First time to WDW with Anxiety.

[Thefilmfreak123]

Im not sure if this is on the right board, but it was the best i could find.
During march next year I'm going to Disneyworld for the first time, its also my first trip to America. Im going with my uncle and his family who i don't see often,
Im extremely worried about going, i myself can't exactly pinpoint what causes the anxiety, but it makes me feel awful. From what i can tell, my most commen attacks are out of excitement (typical) or feeling anxious of being in new or crowded places. And of course, with disney i am going to most defiantly feel these emotions.
I also have IBS due to the anxiety. I just need advice. Can anyone tell me their personal experiences or anything useful about the parks that can help me.
This trip is supposed to be the best time of my life, but im stressing out over it more than feeling excited.

 

[lam0037]

I have severe anxiety as well as depression and while this creates a lot of problems in my daily life, they definitely tend to lessen and be more bearable while at Disney World.

Obviously, first thing is know your limitations. Another thing would be trying to figure out what exactly sets off the anxiety before you go, so you can be better prepared. One thing for me is waiting in line to order food, check in, talk to guest relations, etc. Surprisingly, I normally can wait in line for an attraction as long as its not more than 20-30 min, but a five minute wait to talk to someone makes me uncomfortable. So, I go eat CS at off times when it is less crowded and when we are checking in, I normally let someone else take care of it while I go to the gift shop or something.

Also, when plans have to change and I'm not sure what to expect the rest of the day, a panic attack will likely happen. I am a planner and so when something has to change, like it always does at Disney, I immediately sit down and try to create a new plan instead of dwelling on the fact the first plan didn't work out and just winging it.

If too much excitement can cause anxiety for you, I would suggest making a list of quiet areas in each park so you can head there when things get to be too much. Streets of America in HS are always a little quieter, and the whole area between commissary lane and starring rolls tends to be less crowded. In MK, there are rocking chairs in Frontierland where you can sit and that usually helps me. And the whole Liberty Square area can be quieter. Attractions like Hall of Presidents, Tiki Room, Country Bears might be beneficial as you sit and they can be less crowded and it's just AA and the shows stay the same so you can try to see videos of it beforehand to know what to expect. Epcot in world showcase, explore the countries. There is a lot of neat, unique things to look at it, and it would get you away from some of the crowds. AK has a lot of walking trails, both with animals (Pangani and Maharajah) as well as around the tree of life. Conservation Station tends to be more quieter and less crowded as well!

Just PM me and I can tell you about other things that work for me as well

 

[MataHari22]

Hi, Thefilmfreak123. I have suffered with anxiety and depression for many years, it's mostly in control now, but years back, it was just awful, and that was the time that I suffered with IBS, which is just awful. That is what started me off with my agoraphobia. At WDW there are lots of bathrooms. I also make sure I take medications with me in case my stomach should flare up.

For me, the things that help were eating lightly and making sure I stay hydrated when I travel. When I get anxious, I cannot eat. So, I have to make myself eat and drink, or I will just feel even worse. You cannot function on zero calories. I am able to travel to WDW, because I feel it is a safe zone for me. I have been there quite a few times before, and I mostly know what to expect. Where ever I travel, I do a lot of research before hand. I buy a guide book (I like Birnbaum's Guide to WDW. Has great photos and covers each ride and all attractions) and or look at info on line, familiarize myself with the maps and where things are. I feel less uncomfortable if I look at photos of where I'm going to be. I always feel better if I have a plan for every day. I'm not a very good spur of the moment person, I like to have a plan and adapt it if I need to.

lam0037 gave some good suggestions. There are lots of places in the parks that are cool and quiet. It's also nice to take a break and go back to the room and or hang out at the pool for a bit if you're staying on property. It breaks up the day and allows me to relax a bit if I need to. Good luck with your trip and I hope you have fun.

 

[lam0037]

Oh another thing I thought of is the fact you're traveling with extended family. If you feel comfortable enough to let them know you have the anxiety issues (you wouldn't have to share the IBS) then they can have realistic expectations as well. I know if I'm needing to go at a slower pace than others due to possible panic attacks then they tend to get frustrated as why I can't do certain things. So, if you're comfortable sharing some info it might make things go smoother and you can plan more breaks, etc. And taking a break during the day will help also back at the room or pool.

