Diabetes and DAS

[SEAmom]

We are going on our first family trip to disney world in 10 days. We have lots of travel experience and the kids have been to 12 different countries but Disney seems to require a whole new level of planning which is a challenge for this disorganized mom! I have type 1 diabetes and as of 5 days ago, all 3 of my kids have it as well. My 3 year old and 5 year old were diagnosed 2 years ago and then my other 5 year old was just diagnosed. The kids all have Animas Ping pumps and I have an Animas Vibe pump and we all have dexcom CGMs. However, despite the helpful technology we are still in crisis mode here but I can't really tell the kids we are not going to Disney so the trip is on. I have searched but I still have questions and would appreciate any assistance.

1. Are the fridges reliable enough to store insulin? Not a huge issue but ideally I would be able to keep the back up insulin cool. I have had issues in the past with hotel fridges freezing insulin. We are staying at the Grand Floridian in the outer club level building in a suite.

2. How does it work in terms of bringing bags on rides? Will I be able to keep a small cross body bag with glucose with me at all times? I can't imagine we will be going on any roller coasters so just the small rides.

3. 2 of the kids also have Celiac which I have noted on our dining reservations. Is it correct that there is no reason to notify them of diabetes since we don't restrict carbs? It would be awesome if they had carb counts but since I read they do not I am not sure what assistance we could possibly need.

4. I previously had no intentions of getting a DAS but with the newest diagnosis I think it may be helpful to have on hand just in case. I am very confused about how it works with the 4 of us. Can I just get one and use it if needed? I read the FAQs on here but I am still confused (sorry!). I know it is related to need not disability but are DAS's typically granted for concerns about needing to leave the line suddenly? I guess my largest concern with this would be waiting for an hour in line, and then needing to leave because of a kid having a low and then needing to go through the waiting process all over again. Is there any pass that could help with that?

5. Last question.... What is the best place if I need a quiet area to change a pump site? My newly diagnosed son is still very anxious about site changes so it is not possible to just quickly pop it in. Would it be the family restrooms or the first aid stations?

Thank you so much for any and all advice

 

[Bete]

In your case I think you should call Disney direct and ask these questions.

 

[kaytieeldr]

1. Yes. You can always ask a CL CM for help with the temp.
2. It's fine.
3. Correct, but it's up to you.
4. You can ask. Having read the FAQ, you're aware that it's based on need - so that's what you need to explain. Be prepared to be refused, have a backup plan.
5. First Aid

 

[Gracie09]

In your case I think you should call Disney direct and ask these questions.

Calling Disney will not give you any useful information as only the guest services cm can determine if you qualify for a das. Even if a cm on the phone said yes of course they have no authority over the cm in the park

 

[gap2368]

We are going on our first family trip to disney world in 10 days. We have lots of travel experience and the kids have been to 12 different countries but Disney seems to require a whole new level of planning which is a challenge for this disorganized mom! I have type 1 diabetes and as of 5 days ago, all 3 of my kids have it as well. My 3 year old and 5 year old were diagnosed 2 years ago and then my other 5 year old was just diagnosed. The kids all have Animas Ping pumps and I have an Animas Vibe pump and we all have dexcom CGMs. However, despite the helpful technology we are still in crisis mode here but I can't really tell the kids we are not going to Disney so the trip is on. I have searched but I still have questions and would appreciate any assistance.

1. Are the fridges reliable enough to store insulin? Not a huge issue but ideally I would be able to keep the back up insulin cool. I have had issues in the past with hotel fridges freezing insulin. We are staying at the Grand Floridian in the outer club level building in a suite.

2. How does it work in terms of bringing bags on rides? Will I be able to keep a small cross body bag with glucose with me at all times? I can't imagine we will be going on any roller coasters so just the small rides.

3. 2 of the kids also have Celiac which I have noted on our dining reservations. Is it correct that there is no reason to notify them of diabetes since we don't restrict carbs? It would be awesome if they had carb counts but since I read they do not I am not sure what assistance we could possibly need.

4. I previously had no intentions of getting a DAS but with the newest diagnosis I think it may be helpful to have on hand just in case. I am very confused about how it works with the 4 of us. Can I just get one and use it if needed? I read the FAQs on here but I am still confused (sorry!). I know it is related to need not disability but are DAS's typically granted for concerns about needing to leave the line suddenly? I guess my largest concern with this would be waiting for an hour in line, and then needing to leave because of a kid having a low and then needing to go through the waiting process all over again. Is there any pass that could help with that?

