agoraphobia--tips for avoiding crowds

[smartestnumber5]

My girlfriend is slightly agoraphobic. She's fine leaving the house and going out to restaurants, stores, taking the bus, etc. But she does get very uncomfortable and anxious (potentially the beginnings of a panic attack) when stuck in large crowds. For instance, we live near a newly opened IKEA and when we've gone there are always tons of people. She can deal with this--we can do the whole walk through IKEA, but it isn't fun for her. She says that she can take crowded conditions for small amounts of time, but she's concerned that dealing with a crowded theme park for 7 days straight for the better part of each day might be too much for her. Of course, it seems like crowds are just par for the course at Disney, so we're both nervous about it.

We'll be going in about 2 1/2 weeks. I've suggested a few things, like in the walkway areas of Magic Kingdom (i.e. Main Street) and the walkways of Animal Kingdom we should do our best to just walk quickly to wherever we're going (and to know exactly where we're going before we get near the crowd. I thought maybe it would be easier to walk through if one of us went first and the other behind instead of trying to walk side by side. But my girlfriend says she'd feel better if I would hold onto her while we're going through big crowds. Also, I'm assuming extra magic hours will be much less busy than daytime hours so we're hitting almost all of those. We're also usually not spending more than half a day at any given place without a break.

Anyone have a similar problem or have any tips or strategies? This is her first time to WDW and while she's excited, she's also nervous. I want her to have the best experience possible for her sake--and mine (so that she'll love WDW as much as I do!)

 

[minkydog]

I don't know that you can do much about the crowds, unless you commit to only going in early December or early January. I'd hate for the trip to be ruined by a panic attack. (I have panic attacks in the dentist office. If not for Xanax all my teeth would rot & fall out.) Has she used any anti-anxiety medication to help her with her fear? If not, have her talk this over with her doctor. There are many things that can be done, with or without medication.

 

[SnackyStacky]

Even during uncrowded times, there are quite a few people, and it could end up being a not fun time. Besides the walkways - once you get to a ride or attraction - you're surrounded by people in the queue. And in some cases - once you're on the ride, you're in a confined space, which could conceivably make the situation even worse.

The agoraphobics that I have known have been crippled by it - so it was severe and it doesn't sound like your girlfriend is up to that level. But Disney World could easily be an agoraphobic's nightmare. I would go with the previous poster's suggestion and get medical help. Either with drugs, or with a counselor.

 

[PrincessPatty]

You can also get a GAC for use in lines, it is NOT a fastpass, just a place where you can wait in line without being with all those people.

Also when you are eating at a CS resturant, have her sit and get the table while you wait in the crowded lines.



My sister has anxiety/panic disorder and had unfortunatly decided not to go on this trip with us , she is on meds and still isnt ready to do a park quite yet.

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

My daughter and I both have problems with crowds and the best thing we have found to do is just take time off. If the crowds start getting to us, we just leave and head back to the resort. The nice cool quiet room always makes us feel better. Later in the day, we head back out.

When dining, we usually eat at resort restaurants later in the evening. We've found resort restaurants to have more room between tables than the ones in the parks and are generally quieter.

WDW will be there later. I always say that it's not gonna sink back into the Floridia swamp. There is no reason to push too hard and not have fun.

 

[kmebee]

Also take into consideration that sometimes the morning after the evening EMH is less crowded. For example, if MGM has Evening EMH on Monday night, then Tuesday morning will be practically empty there.

 

[apirateslifeforme]

I've always had panic attacks in large crowds. Something about that feeling of being unable to escape...anyway, I found that going in the off-season is best (if possible), eating at off times, skipping parades, and FPing rides with long queues (so I'm not stuck in that long line of people). But I'm also not afraid to speak up, and if I am in a line and someone is crowding right behind me, I'll say "Please back off, you're standing too close to me" very loudly. If that doesn't work, I get in front of my companion(s).

 

[MyZoeJane]

I, too, suffer from an anxiety/panic disorder. I am on meds for it and it's better than it has been in that past, but I can completely relate to the feeling of "depersonalization" that a person can get when surrounded by crowds of people. The lighting of an area also has a lot to do with my level of anxiety.

So.. my suggestion for you would be to map out the areas of each park that are quiet and even dark. Know where to find the little theatre (it runs old Mickey toons) in MK... or the Hall of Preidents is good, too. In Epcot you can go to Anywhere she can easily get in, sit down, and relax in a dim atmosphere. If you guys are walking in crowds and she needs a break, find a tree and sit under it. Closing my eyes always helps when I start to feel overwhelmed.

Also, make sure she is very well hydrated and fed. Sometimes certain bodily functions like hunger and thirst can cause a person to feel less than stellar and can trigger symptoms in people with anxiety/panic disorders.

Also, and this is one for her doctor, obviously... I never go anywhere without my Xanax. I take it maybe once a month.... but just KNOWING I have that little white pill is often enough to ward off any attacks because it gives me a sense of control over my symptoms. If she doesn't already have a script... perhaps she can ask her doctor for a few to have on hand in the event of an "emergency."

I hope she has a great time. You're a really great friend for concerning yourself with her condition. She's very lucky to be going with you because one of the most important things a person with this condition can have is the companionship of a person who understands and cares about their condition. Sometimes that's better than any pill a person can take...

