I have very bad panic attacks in crowds (well anywhere but in my own house)

[momandseandodisney]

I used to always get the old disablity card, this new one, is making me nervous, I have 37 days to go and all I can think of is I hope I get the pass, because I really would not go to WDW if I could not get one. What has anyone (with mental health issues) exper. when it comes to asking for one of these passes?

Any help would be great . . . .

 

[Maggie'sMom]

The DAS only helps with the lines at the attractions. How do you handle the rest of the park?

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

Also, you will still have to wait in the FP line which can range from a walk on to a 20 minute wait. So make sure you prepare yourself with the coping skills that work best for you. For me it is reading or podcasts when I'm panicking.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

Oh, and avoid eating at QS restaurants at peak times. It's a mass of humanity at most places.

 

[Gracie09]

Don't forget buses and other transportation. No das for those and they can get crowded.

 

[momandseandodisney]

Also, you will still have to wait in the FP line which can range from a walk on to a 20 minute wait. So make sure you prepare yourself with the coping skills that work best for you. For me it is reading or podcasts when I'm panicking.

Ya about 20 mins is my 'breaking point" so i can handle that
other then the ride lines, walking around is not too bad for me, as I am doing something not just standing there, if that makes any sense?

 

[momandseandodisney]

Don't forget buses and other transportation. No das for those and they can get crowded.

thanks, we usually take taxis
I dont like the "unexpected" on public transportation, not knowing when i will get there exactly, how long I will wait for the bis etc.

we sometimes take the busses on off times

When requesting a DAS what should I say, would it help if i brought my old one with me (from years ago) not sure why I kept it lol
I always just get nervous if they think that i am "faking it" when i really feel i have valid reasons to get the pass.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

My DD has both sensory and anxiety issues (along with a whole host of others), but based on what you said about being better when you are doing something instead of just standing there, is there something you could be doing in line that would help you, such as listening to music or playing 20 questions?

As for being nervous about asking for the DAS, I'd recommend you write something down ahead of time that explains your needs. That way you aren't trying to think of everything right then when you are getting anxious.

 

[momandseandodisney]

ya my DS16 keeps me entertained lol

a doctors note is no help right?
it just makes me nervous of someone deciding my "fate" while I am there.

Has anyone had issues of being turned down?

 

[clanmcculloch]

You need to be able to explain to the CM at Guest Relations what kind of problem you will encounter in the standard lines.

I saw that you have several character meals planned. Do you have a plan for handling those? You'll be in one place for approximately 1.5 hours other than getting up to get your food in a completely unstructured crowded area. The restaurants themselves are crowded and loud. You might want to rethink those ADRs if you have a 20 minute limit on being in one place at a time in a crowd. I thought I saw that you have a 50s PTC ADR as well, or am I mistaken? For somebody who has issues with people crowding around them, this might be a really big mistake. It's a very interactive experience.

 

[JennyDrake]

I saw that you have several character meals planned. Do you have a plan for handling those? You'll be in one place for approximately 1.5 hours other than getting up to get your food in a completely unstructured crowded area. The restaurants themselves are crowded and loud. You might want to rethink those ADRs if you have a 20 minute limit on being in one place at a time in a crowd. I thought I saw that you have a 50s PTC ADR as well, or am I mistaken? For somebody who has issues with people crowding around them, this might be a really big mistake. It's a very interactive experience.

Ditto.

While I do not have the issues, I travel with two friends who do but not on a large scale. Biggest issue for them is the people "in your space" in the lines and the closeness of the queue areas. A GAC card is not going to change that experience, but it will limit the amount of time you are there.

As above poster noted, the character meals are VERY loud and chaotic and it seems everyone in the room is piled at the same table. First seatings of the day at breakfast or supper are the least hectic.

You are also going to be there during a very busy time of year and FP+ has changed the whole dynamic of the parks.

Do you feel the same stress at outside queues as inside?

 

[momandseandodisney]

You need to be able to explain to the CM at Guest Relations what kind of problem you will encounter in the standard lines.

I saw that you have several character meals planned. Do you have a plan for handling those? You'll be in one place for approximately 1.5 hours other than getting up to get your food in a completely unstructured crowded area. The restaurants themselves are crowded and loud. You might want to rethink those ADRs if you have a 20 minute limit on being in one place at a time in a crowd. I thought I saw that you have a 50s PTC ADR as well, or am I mistaken? For somebody who has issues with people crowding around them, this might be a really big mistake. It's a very interactive experience.

Yes we have a few of them I like them because they are buffets and we can go at our own pace staying as little (or longer) as we like

 

[3DisneyBuggs]

I have anxiety disorder and am planning on bringing an index card with my needs in case my nervousness kicks in. When my kids were younger the stroller was my safe spot. My first trip with strollerless kids was not so bad. Having someone walk with me helps keep anxiety at bay. Wide open spaces are one of my triggers so Epcot is the least friendly park for me. I have coping mechanisms such as looking at pics of restaurants and rides before I go. Knowing which places to avoid is very helpful. I avoided Fantasmic for years until I tried using the GAC for handicapped seating. I am hoping this trip will be smooth- I will also bring an Rx as a last resort solution. Good luck OP.