Adult issues...how do you handle situations? Panic/PTSD,

[SueM in MN]

Here's a link to a thread on the Theme Parks Board about panic attacks that might be helpful to you.

 

[shades]

We just returned last night after 10 days in the parks. The crowds seem to be larger than last year during the same time frame. I didn't request a GAC until our third night in a park. We did utilize the "fast pass" system and I skipped rides I know will trigger a panic attack. It was during the third night, while I was waiting for my family to ride the Great Movie Ride that I became really frustrated I couldn't ride certain rides and went to the GAC. The CM I spoke to was VERY nice and quick to help me. They were not real busy and the room is set up with a few counters and he met me at the door and as soon as I told him I needed to speak to someone about using an alternate entrance - he ushered me to a counter. I spoke to him for about one minute, and he said he "could help me with that." He took my name, asked how many in my party and asked me to wait while he went to a back office. He came back with a GAC and a smile. I did have a letter and offered it to him but he didn't want it - it never came out of the envelope. The entire process took about 5 minutes and 4 of those where waiting for him to get the GAC.

As far as actually using the GAC on the rides, we used it on rides that we couldn't get fast passes for and/or had zigzag lines where I would get stuck in the middle of people. I only ran into one snag while trying to ride the Haunted Mansion. I asked the CM if I could bypass the "elevator." He responded in the typical HM CM somber tone: "why on earth would you want to avoid the elevator." He was loud and people were watching me. I showed him my GAC and he continued to question me. Needless to say - I could feel the "signs" and needed to escape the situation fast. I grabbed my GAC out of his hands and told him never mind and told my family to go ahead and I'd wait for them. It was then that he realized that he pushed the issue too far. He then tried to explain in a very quiet manner that he just wanted me to understand that the elevator is just a trick and not really an elevator. I didn't attempt to explain my issue is with the confined space - and was walking away when he pulled my GAC out of my hand, opened the chain/rope so we could pass through the exit of the ride and then handed my GAC back and told me to show it to the CM at the exit and said they would get me on the ride through an alternate entrance. HELLO...that's exact what the stamp was on my GAC....duh???

Fortunately, any other time I used the GAC, the CM's usually smiled and sent me on my way through the fast pass lines. I did hear from someone that they were asked to "not use their GAC on the Soarin' ride." They didn't get an explanation on why - and I suggested they use it if they wish because of all standby lines, this one is one of the worse for triggering an attack. I had a full blown attack in this "line" because it is a massive "crowd" that feeds into individual lines. I got stuck in the middle of a million people and I trampled through them all to get out of the ride. I used my GAC to ride Soarin' a couple of times with no problems.

So - thanks to all for responding to my post with advice I really appreciate your time!

 

[SaratogaShan]

Shades,

I'm so glad you had a wonderful trip!

Shan

 

[spotdog]

I, too, understand about the zig-zagging switchback lines. It is just like standing in the middle of a crowd. Only there are ropes which are a further obstacle to getting out if you feel panic coming on. Having a movie to watch helps alot, but sometime I feel like saying "I'll wait my fair share of time, just don't make it be in the middle of people pressing against me."

On an upbeat note... every time I make it through a difficult situation I make it a point to congratulate myself and remind myself that I am capable of doing it again.

 

[SueM in MN]

Glad you had a good trip.
The CM at Haunted Mansion was a little overzealous.
One of the reasons may have been that a lot of people who have invisible disabilities might use a GAC on that ride is because of the moving walkway to board or difficulty with walking in the dark after leaving that room, not because of the elevator room and the "funnel effect" after it to get into the ride boarding area. We have seen the CMs explain to people that by boarding at the exit you will miss that part of the attraction and ask if they want to go thru a back door into that part. That is what it should be - an quick explanation of what will be missed and the option to go thru a way that will miss it or experience it (without editorial comment by the CM).

For people with wheelchairs, our experience has been that they ask if DD can walk 200 feet - when we say she can't, that's that, and we don't get the "full" explanation. Many people who are using wheelchairs and ECV, but can walk that far, do choose to go thru that room. I have heard people getting off (who I know boarded with us at the exit without going thru the first room) questioning the CM about "where that room went" , so I'm sure that's why they explain that part will be missed by boarding at the exit.
But, explaining and giving you a hard time about it are 2 different things.

 

[bumpysheep]

I am just reading this for the first time. I am glad you had a good trip. I have anxiety when I am in overstimulating places. I do not get Panic attacks though. I am 25 and have high-functioning Autism, so when I am away from home the world is pretty overstimulating and it causes anxiety. I still have to vomit once a day or so at Disney, even when I am having a good time, simply because my body is in overdrive. One thing I've noticed is a wheelchair or scooter makes me feel more secure about being very close to lots of strangers. I have spacial issues. Anyway glad you had a good time! Congrats!

