STUPID GAC Question.......

[WaltD4Me]

I hate to even ask........

A co-worker of my sister's is going to Disney in two weeks, her daughter is
7 years old and diabetic, I think she said Type 1. Another co-worker told her if she got a GAC card all she needs to do is show it to the ride CM's and it will put them at the front of every line... My sister called to ask me about it and I told her a little about the cards and that it did NOT send you to the front of the line, but of course the co-worker who told her about it SWEARS it does because her SIL got one for her diabetic son and they went to the front of every line.

Now, I know there is really no arguing with this "expert" co-worker, who has never even been to Disney, but I would hate for the lady taking her daughter to be un-prepared, thinking her daughter won't have to wait in lines, so is there ANY way this might have happened? Could the lady who took her diabetic son really been shown to the front of the lines?

 

[Talking Hands]

I hate to even ask........

A co-worker of my sister's is going to Disney in two weeks, her daughter is
7 years old and diabetic, I think she said Type 1. Another co-worker told her if she got a GAC card all she needs to do is show it to the ride CM's and it will put them at the front of every line... My sister called to ask me about it and I told her a little about the cards and that it did NOT send you to the front of the line, but of course the co-worker who told her about it SWEARS it does because her SIL got one for her diabetic son and they went to the front of every line.

Now, I know there is really no arguing with this "expert" co-worker, who has never even been to Disney, but I would hate for the lady taking her daughter to be un-prepared, thinking her daughter won't have to wait in lines, so is there ANY way this might have happened? Could the lady who took her diabetic son really been shown to the front of the lines?

I doubt it. First of all I really see no reason for a person with diabetes to even get a GAC. As long as the parents are carrying some snacks and the meter things can be quickly remedied in the line. No castmember is going to forbid you from eating or drinking something to deal with a low.
I have had 4 crashes over the years I have been going to WDW and each time castmembers have been incredible. Once was in line for pins at a pin event and a castmember immediately brought me a soda to bring up my sugar. Once was at Typhoon Lagoon and I was given OJ and the CM even took off the cap because I couldn't handle it. Twice in MK and both times CM immediately came to the rescue.
I find the hardest to deal with is ADRs. The wait time can be too long for me but even then the castmembers are good at getting me in so I can eat before I crash. I am a type 1 with type 2 resistance as well. (ie type weird)

 

[eternaldisneyfan]

The only people that get front of the line access are kids on wish trips. A GAC is meant to give accommodations so that a person with a disability/special need can safely enjoy the park and have relatively the same experience as other guests.

 

[Vemnox]

There is no special GAC accomodation for diabetes. Additionally, there is no GAC that is a "front of the line" pass with the exception of the one provided by the Make a Wish foundation to their Wish Kids.
Diabetic guests pretty much know their limits and know how to handle themselves so there's really no accomodation a GAC could really provide, anyways.

 

[SueM in MN]

Besides what was already poster, if you want more information about GACs (Guest Assistance Cards) there is a section about GACs in the disABILITIES FAQs thread.

GACs are provided to give accomodation/assistance for needs related to a disability, not just because someone has a particular diagnosis.

 

[jayandstacey]

This is funny, becuase I just had the same question as the OP, but the person giving the information was my Doctor. My stratgey: Go to guest relations, explain my need, if I get a GAC it'll be as an insurance, then go have a good time.

Anyway, to address two comments:
A child's body is much more prone to wild fluctuations AND is therefore much less likely to be able to know their limits. This becomes magnified in Disney.

So, as an adult, a diabetic usually feels the oncoming signs- much like we can feel caffeine start to kick in, or hunger coming on. Lows or highs generally happen only when they come on too quickly and/or we're focused elsewhere. So having only 4 incidents makes sense (and that is great, BTW).

With a kid, especially 7 and below, they don't always think to feel the signs, and even if they do, they don't always think or know how to say something. This is especially true in kids who have had diabetes for a while, where, frankly, they simply don't really know for sure what feeling normal is.

The small body size means that insulin that is off by one unit (one mark on a syringe) could send the body off high or low. And since the measure is based on a guess of food/exercise/stressors - and we are giving just a few (2, 3, 4) units at a time, you can see how being off by one unit could be being off by 100%! Point is, maintaining blood sugar control is MUCH more of a crapshoot the smaller the child is.

So I don't think you can really say that all diabetic guests know their limits and know how to handle them. Instead, they are all different. Some can, some can't.

