GAC for Crohn's Disease?

[Kelli Pooh]

Try that restroom card. It just helps by having something official. I recently got my medic alert bracelet too so that can not hurt. Go to guest services and explain your situation. Tell them what happened last time then ask them how to solve the problem. Now it becomes Disney's concern. My next trip is in October so I may learn some things then.

Hang in there! It is so frustrating living with an invisible disease. Plus our disease is not well known or talked about so people tend to dismiss the "I had to run to the bathroom". If they could walk in our shoes for a week things would be different.

Hope I helped some! Tale care!

 

[tlpbupu]

I've been worried about this too. My mom has Crohn's and I worry about her getting stuck in the middle of a line she can't get out of or encountering a long line at the restrooms. She also has mobility issues. You guys have some great tips. Thanks!

 

[Jonell]

I have visited WDW many times with my DH who has UC, maybe I can offer a few suggestions. I would visit guest relations and tell them you situation and I am sure they can help to accomodate your needs. I would also very much consider visiting during a slower time of year like Jan or Sept. During very crowded times there will be waits for restrooms and crowds that you may have to get pass to even get near a restroom. The crowds can also increase anxiety levels and cause stress which can cause flare-ups. Also take plenty of anti-diarrhea medication with you. Good Luck

 

[Janet Hill]

I can't get stuck embedded in a line for a ride, if I have a bathroom issue. So I would rather play it safe. My family gets a little freaked out when I am actively sick, and they all want to abandon the plans and come with me, to make sure I am ok. So, I would hate to stand in a giant line, and then we all get out of the line, lose our spot and have to try to start all over again.

My husband is a Type 1 diabetic. We were near the front of the Soaring line after about an hour wait, when my husband's BS dropped and we had to exit pronto. While I went with husband to find a seat and take some glucose tablets, my son stayed behind and explained the situation. We were given passes to bypass the line when we could return. We did not have a GAC.

 

[maxiesmom]

Thanks so much!!! I had one problem, I told the CM when entering RSR and he was not concerned at all. He said there are lot of exits for me to get out of line quickly...NOT TRUE. I got embedded in the line, I had to jump the line, it took forever to find the bathroom...all the way near Flo's V8 Cafe...I pretty much had a problem. I was so upset. By the time I returned, my family was apparently on the ride without me. I told the CM's what happened, they were so rude and acted like- who gives a care...I got a manager...had a big scene, I was so embarrassed to have to keep explaining what happened. He finally put me and the family on the ride...but I had to really fight for it. I was humiliated. It was the only line in both parks I couldn't make it for...Do you have any suggestions for next time???? I was exhausted from humiliation, frustration, arguing, and being dismissed by like 5 CM's before I got to a manager. I was sooooooo nice about it, but I was crying by the time I got to CM #3. It shouldn't be that hard for someone with Crohn's...

Suggestions??????

Honestly? I think you are going to have to live with the fact that sometimes you may not get to ride everything. As others have pointed out even GACs don't lessen the time you wait in line. They really don't have any sort of accommodation that will let you skip lines, or leave and then get back on the ride. It is up to the CMs at the time if they want to let you do that or not.

I probably would have just skipped the ride at that point and moved on. I don't have Crohn's, but I do have IBS, so I have an idea of what you are dealing with. I've missed rides because I've had to hop out to find a restroom. I've spent time in lines figuring out the quickest way to exit if I had to. I've stomped on people's toes as I've had to make a mad dash out of a show. Sometimes it really is easiest just to move on with your day.

 

[Wishes Count]

Thanks so much!!! I had one problem, I told the CM when entering RSR and he was not concerned at all. He said there are lot of exits for me to get out of line quickly...NOT TRUE. I got embedded in the line, I had to jump the line, it took forever to find the bathroom...all the way near Flo's V8 Cafe...I pretty much had a problem. I was so upset. By the time I returned, my family was apparently on the ride without me. I told the CM's what happened, they were so rude and acted like- who gives a care...I got a manager...had a big scene, I was so embarrassed to have to keep explaining what happened. He finally put me and the family on the ride...but I had to really fight for it. I was humiliated. It was the only line in both parks I couldn't make it for...Do you have any suggestions for next time???? I was exhausted from humiliation, frustration, arguing, and being dismissed by like 5 CM's before I got to a manager. I was sooooooo nice about it, but I was crying by the time I got to CM #3. It shouldn't be that hard for someone with Crohn's...

Suggestions??????