5. Last question.... What is the best place if I need a quiet area to change a pump site? My newly diagnosed son is still very anxious about site changes so it is not possible to just quickly pop it in. Would it be the family restrooms or the first aid stations?

Thank you so much for any and all advice

1 last time I went my back up insulin had some ice on it ( I have since been using it and it is fine) I kept it in a fio bag with some frozen ice water that I had from home so that might be why.

2 I had a back pack on all rides but soring so you should be fine

3 I just guessed on the carbs for the 2 meals I bought ( I was there for 6 days and had my how food the other times) calorie king app is good if you do not already have it.

4
you have to go to guess relation and tell them why you can not wait in line to get a DAS card but chases are they will tell you not if you have to leave the line for a medical problem ( Low high extra) I would inform a cast member at the ride they should be able to help you ( they have plenty of rider swap and other thing so you can go in the fast pass line when your child is ready) if you find you are having a lot of problems even after you go to guess relation go back and tell them it is not working for your family they many be able to help you

5 bathroom are clean at disney but do you really want to do a site change there as other have said first aid would be your best guess

have a lot of fun and watch out for low I know I went low a lot ( 4 or 5 trips to first aid 2 paramedic called for me and one trip to the ER )so be careful

 

[Chloesmom]

Check the temp of the fridge when you check in. Ours was jacked up to max and it froze our insulin so the next day was spent getting replacement insulin. Not fun .
You should be able to keep a bag with you . Even on soarin it's under your seat .
On the DAS explain to them your needs as that relates to waiting in standard queues. As long as you can tell them what you need and it's reasonable you are good to go . Your DAS is good for your party but say it's in your name then you have to go on any ride you use it on . I never got a DAS until dd had a serious low in line for toy story and we had to sit her down on the ground for 40 minutes with people crawling over us .
We always used a private bench or table someplace to change a site when it was new . We did use First Aid once and it was nice but it's not always close . My daughter was shy about changing them so if we could just find a quiet area it worked . Now she will change it while walking down Main Street and not skip a beat .

 

[aaarcher86]

If you LEAVE a line, the DAS won't help you. The DAS has you wait the length of the line outside the line. You'd still have to start the wait time over. It wouldn't put you back where you were.

Between FP+ and planning you should be ok! but you can still ask GR if you think it's be helpful.

We bring our backpacks on rides all the time so you should be fine with a small bag. Stay hydrated.

 

[anorman]

I haven't been since they introduced the DAS. My DD12 is type 1 diabetic and we did get the GAC when it was in place. I explained her needs when in long Disney lines. Being able to wait out the lineup in an air conditioned area makes a big difference. Diabetes itself doesn't require accomodation, but the potential for the heat masking diabetic lows was also a concern of mine since they have similar symptoms.

 

[lanejudy]

Just a reminder that each guest must use his/her own words to explain their personal needs when requesting a DAS. Please do not post suggested scripts.

 

[SMD]

What about using something like a Frio case for the insulin. Those work for several days, right?

 

[gap2368]

What about using something like a Frio case for the insulin. Those work for several days, right?

it last up to 45 hours I used one for 6 days last time I was there and my insulin is fine and I had one insulin in my bag at the park with me all the time. you may need to put it in water to recool it

 

[SEAmom]

Thanks all I feel relieved that it sounds like these are all normal concerns and should not be an issue. I have called Disney regarding the fridges but got several different answers. We will have a rental car so worst case scenario I can just run to the pharmacy and get extra insulin (I will bring extra prescriptions) but I will bring enough to try to avoid that. We will try to get a DAS but I think we should be fine with fastpass +. We are planning a low key trip with just a few hours in the parks each day and then pool time.

 

[jakeybake]

Many blessings to you and your family. My DD is 13 and was diagnosed with T1D in January of 2013 so I know what you must be going through. We go each August and have had no issues with taking a bag on rides, having to leave a line (we had to at Test Track last year) or getting a GAC. It will all work out for you.

I wish you and your family well. I know how difficult it can be with just one child so I know you are a Super Woman to have it yourself as well as 3 of your kids. Bless you!

Jay

 

[dsneygirl]

My 3 year old is also Type 1. We have never gotten a DAS (at World or Land) we just bring everything with us and treat in line as needed (or test) CGM is huge as you see those lows coming. I always carry everything with me on every ride (never had an issues) I bring an extra vile with me and then just toss it at the end of the trip if not used and in case it got too warm.

