Agorophobia, Claustophobia, Panic Disorder and PTSD

[duffdo]

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

Could it have been one of the resorts? I know from The Contemporary, it is certainly possible.

 

[cosine4]

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

You can walk to the Magic Kingdom from the Contemporary and the Grand Floridian. You can walk to Hollywood Studios and EPCOT from the Boardwalk, Swan and Dolphin and Yacht Club (I think). You can also walk from EPCOT International Gateway to Hollywood Studios if you are park hopping, its about a 15 minute walk maybe more.

 

[disney david]

Which resort are you staying at if you don't mind giving that info?


Disney bus are like public transportation but with less stops the drivers are safe they operate safer ten public transportation due to not a set schudle. Not saying they will go slow but if you look at how many buses they run all year and the numbe of accidents are very very little they proberly have one of the best safety records. I would suggest not leavin at park closing because they will he packed and the whole area will be packed. During the day the buses should be empty one of the new buses have a seat right behind the driver so if it free you could drag their so you be the first one out not sure if that help but figure the less time you have to be on the bus.

 

[livndisney]

You can walk to the Magic Kingdom from the Contemporary and the Grand Floridian. You can walk to Hollywood Studios and EPCOT from the Boardwalk, Swan and Dolphin and Yacht Club (I think). You can also walk from EPCOT International Gateway to Hollywood Studios if you are park hopping, its about a 15 minute walk maybe more.

No, you cannot walk to MK from the Grand Floridian. There is a canal between GF and MK.

You can walk from the Cont to MK-but that is the only resort you can.

 

[NJBILL]

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!

Good Luck. I hope you have a Great Trip.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

You can walk to the Magic Kingdom from the Contemporary and the Grand Floridian. You can walk to Hollywood Studios and EPCOT from the Boardwalk, Swan and Dolphin and Yacht Club (I think). You can also walk from EPCOT International Gateway to Hollywood Studios if you are park hopping, its about a 15 minute walk maybe more.

You can't walk to MK from GF. I'm sure if you called Disney and explained your situation they may let you pay to park at Contemporary instead of the MK parking lot. It doesn't hurt to ask
If you can stay at the Contemporary- you'll be all set!! Hope everything works out for you and you have a magical vacation.

 

[cosine4]

You can't walk to MK from GF. I'm sure if you called Disney and explained your situation they may let you pay to park at Contemporary instead of the MK parking lot. It doesn't hurt to ask
If you can stay at the Contemporary- you'll be all set!! Hope everything works out for you and you have a magical vacation.

Oops, you are right, sorry for the misinformation. I always remembered seeing a walk way from the monorail and assumed it went all the way to GF. But a quick google maps search tells me I shouldn't make assumtions.

I don't think that they will let you park there even if you explain the situation, but they will let you drop off a passanger, then your husband could go park at the ticket and transportation center.

 

[100acrewoodsfan]

You have been given a lot of great advice. A few suggestions I have...

Use rope drop but if I were you I would show up about 5-10 minutes after the initial drop to let the main crowd through.

I second eating at 11ish when the CS restaurants open, much more relaxing.

If you stay until park closing hang out and window shop or people watch for another 30 minutes to an hour to let the majority of the people get off the busses, trams, monorails, etc.

I'm not sure if it would be possible but I would talk to guest relations about being about to sit in the wheel chair area for parades. You will be less likely to be crowded by last minute watchers.

If you aren't planning on going back to your resort for a break you might want to schedule a TS meal for a break.

Last trip we discovered that there are some really comfortable couches in the Contemporary on about the 4th or 5th floor hallways (by the conference area). In the middle of the day the area is deserted and is a great place for a little break/nap if you need a mini get away.

 

[DVC_Princess]

Hi! First, I want to applaud you for considering such an undertaking to give your kids a magical vacation. My father had agoraphobia and claustrophobia so I have some experience with those disorders but he would never have been able to do a WDW trip so you must be on a much higher functioning level.

To address some specific concerns, you can walk to MK from the Contemporary (however you can't use their parking lot unless you are staying there so that's not really helpful). You can drive to the TTC and then I would suggest taking the ferry. It is large and if I understand correctly, there is a fear of not being able to exit anytime you want (you feel stuck). I have never heard of the Ferry stopping unexpectedly (as can happen on trains and the monorail). It is a fairly short ride. If I were you, I would use that as a test of whether or not I could manage that fear. There will be many uncomfortable situations throughout your trip. Your therapist should discuss a coping strategy with you. Based on my own experiences, I find using my iPod to help distract me from the anxiety. I also use visualization techniques and that particular situation might require a Xanax.