Has your uncle and his family been to America or Disney World before? Having someone experienced can help ease anxiety as well, because they can tell you what to expect, know where to go, etc.

Research everything you can. Guidebooks, forums like these, other websites, videos of rides, anything that can be of any help.

 

[Thefilmfreak123]

My uncle goes twice a year to florida.
How are the toilets there? I find using public toilets extremely uncomfortable and embarrassing at times, and are there disabled toilets around? I know I'm not disabled, but i usually use them because there secluded.

 

[aaarcher86]

My uncle goes twice a year to florida. How are the toilets there? I find using public toilets extremely uncomfortable and embarrassing at times, and are there disabled toilets around? I know I'm not disabled, but i usually use them because there secluded.

Toilets are pretty much the same as anywhere else. There are companion restrooms, but they aren't meant for able bodied guests to just use whenever.

 

[lam0037]

Bathrooms in first aid and in restaurants tend to be less crowded, which might be better for you

 

[Thefilmfreak123]

Is anyone here with anxiety on any type of medication that they find that helps? My ibs only flares up during moments of anxiety which i get often. Im thinking if i take some sort of calming pill it should solve the main issues?
I appreciate all the replies guys, its nice to know I'm not alone. Ive also taken the gudie recommendation into consideration. I found the one mentioned for £10 on amazon.

 

[WheeledTraveler]

Make sure to eat regularly and drink loads of water. Coming from outside the country and having IBS, you may want to consider sticking to bottled water. Other drinks are okay, but plain water is going to be best for staying hydrated. If you need to, set a timer for food (I forget to eat, especially when I get hot or anxious). Try to get meals at off hours when there are fewer people trying to get their food. If there are snacks you know are safe that are transportable, bring some with you so that you know you have something you can eat pretty much at any time. As much as possible, mostly keep to a similar diet as home. I know there are loads of yummy foods at WDW that you can't get at home, but you don't know how your body will react.

How much control will you have on what you do and when? If you'll be able to have input on what park you go to each day, I'd suggest looking at some of the tour planning websites that have information on what crowd levels will be like in each park. If someone in your party will have a smartphone with a US SIM (or is willing to cope with roaming data charges), I'd suggest having an app that will give you live information on wait times for attractions. If your dates haven't been booked already, I'd check the websites with crowd information even before booking. American universities give students a week of holiday in March. While they aren't the same exact week, there are 2-3 weeks in March where a large number of unis are off during the same week and WDW can be much busier during those weeks.

Regardless of how crowded the parks are while you're there, try to take a break - preferably during the afternoon when it's usually hottest and sunniest. If you're staying at a WDW resort, go back to your resort and swim or take a nap. If you're staying offsite and can't go back to where you're staying, find a quieter area (in one of the stickies there's a link to a guide for guests with cognitive disabilities which is also useful for anyone looking for a list of quieter spots) or some of the less busy indoor shows. You can, if needed, lie down in First Aid for a while, as well, to get away from the crowds. If you're staying on site and depending on WDW transportation, try to use it at off times. That can be difficult since times that are best for avoiding crowds in the parks are not necessarily ones that avoid crowded buses (i.e. rope drop).

How are the toilets there? I find using public toilets extremely uncomfortable and embarrassing at times, and are there disabled toilets around? I know I'm not disabled, but i usually use them because there secluded.

In the US, there generally aren't separate "disabled toilets" the way there are in many European countries (I'm only familiar with the US and Europe). Most wheelchair accessible stalls are just a larger stall with bars in the normal restrooms. There are companion restrooms at WDW (mostly aimed at use by disabled people who need assistance with toileting/using a restroom), but there aren't many and can have longer waits than any regular restroom will. I actually think, for you, that using the companion restrooms would likely open yourself up to more chances of a huge anxiety trigger than figuring out how to manage with the normal restrooms (you might want to look at the recent thread about bathroom etiquette to understand why). If possible, you may want to consider trying to use the general toilets with multiple stalls more often at home as you get closer to your trip.