I've never bothered mentioning T1 to a restaurant because we just count and SWAG our way through.

Never had to do a site change but First Aid would be very easy to get into for privacy. Good luck. there is a family in our JDRF chapter with 3 kids and I can't imagine.

 

[buffettgirl]

I would bring a small fridge thermometer with you. A few years back there was the not so funny occurrence of the fridges at CSR freezing everyone's insulin during the Friends for Life conference. PWDs everywhere, and no insulin to spare LOL.

Personally, we use lines as down times. They're the least likely time that my son will go low. YDMV, though. As for the other questions, everyone else covered those much like I would.

As a side note, I hope you're all getting MODY testing done....

 

[anorman]

I like to be on the safe side. I may not actually use the DAS but I am hoping to have one on hand just in case there are issues. The heat of August really tends to play havoc with my DDs sugars.

 

[buffettgirl]

I like to be on the safe side. I may not actually use the DAS but I am hoping to have one on hand just in case there are issues. The heat of August really tends to play havoc with my DDs sugars.

We go in the summer too. So I know. The heat really does mess with bgs. But, the August heat is worse when you're not in lines. That's really my point. I'm not saying don't get the DAS if you feel like you want one, but waiting in line is the least likely place to see a low. You're generally not moving fast. You're generally in the a/c or under cover. and you're generally not expending energy. Plus, if you do have a low, you have time to treat a low and keep standing in line. There's nothing special about treating a low outside a line vs in a line. I never understand that. . And realistically, say you get onto Its a Small World while low. What's the big deal? Keep treating. On the other hand, walking around the parks you're completely exposed, expending energy.

Unless you're planning on sitting perfectly still in the shade, or in the A/C, the DAS is really not a benefit because it makes it more likely that you'll spend time out in the heat, walking more, getting lows.

 

[anorman]

We go in the summer too. So I know. The heat really does mess with bgs. But, the August heat is worse when you're not in lines. That's really my point. I'm not saying don't get the DAS if you feel like you want one, but waiting in line is the least likely place to see a low. You're generally not moving fast. You're generally in the a/c or under cover. and you're generally not expending energy. Plus, if you do have a low, you have time to treat a low and keep standing in line. There's nothing special about treating a low outside a line vs in a line. I never understand that. . And realistically, say you get onto Its a Small World while low. What's the big deal? Keep treating. On the other hand, walking around the parks you're completely exposed, expending energy.

Unless you're planning on sitting perfectly still in the shade, or in the A/C, the DAS is really not a benefit because it makes it more likely that you'll spend time out in the heat, walking more, getting lows.

Our plan of attack would be finding a nearby airconditioned attraction (with minimal lines) to wait out our return time such as hall of pres, tiki birds, philharmagic, monsters inc., etc. This would keep her off her feet and out of the heat. Two birds with one stone.....her insulin won't be getting cooked in her pump and she'll get a much needed/welcomed rest.

 

[gap2368]

Our plan of attack would be finding a nearby airconditioned attraction (with minimal lines) to wait out our return time such as hall of pres, tiki birds, philharmagic, monsters inc., etc. This would keep her off her feet and out of the heat. Two birds with one stone.....her insulin won't be getting cooked in her pump and she'll get a much needed/welcomed rest.

do you have Frio bags to put her pump in they work great I use one a lot to put my pump in for the middle of the day heat I have one mad for pens so it is bigger then I need but it dose the trick.

I have a DAS card not because of diabetes but other problems and for the most part if I went to another attraction while waiting for one then I would do 2x more walking a day. it is just how that works for me. but as other said most rides are in side under shade and cool for the most part. if she is small enough for a stroller you can use one and she could sit in that and not have to walk and can stay out of direct sun light ( some people get fans that can attach to the stroller)

 

[anorman]

do you have Frio bags to put her pump in they work great I use one a lot to put my pump in for the middle of the day heat I have one mad for pens so it is bigger then I need but it dose the trick.

I have a DAS card not because of diabetes but other problems and for the most part if I went to another attraction while waiting for one then I would do 2x more walking a day. it is just how that works for me. but as other said most rides are in side under shade and cool for the most part. if she is small enough for a stroller you can use one and she could sit in that and not have to walk and can stay out of direct sun light ( some people get fans that can attach to the stroller)

No, she is 12 years old and taller than I am.....not that that is saying much of course (I am vertically challenged ). I might look into the frio bag thing but I couldn't see one for pumps. She uses a belt clip also.....not a waist belt or pocket.