All the other suggestions about rope drop and early mornings are great. For the shows, you should try to sit towards the end of the theater. You can leave at any time if you feel anxious. Eating at off peak hours is also a great suggestion. I would avoid most character meals as they tend to be hectic. Get a guidebook and examine each ride or show. Knowing what to expect should help your anxiety.

Also, someone posted not to worry about your kids. As the child of a parent with barely functioning agoraphobia, my advice is talk to your kids. Feeling embarrassed and not talking about the fears is part of that disorder but it will make your kids feel left out. Allowing them to help with a coping mechanism (such as a visualization or breathing technique) will make them feel important to you. If you can face this as a family, it will be a great vacation regardless of how much you get to see and do.

 

[SDSorority]

Hi OP. Totally feel you on this one- WAY TO GO for facing your fear! Phobias can be difficult to manage at WDW, as they are anywhere else. For me, I'm emetophobic and claustrophobic (they go hand in hand for me). This past trip was particularly difficult- lots of crying, shaking... you know the routine.

For ME, here is what worked, and then I'll give you suggestions on what might help at the end.

1- Bring a washcloth in a ziplock bag with some ice in your park bag or purse. September can get pretty hot, which in my case caused me to panic. That washcloth really helped to cool me down quite a bit if I had to be out in the sun going from one attraction to another.

2- Some of my trigger rides for my claustrophobia are: "It's Tough to be a Bug" (this one was BRUTAL for me- too much darkness and chaos), "Mission Space", whatever the Figment ride in the Imagination Pavilion is called now (lol)- too much stimulation, and sometimes Carousel of Progress and Ellen's Energy Adventure, depending on how I feel emotionally that day. Most of the time those last two are fine, but I know that I won't be able to get off of them until they're done 20-40 mins later. I always try to sit in the back/isle in shows so I can leave if I feel that I need to, but on CoP and Ellen you can't do that. MOST of the rides are so short that you're in and out in 10 minutes or less.

3- Restaurants were particularly tricky for me this past trip. Raglan Road at DTD had an Irish Band playing, and it was so loud and chaotic I had to leave DH sitting at the table by himself 2 times during the meal. I went outside to get out of the noise, then into a shop to get out of the heat. Once I calmed down I was able to go back in and swallow a few bites of food before having to do it again. I had a problem at Les Chefs de France, too... too much commotion, though I didn't get up to leave hubby could tell that I was in major panic mode. Some GOOD restaurants we encountered were Jiko (we had our own little private room area), Kona (I was able to look outside the window at the trees and monorail going by), The Wave (our chef was awful about our dietary restrictions, but the restaurant itself was calm and quiet), La Hacienda (we went at 4:30pm, and the restaurant was near empty- great food, sweet server).

4- We went to the parks EARLY or LATE this trip- it was awesome (did early EMH or late EMH... got us out of the heat of the day, and out of the crowds).

Tips:

On Main St. and the front part of Hollywood Studios you can walk through the shops a good part of the way down the main drag. This will get you out of the commotion when a parade is going on (parades cause me to have breakdowns- too much stimulation with the sound/people/commotion...ick). Walking through the shops gets you out of that "in your face" type of stimulation and gets you into air conditioning, too. DH doesn't have the same problem I have, and prefers when we do this, too.

Dine during off-hours. The best thing that we did was bring our lunch to the parks and eat it in an out-of-the-way place, in the shade. Rose garden by the castle, back little alleyways in World Showcase, under a tree by American Idol at HS, Oasis area or behind the Tree of Life, and IN the lobbies of area hotels (Contemporary Convention Floor, Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, etc). Of course, we had to take transportation to GET to the hotels, but most of the time it was our own car. This just got us OUT of the hustle and bustle for a while. The hotel was another option to go back and rest for a while before heading back out. We would then schedule our dinner at 4:30-4:45pm. This was before the crowds hit and the chefs could come out and speak to us without feeling rushed about our dining restrictions.

Don't assume that you'll panic if you ride an attraction- that will make your trip miserable, and the anticipation is ALWAYS worse than the ride itself! Sometimes it's best to bite the bullet and give it a try. Here is a personal example- I had been TERRIFIED (seriously- to the point of shaking, crying, rocking- you KNOW what I'm talking about) about going on the Tower of Terror at HS. Well, one day I got the courage to just TRY it. 2nd ride of the trip, right after my first ride on RnRC (another ride that terrified me) See for yourself how I did on ToT... HAHA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VnfomXAawk (so embarrassing.... oh well, I put it up for the world to see anyway!) Ok so after I rode it I said NEVER AGAIN!! .... and then rode it again one more time that trip. It is now my ABSOLUTE favorite ride at WDW, and I can ride it with my arms up!! Now that said, you do NOT have to go that intense! Try some of the "Mild but Wild" thrills (I'm not sure if they even use those terms anymore) like "Pirates of the Caribbean" and Maelstrom. They're fun, they're cute, and you KNOW they'll be over in under 10 minutes. Watch these rides on YouTube so you know what to expect. Once you do a couple, you'll really have an enjoyable trip, and don't be surprised if your anxiety tends to float away. When I'm in the parks, my anxiety literally (other than a few exceptions) drifts away and I do better there than I do at home!

