Agorophobia, Claustophobia, Panic Disorder and PTSD

[adoptivemomx2]

We are taking out first trip as a family to Disney World in September 2012. We will be staying 8 nights. My kids (DD and DS) are both 9 years-old. From what I understand, this is the least crowded time of year. Of course, "least crowded" doesn't mean "no crowds." Has anyone been in late September and can give me an idea of HOW crowded "least crowded" is?

I am agoraphobic, claustophobic and have complex PTSD. My fears include (but are not limited to lol) crowds, elevators, ecsalators, public transportation (buses, trains, planes), rides of almost any kind, and even open roads.

I'm in therapy therapy and take medications. I take Effexor every day. I have Klonopin to take if I'm going into a situation I know will cause problems and Xanax if I have an unexpected problem. Both make me terribly groggy so I would like to not take them if I don't have to. Even with the tranquilizers, I can't do most things.

I am very afraid of ruining my kids' vacation. We never go anywhere so this is a big deal. I just found out that there is no way to access the Magic Kingdom without taking a boat or a train. The thought of doing either terrifies me.

Like I said, even with the tranquilizers, I don't think I can get on. The tranqs. make me groggy and I don't remember much. I would suffer the consequences if I knew they would work. My husband will be able to take the kids on the rides and I have no problem waiting while they go. Of course, they are disappointed that I don't go on with them.

I don't even know how I can get around without taking the buses or monorail. We will drive down so we will have our car. Can we drive and walk everywhere but the Magic Kingdom? Has anyone ever dealt with this before? I really want my kids to have fun and not suffer because of my problem.

This is really embarassing to talk about. I don't talk about it in my real life because people sometimes don't understand. But I see that this community if very respectful. Thank you for any guidance you can offer.

 

[cey]

Guest relations will issue you a front of the line pass if you have medical documentation that you are unable to tolerate crowds and lines. I found this out, this year when I saw them issue one to another guest who had similar problems to you. It might be worthwhile for you to call Disney and find out exactly what documentation you require before you arrive. Have a wonderful trip!

 

[bellanotte10]

Guest relations will issue you a front of the line pass if you have medical documentation that you are unable to tolerate crowds and lines. I found this out, this year when I saw them issue one to another guest who had similar problems to you. It might be worthwhile for you to call Disney and find out exactly what documentation you require before you arrive. Have a wonderful trip!

there is no such thing as a front of the line pass. There is a GAC which is a guest assistance card. There is more about it on the disABILITIES thread! I recommend looking there

 

[WDSearcher]

We are taking out first trip as a family to Disney World in September 2012. We will be staying 8 nights. My kids (DD and DS) are both 9 years-old. From what I understand, this is the least crowded time of year. Of course, "least crowded" doesn't mean "no crowds." Has anyone been in late September and can give me an idea of HOW crowded "least crowded" is?

I am agoraphobic, claustophobic and have complex PTSD. My fears include (but are not limited to lol) crowds, elevators, ecsalators, public transportation (buses, trains, planes), rides of almost any kind, and even open roads.

I'm in therapy therapy and take medications. I take Effexor every day. I have Klonopin to take if I'm going into a situation I know will cause problems and Xanax if I have an unexpected problem. Both make me terribly groggy so I would like to not take them if I don't have to. Even with the tranquilizers, I can't do most things.

I am very afraid of ruining my kids' vacation. We never go anywhere so this is a big deal. I just found out that there is no way to access the Magic Kingdom without taking a boat or a train. The thought of doing either terrifies me.

Like I said, even with the tranquilizers, I don't think I can get on. The tranqs. make me groggy and I don't remember much. I would suffer the consequences if I knew they would work. My husband will be able to take the kids on the rides and I have no problem waiting while they go. Of course, they are disappointed that I don't go on with them.

I don't even know how I can get around without taking the buses or monorail. We will drive down so we will have our car. Can we drive and walk everywhere but the Magic Kingdom? Has anyone ever dealt with this before? I really want my kids to have fun and not suffer because of my problem.

This is really embarassing to talk about. I don't talk about it in my real life because people sometimes don't understand. But I see that this community if very respectful. Thank you for any guidance you can offer.

You can drive and walk everywhere within WDW. It may take you a bit longer to get places, but you'll get there!

You can access the MK without getting on a monorail, boat or train. There are places where you can be dropped off near MK and walk in without taking any sort of public transportation. Have someone drop you at the Contemporary, for example -- it's a quick walk across the street. So that could work for you. You may not be able to park there (unless you're staying there), but you could certainly be dropped off and then walk over while someone else is parking. When you leave ... same thing. You walk back over to the Contemporary and then have someone pick you up. Easy peasy!