My daughter is 6 and weighs maybe 50 or 60 lbs. She is on the pump and her bloodsugar ranges from 70 to 250 normally (!). She probably leaves that range a few times a week. If any one of us non-diabetics even went to the edge of that range, we'd likely pass out on the floor! Before her pump, she was averaging about 5 hospital stays per year, where her blood sugars simply could not be reigned in. We (the parents) are very much on top of her care - it is just the nature of a small, brittle, active and growing type 1 kid to be all over the map.

So I guess what I am saying is that with a small kid, under the right circumstances, it is entirely possible to enter a line for a ride with normal numbers and seeming fine, and end up seizing or in the hospital before they get to the ride. Everytime? No. But with a high enough certainty and a high enough risk (the rest of the vacation is done) that a GAC is at least worth considering.

 

[dclfun]

I'm not trying to be argumentative, but what could a GAC even provide for a child who is a brittle diabetic and might not make it through a queue line without having an issue with their blood sugar? Going through a line "faster" would not prevent the same thing from happening ON an attraction and during the day I'm sure that insulin needs would have to be constantly monitored. What could be accomplished by having a GAC? I can see having an alert necklace or bracelet or being allowed to carry OJ or snacks in the line ( which are allowed anyway) but how would having a GAC improve the trip? They are not meant to shorten wait times and even IF front of the line access was provided ( which as has been mentioned will not happen as that is ONLY for children on a wish trip ) how would a blood sugar crisis be prevented? Again, I'm not being argumentative but I really do want to know what the need would be. ---Kathy

 

[Selket]

GACs are provided to give accomodation/assistance for needs related to a disability, not just because someone has a particular diagnosis.

I think that pretty much sums it up. When someone questions whether or not this or that "needs" a GAC the thread tends to turn ugly. I would just as soon this thread not turn into a debate on whether this or that person with this particular diagnosis could use a GAC or not. It is hurtful for those of us with type 1 children I assure you.

We have used a GAC for William and he has type 1. You can safely tell them that it isn't a FOTL pass. Dealing with a type 1 child in the parks is influenced by so many factors: age of child, crowd levels, heat or cold, type(s) of insulin they are on, pump or shots, flexible or rigid eating schedule, how long dx'd, excitement, stress, walking or stroller, the lack of carb count info on what you are eating at the parks, sensitivity to insulin, etc. What particular factors this child faces is only known to that child and her parents.

If you plan to pass along info to the co-worker going to WDW with the type 1 child I would tell them this:

A GAC is a possibility but it is based on the child's needs and not her medical condition. The parents would go with their child to Guest Services at the park to discuss that with them. The FAQ here has additional info on GAC's and going to WDW with type 1.

This website on visiting WDW with type 1 is just the best: http://www.allearsnet.com/pl/diabetes.htm

IMHO a good touring plan beats everything else - we use Tour Guide Mike (http://www.tourguidemike.com). If you just "show up" at a busy time of year (and much of the year is busy!) you are way more likely to have problems if you don't know what you're doing. With TGM our wait times are usually minimal and that is the thing that helps the most.

Hope they have a great trip!

 

[jayandstacey]

I'm not trying to be argumentative, but what could a GAC even provide for a child who is a brittle diabetic and might not make it through a queue line without having an issue with their blood sugar? Going through a line "faster" would not prevent the same thing from happening ON an attraction and during the day I'm sure that insulin needs would have to be constantly monitored. What could be accomplished by having a GAC? I can see having an alert necklace or bracelet or being allowed to carry OJ or snacks in the line ( which are allowed anyway) but how would having a GAC improve the trip? They are not meant to shorten wait times and even IF front of the line access was provided ( which as has been mentioned will not happen as that is ONLY for children on a wish trip ) how would a blood sugar crisis be prevented? Again, I'm not being argumentative but I really do want to know what the need would be. ---Kathy

No arguement, I'm glad you asked and I'm happy to explain.

It is a heat issue.

Rides tend to either be moving, in the dark, inside or otherwise. As you stand in line, you are essentially putting your body in a position to rise (or fall) to the surrounding temperature. This is less likely to happen on a ride than while in line.

Diabetes is a purely chemical issue. So think of when your body sweats - that is your body chemically reacting to excess heat. And you are much more likely to sweat in line than on any of the rides I can think of. Even walking around is better, as you get a little breeze and your skin is moving and flexing.