While you're at WDW, use the restroom as much as possible. Definitely use it before entering any attraction queues. I have a "see a restroom, use it" policy at WDW. While it won't eliminate all chances of problems, it will substantially reduce the chance of being in a queue or on a ride when suddenly you need a bathroom immediately.

 

[Thefilmfreak123]

Make sure to eat regularly and drink loads of water. Coming from outside the country and having IBS, you may want to consider sticking to bottled water. Other drinks are okay, but plain water is going to be best for staying hydrated. If you need to, set a timer for food (I forget to eat, especially when I get hot or anxious). Try to get meals at off hours when there are fewer people trying to get their food. If there are snacks you know are safe that are transportable, bring some with you so that you know you have something you can eat pretty much at any time. As much as possible, mostly keep to a similar diet as home. I know there are loads of yummy foods at WDW that you can't get at home, but you don't know how your body will react.

How much control will you have on what you do and when? If you'll be able to have input on what park you go to each day, I'd suggest looking at some of the tour planning websites that have information on what crowd levels will be like in each park. If someone in your party will have a smartphone with a US SIM (or is willing to cope with roaming data charges), I'd suggest having an app that will give you live information on wait times for attractions. If your dates haven't been booked already, I'd check the websites with crowd information even before booking. American universities give students a week of holiday in March. While they aren't the same exact week, there are 2-3 weeks in March where a large number of unis are off during the same week and WDW can be much busier during those weeks.

Regardless of how crowded the parks are while you're there, try to take a break - preferably during the afternoon when it's usually hottest and sunniest. If you're staying at a WDW resort, go back to your resort and swim or take a nap. If you're staying offsite and can't go back to where you're staying, find a quieter area (in one of the stickies there's a link to a guide for guests with cognitive disabilities which is also useful for anyone looking for a list of quieter spots) or some of the less busy indoor shows. You can, if needed, lie down in First Aid for a while, as well, to get away from the crowds. If you're staying on site and depending on WDW transportation, try to use it at off times. That can be difficult since times that are best for avoiding crowds in the parks are not necessarily ones that avoid crowded buses (i.e. rope drop).



In the US, there generally aren't separate "disabled toilets" the way there are in many European countries (I'm only familiar with the US and Europe). Most wheelchair accessible stalls are just a larger stall with bars in the normal restrooms. There are companion restrooms at WDW (mostly aimed at use by disabled people who need assistance with toileting/using a restroom), but there aren't many and can have longer waits than any regular restroom will. I actually think, for you, that using the companion restrooms would likely open yourself up to more chances of a huge anxiety trigger than figuring out how to manage with the normal restrooms (you might want to look at the recent thread about bathroom etiquette to understand why). If possible, you may want to consider trying to use the general toilets with multiple stalls more often at home as you get closer to your trip.

While you're at WDW, use the restroom as much as possible. Definitely use it before entering any attraction queues. I have a "see a restroom, use it" policy at WDW. While it won't eliminate all chances of problems, it will substantially reduce the chance of being in a queue or on a ride when suddenly you need a bathroom immediately.

That post as extremely helpful, thank you! Come to think of, your point on using normal public toilets makes sense, if i was only to use the companion cubicles, and find a situation later where i cant use them, i am sure to panic. So ill stick to your advice. And is it safe to bring snacks from the UK over there? (i know kinder eggs are banned, but chocolate doesn't sit well with me anyhow)

My arrival is on the 16th of march, I'm staying for two weeks (also visiting universal studios) were staying in a villa off site about 30 minuets from the theme park so i wont be able to leave. My uncle may let me go off and find a quiet zone for myself, but thats not certain, he also has two 5 year old daughters who want to do as much as possible, sitting down for too long will bore them. As for being able to choose what we do is out of my control i think, he organises the day before we go but he may let me choose on occasion.

I also downloaded "my disney experience" on my iPad which gives me waiting times for rides, so that should be useful.

 

[lam0037]

Hopefully you will be able to go off on your own for a while. Not knowing how old you are, it makes sense that your uncle would be worried, especially since you're in a new place that's large and in a totally different country. My family would worry in that situation regardless of age.

However, you can enter the park by yourself at age 14. If you are at least 14, responsible ( I assume you are since you're taking the initiative to ask for advice) and have a cell phone, I don't see anything wrong with you being able to go sit by yourself in a quiet area or do a quieter attraction, especially if you don't want to do something the 5 year olds do.

