to wait somewhere else out of the narrow crowded queue?

Sorry, I'm trying to do 3 things at once and not doing any very well.

What is available at each attraction depends on that attraction. You may be able to wait outside the narrow queue if you show the GAC to the CM before getting into the line and tell them what you need (ie - you can't wait in the narrow queue, but would be able to wait somewhere else). Some attractions are better equipped to handle requests like that than others. So, there is a possibility that what you need might not be available on a particular attraction - but at least you will know before getting in to the line.
But if you are in the middle of a queue like the one at BTMRR, there are not really any places to get out of it easily. Again, that might be something to ask the CM ahead of time to find out what best to do if you find yourself in that situation. And keep an eye out for exit signs - if needed, those will take you out of the attraction entirely.

Using Fastpass would also help a lot - there are usually not as many people in the Fastpass queue as in the regular queue, usually you are in the Fastpass queue for only 10-15 minutes (or sometimes even less) and if you do need to get out of the line, the distance is not usually as far and not as many people to get past.

I know this doesn't entirely answer your question either, but hope it at least helps some.

 

[NoodlesTheRabbit]

Thank you!!! I understand a little bit better now. I don't know why I never thought to ask the CM's what to do if I have to get out of line. Hopefully, it won't happen, but I feel better knowing I could get out.

Thank you!

 

[Meezers]

Same problems here....I went to get the GAC after almost having a meltdown at the great movie ride.

The only time I had to use it was for rides that didn't have a fast pass.....Yes....I used it for "It's a Small World" (everyone laugh now)....but instead of having to stand in the twisty line Mom and I got to use the wheelchair entrance....we still waited about the same amount of time (this was in late January) but didn't have to be surrounded on all sides...

Totally understand!

 

[faeflora]

My experience has been the following:
I get to the park and go to Guest Services and explain my situation in regards to my panic/anxiety disorder. I request a GAC. Then when I get to a ride I go first for the Fast Pass and get one if they are available if they are not I explain my situation to a CM or show them my GAC. Normally they are very helpful. I have actually had panic attacks on lines and on the bus. No more bus rides for me we drive now. So that is my story.

 

[Schmeck]

We avoid the overpacked buses (especially those ones at park closing) for exactly the same reason - I can't stand for a long time all crowded like that, and if I try to close my eyes and pretend I'm not on an overcrowded bus, I lose my balance and might hurt someone next to me by accident. We tend to walk out of the park slowly, and get on the 3rd or 4th bus back to our resort. Staying at the BC helps as we tend to be at EPCOT at the end of the day.

I also have Lorazepam, and a really nice muscle relaxant that helps as well, but both make me so drowsy that I can't take them and still function. They work great on planes though!