Court

 

[Lives4Disney]

Shades - Thanks for the review. I am glad it turned out well for the most part! I hope you're feeling good about yourself that you went and managed your problems and everything turned out fine. Good for you for getting that GAC. I am glad it helped.


Lives4Disney

 

[shades]

I am just reading this for the first time. I am glad you had a good trip. I have anxiety when I am in overstimulating places. I do not get Panic attacks though. I am 25 and have high-functioning Autism, so when I am away from home the world is pretty overstimulating and it causes anxiety. I still have to vomit once a day or so at Disney, even when I am having a good time, simply because my body is in overdrive. One thing I've noticed is a wheelchair or scooter makes me feel more secure about being very close to lots of strangers. I have spacial issues. Anyway glad you had a good time! Congrats!

Court

I get physically ill, too! We went to the parks early in the morning during the "extra magic hour" and left after lunch for a 2-3hr break and then back in the evenings. It was our 4th day, I believe, when I got sick and missed the morning part of the day. I get so wound up that it takes a phyical toll on my body. My family went to the park and left me in the hotel that day to recooperate. After lots of uninterupted "peace & quiet," lots of crackers, and meds - I was back in the park that evening. I LOVE our time at the parks - especially during the holidays! However, we have to accomodate school schedules and can only go during the busiest times. We already have reservations for Christmas '06 at Shades of Green resort, but - those may get cancelled as we get closer to the date. Visiting the parks during this time of year is a BAD idea for someone with my issues

 

[Forevryoung]

I just got back today but I'm glad to be away from people for a bit

I was in Disney in June and I was fine with the crowds (and there were a lot!) but this past week I couldn't. I had a full blown panic attack in the que for Space Mountain (20 min advertised wait) on day two of vacation. I wound up sneaking into the Fast Pass line and saying "excuse me" to the front where I knew there was room. There I sorta collapsed in the corner and attempted to gather myself. That night I went and got a GAC. Actually, my friend got it for me because I was too upset about it. It took all of two minutes and he didn't even need to say why. I knew the crowds were pretty light but as you guys said, Star Tours, The Great Movie Ride, Soaring... If there were people in front of me and behind me without me seeing the exit my chest started to tighten and I had trouble breathing. I tried to avoid parade areas and I sat on a bench with my eyes closed after Fantasmic, Wishes and Illuminations until the crowds cleared more. The crowded busses were horrible as well.

By yesterday (Tuesday 1/10) the crowds had cleared considerably which was nice. I tried not to use the GAC... I felt like I was cheating the system but I would have sat in my room otherwise.

 

[shades]

I just got back today but I'm glad to be away from people for a bit

I was in Disney in June and I was fine with the crowds (and there were a lot!) but this past week I couldn't. I had a full blown panic attack in the que for Space Mountain (20 min advertised wait) on day two of vacation. I wound up sneaking into the Fast Pass line and saying "excuse me" to the front where I knew there was room. There I sorta collapsed in the corner and attempted to gather myself. That night I went and got a GAC. Actually, my friend got it for me because I was too upset about it. It took all of two minutes and he didn't even need to say why. I knew the crowds were pretty light but as you guys said, Star Tours, The Great Movie Ride, Soaring... If there were people in front of me and behind me without me seeing the exit my chest started to tighten and I had trouble breathing. I tried to avoid parade areas and I sat on a bench with my eyes closed after Fantasmic, Wishes and Illuminations until the crowds cleared more. The crowded busses were horrible as well.

By yesterday (Tuesday 1/10) the crowds had cleared considerably which was nice. I tried not to use the GAC... I felt like I was cheating the system but I would have sat in my room otherwise.

Space Mountain almost got to me, too - because the lighting is so dark and people walking on my heels. Star Tours is ok for me until they crowd everybody together just before the ride. Two things helped me to prevent some panic attacks - one is ensuring I'm in the middle of my family in lines and/or standing in front of my husband so he can keep people from getting too close to me. The other is carrying a backpack and swinging it around and hitting people who are "tail-gating" me. One lady actually rested her park map on my back and proceeded to discuss with her son which ride to go to next while I was standing in line for a ride. She got quite an earful from me and backed off immediately. I know she probably didn't realize what she was doing , but - I never know with my "attacks" which will happen - an angry outburst or break down in tears. If she hadn't already stuck her purse into my backside a few times prior to the map incident, I probably wouldn't have bit her head off. As it was, she needed a lesson in observing personal space - IMHO

 

[spotdog]

bUMP

 

[SueM in MN]

Oh, thank you, spotdog, for bumping this thread.