insulin pump and roller coasters

[DCDisney]

I will be chaperoning a trip to WDW and Universal and 2 of the teens have insulin pumps. Has anyone been to Universal recently since they added metal detectors to Rip, Hulk, and Dragon coasters? Will they have to remove pumps even though they are attached to the body and then strapped around the midriff under the clothing? I know they can take them off just wondering if they will have to do so. I've also heard that the magnetic based rides at WDW can be a problem in terms of pump functioning--Tower of Terror and Rock n Roller most specifically--is this true? I just want to make sure we are ready for what needs to happen....

 

[SueM in MN]

There are some people who post frequently who have insulin pumps and can better answer your questions.
But, Disney does talk about magnets on their website in this quote:
Magnetic Fields
Common equipment, such as electric motors and radios, that produce electric and magnetic fields are utilized extensively throughout the world and also within our Resorts. These fields are generally no greater than you would experience in any urban environment or may be exposed to through common household appliances such as vacuum cleaners and hair dryers.

If you—or any member of your party—has questions regarding the above, you may speak with a Guest Relations Cast Member for details.

This is the link:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/guests-with-disabilities/

There are no warnings or mention of magnets for Rock and Roller Coaster
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/a...s/rock-and-roller-coaster-starring-aerosmith/

Or Tower of Terror
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/hollywood-studios/twilight-zone-tower-of-terror/

 

[ttintagel]

This is only my personal experience - other people's mileage may vary.

I've never had trouble with a metal detector with either my Omnipod or the Paradigm I had before that. The pump has never even set the detector off - I guess the amounts of metal are really small.

The Omnipod rep who trained me said not to go through the backscatter X-ray machine they had at MCO (is it still there?) but to ask for the pat-down instead.

I've ridden the Peoplemover, which has magnets,with no trouble. I can't ride ToT or RnRC because of other medical issues,so I can't say about those.

Each of the students may want to contact the manufacturers of their pumps, or their diabetes professional, to get recommendations.

 

[JenniBugInPink]

Husband has ridden both TOT and RnRC many times with his pump (Paradigm) with no problems. He's never set off a metal detector either. Can't speak to Universal - haven't been.

 

[buffettgirl]

No trouble with metal detectors for my son, and no trouble riding anything at WDW for him. Never been to universal.

One thing about RnR, make sure their pumps are securely tucked or clipped on them. Things easily fall out of pockets.

One thing to remember about universal. They may be asked to leave their backpacks in lockers. Make sure the all are carrying quick sugar (glucose tabs) on their person, in their pockets or in a spi-belt.

 

[anorman]

My daughter (12) wears an insulin pump for Type I diabetes. This will be our first trip to Florida with the pump. Your thread got me thinking so I decided to make a phone call to Universal. I just got off the phone where I had a rather tense conversation with Guest Services. I was informed that my daughter would not be permitted to ride the Hulk, RRR, or Dragon Challenge with her pump. Actually the guest services representative went on to say that she would not be permitted to ride due to her illness not necessarily because of the pump.

She initially said it is because of the intensity of the rides and that the pump could be damaged. When I questioned her on the possibility of using a waist belt with a zippered pocket, she then said it was because of her diabetes. I questioned her on this and said while I understood why people with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or neck/back injuries would be discouraged from riding but how would diabetes be affected by these rides? In my opinion, they are unfairly discriminating against people with type 1 diabetes.

So the bottom line is, people with insulin pumps will be required to remove them if they want to ride these coasters and are recommended to not ride them at all because of their illness. The only reason I can see for not riding due to illness is because they might be away from their pump for an extended period of time if the line up is long which could be addressed if they permitted them to wear the pump secured in a waist belt. Arg!!!

 

[anorman]

With the metal detectors in place for a while now, is there anyone with experience in wearing the pump onto these rides and does the pump set off the metal detector? I have no problem securing the pump in a waist belt for others' safety but I would really rather not have her take it off.

 

[lanejudy]

Actually the guest services representative went on to say that she would not be permitted to ride due to her illness not necessarily because of the pump.

Honestly, I wouldn't expect a phone rep to understand the disease or the pump, or even be able to differentiate the two - as basic as it seems to you. I suggest you check with the manufacturer of your daughter's pump to get insight as to what THEY recommend is/is not allowed. And then check with your daughter's physician regarding how her sugars might react to a coaster ride. The Universal phone rep is going to follow standard recommendation that magnets may impact the function of the pump and coaster-type rides may impact a person's sugar levels; they aren't particularly any more knowledgeable than that. It's not a general safety issue for other passengers or the ride, it's how that individual passenger will be impacted and/or how the pump could be impacted.

The general consensus here on the DIS appears to show people have not had issues with Disney's coasters and insulin pumps. I say "general consensus" meaning "most people" as I do recall one or two who've indicated a pump malfunctioned and several others who are concerned enough to avoid the coasters. I don't recall recent reports about Universal rides and insulin pumps.

Hopefully someone has some recent experience at Universal and will share. In the meantime I do suggest checking in with the pump manufacturer and your daughter's medical professional.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[anorman]

Good advice. Once I figure out if it is safe for the pump to ride the Universal coasters, I wonder if it will trigger the metal detectors? I plan to keep it zipped neatly and safely into one of those zipped sports waist belts.....no risk to anyone else on the ride.