When a body sweats, it is shifting resources - and those resources eventually reduce to a transfer and increase use of energy - and unlike plants, ALL of our energy comes from what we ingest, which is converted into suagrs in the blood. Once those sugars are in the muscles and organs, the rest of the body can't use them - they are 'committed'. So when the body senses an emergency and shifts resources (and sweating is a kind of body emergency) - it takes sugars out of the bloodstream to get the energy to address the emergency.

So what? Non-diabetics adjust automatically, reducing the insulin in the bloodstream to match the reduced sugar levels. Diabetics cannot do that. That is the root of diabetes, the inability to make or regulate insuling levels.

OK, still, so what?

The skin is taking energy and naking sugars disappear from the blood. Meanwhile, insulin delivered earlier by shot or pump is making the other areas of the body take sugars AS IF THERE WAS NO EMERGENCY. That means that sugar levels are dropping WAY faster than normal - faster than can be accounted for often, we're talking minutes, and the next thing you know there is virtually NO sugar left in the system.

That sugar is again, the fuel for all body parts - including the brain, the muscles, and the skin. So the skin won't be able to sweat as well to keep the body cool - so the problem spirals downward. The brain begins to lose ability and a diabetic may seem drunk, or worse, seize or slip into unconsciousness.

Now, put all that in a 7 year old that is in Disneyworld, where nothing is what it is back home - are they going to notice their sugar levels slipping? If they do, will they say something? Adults die from this situation. A small child cannot reliably catch it everytime.

To adjust, we give less insulin. But how much? We don't stand in the heat at home. I don't know how quickly the skin will want to steal energy from the rest of the body. I can't give none, becuase then the body gets overloaded with sugar, and the kidneys will begin to work overtime to process this - stealing the sugar away for their efforts and worsening everything in a different way.

I hope that explains the sitaution. The line really is the issue - and heat is the source of the problem. A line in the 70 degree range is no problem - as you point out, the line becomes the same as the ride. But in the 90s and 100s, a line becomes entirely different and is guaranteed to have a strong effect, the question is only how much.

A GAC that allows a way to wait somewhere cool or use an alternate entrance or something else if they have it...that is how a GAC helps. Yes, we'll carry OJ and do all that - but we can't spend the whole vacation "rollercoastering" between extreme highs and lows - this takes an incredible toll on the body and is the cause of the longer term complications like blindness and amputations.

So why go in the summer? The Dolphin had a $25 off sale

 

[SueM in MN]

I think whatever condition you are talking about, there is a range of needs.

Some people have no particular needs related to their diabetes and really would not need or want a GAC (like some who posted here and have diabetes or have children with diabetes). Others might have more problems/needs that can't be met without using a GAC - even if they are doing all sorts of things to deal with it besides a GAC.

That's why there is no GAC for specific conditions - each person's reaction to their condition is different and to they may react differently depending on conditions in the parks at that time (weather, crowds, etc).

 

[Talking Hands]

So, as an adult, a diabetic usually feels the oncoming signs- much like we can feel caffeine start to kick in, or hunger coming on. Lows or highs generally happen only when they come on too quickly and/or we're focused elsewhere. So having only 4 incidents makes sense (and that is great, BTW).

Actually this is not true at all. These were all incidents where others realized I was in trouble. I don't really feel a low until I am in the low 30s so they are particularly dangerous if not treated quickly. How I avod problems is just like any other diabetic. Constant monitoring of my blood sugars and letting my control be somewhat higher when I am in the parks. At home my goal is to be under 100 most of the time but no below 75. At Disney if I am up to 150 I am ok with it. I probably don't have as much problem with the heat as many since I live in Florida anyway and am acclimated to the temperatures here. And every instance that I have had real problems where someone has had to intervene I have not been with family or friends who recognize my patterns. MY kids know me better than I do.

 

[jayandstacey]

Actually this is not true at all. These were all incidents where others realized I was in trouble. I don't really feel a low until I am in the low 30s so they are particularly dangerous if not treated quickly. How I avod problems is just like any other diabetic. Constant monitoring of my blood sugars and letting my control be somewhat higher when I am in the parks. At home my goal is to be under 100 most of the time but no below 75. At Disney if I am up to 150 I am ok with it. I probably don't have as much problem with the heat as many since I live in Florida anyway and am acclimated to the temperatures here. And every instance that I have had real problems where someone has had to intervene I have not been with family or friends who recognize my patterns. MY kids know me better than I do.

