GAP and type 1 diabetic

[jillymom8]

my doctor told about this program disney has for guest asst. passes. i have seen several people say type 1 can't have any more anyone try recently?

 

[livndisney]

my doctor told about this program disney has for guest asst. passes. i have seen several people say type 1 can't have any more anyone try recently?

Disney offers a GAC for disabled guests requiring assistance. What assistance do you require?

 

[Mary976]

Others here will have better and more recent info for you, but I wanted to add that if you've been in line for awhile and need to leave for medical reasons, it's worth talking to the CM before you get out of line. This happened to us once and the CM gave us a handwritten fastpass to use later because we were almost at the front of the line when DD got sick.

Mary

 

[SueM in MN]

What your doctor is talking about is a Guest Assistance Card (GAC)
Check into post 6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread, which is all about GACs.
You can find that thread near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature.

As livndisney posted, GACs are not given for a diagnosis, so GACs were never 'given' for type 1 diabetes. The reason is that some people with type 1 diabetes have no special needs (after all, there are people with diabetes who are Olympic athletes) and others who have many needs. This is the same for any condition, not just diabetes.
GACs are a way to communicate to CMs with what assistance a guest might need related to a disability. To get the correct GAC, it's important to explain your needs to the CM at Guest Relations, as explained in the FAQs thread.
If the guest is concerned about ability to stand or walk in lines, a wheelchair or ECV will be much or helpful than a GAC because GACs seldom shorten the distance walked and most attractions do not have any place to sit unless the guest has a wheelchair or ECV.
If the guest with diabetes is a small child, you can request to be able to use a stroller as a wheelchair. This would allow a stroller to be used in lines and buildings where strollers are not usually allowed and th stroller would be treated as if it was a wheelchair.

Most guests with type 1 diabetes who have posted n the DIS Boards feel that a GAC really does not do that much that helps with needs related to their diabetes. Many have found that a touring plan that helps them to know which park is the least busy and which attractions in that park are least busy was much more helpful to them.

There are some other resources in post 3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread that might be helpful to you. In the section of 'Conditions and Concerns' , there are some links to helpful information about diabetes.

 

[Selket]

My son has type 1 since he was 2 years old. We go to a "children with diabetes" conference almost every summer in Orlando and every other year it is held at Disney in one of their resorts. Disney actually sends over cast members to the conference to handle GAC requests. The conference coordinator has worked with Disney extensively to educate them on the needs of the attendees - which as Sue said can vary.

We've had days he was nothing but high - or nothing but low. I spent so much time stopped and treating that getting in a ride que was not happening. The heat can also affect the insulin in a pump or the tubing - if you pump and the numbers go up you may need to change it out. I sometimes bring an extra cartridge and keep it in a Frio or at First Aid.

I think some who get a GAC for type 1 are just less vocal about it here on the Disboard due to previous criticism from other posters though the Mods here are always very supportive. What Sue says is true - it is a needs based card. When we are there in July, the GAC is definitely helpful at times. The worst problem we have is the heat - and I know many people vacation in the summer cause of the school schedules so that is the way that goes.

I suggest these things:
1) check out Disney with type 1 Diabetes: http://allears.net/pl/diabetes.htm
2) find a good touring plan. I used to recommend Tour Guide Mike but his site has gone downhill. I think it is still worth it but only if you really like to read and dig and figure it out. Easywdw.com is also looking good. Touringplans might work also. Tour smart and get fast passes.
3) The most problems we've had is if it is hot. We try to tour early and be done with the major part by lunch or this time we toured late - and did evenings and evening EMH - so the sun was down and sometimes the rain shower cooled it off a bit.

If your child is too big for a stroller and feels miserable you can always rent a wheelchair. I think that is unlikely to happen (hasn't happened to us due to diabetes - but he did get terrible blisters so we used one at Epcot one day!). This helps cut down on the walking but I would only do it as a last resort. However it is probably better to get the child inside and rested a bit. Carb counting is extra tricky - there are lots of desserts and big meals and I suggest testing BG a lot.

