First time to WDW with Anxiety.

[cobright]

It will be easier than you expect. But here is some practical advice.

If you take meds for anxiety, bring them. If you don't normally use benzos (valium, klonopin, etc) talk to your doctor about getting a course of them to keep on hand just in case. You might not ever use them but having them on hand will relieve a great deal of anxiety, just knowing that you can find peace in the event of a panic attack.

Practice the trip. Practice walking the kinds of miles you'll do in the park. Practice talking to people, ordering food, answering questions.

If you are prone to panic attacks, make a note of where all of the assisted restrooms are. If you feel an attack come on, head there and chill out alone for 5-10 minutes. First aid stations may have a quiet cot as well but it's like a dr office and those bother me.

Bring along whatever crutch items might make you feel safer. For me it's wet-wipes. Normally I do without but for a vacation, I make sure to take no chances.

I'm usually mildly buzzed on overproof rum if I'm in the parks.

There you go, good luck.

 

[cobright]

My last trip to WDW I asked guest relations specifically about using companion assisted restrooms for 5-10 minutes at a time.

The cast member said that each guest is the right person to decide which restroom to use, for how long, and for what purpose.

It's my view that someone who needs a 5 minutes 'rest' could do a lot worse than a restroom. My process is to sit down and count back from 300 (300 seconds = 5 minutes) then get up and leave.

 

[Vidia2]

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.

Actually, they are meant for anyone who needs a companion, able-bodied or otherwise. Just to clear up any confusion.

 

[aaarcher86]

Actually, they are meant for anyone who needs a companion, able-bodied or otherwise. Just to clear up any confusion.

You should re-read without the usual chip on your shoulder. The OP wasn't talking about using a bathroom with a companion. Of course anyone needing a COMPANION should use the COMPANION restroom, and my post doesn't state otherwise.

 

[lanejudy]

Just a friendly reminder to keep this thread on track with the original question -- WDW with Anxiety. If it turns into a debate about restrooms, the thread will be closed as others have recently.

 

[Laura66]

I am surprised your doctor has not prescribed (unless you have tried it and it doesn't work) Cholestrymine for your IBS symptoms.
It does affect absorption of your other drugs so you'd have to time all of your meds accordingly.
I had my gallbladder out a few years and was one of the "lucky" ones who developed "dumping syndrome". (someone common in people who have had their gallbladder removed)
It has been a miracle drug for me. Until I found out about this drug I suffered from severe IBS symptoms and it didn't matter what I ate or didn't eat -the severe cramping and need to "go" would come out of nowhere. I seriously needed to find a restroom right then and there.
If it wasn't for Cholestrymine I would not feel comfortable leaving the house and fearful of accident. It really does help you to lead a normal life.
And I apologize for TMI here - but if it can help anyone else I'm going to go ahead and mention it here - Mods please feel free to delete this part if you feel it is inappropriate.
You need to work on not being embarrassed of bathroom sounds - flushing when you go does help muffle the sound and there are drops you can get to drop in the toilet that will help eliminate the odor. Friends of mine that suffer from IBS passed along those two helpful suggestions on coping and products.

 

[SMD]

Here are the restrictions on food. Don't bring any meat, they won't allow it from the UK due to mad cow disease. Also, customs might hassle you with fruit.

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/de...-bringing-food-into-the-u.s.-for-personal-use

 

[Thefilmfreak123]

Hey guys, good news. My parents now want to go too. I don't want to say anything is for certain as we haven't paid for anything yet. But as soon as the moneys down then it'll be official. If everything goes to plan and nothing major happens along they way of the booking profess (boiler breaking or whatnot) then my anxiety should be okay. Knowing my parents are there with me, specially my mum who also suffers with IBS brings me comfort, she is as nervous as i was about flying out there. The horrible pit feeling i had in my stomach has now since vanished. If my IBS does flare up, i know my parents are there to go to the toilets if necessary with me and my uncle wont be held up by waiting.
Our biggest concern now is the plane flight. Due to security and terrorist threat which i don't even want to bare thinking about....
But i appreciate the help and info, if they don't go (which hopefully they will) i'll take all your advice into account.

 

[dragonfly57005]

Have you considered seeing a counselor who can help you pinpoint your anxiety more and help you to learn coping skills?