Military with PTSD and anxiety

[BabyTigger99]

This is our first trip back in six years. My husband is retired from the military and rated 70% disabled for PTSD. I am getting worried as to how he will be in crowds and waiting. Also, I am trying to remember and rides/attractions with unexpected loud noises. Any help anyone can give?

 

[SueM in MN]

Even though this guide was created for guests with cognitive disabilities, like autism, it has a lot of information that will be helpful to you. There is information about loud noises snd also length of attractions.
https://wdpromedia.disney.go.com/me...bilities-services/wdw_cognitive_guide_rev.pdf

Feel free to ask any specific questions

 

[SueM in MN]

Post 27 on page 2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread has information about attractions that people with claustrophobia has expressed difficulty with. The same 'trapped' feeling is part of PTSD for many people, so this post may also be helpful.
This is a link to page 2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread.
http://www.disboards.com/threads/di...ed-1st-trip-next-trip-wish-trip.595713/page-2

 

[aaarcher86]

I know the stage show has random fireworks throughout the day which can be tough since it's a pretty loud boom.

It's not in a queue so it's kind of unexpected.

 

[gap2368]

Thank your husband and your family for your service,

I do not have much to offer that sueM has not just that I would take the parks slowly go back to the hotel for a break or find a quiet place in the parks to just relax if noise bothers your husband then bring some type of ear protection

 

[MeridaAnn]

The Indiana Jones show in Hollywood Studios has gun and explosion noises in the final scene that can be heard outside the theater area in the park and parking lot. The show is performed 5 times a day.

Magic Kingdom's Dream Along with Mickey stage show includes pops of fireworks that can be heard suddenly around the castle area. This show performs 6 times per day.

Both shows have the times listed on the app and Times Guides for each day so you at least have a general idea when to expect them and plan accordingly.

 

[SueM in MN]

Lights, Motors, Action at the Studio also includes explosions and loud noises. It is at specific times during the day and will be listed on the times guide.

 

[ttintagel]

The guide SueM posted is good for the sudden loud noises. I personally found that easyWDW dot com predicted crowd levels well for the times when I was there, but I know everybody has their favorite sites and tools that they consider the most accurate. The Times Guide you get when you enter the park that day will tell you when and where parades and shows will be so you can avoid the crowds associated with them.

 

[wilkeliza]

If need be you can try to get a DAS as well if crowds in line will be an issue.

Is his PTSD manageable with warning? If so I would look at the times guide on My Disney Experience the night before and know roughly when a fire works will go off as well as the shows that have simulated gun fire etc. Hollywood Studios will probably be the hardest for him because of Light Motor Action and Indian Jones.

As others have pointed out the castle show ends with those crackling fireworks. I'd also be mindful of the shooting arcade in Frontierland.

The other hard thing is going to be Adventureland. As apart of the Pirates scavenger hunt game there is a cannon blast as well as dart guns that are controlled by the game. Some people will wait to trigger the effect until someone is standing right in front of it and others won't know someone is close that may be startled. If he thinks these will be triggers the best case is to be mindful but also remind him they are just games in the park.

Thank your husband for us all.