If he isn't comfortable with you walking around on your own, you could always all walk together to a spot, them go ride a couple rides and come back to get you. That way they know where you are, etc.

Also, can't really help about the snacks but hopefully someone else can!

 

[Thefilmfreak123]

I turned 16 in janurary. I wont have a cell phone out there due to it being too expensive

 

[bopper]

You could bring your phone (assuming it has a sim card) and get a prepaid sim card at an AT&T phone store (I am sure there are other places) so you can talk to your family if need be.

I would look at videos of the rides/ lines if possible so you can get comfortable with them ahead of time.

Get a map and circle where all the bathrooms are.

Use the Fastpasses where you can to minimize wait in time.

Make a plan what to do if you want to sit out a ride. Tell your family ahead of time that you have some anxiety issues and you may need to sit out a ride from time to time. THey shouldn't skip rides because of you nor hassle you to go on them. You will just meet them afterward.

Perhaps if you are having issues with a line you can look into the DAS (Disability Access Service) Card which would let you wait outside of the actual line (wait as long, just not in the actual line) which may be helpful.

 

[Thefilmfreak123]

You could bring your phone (assuming it has a sim card) and get a prepaid sim card at an AT&T phone store (I am sure there are other places) so you can talk to your family if need be.

I would look at videos of the rides/ lines if possible so you can get comfortable with them ahead of time.

Get a map and circle where all the bathrooms are.

Use the Fastpasses where you can to minimize wait in time.

Make a plan what to do if you want to sit out a ride. Tell your family ahead of time that you have some anxiety issues and you may need to sit out a ride from time to time. THey shouldn't skip rides because of you nor hassle you to go on them. You will just meet them afterward.

Perhaps if you are having issues with a line you can look into the DAS (Disability Access Service) Card which would let you wait outside of the actual line (wait as long, just not in the actual line) which may be helpful.

With the DAS card, can my family wait with me?

 

[lam0037]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3178976

This thread has all the info about DAS cards. According to it, typically up to 5 family members (they can accommodate up to 10 total including you) can be included and wait with you, and use the return time with you. It works similar to a fast pass, you go to the ride and get a return time, you go do something else/wait in a quiet spot and then go back to the ride at your return time. The return time is equivalent to the stand by wait, you just aren't waiting in the queue.

 

[bopper]

Yes, up to 7 people can wait with you.
Take a look at the FAQ here for more info:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3178976

 

[Thefilmfreak123]

Does my case count? Anxiety doesn't seem...as serious. Theres a chance i may be completely fine by next year, if not. I'll defiantly take it into considerstion.

 

[lam0037]

DAS doesn't work based on disability, it works based on symptoms that need assistance. Like mobility/stamina issues won't be issued a DAS and would use a wheelchair instead. But other issues, such as ASD, heat intolerance, and even anxiety, which prevent someone from waiting in a normal line is eligible for a DAS.

So, if your anxiety will prevent you from waiting in a line, then yes you could go to GR and try to get one. I never have gotten one for my anxiety, but that was before FP+ so my December trip and possible fall solo trip will be a new ball game.

 

[lanejudy]

Does my case count? Anxiety doesn't seem...as serious. Theres a chance i may be completely fine by next year, if not. I'll defiantly take it into considerstion.

You will have to explain your needs as related to waiting in a standard queue environment. The DAS is not diagnosis based, so it would not be granted simply for indicating "I have anxiety." Think about situations you've encountered before (maybe a local amusement park or zoo or such) and what was problematic for you. If there is nothing you can think of, then you likely do not need a DAS. After you arrive and try the parks, if you find you are having considerable difficulties with something, feel free to go to Guest Relations at any time to discuss (or re-visit) your concerns.

As to snacks -- I haven't flown overseas, but generally any snacks that are pre-packaged (factory sealed), unopen, and non-perishable, can be brought into another country.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[gules]

Another depression/anxiety person here. It seriously sucks, doesn't it? : /

If there are snacks that help to calm you down or will bring you comfort, definitely bring them. For the most part, things that are factory-sealed will make it past TSA. Restrictions are more stringent on meat products of any kind, anything that may be considered live culture (so actual cheese as opposed to cheese-flavored things), and some seeds (if they are baked or treated it won't count). I tend to avoid bringing packages of fruit, even if they're dehydrated or something, because it just leads to more anxiety while TSA grills you.