I think it is true that there are Olympic athletes with type 1 and our kids can do anything. The athlete starts out by training though - not just getting up off the couch and doing an Iron Man or climbing Everest. There is a lot of time for trial and error in learning how to manage the blood sugar in competition and the diet is often very controlled for those athletes and they didn't learn how to do it in a day - or a week. Disney is different - it is vacation, your routine is off, you are eating differently, meal times might be different, activity and time spent in the hot sun is likely different - and you're there a week or two then done for a long time. And - you know - you are trying to relax and have fun too - LOL!

I suggest if you request a GAC that you go to Guest Services in the MK - I find they are the most helpful. Explain your needs to them and go from there.

 

[dclfun]

My son has type 1 since he was 2 years old. We go to a "children with diabetes" conference almost every summer in Orlando and every other year it is held at Disney in one of their resorts. Disney actually sends over cast members to the conference to handle GAC requests. The conference coordinator has worked with Disney extensively to educate them on the needs of the attendees - which as Sue said can vary.

We've had days he was nothing but high - or nothing but low. I spent so much time stopped and treating that getting in a ride que was not happening. The heat can also affect the insulin in a pump or the tubing - if you pump and the numbers go up you may need to change it out. I sometimes bring an extra cartridge and keep it in a Frio or at First Aid.

I think some who get a GAC for type 1 are just less vocal about it here on the Disboard due to previous criticism from other posters though the Mods here are always very supportive. What Sue says is true - it is a needs based card. When we are there in July, the GAC is definitely helpful at times. The worst problem we have is the heat - and I know many people vacation in the summer cause of the school schedules so that is the way that goes.

I suggest these things:
1) check out Disney with type 1 Diabetes: http://allears.net/pl/diabetes.htm
2) find a good touring plan. I used to recommend Tour Guide Mike but his site has gone downhill. I think it is still worth it but only if you really like to read and dig and figure it out. Easywdw.com is also looking good. Touringplans might work also. Tour smart and get fast passes.
3) The most problems we've had is if it is hot. We try to tour early and be done with the major part by lunch or this time we toured late - and did evenings and evening EMH - so the sun was down and sometimes the rain shower cooled it off a bit.

If your child is too big for a stroller and feels miserable you can always rent a wheelchair. I think that is unlikely to happen (hasn't happened to us due to diabetes - but he did get terrible blisters so we used one at Epcot one day!). This helps cut down on the walking but I would only do it as a last resort. However it is probably better to get the child inside and rested a bit. Carb counting is extra tricky - there are lots of desserts and big meals and I suggest testing BG a lot.

I think it is true that there are Olympic athletes with type 1 and our kids can do anything. The athlete starts out by training though - not just getting up off the couch and doing an Iron Man or climbing Everest. There is a lot of time for trial and error in learning how to manage the blood sugar in competition and the diet is often very controlled for those athletes and they didn't learn how to do it in a day - or a week. Disney is different - it is vacation, your routine is off, you are eating differently, meal times might be different, activity and time spent in the hot sun is likely different - and you're there a week or two then done for a long time. And - you know - you are trying to relax and have fun too - LOL!

I suggest if you request a GAC that you go to Guest Services in the MK - I find they are the most helpful. Explain your needs to them and go from there.

Carol has given great advice. I don't have anything to add as there isn't anyone in my family with type 1 diabetes but I just wanted to say that I admire anyone who has to deal with this chronic condition on a daily basis, let alone on vacation! I'm hoping research will continue to work on finding a cure or that there will be improved treatment to keep tight control of one's condition so that organs are not damaged and life is good. OP- I hope you have a wonderful time at WDW!---Kathy

 

[zurgswife]

As a parent of 2 Type 1 kids, 20+ visits to Disney World, a hubby that writes Disney with diabetes, and a member of the Children With Diabetes - Friends for Life Diabetes Conference for the past 5 yrs.

Yes, diabetes does affect your life and how you may or may not tour disney. We have done Disney at many different times of the year and gotten GAC and not gotten GAC. There are times of years you are fine without it and there are times it is crucial to have.

