Re: DD with Type 1 Diabetes

[Majkman]

We found out the hard way 2 years ago, at our last Disney stay that out now 13 year old daughter has Type 1 diabetes, which decimated our stay. We are debating possibly returning this summer and we've heard a rumor that could change everything. Reportedly at the entrance of each park, check in at Customer relations and your party will receive a bracelet that acts like a fastpass all day. We've only heard of this rumor from several endocronolgists and would like some type of confirmation. That could certainly make visiting the parks much easier!!

Have a Magical Day,

Andy

 

[LockShockBarrel]

Not true. Unfortunately doctors seem to be very uninformed about how Disney handles these things.

 

[SueM in MN]

Not true. Unfortunately doctors seem to be very uninformed about how Disney handles these things.

There are a lot of doctors telling their patients all sorts of things that are not true.

There are Guest Assistance Cards, but they are not meant to shorten or eliminate waits in line. Check into post 6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread, which is about Guest Assistance Cards. You can find the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of this board or follow the link in my signature.

 

[ZehnJahren]

There are a lot of people who visit the park who have diabetes, and don't need front-of-the-line access in order to enjoy their days in the parks.

With a good plan (and an early start), you won't wait in long lines and can ride everything you want.

There's no reason to put off going simply because you can't go through the FP line every time - you CAN get FP for the most important rides to you, though.

If the diabetes is very poorly controlled and that's why you were asking, I wouldn't think you'd make the trip until your daughter's illness was under control. Otherwise, if she knows the ins and outs now, there is no reason you guys can't go. If she has fatigue problems, go early and ride everything then head back for a rest. If she has overheating issues, there are cool places to relax - shows, first aid, stores.

I use a GAC sometimes, but there are some rides it just doesn't work for (Haunted Mansion, for example). It's unfortunate that a doctor would give you such incorrect information; but the parks are still fun even if you have to wait in line!

 

[stargazertechie]

we've heard a rumor that could change everything. Reportedly at the entrance of each park, check in at Customer relations and your party will receive a bracelet that acts like a fastpass all day. We've only heard of this rumor from several endocronolgists and would like some type of confirmation. That could certainly make visiting the parks much easier!!

Yep. They also give you a unicorn that you can use as a mobility aid or to carry your belongings. (j/k)

The only people who get front of the line access are medically fragile children on wish-type-trips.

Guest relations issues GACs. They do not act like fastpasses- a lot of people think that they do because they see a wheelchair party get ushered off into the unknown (on the few rides left that are not mainstreamed). What people don't see is the wait that the disabled party has once arriving in the "unknown".

Let's take Splash mountain for example. You proceed through the standby line until you reach a wheelchair sign. You then wait there until a CM comes to claim you. You are wheeled through the exit, where you wait on the exit ramp for an extended period of time. Once it's your turn (CM's try to have you wait as long as you would have waited in standby) you then come off of the ramp and load from the exit. For some reason people think that you just waltz right on up and cut in line.

 

[Majkman]

I just re-read my original post, and think I conveyed the wrong idea. Having had open heart surgery 40 years ago as a child, and since have gone through 4 pacemakers, and having made 45 journeys to The Happiest Place on Earth, I was more baffled that I'd never heard such a thing as opposed to looking for any short-cuts. I am not surprised that we were mis-informed, just confused as to why?!

My son has been to Disney with a broken leg, and besides my lifelong ailments and now the DD daily battles, we'll continue our pilgrimage!!

Have a Magical Day,

Andy

 

[frkymcky]

Our DD9 was diagnosed on 11/23/10, she was 7. I know the stresses and struggles you are dealing with. We are finally going to WDW this September and definitely have some concerns. However our goal is to keep things as "normal" as possible for her. Also we stress to her that Type 1 is a condition not a disability. With that said there are situations that do require us to be forceful in getting something for her...cutting in line for a snack when she is low etc. You will most likely need to do a few more BS tests and possibly adjust her meal bolus but its all doable. Remember type 1 is a minute to minute condition at home or WDW, so go have fun and .maybe keep a closer eye. Dont over plan and follow her lead.....enjoy yourself! No worries about the lines......

