Has Anyone Gotten A Refrigerator For Insulin Lately??

[MickeyEars]

I have yet another question and I knew this was THE place to find an answer!!! My son will need to refrigerate his insulin during our trip in March do I just need to ask for one at check-in or do I need to call in advance?? Also, there have been many conflicting reports on whether or not they charge for the use of it when it is used for meds. Has anyone gotten one lately for this purpose and did they charge you for it?? Thanks.


Carla

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Yoiu are best talking to "WDW Special Reservations" ahead of time. Call them at 407-939-7807. Make sure you have your reservation information available. When you explain the situation, they will arrange for the refrigerator, usually at no extra charge.

If you use Disney Travel, Central Reservations Office, or the hotel directly you will get a $10.00 per day charge for the refrigerator, more than likely even if you tell them it is for medications

 

[SueM in MN]

Some people have posted recently that they were not charged for a refrigerator for insulin. A few years ago, some were saying they got charged even when they went thru Special Reservations, but not recently.
I agree with Cheshire Figment that requestiong one thru Special Reservations is the way to go.

 

[crazyforgoofy]

I called requesting specific room location due to Hannah's need to be fairly close to the food court, etc. I explained the 7 year old had Type 1, fairly recently diagnosed and parents who were nervous about making sure they could get food for her at appropriate times. The CM said "Oh, then she'll need a frig for her insulin, let me arrange that for you. There will be no charge." And the frig was in the room when we arrived. So the occasional CRO CM can be helpful but best not to chance it, I'd say.

 

[MickeyEars]

Thanks for the number and the info guys!! My son has Type 1 also and he was diagnosed this past April. Can special reservations also help with specific room locations?? That's a great idea being close to the food court as I am always nervous about Keenan's diabetes. I will definetely call them about the frig.
Thanks again!!


Carla

 

[SueM in MN]

just in case anyone is intersted in why they would be charging for a refrigerator sometimes....

the reason people posted that they were told was that the news had gottne out that WDW was not charging for use of a refrigerator when there was a medical need. So, besides the people who had real medical needs, many people said they had a medical need just to get a frig. WDW's way to handle it was to charge everyone for a while.


And, to answer the other question, Special Reservations will help with whatever special needs there are.

 

[April in Disney]

My DH is insulin dependent diabetic. He has been on insulin for the last 6 years. We have been to WDW almost every year and sometimes twice a year. He never brought his insulin to the parks since we did not know there is a place that they keep it refrigerated for you. We sometimes had to leave the park more than two times a day. As far as the refrigerator I always requested for one, never gave them a reason and always paid for it unless we were in a concierge room that it came with it. It is nice to know there is places like this board to give you the information.

 

[Talking Hands]

I have a small insulated pouch that I use to carry insulin in the parks during the hot months. During this time of year I just pop the vials in my purse or backpack Vials of insulin that are in use do not need to be refrigerated only those that are backup.
Plus cold insulin stings!

25 year insulin user

 

[MickeyEars]

Just wanted to let you know I called special reservations today and requested the frig and the nice CM said it would be provided at no charge. While I had them on the phone I told her that I had already requested a room in the Toy Story section on my reservation but I had not mentioned Keenan's diabetes to anyone and if at all possible a room close to the food court would be wonderful for a nervous Mommy. She said she would make note of it on our reservation and although she could not 100% guarantee it she could 95% guarantee it!!! Needless to say she was super nice and I was most appreciative. Once again the wonderful members of the DIS came through!! Thanks everyone.


Carla

 

[SueM in MN]

Hope you have a great time.
Since it isn't mentioned in this thread, I thought I would mention that insulin can be stored at First Aid at any of the parks. But, as Lisa pointed out, in general, the bottle in use doesn't need to be refrigerated, just protected from heat in the warm weather (not a diabetic, but a nurse for many years). Check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if there is any special reason they want you to keep yours refrigerated.

 

[Talking Hands]

One note. If you are using Lispro (Humalog) it must be refrigerated as it is much more unstable. Don't know about the new Lantus.
The Humalins are fine out of the frig once you start using them.

 

[MickeyEars]

Keenan's insulins are both humalins. I wanted the frig for his backup cartridges. He has the new InDuo by One Touch and it uses the Novolin PenFill cartridges. I am bringing backups just in case. He doesn't drink Coke products which is all that is available on property so I will also use the frig for his drinks. Thanks so much for all the helpful tips and advice.


Carla

 

[Talking Hands]

Carla,
I am another who can't use Coke or Pepsi products. Allergic to Nutrasweet. I use the frig for them.

 

[ReneeQ]

I have been an insulin dependent diabetic for 28 years, and on an insulin pump for the last 12 years. I have been to Disney over 20 times. I never had a refrigerator for my insulin in my room before joining the Disney Vacation Club (as even the studio has a refrigerator). So if for some reason you cannot get a refrigerator, do not panic. As mentioned previously, the bottle you are currently using does not have to be refrigerated. For example, the insulin in my pump is not refrigerated, it is in my pump. Any extra unopened bottles you take can be kept in a cooler. Keep them in a ziplock bag to keep the boxes dry.

If a diabetic is in your party, you will/should have a cooler anyway for snacks, so it's probably not something "extra" to bring. As far as needing to be near the food court, if that doesn't work out, just be sure to have plenty of snacks in the room AND on you at all times for unexpected low blood sugars. Excellent portable snacks are raisins, peanut butter cracker packs, hard candy, granola, granola bars. In my opinion, if your sugar is dropping, a quick snack will get your sugar up faster. By the time you get to the food court, even if you are close, wait in line and get the food, the sugar will have dropped so much, it will take more food than just a snack to get it back up.

One other tip I would add - check your blood sugar OFTEN while at Disney, at least every 90 minutes. Even though I've been diabetic for nearly 30 years, I still find my blood sugar hard to control at Disney. I think it's a combination of the excitement, the fact that I'm getting more exercise than I usually do, and eating more snacks than I usually do.

Have a great trip!

 

[cathie]

We travel with a handicapped friend who needs the use of a refrigerator in the room for his meds, special foods & drinks, etc. We have stayed @ All-Star Sports, Caribbean Beach & the Contemporary Resorts several times over the past 3 years & they have always provided a refrigerator @ no charge. It helps to mention the request when making your reservations. hope this helps. Cathie from Raymond, NH

 

[MickeyEars]

I just love these boards!!! Hopefully everything is squared away with special reservations thanks to all the great tips from you guys. We are so excited about our trip!! The waiting is just so difficult isn't it?? Thanks again for all the tips!!


Carla

 

[Talking Hands]

Mickey Ears we will be there at the same time. Wear your lime green ribbons and maybe we will get to meet.