It is true that Disney sends staff to the hotel to issue GACs to the attendees of the convention. This is very helpful because unfortunately Disney Cast members are not all versed in dealing with the issues of Type 1 and what heat, excitement,different schedules and how the wind blows can effect a diabetic and make touring a nightmare. EPCOT is the worst park to try to get a pass because most attraction you really don't need to use it as they are inside and air conditioned yet, they forget that people travel to different parks...MK is the easiest.

So, Type 1's or their caregivers know when they could use a little assistance that GAC can give them. For us the heat and problems of visiting in July definately make it worth having. If we went again in December would we get one probably not because Heat tends to be the number one factor for us and trying to control blood sugars.

To those that might question whether a type 1 child, teen or adult needs a GAC - don't judge until you live in my shoes 24/7/365; if you are Type 1 and feel you don't need that type of assistance then I more power to you but for me and my family it has been very helpful for certain visits.

Hopefully Coco, Disney's new diabetic monkey can grow into the main stream and show some of the issues of Type 1.

If you feel like you need the GAC then I say go to MK and ask for it. If you think you and wing it without then you know your child needs best.

 

[Mama Who]

To those that might question whether a type 1 child, teen or adult needs a GAC - don't judge until you live in my shoes 24/7/365; if you are Type 1 and feel you don't need that type of assistance then I more power to you but for me and my family it has been very helpful for certain visits.

I don't think anyone meant that a Type 1 kid didn't deserve a GAC. I think it was more that people with type 1 have stated in the past that the GAC was not especially helpful. I doubt anyone meant to disparage anyone who does find a use for them, they just thought it wasn't the most useful tool. I'm glad it has helped you.

I wish a GAC could solve all problems. I've recently determined that the only solution to our family's is going to cost $180. :sigh:

 

[Selket]

I don't think anyone meant that a Type 1 kid didn't deserve a GAC. I think it was more that people with type 1 have stated in the past that the GAC was not especially helpful. I doubt anyone meant to disparage anyone who does find a use for them, they just thought it wasn't the most useful tool.

I agree that a good touring plan is always the best way to approach Disney if you aren't familiar with it already.

Some really excellent advice on this thread - this board has some of the nicest people on the DIS - imho.

My son with type 1 also got into "pin trading" this year for the first time and holy cow did he have fun with that! I found that this gave us multiple opportunities to get him into an air-conditioned shop and look for CMs who had pins - LOL! He also really enjoyed talking to the CM's and it was a great way to slow him down a bit.

I think the biggest difficulty at Disney with type 1 is just that the family is "out of their element" for what is normal/typical/routine. It can take me weeks to figure out the best way to handle a new routine (like baseball season) and his body is growing and changing.

Since we mentioned it - and if you like going to Disney World - check out the Friends for Life conferences - held every year in Orlando and every other year at WDW: http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/activities/ It is a wonderful conference for the entire family - and now includes activities for adults with type 1.

 

[SueM in MN]

What your doctor is talking about is a Guest Assistance Card (GAC)
Check into post 6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread, which is all about GACs.
You can find that thread near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature.

As livndisney posted, GACs are not given for a diagnosis, so GACs were never 'given' for type 1 diabetes. The reason is that some people with type 1 diabetes have no special needs (after all, there are people with diabetes who are Olympic athletes) and others who have many needs. This is the same for any condition, not just diabetes.
GACs are a way to communicate to CMs with what assistance a guest might need related to a disability. To get the correct GAC, it's important to explain your needs to the CM at Guest Relations, as explained in the FAQs thread.
If the guest is concerned about ability to stand or walk in lines, a wheelchair or ECV will be much or helpful than a GAC because GACs seldom shorten the distance walked and most attractions do not have any place to sit unless the guest has a wheelchair or ECV.
If the guest with diabetes is a small child, you can request to be able to use a stroller as a wheelchair. This would allow a stroller to be used in lines and buildings where strollers are not usually allowed and th stroller would be treated as if it was a wheelchair.

Most guests with type 1 diabetes who have posted n the DIS Boards feel that a GAC really does not do that much that helps with needs related to their diabetes. Many have found that a touring plan that helps them to know which park is the least busy and which attractions in that park are least busy was much more helpful to them.