The crowd situation will be challenging -- even at the least crowded of times, MK is crowded. Epcot will be your best bet for "open space" -- there's a lot more real estate there and people can spread out. Animal Kingdom is, IMO, the most claustrophobic of the parks due to all the foliage and the narrower trails.

I would concentrate your park time first thing in the morning and see how much you can see and how many rides your kids can do before it really starts to get crowded. Early mornings don't seem to be too bad once the rope has dropped and everyone is inside.

While you won't be riding the rides, there are many of the rides where you can stand and watch your kids, which will certainly help to keep you engaged in the vacation. If you personally are not riding rides, you probably won't need this, but Disney has a Guest Assistance Card (GAC) that would allow you to wait for rides in a quieter, uncrowded area. If there were rides you wanted to try, this could be a way to avoid the crowding of the line / queue areas.

You should post your concerns and questions on the DISabilities board as well -- there are folks over there who deal with all sorts of physical, emotional and mental challenges as they plan their trips to WDW. I'm sure someone there has been through what you're going through and they'll have a LOT of helpful hints and provide a lot of support.

 

[WDSearcher]

Guest relations will issue you a front of the line pass if you have medical documentation that you are unable to tolerate crowds and lines. I found this out, this year when I saw them issue one to another guest who had similar problems to you. It might be worthwhile for you to call Disney and find out exactly what documentation you require before you arrive. Have a wonderful trip!

There is no "front of the line" pass -- you will be able to bypass lines and wait in alternate areas, but you'll still wait.

No "medical documentation" is required.

 

[lritt]

Wow, I am so sorry that you have to deal with all of these issues. I can empathize. I have a bit of anxiety disorder, suffer from the occasional panic attack and a bit of claustrophobia. Not anywhere near the extent that you do, but I do understand how it can feel. That being said, here are some ideas and some questions.

For getting to Magic Kingdom, I think the least stressful way to do it is by the tiny ferry boat that leaves from the Polynesian. You could park at the TTC, take a nice leisurely stroll through the grounds and take the smaller Ferry. It probably seats about 20 or so people. I really enjoyed getting to MK that way....it goes to the Grand Floridian, picks up a few people and then drops you at MK. I think it took about 10 minutes, all fresh air and sunshine. It is the least crowded option for getting to MK.

Also, get to the parks as early in the day as you can (like at Rope Drop). When we went in APril 2010 (during the east coast spring breaks), the crowds were at 8-10 levels almost every day. But we got to the parks early and once you make it through all of the people entering at the same time, the crowds thin out. In September it will be so much less crowded than April. But even then, we were able to ride about 7-10 rides by 11 or 12 and then we went back to the hotel pool until evening.

Best of luck to you!

 

[chartle]

I don't even know how I can get around without taking the buses or monorail. We will drive down so we will have our car. Can we drive and walk everywhere but the Magic Kingdom? Has anyone ever dealt with this before? I really want my kids to have fun and not suffer because of my problem.

I and I would say most people here don't have the qualifications to give you advise about the first part of your post.

A little warning, as a first post, some may think you are actually making all this up and are a troll. I'm not saying you are but it happens here so don't take it personally.

As for what I quoted. For all parks except the MK you can park your car and then walk to the front gate. It may be long but its not horrible.

For the MK your DH (Disney Husband) could drop you off at the Contemporary Resort, you could then walk to the front gate. He would then have to park the car at the MK's parking lot and then meet you there. Oh and of course you could just stay a the Contemporary.

 

[JLVermillion]

Sorry to hear about your situation,it is however a big step in overcoming your fears to just go to WDW. I also think your kids and should be very proud to have you as a mother / wife . The crowds in late Sept are not bad, If you are you.g during Food & Wine I would avoid EpcotWorld Showcase on Fri and Sat. If you have your own car you can drive to Magic Kingdom and walking from there. Enjoy your trip and be proud of your progress and self.

 

[Traveliz]

The third and fourth weeks of September have traditionally been great weeks to visit crowd wise.

If you have your car you can drive to all of the parks and then walk to the park (except for MK). You can also take the tram and perhaps get a front row with just your family to make you feel more at ease.

For MK I would recommend taking the ferry boat to the park from the TTC as its more wide open. You can get to the MK by bus (so not have to take the monorail or boat) but sometimes the buses are super busy. Another option would be for your husband to drop you off at the Contemporary and you walk across the street to MK while he parks (either valet at the Contemporary or drives back to the TTC).

Do go to the disabilities board as its likely there someone has the same concerns you do and may have better suggestions.

