GAC for type 1 child

[BCholly]

OK, I have tried to imagine what going to disneyland california with my 12 year old newly diagnosed child, and I think I have a good picture of how it will work.

I will have dextrose tablets and snacks with us at all times. I will keep the insulin with us, unless it is very hot ( then I will leave it at a first aid station).

But I think I will ge a GAC for the following scenario.... we are in a super long line for finding nemo, or haunte mansion or space mountain etc..... and we get near the front and she goes low. She would not beable to ride until she stabilizes and we would hate to leave the line after along wait to deal with blood sugar issues. She has frequent and unexplained lows, and I don't want to give her extra snacks, just in case she might go low... she could end up with highs then and need an extra injection or have to pee etc...

So do you think that is a reasonable use for a GAC? Just in case the scenario I just mentioned should happen? I mean it might not but....?

Also, which ride lines tend to be long and have no shade?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I do not think this would be a need for a GAC. Basically if she should have a low close to boarding just let the nearest CM know there is a problem. If you then have to leave the line to wait again you should be allowed back in at the same location.

Don't forget the GAC is not intended for skipping of lines; I cannot visualize a specific accommodation or need for a person who has diabetes (which I also have).

 

[SueM in MN]

You are on the right track. It's a good idea to think through the possible scenarios that might happen; that is how you prepare and how you explain to the CM in Guest Relations about your need for a GAC.
If you look in post #3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread, there are some past threads about diabetes. Obviously, each person is different, but you may find some helpful ideas.

Most of the experience here is from WDW, but you will find some information about Disneyland in the disABILITIES FAQs thread. One thing to keep in mind is that DL is much less handicapped accessible than WDW, so many attractions at DL have handicapped entrances. Since these are the only way in for many people with special needs, the wait in them may be longer than the 'regular' line.
A lot of people have reported that using a planning service like RideMax is very helpful for shortening their waits.

 

[BCholly]

Cheshire, do you have type 1 or 2?

Are there always CM's close enough to everyone in line so that if she were to go low I would be able to tell a CM?

 

[Janet Hill]

Your scenario has happened to my husband more than once at Disney (both the world and the land). We just alerted a cm and we were allowed (including our 2 kids), to reenter through the fast pass line once he got his bs controlled. It has never been a problem for him and everyone was always helpful.

 

[daneenm]

Posting part of what I posted on another thread a couple of days ago...

So sorry for your recent diagnosis! My son was diagnosed at 18 months and is now 8 (in fact we just passed his 7th anniversary of diagnosis on Sept. 10th).


Our tricks when traveling...

• Test OFTEN. Children's BG levels can swing pretty widely, quickly so you need to be more vigilant. In my opinion it is better to know often than the have a surprise low, which will be hard for all of you.

•Test before you get in line if you are unsure of your daughters BG range. This allows you to pick up food if you need it. If you have lots of snacks with you, you should be able to handle feeding her in line. We did lots of juice boxes and granola bars in the queue when we visited on Labor Day weekend.

• Carry lots of snacks and glucose tabs. we think granola bars are easy to pack and they are just about 15g, perfect for our son's snack. You will find what you and your son likes to keep on hand pretty quickly.

• Carry at least double of all of your supplies

• Plan meals on the early side (11:30 for lunch and 5:30 of dinner) so you have less of a wait. We have never found a wait at DL counter service or sit down at those hours.

We picked up a GAC for DS the very first time we went to DL after he was diagnosed. However, we never used it. The GAC was for him to wait in a different location and meet us in the front of the line if the weather was very hot and the line was long. We have never picked one up since. To be honest, while we are touring, I ease up a bit on his target range since the heat and exercise will make him drop. So he could be 220 and 1/2 hour later 120.

It will be easier than you think. HAVE FUN!