There are some other resources in post 3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread that might be helpful to you. In the section of 'Conditions and Concerns' , there are some links to helpful information about diabetes.

I’m afraid I wrote something that could be misinterpreted because I did not take the time to explain it completely. (thinking, there is more explanation in the disABILITIES FAQs thread about GACs).

My meaning was that whatever condition is being talked about, there is a range of needs.
Some people have no particular needs related to their condition (in this case, diabetes, but it could be any condition) and really would feel they do not want or need a GAC.
Others might have more problems/needs that can’t be met without using a GAC -even if they are doing all sorts of things to deal with it besides a GAC.
Without explaining the needs to CMs at Guest Relations, there is no way for the CM to know where on that spectrum someone’s condition falls.

That’s why there is no GAC for specific conditions - every person’s reaction to their condition is different and they may react differently depending on conditions in the parks at that time (weather, etc.). So, on one trip, a GAC may not be that helpful and on another, they may need it much more.
This is in compliance with the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), which requires accommodations based on the needs related to a disability, not the diagnosis.

The other point I was trying to make was that using a touring plan can help in ways that a GAC can’t. GACs only assist in lines and attractions. For many people, the attractions are less of a problem than the getting from place to place, heat walking around the parks, waits in restaurants, crowded buses and other transportation.
Those are things a GAC is NOT able to provide any assistance with, but a touring plan can.
Even during Spring break or Christmas when it is very busy, knowing where to be and when can mean a difference between a 10 minute wait in line and a 60 minute wait. So, having information about when to go where can make the trip more enjoyable and safer, whether a GAC is used or not.

 

[Sandy321]

I wanted to add that I have found http://www.easywdw.com/

a great place to find a touring plan - Best Days, etc all for free, (I'll also add that it is similiar to Tour Guide Mike because a lot of former posters, and a mod or two are posting there) The forums will help you with an itinerary

I know it is also good to know where the First Aid station is - they are very helpful!

 

[SueM in MN]

I wanted to add that I have found http://www.easywdw.com/

a great place to find a touring plan - Best Days, etc all for free, (I'll also add that it is similiar to Tour Guide Mike because a lot of former posters, and a mod or two are posting there) The forums will help you with an itinerary

I know it is also good to know where the First Aid station is - they are very helpful!

Thanks for the link.

I just want to add that several other recent posters have suggested the same website.
TourGuide Mike use to be highly recommended, but people have been posting lately that his website has not been updated a frequently as before.

Another site that has been recommended recently is www.touring plans.com

 

[Selket]

I’m afraid I wrote something that could be misinterpreted because I did not take the time to explain it completely. (thinking, there is more explanation in the disABILITIES FAQs thread about GACs).

I knew what you meant Sue.

Indeed people can experience different needs with the same disabling condition depending on their age, other health conditions, activity, heat, cold, etc. I think the salient point is that the GAC's sometimes DO seem to be given out for this or that disability much of the time - if requested - but a person's needs can vary. Hence always request one based on the needs.

 

[melancholywings]

I wanted to thank you guys for this post. We are doing Disneyland with our T1D tween - our first time, with multiple first time families another first and I am terrified. It's a lot of pressure on multiple fronts.

I'm trying to anticipate what our needs are - but as management is never the same day to day. I can't even anticipate what her diabetic needs will be for tomorrow.

 

[SueM in MN]

I wanted to thank you guys for this post. We are doing Disneyland with our T1D tween - our first time, with multiple first time families another first and I am terrified. It's a lot of pressure on multiple fronts.

I'm trying to anticipate what our needs are - but as management is never the same day to day. I can't even anticipate what her diabetic needs will be for tomorrow.

If you are thinking of a Guest Assistance Card, there is no rule that says you need to get one the first day if you don’t know what the needs are.
Or that you can’t go back to Guest Relations if you get one and it doesn’t seem to meet the needs.

Some people do wait a day or 2 to see how things go, if they are not sure they need a GAC or if they are not sure what to ask for. Some people have a much better idea of what they need after a few hours or a few days.

And, if you get a GAC and find it doesn’t work for you, you can go back to Guest Relations and explain what additional problems you are having.