Liz

 

[SueM in MN]

Guest relations will issue you a front of the line pass if you have medical documentation that you are unable to tolerate crowds and lines. I found this out, this year when I saw them issue one to another guest who had similar problems to you. It might be worthwhile for you to call Disney and find out exactly what documentation you require before you arrive. Have a wonderful trip!

That is not correct information. You can follow the link in my signature to get to the disABILITIES FAQs thread.
Post 6 is about Guest Assistance Cards, which are definitely NOT front of the line cards.

For the original poster, there are ways to avoid some of the things you say are a problem for you, but not all. There is no accommodation that is going to help with all of those issues - especially as many of them occur in places that are outside of attractions.

If you come to the disABILITIES Board, we can help you out with help from people who have had similar problems to you.

My biggest question would be what your medical professionals have to say about the trip because this trip is a much bigger dose of all the things you write you have problems with than I think you realize.
With agoraphobia, have you even been able to venture outside your house yet? On a regular basis? Every day and stay out of the house for many hours?
If you are not doing that, you have a lot of baby steps to work on with your therapists before considering a trip to WDW in 7 months.
So, that is where I would start.

 

[Traveliz]

Sorry to hear about your situation,it is however a big step in overcoming your fears to just go to WDW. I also think your kids and should be very proud to have you as a mother / wife . The crowds in late Sept are not bad, If you are you.g during Food & Wine I would avoid EpcotWorld Showcase on Fri and Sat. If you have your own car you can drive to Magic Kingdom and walking from there. Enjoy your trip and be proud of your progress and self.

You cannot walk to the MK after parking you car in the MK parking lot.


Liz

 

[Lynne M]

Yes, it's true that getting from the MK parking lot to the MK requires traveling either by ferry boat or monorail.

What I would suggest is that you have your husband drop you off at the Contemporary Resort, and then drive back to the MK parking lot. The CR is just across the street from the MK bus depot, and it's an easy 10-minute walk from the resort over to the MK entrance.

Now, you can drive to all of the other parks without needing to take a boat or monorail, but the parking lots are extremely large, and you would generally need to take a tram from the row you parked in up to the entrance. Would you be OK with that? Think of it like a really long golf cart, with many rows of seats.

If not, it's possible for you to be dropped off at the theme parks. Your husband should explain to the parking lot attendant that you will not be able to ride the tram, and that he would like to drop you off as close to the park entrance as possible.

I'd also suggest that you visit our disABILITIES board. You'll find lots of lovely folks over there who have lots of experience in visiting WDW with all sorts of challenges, and I'm sure they can give you lots of suggestions to make your vacation more comfortable and enjoyable for you.

 

[adoptivemomx2]

Hi Everyone. I posted this in another forum and they suggested I post it here. I will be grateful for any guidance you can offer:

We are taking out first trip as a family to Disney World in September 2012. We will be staying 8 nights. My kids (DD and DS) are both 9 years-old. From what I understand, this is the least crowded time of year. Of course, "least crowded" doesn't mean "no crowds." Has anyone been in late September and can give me an idea of HOW crowded "least crowded" is?

I am agoraphobic, claustophobic and have complex PTSD. My fears include (but are not limited to lol) crowds, elevators, ecsalators, public transportation (buses, trains, planes), rides of almost any kind, and even open roads.

I'm in therapy therapy and take medications. I take Effexor every day. I have Klonopin to take if I'm going into a situation I know will cause problems and Xanax if I have an unexpected problem. Both make me terribly groggy so I would like to not take them if I don't have to. Even with the tranquilizers, I can't do most things.

I am very afraid of ruining my kids' vacation. We never go anywhere so this is a big deal. I just found out that there is no way to access the Magic Kingdom without taking a boat or a train. The thought of doing either terrifies me.

Like I said, even with the tranquilizers, I don't think I can get on. The tranqs. make me groggy and I don't remember much. I would suffer the consequences if I knew they would work. My husband will be able to take the kids on the rides and I have no problem waiting while they go. Of course, they are disappointed that I don't go on with them.

I don't even know how I can get around without taking the buses or monorail. We will drive down so we will have our car. Can we drive and walk everywhere but the Magic Kingdom? Has anyone ever dealt with this before? I really want my kids to have fun and not suffer because of my problem.

This is really embarassing to talk about. I don't talk about it in my real life because people sometimes don't understand. But I see that this community if very respectful. Thank you for any guidance you can offer.

 

[adoptivemomx2]

Wow! Thank you for all the great information and encouragement! I am so relieved to find I can get to the Magic Kindom through the Contemporary. SO relieved.

For the poster who asked, my doctors are fine with this trip. They are encouraging me to use the medications. I have been doing exposure exercises for years and years. I was house bound for about 6 years and have worked up to going on 3-4 day trips about half as far away from my home as Disney.