If there is something in those categories that you want, see if your uncle can get it in the states and have it waiting for you. It'll save a lot of anxiety on your part, and hopefully he will be understanding.

For in-park strategies, definitely get in on the planning and make sure you know which FP+s you have. Your uncle can also get a cheap burner phone for you (I've done this multiple times for out of country relatives) at most local electronics shops/departments. You can use it in emergencies only, such as when you have to go take a break and need to catch up later. Walking around alone shouldn't be a problem for someone at 16, as the parks are relatively safe if you have any common sense (which I see you do!).

Make sure that you bring a photo ID (or a copy of it) with you just in case, and keep it somewhere safe. This is to help if you get lost or get locked out or something by accident. Any CM will be able to help you, but being able to hand something over with your name spelled and your age on it can be useful.

For general anxiety, if you have a doctor who agrees, I find that clonazepam works well for low-grade anxiety (I take it once in the morning to head off possible escalations), and alprazolam for "spikes." You can't take both at once, so make sure to think about it and figure out of you think that lowering your general anxiety overall would be more or less helpful than being able to calm down "spikes" more quickly. Alprazolam (xanax) is also more addictive, but shouldn't be a problem if it's only for a couple of weeks. Sometimes even having that medication around would help keep me calm, since I knew I had a fallback. If you bring these things, it's a good idea to keep them in the original bottle and have a copy of your scrip, just in case.

If you don't want to go to a doctor, or if they do not agree with medication, Dramamine can help. It is a general sedative that works well on repressing many parts of your brain (including the bits that respond to motion-sickness). It's over the counter and my recommendation would be to start at a quarter and see how you tolerate it. DO NOT GET NON-DROWSY. Non-drowsy works on a different action and won't be as generally sedating. The thing you're looking for is to take JUST enough that you calm down without taking so much that you fall asleep. Full effect should hit in about 30 mins. Personally, I can tolerate a full dose without falling asleep, but most adults would be drowsy. As I said, start by quartering a pill and seeing how that takes you, then go up by quarters. The nice thing about Dramamine is that it lasts for quite a while-- usually between 4 and 8 hours. Make sure not to exceed recommended dosages over the course of the day.

In hotels, if you need less pressure (but not actually absolute quiet), there are generally places you can go. I feel calmer in lobbys or sitting on benches in garden or lakeside areas. There is noise and bustle, but it's not directed AT me, so it's more tolerable. I let the noise just be like background white noise and bring something to read or play while I just take a step back.

DO make a plan for if you need to back out of a ride. Make sure your family knows that it's for your state of mind and health that you might do this, as from experience sometimes family on trips like this get a bit crazy about having to be together ALL THE TIME. Good plans are usually to meet at the ride's gift shop, or at a bench just outside. This way if you decide the ride is too much for you, you can still back out gracefully. Also know that if you just want to stand with your family for something but back out at the last minute, no CM will ever bat an eyelash at you asking for the "alternative" way out, which usually leads straight to the gift shop or ride exit. So if you're in line and realize "Oh God this is a bad idea" DO NOT PANIC. You can still leave when your family starts loading into the ride, and no one will mind.

Another huge tip is this (and this has helped me so much): Don't keep telling yourself "This is supposed to be the happiest place on earth!" or "I need to have fun or it's a waste of time/money/etc!" Yes, you should enjoy yourself. That's why you should relax and not stress too much. Plan the absolute minimum (what you TOTALLY want to see/do, which are usually what you'll out on your FP+) and remind yourself that just walking around or staring at things or people-watching are all Disney experiences as well. Personally, I have anxiety and also low stamina, so part of my Disney experience usually involves a treat from a cart vendor and sitting in a semi-deserted location to eat it and watch people hurry by until I'm rested up. It's still fun, it's relaxing, and it fortifies me for whatever I'm up to next. It's only a waste of time and money if you make yourself so sick with anxiety that you enjoy nothing.

I hope some of this helps!