 

[mamattorney]

My daughter's pump (t:slim) triggers all metal detectors (some do not). We went on a cruise last year and we were bummed to find out that every time she got back on the ship, she had to be pulled aside and wanded, etc. I know it will trigger the metal detectors at the coasters. She can unhook and we can put it in a locker, but it will just take some extra planning (like a day at a waterpark would)

 

[anorman]

My daughter's pump (t:slim) triggers all metal detectors (some do not). We went on a cruise last year and we were bummed to find out that every time she got back on the ship, she had to be pulled aside and wanded, etc. I know it will trigger the metal detectors at the coasters. She can unhook and we can put it in a locker, but it will just take some extra planning (like a day at a waterpark would)

My daughter wears a Medtronic Minimed Veo with 3 ml reservoir. I don't know if it will trigger the metal detectors or not.

 

[buffettgirl]

My son has a minimed revel and he's never triggered metal detectors. When he wore a MM sensor, it triggered metal detectors. So if your daughter is wearing a sensor as well, the filament from that might trigger. Also, if she's wearing a metal set, like a sure-t, that might set it off, but a standard Teflon cannula shouldn't.

That said, Universal cannot make you remove the pump. That would be at your own discretion, and unless you tell them that it's removable they have no way of knowing that. If you decide to ride, I wouldn't say anything about it. Put it in a spibelt, keep it connected, and say nothing. If asked, say "it's a medical device and can't be removed." I tend to pick my battles with these people, but removing a pump is a battle I'd fight.

 

[anorman]

My son has a minimed revel and he's never triggered metal detectors. When he wore a MM sensor, it triggered metal detectors. So if your daughter is wearing a sensor as well, the filament from that might trigger. Also, if she's wearing a metal set, like a sure-t, that might set it off, but a standard Teflon cannula shouldn't.

That said, Universal cannot make you remove the pump. That would be at your own discretion, and unless you tell them that it's removable they have no way of knowing that. If you decide to ride, I wouldn't say anything about it. Put it in a spibelt, keep it connected, and say nothing. If asked, say "it's a medical device and can't be removed." I tend to pick my battles with these people, but removing a pump is a battle I'd fight.

I tend to agree with you.

 

[ttintagel]

I've word a MiniMed II, a MiniMed Paradigm, and an OmniPod, and I've never triggered any metal detector. So I guess it's really one of those "mileage may vary" situations.

 

[anorman]

I've word a MiniMed II, a MiniMed Paradigm, and an OmniPod, and I've never triggered any metal detector. So I guess it's really one of those "mileage may vary" situations.

Hopefully it won't be an issue then and we'll secure it safely to protect it and others and then forget about it. We'll see what happens.

 

[monica31671]

My son has a MiniMed Paradigm and in ten years he's never triggered a metal detector and never had an issue on any ride interfering with his pump - including ToT and RnRC.

I never mention his pump. I always figure I'll let it be an issue when it's an issue with the metal detectors.

 

[anorman]

My son has a MiniMed Paradigm and in ten years he's never triggered a metal detector and never had an issue on any ride interfering with his pump - including ToT and RnRC.

I never mention his pump. I always figure I'll let it be an issue when it's an issue with the metal detectors.

I like the way you think. Sounds like a good plan to me!

 

[monica31671]

I've spent 11 years making my son's life as normal as possible and taking care of business without making a big fuss. When I encounter someone like the Universal lady you described I smile, say thank you and hang up without trying to reason with someone who obviously doesn't know the best way to help.
I agree with the other posters that the manufacturer will be the best place for answers. I know that MiniMed always has super-helpful people.
As a side note - we've actually had a pump malfunction on our way to WDW (car trip so no airport issues) and MiniMed shipped us a replacement to POR overnight. Great service!

 

[anorman]

I've spent 11 years making my son's life as normal as possible and taking care of business without making a big fuss. When I encounter someone like the Universal lady you described I smile, say thank you and hang up without trying to reason with someone who obviously doesn't know the best way to help.
I agree with the other posters that the manufacturer will be the best place for answers. I know that MiniMed always has super-helpful people.
As a side note - we've actually had a pump malfunction on our way to WDW (car trip so no airport issues) and MiniMed shipped us a replacement to POR overnight. Great service!

She was very frustrating to speak with and when I asked to speak to someone with more authority on the matter, she said that this is as high as it goes in terms of speaking directly to customers. She did say that my concerns would be forwarded to appropriate people but that I wouldn't be receiving a return phone call. I don't know if she was just trying to placate me in order to get me off the phone since we were getting nowhere. I'm skeptical as to whether anything will go anywhere and I left the phone call with a high level of frustration. Arg!

Medtronic actually will provide a loaner pump for international travel if requested. So about a month before we go I'll be contacting them to make arrangements for this to hopefully avoid any issues like you had.

 

[gap2368]

I just got back from disney and spent about 5 hours at the ER because my pump gave my some insulin when I was on a ride and I went very low I would disconnect on rides ( like Mission to space or such ) I forgot to this time and about an hour and a half latter was very low and could not come up at all ( I am not 100% sure my pump gave me extra insulin but I went for having a 170 unites to 50 in less them a day and a half and I only use 30 unites a day and that is on a big carb day) on another note the ride to the ER is free and you get a free ride home by taxi and if you tell a CM that you are low they will get you something to eat to bring you back up. I have not been to US since DX and with a year pass to WDW I do not plane on going.