I definitely don't want this vacation to be one big exposure-therapy session, but, yes, I will be facing a lot of fears in one way or another. With the PTSD, my docs say this is a lifetime problem I will have to learn to manage. There is no "cure."

Thank you again for all of your great responses. I posted this same questions in the disABILITIES section. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

 

[Tink415]

We are taking out first trip as a family to Disney World in September 2012. We will be staying 8 nights. My kids (DD and DS) are both 9 years-old. From what I understand, this is the least crowded time of year. Of course, "least crowded" doesn't mean "no crowds." Has anyone been in late September and can give me an idea of HOW crowded "least crowded" is?

I am agoraphobic, claustophobic and have complex PTSD. My fears include (but are not limited to lol) crowds, elevators, ecsalators, public transportation (buses, trains, planes), rides of almost any kind, and even open roads.

I'm in therapy therapy and take medications. I take Effexor every day. I have Klonopin to take if I'm going into a situation I know will cause problems and Xanax if I have an unexpected problem. Both make me terribly groggy so I would like to not take them if I don't have to. Even with the tranquilizers, I can't do most things.

I am very afraid of ruining my kids' vacation. We never go anywhere so this is a big deal. I just found out that there is no way to access the Magic Kingdom without taking a boat or a train. The thought of doing either terrifies me.

Like I said, even with the tranquilizers, I don't think I can get on. The tranqs. make me groggy and I don't remember much. I would suffer the consequences if I knew they would work. My husband will be able to take the kids on the rides and I have no problem waiting while they go. Of course, they are disappointed that I don't go on with them.

I don't even know how I can get around without taking the buses or monorail. We will drive down so we will have our car. Can we drive and walk everywhere but the Magic Kingdom? Has anyone ever dealt with this before? I really want my kids to have fun and not suffer because of my problem.

This is really embarassing to talk about. I don't talk about it in my real life because people sometimes don't understand. But I see that this community if very respectful. Thank you for any guidance you can offer.

We've been in early September and crowds were low, not sure about late September. Parade routes get crowded around parade time. Yes, you can drive and walk everywhere but the MK. There is a walkway to MK from Contempory Resort and its easy to walk to MK from CR. If your family is not staying at CR maybe your husband could drop you off at CR so you can walk to MK entrance and then he could drive to MK parking and ferry or monorail over to the entrance to meet up. The walk is about 5-10 minutes and it would probably take 20-30 minutes for your husband to park and get to the entrance. There is a map somewhere in these forums that shows the walking route, you cross the street from CR and there is a walkway next to where the resort busses drop off guests for MK. Definitely avoid EPCOT on the weekends during food & wine festival. Check out the Disability forum there may be more info there. I think you'll have a great vacation

 

[rznhal]

Don't worry about ruining your kid's trip.....you won't!! I remember as a kid my dad trying so hard to get in a ride with us....I remember thinking he must really love us to do something so difficult for him

edit: he too struggled with claustophobia

 

[duffdo]

OK, first of all, you deserve a big pat on the back for wanting to face some of your problems and for wanting to make sure your kids have a good time.

I think you are quite right to be travelling to WDW when you are. September/October are indeed the quietest times to travel. I would also like to think the following tips may also help:

- Visit the parks early in the morning, as they tend to fill up as the day goes on.

- A lot of people tend to visit in the morning, leave for lunch and return in the evening, I would suggest you might want to leave or find somewhere secluded in the evening to watch any fireworks, as the main viewing areas can get VERY crowded even at low season.

- Book events/experiences that have limited numbers: During my last visit, I had a dinning reservation at the California Grill at the Contemporary Resort. This allowed me to view the MK fireworks from a viewing platform (about 15 floors up.) The platform was not crowded at all and in my opinion, gave you a better view of the fireworks than in MK itself.
I also booked a Segway tour of EPCOT, which took place before the park even opened (although reading your post, this may not be for you.)


- You can generally find somewhere not too busy and quiet to sit in any of the theme parks at low season. I found ABC Commissary in DHS to be a nice quiet/cool place to sit at times.

- Buy a guidebook, as many of these include crowd forecasts for particular days.

- In terms of addressing your transport concerns, past experience suggests that Disney transport is a very well oiled machine. Yes, transport can get crowded so you will have to be careful over WHEN you use it. In terms of accessing MK, you are right, the parking lots are at the transportation and ticket center so, in order to get to MK, you would have to use either a bus, monorail or boat.

- It might be worth contacting WDW directly to see how you can ensure your vacation is a good one.

