My Husband is Diabetic - I have questions..

[KGreen3200]

We are traveling to WDW at the end of this month. I have been told that because my husband is diabetic and sometimes may not be able to wait in long lines that we may be able to get a "Guest Assistance" card or whatever so that we can avoid the wait. Is this true? Would diabetes be a reason they would issue it to our family? We are traveling with our 3 year old son and if he had an attack of any sort it would be very difficult for us.. what do you think?

 

[Talking Hands]

I cannot see diabetes as a reason to get a GAC. There is no reason a diabetic can't stand in line like everyone else. He may need to check his bs more often and adjust his eating to cover the extra exercise but that is all. Oh and be sure to carry some quick sugar such as jelly beans or life savers if needed or even glucose tabs but I personally find those disgusting.

 

[SueM in MN]

Welcome to disABILITIES.
The Guest Assistance Card (we abbreviate it as GAC on this board, to avoid typing so much) is not really meant to limit the wait in line (the text on the card even says that); it's more of a way to let CMs know what sorts of assistance someone needs if they have invisible disabilities. If you are using the wheelchair accesible/handicapped entrances, there is often a longer wait than just waiting in line.
Examples of some of the things a GAC might allow would be:
-allowing someone without a wheelchair to use the wheelchair accesible entrances (someone with a wheelchair or ecv does not need a GAC to use the accessible entrances)
-allow a waiting place out of the sun when the "queue is in the sun for a considerable amount of time" for people with conditions that are affected by the sun or heat
-allow a stroller to be treated as a wheelchair
-allow a quieter place to wait for someone who can't tolerate waiting in line (like person with autism)

We haven't been to WDW in October, but have been in September and the lines were very short. In fact, DH and I went on an adults only trip in mid-July and found our waits then were very short - not what we expected. By using fastpass and going early in the day (with a 3 year old, you will probably be up early anyway), you should be able to see a lot with minimal waits. Dh and I went to MK one day just after opening and were able to ride almost everything in Fantasyland, HM, the Steamship and the Pirates before 11:30 without getting any fastpasses or doing much backtracking.
We use a GAC for our DD who has a wheelchair and has multiple disabilities. Even during Spring break, when it is very busy, we find we don't need to use the GAc very often. By using fastpass and planning, we are able to minimize our waits.

The rides that usually have long lines are the thrill rides (which my guess is you won't be going on much with a small child) and the Fantasyland rides. By going early, you should be able to get on a lot of those with short waits.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Welcome to disABILITIES

If you provide more detail about other potential problems, people will be able to provide you with additional assistance. One other thing to consider, is he recent onset or long term? If he is recent onset and primarily controlled by diet with some medications you should not experience any problems. If he is long term and insulin dependent he should be aware of his limitations.

I would agree with Lisa's comments. Note that a GAC is not intended to get people to the front of the line but to handle situations which might not be obvious to a cast member (such as a need to stay out of the sun).

I have been diabetic for several years. Until I needed an ECV due to other medical problems I had no difficulties in my several trips a year to WDW.

As far as "having an attack", unless his blood sugar level gets very low there should be no difficulties. Even then if he starts experienceing dizziness help is generally immediately available. I once saw someone faint in a crowd; there were several cast members prviding assistance, plus a couple of medical people stepped in. She was given a bottle of "power-ade" and members of the rescue squad were there within a few minutes.

Generally if diabetes is the only disability it should not be any problem.

 

[Figaro]

I use a wheelchair and have needed a GAC the last couple of times because some of my more recent medications make me extremely sun-sensitive. The First Aid Stations in the parks are absolutely wonderful. They have extra needles and insulin, as well as sharps containers to dispose the needles in. It is also a great place to get out of the heat for a bit and lie down.

Since I just got to add diabetes to my list of problems(smile), I expect to be spending a bit more time at the First Aid Stations, although not much, since I was using injectible medication before I was diagnosed with diabetes. I just wish that I could use the same syringes.

I carry a small plastic tube of cake frosting in my purse and have found that this helps tremendously when I have insulin reactions. I also usually drop in one of those pre-packaged cheese and crackers packages to use to manage it more long term. I'm sure with a little one that you will have snacks along with you and it might be useful to pack extra for your spouse.

Hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[Eeyore1954]

In addition to what others said, I would encourage you to order a MedicAlert bracelet or necklace for your DH. It provides a toll-free number to call if your DH cannot respond and you are not around.

He should also talk to his doctor or pharmacist about any medications he is taking. Some can make a person more sensitive to the sun. I take one like that, but I am ok as long as I don't take my shirt off for long periods of time. Prolonged exposure to large parts of the body can lead to an unpleasant reaction (for me it was a stinging/burning sensation all over my back when I spent an afternoon in the pool w/o a shirt).

Take along some hard candy or raisins. Of course, you can find sugar almost anywhere at WDW if he has a blood sugar low incident. I've never had a problem at WDW, but I am prepared just in case.

I hope you have a great trip!

 

[Castillo Mom]

Originally posted by Talking Hands
I cannot see diabetes as a reason to get a GAC. There is no reason a diabetic can't stand in line like everyone else. He may need to check his bs more often and adjust his eating to cover the extra exercise but that is all. Oh and be sure to carry some quick sugar such as jelly beans or life savers if needed or even glucose tabs but I personally find those disgusting.

Diabetes in and of itself may not be a reason to warrant a GAC, but please bear in mind that those who have complications from diabetes may have conditions that you are not aware of. My husband is diabetic and has several medical problems as a result of it that limit his ability to stand and walk for any great length of time. My father in law passed away two years ago from complicatons similar to that of my husband's.

I understand the need to plan ahead and take advantage of Fast Pass, EMH, etc. But we will be requesting a GAC due to the time of year that we will be at WDW. We are not asking for special treatment or to jump ahead of others, just the opportunity to be able to sit down when he's in pain.

 

[SueM in MN]

I understand the need to plan ahead and take advantage of Fast Pass, EMH, etc. But we will be requesting a GAC due to the time of year that we will be at WDW. We are not asking for special treatment or to jump ahead of others, just the opportunity to be able to sit down when he's in pain.

I agree that people with the same general diagnosis can have very different problems/needs. So everyone needs to do what is best for their needs.

I just thought I'd make you aware that there aren't places to sit for most of the rides/attractions, even if you have a GAC. There are some seats in the waiting/preshow areas of some shows, very few rides have anywhere to sit. Plus, any seats are up for grabs to anyone who happens to sit down first. And, for some attractions (ITTBAB, Pirates, the Safari at AK, for example), you will still walk the same distance with a GAC or not.
Some people with problems standing elect to rent a scooter (ecv), a very good way to conserve energy and have a seat when you need one. Some people have posted that they brought a cane with a fold up seat. I've seen them in sporting goods stores.

 

[Talking Hands]

Diabetes in itself is not a reason for a GAC. Mobility issues due to complications is another story but honestly if you have the ability to walk all over the parks then you can probably stand in the lines. If you need to rent a wheelchair or ECV then those act as your GAC. Using fastpass as much as possible will shorten the time in line.