Uh oh!!

I was hoping my DD6 would "grow into" being able to feel herself go high or low. I've heard that some can do that - I'm a little scared to hear that it might not happen.

I'm definitely glad that you have people close that can see it though - and like you, we check as often as we can.

The worst diabetic stories I've heard had to do with being alone. So I guess one good side effect of having diabetes is that it is good to be friendly!

Happy fourth! and fifth, and sixth...

 

[dclfun]

Thank you for the explanation and for understanding that I was NOT questioning the need for a GAC but wondering how it would help. Since I don't have a child with type I diabetes, I didn't know that the challenge would be a metabolic issue with heat/sweating. I know adults, as Lisa mentioned, who behaviorally will show signs of blood sugar drops that they aren't aware of. A dear friend's husband would become really irritable and "grumpy" and she'd have to insist that he eat a snack or that they sit down to a meal. Once he'd eaten, his pleasant dispostion returned. He was never aware that he was behaving any differently before and after but we sure were! It was like Jekyll and Hyde.---Kathy

 

[SueM in MN]

Uh oh!!

I was hoping my DD6 would "grow into" being able to feel herself go high or low. I've heard that some can do that - I'm a little scared to hear that it might not happen.

Don't give up hope.
I was a school nurse at one time and we had several kids with diabetes who did their own testing at school. Some of them got very skilled at predicting what their level would be thru testing and knowing how they felt when the meter read xx.
I guess I'd say it is being able to 'read your body' is a skill that some people are better at than others (same as any other skill) and some people are never quite able to pick up, no matter how hard they try. As a public health nurse, I saw lots of diabetics for teaching. Most did not ever get an awareness of highs. Recognizing the highs is not so vital these days with the good home testing that is available and, while running high is definately not good for you, it isn't an emergency situation.
Some didn't get a real good awareness of lows, but the people who didn't have that skill did usually know that they could not 'pick up' the signs of a low. They ended up doing more frequent testing so they would not run into trouble. Thru doing testing, a lot of them picked up knowledge about what activities/conditions led to low blood sugar so they could act. (Very much what Talking Hands posted).

 

[ELoop]

We are annual passholders and go to the parks quite frequently. With the heat this time of year, I found myself asking about a GAC for us because my son, being on the pump, his insulin becomes less stable in the heat. The GAC we got was to allow us to provide us with a shaded area to wait instead of out in the sun. A LOT of Disney ride lines are shaded and we have only found 1 that was totally in the sun. We were allowed to wait in the shade and be included when the ride opened (it was for Nemo's Musical in AK).

We plan our day and bring lots of snacks. I check my sons sugars every couple of hours and if he needs carbs, they are quickly available. We do get fast passes when we can and that helps tremendously. My son is 8 years old and feels his lows quite well so we have a good system there.

I am very happy with the GAC we got and didn't expect to get "front of the line" because we use the fast pass and we go when it's not so busy (during parades) so we usually wait 20 minutes and get a fast pass and ride the ride twice! Disney has been so enjoyable for us and we plan it out so he gets snacks and sugar checks and have a GREAT time.

Elaine

 

[jayandstacey]

We are annual passholders and go to the parks quite frequently. With the heat this time of year, I found myself asking about a GAC for us because my son, being on the pump, his insulin becomes less stable in the heat. The GAC we got was to allow us to provide us with a shaded area to wait instead of out in the sun. A LOT of Disney ride lines are shaded and we have only found 1 that was totally in the sun. We were allowed to wait in the shade and be included when the ride opened (it was for Nemo's Musical in AK).

We plan our day and bring lots of snacks. I check my sons sugars every couple of hours and if he needs carbs, they are quickly available. We do get fast passes when we can and that helps tremendously. My son is 8 years old and feels his lows quite well so we have a good system there.

I am very happy with the GAC we got and didn't expect to get "front of the line" because we use the fast pass and we go when it's not so busy (during parades) so we usually wait 20 minutes and get a fast pass and ride the ride twice! Disney has been so enjoyable for us and we plan it out so he gets snacks and sugar checks and have a GREAT time.

Elaine

I'm all about that!

Plus, we plan to leave for the parks at oh-dark-thirty so we'll be first in line.

<duck and cover>And we'll all wear Heelies so we can get around faster </duck and cover>

(just kidding)