Long story short, last summer I was in a really bad car accident. Since then, I have problems with PTSD, anxiety, and dissociative issues. I haven't been back to WDW since all of these issues began. I see a therapist regularly who has issues of her own and loves Disney, and she recommended I try the
DAS pass. I had never heard of this before, so I've been creeping through the boards trying to read up.
I will be in Disney in about a week (yay!) and have been there before, so it is familiar territory for me. What I am honestly terrified about though is that crowds, tight spaces, and occasional loud crashes/bangs can bring on panic attacks and it's happened to me recently at concerts and whatnot. I'm really scared about being crammed in a line, crowd, seating area, etc. and start to panic and need to leave. I'm mostly worried about enclosed lines that are inside, like the Splash Mountain queue for example. It is just my partner and myself going, so we can't really create a border around me on lines. I am also scared of even asking for the DAS pass itself because of my anxiety, and I don't want to waste anyone else's time who have greater issues to deal with.
WDW is my happy place and I'm scared of having a full on freak-out, especially in such a public place. I would really appreciate any and all help regarding the DAS pass, quiet areas, panic attack escape routes, etc. It would really make this experience a thousand times better for me.
First of all, congratulations on returning to Disney World after your accident! I fully understand; I was involved in an accident this past January that broke multiple bones on the right side of my body, and I just recently "graduated" from PT!
So, as of today, I'm staring down the barrel of an impromptu "girls only" (the best kind LOL) trip next month, for the first time since my accident as well. And I get it - there's a part of me that for a long time was worried about some of the same things you are.
But here's what I realized, and it made me feel so much better: I already *know* Disney World. I know what to expect. I know where the loud sounds can be expected (fireworks, certain rides, shows, etc) and I know how the lines work. I'm not trying anything new this trip - I'm sticking to the tried and true.
My strategy for loud sounds and sharp noises? Those little foamy in-ear earplugs. They won't block out everything, but they will help with fireworks and other loud, boomy sounds. You could wear them all the time if you decided to, until you see how you do. It may be that because you are in a familiar place, and you know what to expect that you won't need them - but having them in case you do need them might be a good idea.
Remember that when you go to Guest Relations to talk about your DAS that you don't have to talk about anything other than *how* using it will help you. You don't have to talk about the accident, or your injuries or how you feel. You just have to explain HOW the DAS will help you. You can practice talking about it - maybe role play with your partner!
We can't give you a "script" or suggested verbiage; that's against the rules here. But do practice explaining HOW it will help. And I want you to remember that we are ALL Guests at WDW, and NO ONE is more important, or has greater issues than anyone else!
Additionally, it's just my adult daughter and I. We were talking today over lunch about how we are going to handle lines; she is going to stand *behind* me, and then I can let people move ahead of me (just a bit, just enough) and create the "bubble" that I have talked about in many posts around here before. The "bubble" will give me just enough personal space that I won't feel like I'm being too enclosed, or that someone could bump one of my injury sites that are still tender. So, first strategy: Have your partner stand *behind* you in lines, then allow the person ahead of you to move forward just a bit, just enough, and create your own personal "bubble"!
Indoor lines you can use the same strategy. If the queue is too dark, then you can light the way with your phone or a small flashlight - just try to keep the light in an area where it won't disturb another Guest. We LOVE the PeopleMover, but one of our family members can't ride it because it gets too inky dark for them, but they turn their phone on, and shine it down at their feet, and look at their feet until that part is over. It's not perfect, but it lets them see *something* and it doesn't detract too much from the experience for everyone else.
The First Aid locations in every park can be your "escape hatch" where you can go to have some quiet. You can even ask to lay down in a dark area, and they will do their best to help you. Make sure you grab a Park map at the entrance of each Park, and then circle where First Aid is, so that you can find it easily if you need to.
I always carry clean, cotton bandanas (I love the colorful ones!) that are folded up, in a zip-lock bag that has all the air sqooshed out of it. I can fold one to put over my eyes if I need a break, or I can dip it in ice water to cool off. They have lots of uses - mop up sweat, tie up your hair in a ponytail, hold small items tied up in a bundle... Can you tell I used to be a Girl Scout leader?
One of my favorite quiet places at MK is that little side street off of Main Street (to the right, as you walk towards the Castle from the train station). It's so lovely down in there, with all of the potted flowers, and the beautiful architecture! Similarly, in Italy/World Showcase at Epcot, there is a quiet spot on the left as you enter the main pavilion space, behind the first store, where there are some stairs you can sit on, and it's back out of the way. Morocco pavilion has several quiet little spots, not the least of which is the little jewel-box of a museum - and it's air conditioned too!
At AK, I think it's easier to find little quiet shady areas, I don't worry about it nearly as much. Hollywood Studios is probably the most difficult, but there are still little spots to look for that are a bit off the main thoroughfares. And Guest Relations at each Park usually has benches inside in the AC where you can sit for a minute - if they ask, just let them know you need to take a break in the AC. They won't care, I promise!
Your partner can also be on the lookout as you move through the parks for little quiet, out of the way spots to come back to if needed. Let your partner help by putting them in charge of this part of your trip!
We have a couple of family members who have anxiety issues, and one of the things that we found that works to help - oddly enough - is a standard dose of Tylenol (or your preferred over the counter pain relief). The therapist who told us about this years ago explained that for some folks, that can help take the edge off. It's not a full-on solution, but it can make a difference. It does for our family; they take their Tylenol when we leave the Resort in the morning, and every 8 hours until we get back to the Resort for the night.
Obviously, this is something to discuss with a medical professional first; not everyone can take OTC pain meds.
Last for today, but certainly not least is this idea: You can always rent a standard wheelchair, and use it to help create a personal zone. You can sit it in if you need a place to sit down (remember that there sometimes won't be a place to sit just because you need one, so it might be good to plan ahead) and if you don't need to use it right then, you can push it and it helps create a "buffer" zone (or a bubble!) ahead of you as you walk. A "Rollator" will also do the same thing.
I know it's feeling kind of scary and stressful right now, but let's both try and think about our happiest times at Disney World - and how we soon will be back there! If you think of a strategy or find something that works for you on your trip, I would love to hear about it too!