Enjoy your trip! Let me know if I can be of any help!

 

[ZehnJahren]

A few suggestions:

1) Plan on taking the klonopin and xanax. Work on learning exactly how it affects you so that you can continue your day while on them. Take them pre-emptively; don't wait until you need to take it in an emergency. If you can't remember what is happening or has happened while you're on a benzo, you probably need a smaller dose or a different benzo; does your doctor know this? Have you tried ativan for emergencies instead of xanax, for example? Have you tried valium in therapeutic doses for longer periods of time? Also, if you're having issues with memory, you may be on too high of a dose of effexor - make sure you start addressing these things now, as it takes months to make changes on a drug as serious as effexor.

2) From someone else with some specific issues, you do not have to take the boat or monorail over. I have stomach issues that cause anxiety for me in areas with no bathroom access (including while on an airplane during takeoff and landing) - I actually backed off the ferry when I was there a week ago because I couldn't bear to get on it with so many people. If you're staying at a resort, just take the bus to MK. It will take you directly to the front of MK. If that's not acceptable, take a taxi to the Contemporary and walk over to MK, then walk back to the Contemporary and take a taxi back when you're done. It's a nice little walk, and I've done it myself.

3) Another tip - if you can't bear to get on the monorail at TTC because it's so crowded, walk over to the Poly and get on. I had to do that on my last trip because I couldn't get in the long line at TTC. It really made things a lot easier, mentally.

4) If you're taking effexor, see about temporarily going on a mood stabilizer while you're on vacation, like Wellbutrin. Start it at least a month before you go and taper off afterward. Something like abilify, seroquel, or parnate (I think??) may also be helpful. Not as a permanent solution, but just something as an added help while you do a stressful trip.

5) If you need, go to first aid and request a bed if they have one; tell them you have claustrophobia/agorophobia/anxiety and that you just need a quiet moment. Then you can step away from the crowds and get some peace and quiet.

6) Go early; crowds are non-existant. I rode almost every single ride I wanted with no wait at all in around 2 hours when I was there last week, simply because I did EMH and got to the park right before opening. It's the same in every park; just step away from the crowds if they bother you.

7) Least crowded still means there are crowds. Make sure you look at the projected crowds online (easywdw.com is one of the best sites for this, in my opinion) and go to the parks with EMH early. Then, leave mid-day for a swim or a relaxing nap in your own space at the hotel; go back to the park with your family at night, or let your husband take them while you enjoy a drink by the pool or reading a book at the bar - possibly less stress for everyone that way.

8) You could also schedule an early breakfast at Chef Mickey's on your MK day, and valet park. Then you could walk to MK for the day - I hear that this is allowed as long as you're valeting, since that's a separate parking lot than Guests use at CR.

9) Otherwise, be as kind and accommodating to yourself as possible. Don't rule out rides - some are very relaxing and calming, and if you go to a show you are not trapped; sit at the end of an aisle, and if you must leave you can speak with a CM to get out. I had to do that once with the Tiki Room.

You can do it; you just need to think about your specific needs and address them before you go.

 

[SDSorority]

I can't believe I forgot about this....

have you ever heard of Rescue Remedy? Bach makes it and it works wonders getting me through my panic attacks, as does my ipod with a couple of relaxation songs and podcasts on it (I like Anxiety Slayer on itunes).

Many a time have I called my mom, sister, or husband in tears when panic strikes- can your DH or kids talk you down from it?? It's hard to get yourself to that rational place where you KNOW and FEEL that everything is ok.

The CM's will go out of their way to help you- DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK!!

 

[ZehnJahren]

I can't believe I forgot about this....

have you ever heard of Rescue Remedy? Bach makes it and it works wonders getting me through my panic attacks, as does my ipod with a couple of relaxation songs and podcasts on it (I like Anxiety Slayer on itunes).

Many a time have I called my mom, sister, or husband in tears when panic strikes- can your DH or kids talk you down from it?? It's hard to get yourself to that rational place where you KNOW and FEEL that everything is ok.

The CM's will go out of their way to help you- DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK!!