As others have stated, go to Guest Relations and tell them what your concerns are and what accommodations you feel you need. I also have CD and believe me I know the feeling of being 'Trapped" in a line queue where there are no CMs and 100 people in front and behind you. It is unfortunate but CMs often don't understand or don't know what they can do to help you, thus it lead to you speaking with multiple people who have only minimal disability training until finally someone got a manager involved. It's probably not that they didn't care, they probably just did not understand, and should have gotten their manager from the start if they did not know what to do or what could be done.

 

[texasteacher35]

I am not trying to "get out" of standing in line. We were at WDW in 2012 5 weeks of my life and I was fine in every line. No matter the crowd level. I never even thought about getting a GAC.

I only thought I might need one - it was only a couple of days- when we went to DL this past April/May. I was having some issues. It caused me more stress, than just not riding. So I guess I will just go with that.

 

[Wishes Count]

I am not trying to "get out" of standing in line. We were at WDW in 2012 5 weeks of my life and I was fine in every line. No matter the crowd level. I never even thought about getting a GAC.

I only thought I might need one - it was only a couple of days- when we went to DL this past April/May. I was having some issues. It caused me more stress, than just not riding. So I guess I will just go with that.

I understand exactly. I do not mind waiting, in fact I would almost prefer a system where they ask you to return at a certain time, purely for the fact that I would not be forced to stand in a confined area. (Which is done at other theme parks but not Disney) And if you feel you need accommodations do not be afraid to ask. You know yourself and your limits, so while others may have the same disease they may have a completely different treatment, severity or experiences. The GAC card is meant to level the playing field so to speak, so guests who need assistance are able to enjoy the parks as much as guests without disabilities.

 

[Goddesstree]

What would you do if you had an attack while on the ride?

 

[Wishes Count]

What would you do if you had an attack while on the ride?

Personally I avoid longer attraction for this reason. I will not ride Universe of Energy because it is nearly 40 minutes ride. Obviously you cannot exit the majority of attractions so this could potentially lead to a very uncomfortable situation. Honestly I find symptoms are worse when I know there is no where to use the restroom. It creates a sense of panic. But on attractions I find that I am distracted and not thinking about it.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Kelli Pooh]

What would you do if you had an attack while on the ride?

I am not sure why you asked this but I will answer for myself. I would mess in my pants, possibly throw up or even pass out. Our disease varies greatly from person to person and each day. My as you say attacks include horrible pain, urgent diarrhea, nausea, sometimes vomit and fatigue. What does this question or answer do to help the person who wants to enjoy her Disney trip and include as much as she possibly can during it?

 

[Gracie09]

I am not sure why you asked this but I will answer for myself. I would mess in my pants, possibly throw up or even pass out. Our disease varies greatly from person to person and each day. My as you say attacks include horrible pain, urgent diarrhea, nausea, sometimes vomit and fatigue. What does this question or answer do to help the person who wants to enjoy her Disney trip and include as much as she possibly can during it?

Because sometimes people don't think of all the phases o a trip. For example my sister was asking about a ac for my nephew to wait out of the sun. I asked her what was she going to do when they weren't in line. She hasn't thought about it. She was so focused on ride lines she didn't think about the time walking around, waiting for a parade, waiting for a bus etc. it actually made her realize she would be better within a different accommodation and she had to make some alternative plans.

 

[Kelli Pooh]

Because sometimes people don't think of all the phases o a trip. For example my sister was asking about a ac for my nephew to wait out of the sun. I asked her what was she going to do when they weren't in line. She hasn't thought about it. She was so focused on ride lines she didn't think about the time walking around, waiting for a parade, waiting for a bus etc. it actually made her realize she would be better within a different accommodation and she had to make some alternative plans.

I see. I apologize for my defensiveness! Yes I have had to adjust my entire trips to deal with my disease not just the waiting in line portion. We go back to the room for a mid day break, do not schedule breakfast adr's in case I can not get up, sit on benches to take in the sights while resting, carry supplies in case I do have an attack and of course visit bathrooms extra often. I am usually better at Disney than anywhere else because my stress level is gone. I wish your sister much luck with her planning.

 

[SteveMouse]

I see. I apologize for my defensiveness! Yes I have had to adjust my entire trips to deal with my disease not just the waiting in line portion. We go back to the room for a mid day break, do not schedule breakfast adr's in case I can not get up, sit on benches to take in the sights while resting, carry supplies in case I do have an attack and of course visit bathrooms extra often. I am usually better at Disney than anywhere else because my stress level is gone. I wish your sister much luck with her planning.

Do be aware that Disney has been significantly reducing the number of benches- there seem to be fewer and fewer each trip!