Resorts & diabetics - best option?

[TWOOD]

My mom is 75 & on insulin 2x/day - where should we stay (it'll be Mom, DD's 11 & 13, & me)? I'm thinking Epcot area. I need to get a fridge in the room, right? How easy is it to take her dose w/ us into the parks? Yes, I sound like I'm braindead - I've never taken her to WDW since she's been on insulin, so I need expert advice from those of you who are "in the know" on this topic, please. Many thanks!

 

[Wendi]

My dad is a diabetic, and my thoughts are this. Any resort will do. Just make sure you let them know what you need the refrig. for and they should be able to fill that need for you. If you go concierge, most will have one waiting for you. With the Moderate or Value you might have to remind them at check-in.

As for the parks. They have insulated insulin supply bags at many of the pharmacies. Just ask and they will be able to tell you where. If you check by the coolers, sometimes they have neat little bags with lots of compartments. Just see which one will fill your needs.

The one this is to just make sure you communicate with them what your needs are and why. Once they understand it is a medical condition and her age, they will help you. I hope this helps.

Wendi

 

[SueM in MN]

First Aid in any of the parks is also a good resource. The staff is very nice and helpful (we saw several RNs in each First Aid we visited). They can store insulin in their refrigerator for you (although that may not be convenient if you are in an area away from First Aid when she needs it). They also have extras of things like syringes or alcohol swabs if you need any. They also have nice, quiet little cubicles with cots if anyone in your party has a need for a lying down rest in a cool place.
Some DIS posters have had good luck at getting a resort for free from the resort for insulin, others have been told that they must pay a $10 per day fee. The option given to those posters was to keep the medication behind the desk in the office - even if it meant several trips per day to the office. You can try calling WDW Resort Special Reservations:
(407) 939-7807
(407) 939-7670 [TTY]
That is the department that deals with special needs and making sure you get what you need.
Good luck in your trip. If you want more special needs advice, you can follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES Board.

 

[jgates]

To be honest, I would check with her doctor. I have been insulin dependent since 1981. I always refrigerate my insulin until it is opened - then it remains in my purse or on the nightstand until I change bottles. For the duration of the time I am using the bottle, I have no problems.

When were there this summer my unopened bottles stayed in the fridge (you could leave at the front like suggested), my others stayed right in the fanny pack and on the nightstand. When I got home I just switched to 2 new bottles since those had been subjected to the hot weather for 2 weeks.

Again, this can be totally dependent on what types she is using and what Dr. says. Over the years I have used Regular, Lente, Ultralente and now am using Humalog/Novolog & Lantus.

However, do make sure that fridge/cooler has small bottles of juice in case she need something to get her blood sugar up quickly. One thing I find handy if I need a quick fix- a can of ready to spread frosting! If I am out of it, its even easy for the kids to stick a spoonful of that in my mouth vs a bottle of juice.

Also, make sure you get a duplicate prescription write-up from her Dr to take along with in case you need it. Some insulin prescriptions (such as humalog & glucagon) cannot be purchased over the counter. In some areas you cannot buy syringes over the counter.

So just have a talk with the doctor - you guys will be fine!!!!!!!!

 

[bridgettesmom]

Also, don't forget to mention that your mother is a diabetic if you make any PS's.Our nephew is hipoglycemic and it helped that I mentioned it when the PS's were made.The chef comes to your table and tells her what to avoid eating.We were surprised that so many of the food offered contained sugar.A lot of the restaurants offer a sugar free cheesecake if your mother is allowed to eat any sugar substitutes,this cheesecake brought a big smile to my nephews face and if they don't offer any sugar free items on the menu they will make her whatever she wants.I bet she will love the special attention too. I know I am a bit off topic ,but, I'm sure you can use this info

 

[Lou-Ann]

Just wanted to say that we have had great luck when putting "diabetic" on the ressie as well. We have had chefs in several restaurants come over to be of assistance to us as well. Disney is used to this. We have had better treatment at Disney than at other restaurants. The resorts will bend over backwards to be helpful as well. have a wonderful trip.

 

[jgates]

I can't believe I forgot to mention this!

The ice cream social at Epcot - you can get Sugar-free Ice Cream!!! and it is great! They have it I believe daily at 3 & 3:15 pm. It is in the ?Garden Grill in the Land (rotating restaurant). It is a character experience with Farmer Mickey, Chip & Dale and Pluto normally. Yes, pricey @ around $6.95 per sundae but for sugar-free it was FANTASTIC. I was sure they had brought me the wrong stuff, but my blood tester proved I had the sugar-free! No swing in my test results at all! It is a good idea to make a Priority Seating (407-WDW-DINE) but we actually made ours the same day so it doesn't always sell out.

Also-make sure you do know where to get pharmacy items if needed. There is a Walgreens very close as you leave via Hotel Plaza Blvd near DTD.

Make sure you remember a diabetic necklace or bracelet too. I forgot mine in 2000 - I couldn't find a replacement anywhere- everyone was out!

And also - if she doesn't have a prescription for glucagon, its a good thing to have for peace of mind. Better than being hauled off in an ambulance! I have never had to have it used on me but my cousin does frequently.