 

[LockShockBarrel]

I wish I knew why doctors told their patients what they do when it comes to Disney. You hear stories "Oh I'll write you a note and you won't have to wait in lines" for ADHD, autism, broken legs, broken fingers...hell I'm sure there's a doctor out there that would write me a no lines note for a wart on my finger if I looked hard enough. I'm not saying everyone that is given a note or told by a doctor they can do whatever is fishing for it, but there ends up being a lot of very misinformed very upset people out there.

 

[SueM in MN]

I just re-read my original post, and think I conveyed the wrong idea. Having had open heart surgery 40 years ago as a child, and since have gone through 4 pacemakers, and having made 45 journeys to The Happiest Place on Earth, I was more baffled that I'd never heard such a thing as opposed to looking for any short-cuts. I am not surprised that we were mis-informed, just confused as to why?!

My son has been to Disney with a broken leg, and besides my lifelong ailments and now the DD daily battles, we'll continue our pilgrimage!!

Have a Magical Day,

Andy

I think they why is that a lot of doctors assume they can pretty much order it and it I'll happen. That's what happens in other situations for them, so they assume if they order it, it will happen.

There are also people ho experience something, but don't understand what occurred. Like, someone posted once that they got 'put to the front of the linethru a special entrance' on many attractions and then went on to say the attractions they got right on without waiting included Mickey's Philharmagic and Indiana Jones Stunt Show - all attractions where they waited with guests with wheelchairs and were let in earlier, but would have gotten into that same show.

 

[bopper]

Our DD9 was diagnosed on 11/23/10, she was 7. I know the stresses and struggles you are dealing with. We are finally going to WDW this September and definitely have some concerns. However our goal is to keep things as "normal" as possible for her. Also we stress to her that Type 1 is a condition not a disability. With that said there are situations that do require us to be forceful in getting something for her...cutting in line for a snack when she is low etc. You will most likely need to do a few more BS tests and possibly adjust her meal bolus but its all doable. Remember type 1 is a minute to minute condition at home or WDW, so go have fun and .maybe keep a closer eye. Dont over plan and follow her lead.....enjoy yourself! No worries about the lines......

Why not bring snacks with you where ever you go so you don't have to leave line? My DH is Type 1 as well. He uses a Frio pack to keep extra insulin with him and he keeps well hydrated other than that we just go about our business as normal.

 

[book_junkie]

Yep. They also give you a unicorn that you can use as a mobility aid or to carry your belongings. (j/k)

I want a unicorn...

I can definitely put Mickey ears on it so we'll blend in...

 

[buffettgirl]

we've done disney with type 1 many times now. Would be happy to answer any questions you might have. It's very doable. Good luck with your trip!!

We actually sometimes pick an extra long line if our son is running a bit low. We can treat the low while waiting in a cool (usually) shaded (usually ) place AND not lose time from our fun - killing two birds with one stone! We did this especially when he was younger and we needed to force him to take a needed break. (because you know..if you take a break for 15 minutes disney is going to disappear and all the fun will be gone )

Using fast pass when available and using a good touring plan is the best option.

 

[ttintagel]

Your doctor was probably thinking of the proposed Xpass; what he describes kind of sounds like the rumors about how it will work. However, it's not going to be something they give away. It will be an extra that you can buy with a deluxe vacation package. Right now, so much of the information that's out there about it is rumor and conjecture.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

We have been to both WDW and DL since our DD's dx of Type 1. Both on MDI and pumping. We have had no problems. The secret is to test often and bring snacks. Most all of the lines at WDW are inside or under shade so over heating shouldn't be a problem. Also, learn how to use Fastpasses. They are available to everyone at no extra charge.

Have a great time!

 

[Couchy]

I am a Type 1 diabetic and have gone to WDW several times.
I have been on the pump for the past 7 years and that makes it much easier than when I was doing shots.

Tips:
Test often
All the walking usually makes me run lower than usual so I try to adjust for that
Snacks are key as well as staying hydrated

have fun... it does not have to get in the way at all