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

I am a high functioning agoraphobic. That means I have the disease but because I have never been able to find anyone who would take care of me I am forced to deal with it. I most sincerely am not trying to be 'smart' here but that is very true. I have a dear friend in Ohio who never leaves the house and it is because her husband does EVERYTHING for her.

I have found that it is the fear of the unknown that is most terrifying and since DW is no longer NEW or unknown I am almost as comfortable there as I am at home. The trip down and back are extremely stressful but well worth the pain.

I would allow your girlfriend to tell you when she is uncomfortable and possibly use a number system as to how uncomfortable she is in order to be able to judge what she will be able to do or not do. She might find herself being able to venture past her pain a bit here and there and expand her horizons.

Possibly a few extra days added to your trip would make it a lot more comfortable as well since you will be able to walk past the long lines and come back later. The GAC is an excellent idea. I use one because of some physical problems. I like it because it does not allow me to butt in the line ahead of anyone but I can wait outside instead of being crammed into the pre show hoards.

Bless you for understanding and caring about this special lady in your life but please be careful not to enable her to become more dependent than she need be. It would not be good for either of you.

Slightly Goofy

 

[msinformation]

You might want to check out the PassPorter book on Special Needs at WDW. I am not certain agoraphobia is covered, but I believe it is.
http://www.passporterstore.com/store/1587710188.aspx

You could always visit a local bookstore just to see if that topic is covered in the book or try to get a copy at a local library. I've heard from people with other special concerns that the book is extremely well researched and helpful.

Good luck!

 

[3DisneyBuggs]

If you are planning on watching Wishes I would try to be as close to the exit as possible. After Wishes there is a sea of people walking to the exit.

 

[smartestnumber5]

I don't know that you can do much about the crowds, unless you commit to only going in early December or early January. I'd hate for the trip to be ruined by a panic attack. (I have panic attacks in the dentist office. If not for Xanax all my teeth would rot & fall out.) Has she used any anti-anxiety medication to help her with her fear? If not, have her talk this over with her doctor. There are many things that can be done, with or without medication.

She is taking lexapro right now and also klonopin for anxiety. Her doctors have been encouraging her to wean herself off the klonopin because it's addictive and one just needs more and more of it over time because one's body adjusts to it (or so that's what they tell me). So she's hoping she can maybe get enough klonopin to take more than usual during the week at disney and then start weaning herself off after disney. She does have a doctor's appt (as well a therapy appt) coming up in a few days, so hopefully they'll have some good advice.

 

[faindrops27]

Ok, yes more meds than usual. Sounds like the best option.

 

[smartestnumber5]

Besides the walkways - once you get to a ride or attraction - you're surrounded by people in the queue. And in some cases - once you're on the ride, you're in a confined space, which could conceivably make the situation even worse.

You can also get a GAC for use in lines, it is NOT a fastpass, just a place where you can wait in line without being with all those people.

Thanks for the tip about GAC. I didn't even know what that was--had to look it up. My girlfriend feels okay about the waiting in line aspect as long as no one is too close to her. We went to Cedar Point last year for one of their Halloween night events and I guess she felt better while in a queue. So I'm hoping that will still be true of Disney rides (though I know the way the line works at some rides with a preshow is that they just let everyone have a free for all when the open the doors--maybe we can try to be either at the front or back of those types of lines). We will definitely keep the GAC option in mind though. I also think she's okay with the confined space issue, though I'll have to check with her.

Also when you are eating at a CS resturant, have her sit and get the table while you wait in the crowded lines.

My sister has anxiety/panic disorder and had unfortunatly decided not to go on this trip with us , she is on meds and still isnt ready to do a park quite yet.

Another good tip about the CS restaurant lines--thanks, hadn't thought of that. And sorry to hear about your sister--hopefully maybe she'll be ready sometime in the future!

 

[Dixie Luvr 98]

It sounds like she functions pretty well since she's fine with the stores. buses, etc. You wouldn't catch me at a newly opened IKEA, but I can do Disney World

My advice would be to, of course, avoid the crowds associated with big events like parades, Wishes, Fantasmic, etc. Leave the parks early or stay back and let the crowd disperse. Being trapped in a huge swarm pushing for the exit is like a nightmare for me.

Ducking into the stores is often a great option especially in the MK or AK. Not only do you get out of the crowds, the AC is refreshing.

Get to the parks and do the popular attractions early. Even with Fastpass, areas such as those around Splash and Big Thunder Mts and Tower of Terror/RnRC can be really jammed and you really have to fight your way through the crowds.

A couple of hours before closing, many areas empty out. When the crowds head for Fantasmic, many MGM attractions are walk-ons. Animal Kingdom can be nearly deserted by closing, making a great time to be there.

Epcot is great for her situation. There is plenty of open space and so many quiet, beautiful little areas to get away from the crowds. Probably why it's my favorite park

Your understanding will be a big help. A little compassion can do wonders to lower anxiety levels. It's terribly stressful to worry that revealing your discomfort is going to upset your companion(s). Sounds like she'll have great company for her first trip to Disney World.

Have a wonderful time!

 

[Karnak]

I'm not so sure that EMH is a good way to avoid crowds. My experience with the evening extra hours is that the parks (especially Epcot on Friday evenings), tend to be very crowded. But perhaps I've just happened to hit the wrong days.

Enjoy.