Rescue Remedy is pretty good stuff; so are things like valerian root, tart cherry, fish oil - but make sure to check with your doc. I believe you can't take rescue remedy with effexor - but I could be wrong.

 

[SDSorority]

Rescue Remedy is pretty good stuff; so are things like valerian root, tart cherry, fish oil - but make sure to check with your doc. I believe you can't take rescue remedy with effexor - but I could be wrong.

This might be true because RR does have a little alcohol in it (in the dropper version... the pestilles might be ok. There's also Hylands Calms Forte that could be taken with it without adverse affect.

 

[adoptivemomx2]

HOW have I never heard of Rescue Remedy before???? I have the Amazon page open and it has great reviews. I'm going to order some in a second...can't hurt to try, right?

You all have been so helpful. I can't thank you enough. The more information I get, the more I think, I might be able to do this!

 

[lritt]

Hi! I responded when you first posted this on the Theme Parks forum and have followed you over here. You truly have received some great suggestions. And I just have to say that I am so impressed by the level of compassion shown and the way that people here want you to have the time of your life. I have been reading the Disboards for about 3 years....I rarely comment, but I check it out almost daily. As someone who has had panic attacks and worked really hard to control them while at WDW, I can say that it is so heartening to hear all of the advice. And like a previous poster said, you can always talk to a CM. They will be so helpful. Before our last trip, when I was worrying about having a panic attack and/or passing out due to crowds, my husband said, "well, at least you'll be at Disney.....they would be the most helpful strangers ever!". And for me, just knowing that helped alleviate some of the stress.

Also, someone else suggested trying a few rides. I wholeheartedly agree. There is so much info on the web about rides....length, intensity, youtube videos....you will find all the answers you need. Maybe you could start with the shorter rides and build your way up to mild, but longer ones (like Small World).

Best of luck!!! I can't wait to hear how it goes!!!!!

 

[adoptivemomx2]

You are so right! There has been so much kindness shown to me. In the 'real world" it's hard to come by because these problems are, understandably, hard to understand. But I come here and I find such helpful and compassioanate people.

I would really like to ride some rides, but there have been times I can't even take a merry-go-round...anything that doesn't give me (perceived) chance for escape I have problems with. I feel trapped in so many situations...even riding a busor on a highway. Even long grocery store aisles give me trouble. What if I get on a ride and want to get off and can't...or worse, get off and run screaming in some place I'm not supposed to be...like the scenery section of "It's a Small World?" Would the Disney Police come get me?

These are the ridiculous thoughts I have running through my head pretty much all the time.

For the poster who asked, I think we are going to stay at Liki Tiki. No elevators or long hallways and we can take the car to the parks.

Thank you so much for all the great advice and encouragement. I feel like the more I know, the fewer problems I will have. So I think I will be hanging around these boards and asking LOTS of questions.

 

[disney david]

You are so right! There has been so much kindness shown to me. In the 'real world" it's hard to come by because these problems are, understandably, hard to understand. But I come here and I find such helpful and compassioanate people.

I would really like to ride some rides, but there have been times I can't even take a merry-go-round...anything that doesn't give me (perceived) chance for escape I have problems with. I feel trapped in so many situations...even riding a busor on a highway. Even long grocery store aisles give me trouble. What if I get on a ride and want to get off and can't...or worse, get off and run screaming in some place I'm not supposed to be...like the scenery section of "It's a Small World?" Would the Disney Police come get me?

These are the ridiculous thoughts I have running through my head pretty much all the time.

For the poster who asked, I think we are going to stay at Liki Tiki. No elevators or long hallways and we can take the car to the parks.

Thank you so much for all the great advice and encouragement. I feel like the more I know, the fewer problems I will have. So I think I will be hanging around these boards and asking LOTS of questions.

so you wont have to worry about the buses for the most part that be good just in mk you have to take the monorail or ferry over to the park from ttc.
THe other parks have parking trams that will take you to the front or you could walk.

If your at dhs i would suggest walking and stay on the left hand side because your their they have one security table and one officer so it won't be as crowed as the other ones.

 

[bookwormde]

If you have someone to drop you off have them drop you at the sidewalk just past the Bay lake tower/ Contemporary entrance and then have them go back and park and do the reverse when you leave.

If there were anyway you could swing the $ a 1 or 2br ground floor villa at beach club would be your best room since you can have an open terrace and you can walk to EPCOT and DHS. I know it is silly $ even if you rent points, but it is worth it.

Just take your time, and do not overdo.

 

[adoptivemomx2]

Thanks y'all. SO helpful.

Disney David, I see your signature line...are you involved in suicide prevention?