To GAC or not to GAC?

[SueM in MN]

I won't use an ECV as that's really overkill in my situation.

I've spent the day on touringplans and esaywdw and apparently as I'm going mid-octobre lines should be quite short and the parks not too crowded. So hopefully that will help. I've also prepared some touring plans that I should be ok with... I don't think I'll get a GAC as the parks won't be crowded, and if really needed I'll go to first aid for advice.

As for the Disneyland Paris advice, I've been there a few times growing up, and once a few years ago when I was at my absolute lowest. It was a magical day, where I could forget about all my problems and just enjoy myself for the day. So hopefully WDW will be the same.

We have been to WDW in October many times and you are right - it is a good time to avoid crowds.

I was the person who mentioned the words 'panic attack'. I want to clarify that I was suggesting using it as sort of shorthand if you need to use a room in First Aid. It would be a faster way to get what you need - a quieter place than having to go thru a long explanation.
So, I did not mean to imply that the OP had panic attacks.

For the OP - I agree with the suggestion about leaving the park entirely if you need to get to a quieter spot.
Contemporary is easy walking distance from MK.

Beach Club, Yacht Club, Swan and Dolphin are pretty easy walking distance from both Epcot and the Studio.

All of those resorts have lobbies and restaurants plus outdoor areas that would be likely to be quiet during the day because guests will be in the parks.

Animal Kingdom doesn't have a resort in walking distance, but there are places that will have a lot fewer people. One would be the Oaisis that you walk thru to get from the park entry into the park. There are some secluded spots with benches and since most people use it mostly as a passageway to get into and out of the park, it would be quiet during the day.