Anyway, I really do hope you have an awesome time, as WDW is truly the happiest place on Earth!

 

[minkydog]

Hi Everyone. I posted this in another forum and they suggested I post it here. I will be grateful for any guidance you can offer:

We are taking out first trip as a family to Disney World in September 2012. We will be staying 8 nights. My kids (DD and DS) are both 9 years-old. From what I understand, this is the least crowded time of year. Of course, "least crowded" doesn't mean "no crowds." Has anyone been in late September and can give me an idea of HOW crowded "least crowded" is?

I am agoraphobic, claustophobic and have complex PTSD. My fears include (but are not limited to lol) crowds, elevators, ecsalators, public transportation (buses, trains, planes), rides of almost any kind, and even open roads.

I'm in therapy therapy and take medications. I take Effexor every day. I have Klonopin to take if I'm going into a situation I know will cause problems and Xanax if I have an unexpected problem. Both make me terribly groggy so I would like to not take them if I don't have to. Even with the tranquilizers, I can't do most things.

I am very afraid of ruining my kids' vacation. We never go anywhere so this is a big deal. I just found out that there is no way to access the Magic Kingdom without taking a boat or a train. The thought of doing either terrifies me.

Like I said, even with the tranquilizers, I don't think I can get on. The tranqs. make me groggy and I don't remember much. I would suffer the consequences if I knew they would work. My husband will be able to take the kids on the rides and I have no problem waiting while they go. Of course, they are disappointed that I don't go on with them.

I don't even know how I can get around without taking the buses or monorail. We will drive down so we will have our car. Can we drive and walk everywhere but the Magic Kingdom? Has anyone ever dealt with this before? I really want my kids to have fun and not suffer because of my problem.

This is really embarassing to talk about. I don't talk about it in my real life because people sometimes don't understand. But I see that this community if very respectful. Thank you for any guidance you can offer.

Wow. That's an ambitious plan for someone with the anxiety disorders you have. I think September is a great time to go to WDW because it is less chaotic. There will still be a lot of people, but if you try to stay in public open areas you should be okay. There aren't really a lot of wide open spaces, except at Epcot. But Epcot is the most walkable park, IMO. Not a lot of closed in spaces. I get claustrophobic when I'm confined in crowds, so I just have to do what I can to not put myself in crowds. I"m always looking for an exit and I try to keep myself on the periphery as much as possible.

ETA: I am almost sure that we walked to Magic Kingdom from...somewhere... Need to think on this a little more

 

[Brian_WDW74]

I've moved this thread to the disABILITIES! board.

 

[cosine4]

I can speak to some of your concerns. For different reasons I have developed claustrophobia when around lots of people due to people bumping me. The best thing that you can due is get a fast pass for everything possible, this will reduce your time in crowded areas. My biggest concern is what I call "funnel rooms". This is where they push a bunch of people into a big room that funnels everyone into a single file line. There really isn't pushing and shoving, but there is a lot of bumping and squeezing that I really hate. I would suggest skipping those attractions or talking with guest relations about a GAC and explain what your fears are. Off the top of my head the attractions that have these are: Haunted Mansion (MK), American Adventure (EP), Little Mermaid (HS)...I know there are more but they are not coming to mind.

I also do not like the crowded buses and much prefer having a car, it is much less stressful for me. If you have a HC placard you can park without riding the tram, if not you might have a walk but it's doable.

Most important!!! Don't worry about ruining your kids vacation. They are old enough to understand your issues and should worry about not ruining yours, so I encourage you to talk to them about all of the things you plan to do to cope and let them help.

Find a quite place to relax, there are some in every park even when it's crowded.

Don't ride anything that you don't want to. You can walk through the line with your children then tell the attendant that you are not riding. You will watch your kids get on the ride, then walk to the exit and watch them get off the ride. Very easy, I do it all the time.

If you are a morning person, getting up for park opening can give you some extra low crowd time. But the key for you IMO would be not doing rope drop as it is crowded (but disperses quickly once inside the park) and everyone is excited and in a hurry to get in. So my advice would be to get there before rope drop, go through the turnstyles but find a corner our of the way to wait. Once they drop the rope let the initial crowd pass and make your way into the park. This is a great time to do your "must sees" or things that get long waits (Toy Story Mania, Peter Pan's Flight, Space Mountain, Soarin', Kilamanjaro Safari, Expedition Everest).

Another tidbit that I always try to do to avoid crowds is eating meals as soon as the restraunts open, it is crazy how much difference there is in the wait time and trying to find a table. It takes some planning so that you are eating when you are actually hungry but if you get up early it shouldn't be a problem or you could eat a light breakfast.

Have fun!