To GAC or not to GAC?

[Noemie]

I don't really know how to go about this as even though I've been struggling for years, I've only been diagnosed with BPD a couple years ago. I'm going to WDW solo octobre and I'm starting to worry a bit.
My psychiatrist is fine with me being on my own on another continent as I know how to keep myself safe in most situations if nothing is forced upon me. And to be honest I'm pretty sure I'll be fine at least 95% of the trip without needing any special help. The only major problem I could see is if someone invades my personnal space when queuing and in this case it doesn't matter whether I'm waiting for 5 minutes or an hour. I will start to panic, maybe self-harm and need hours to calm down... which I obviously don't want.

Knowing this what would you do? I was thinking about not bothering with a GAC, see how it goes and getting one if needed. But wondering if it wouldn't be safer to get in anyway just in case and just don't use it unless a crisis is near...

Thanks for your help

 

[MEK]

Well, to be honest there can be a lot of invasion of personal space in Disney. For example, there can be crowding and standing on the buses, crowds at the bag check lines and crowds at the actual lines to get into the park. These are the events that annoy me most at WDW and the GAC is not going to help with that (at least I don't think it will, although someone can correct me if I am wrong). Rope drop is particularly busy time with crowds of people. I suggest you avoid that. You might do well if you schedule yourself early breakfast TS meals so you can get into the park early.

The entrance crowds and lines tend to get more annoying as the trip wears on. For the most part, the regular ride lines are queued really well. Probably better than any park you have ever visited.

I have never used a GAC, but it certainly won't hurt for you to be prepared with the proper documentation should you wish to obtain one. If I were you I would be mentally prepared for the other annoyances outside of the rides. If you take medication to control your symptoms on a prn basis then have that ready as well.

Good luck planning your trip and welcome to the DIS boards.

 

[primrosea]

My son has personal space issues as well and unfortunately the GAC could not do much for us for this particular problem. The best way we gave him space was by clever family positioning to make him appear to have more area ( he also I'd not as bothered with close familiar people). I know you are traveling solo so that makes it more difficult and I'm bit exactly sure what your best bet would be aside from great planning.
For us we also find that some lines cause more anxiety than others and just FEEL more crowded, like Buzz Lightyear, Toy Story, Monster Inc on a busy day and Peter Pan. Some he doesn't have a difficult time with are Star Tours, Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, the Tea Cups and Any ride we can usually walk on like Living With The Land and Maelstorm.

Either way have an amazing trip!

 

[bidnow5]

Fast passes and a good touring plan would be a big help I'm not sure if a GAC will help but if you do go to guest services to ask for one no documentation is required you just need to explain what accommodations you would need

 

[SueM in MN]

Follow the link in my signature or look near the top of this board to get to the disABILITIES FAQs thread. Post 6 of that thread is about Guest Assistance Cards.

My youngest daughter has issues with personal space and any guest has to be prepared that their personal space could and will be invaded at times. GACs are only used for attractions and will not help at all with restaurants, bus lines, etc.

All queues have 3 foot lanes separated by chains or rails, so if you stay to the middle of the queue, you won't have anyone very close beside you.
We use other members of our party to keep other people from invading our daughter's personal space front and back. You need to expect that you can control how close you are from the person in front of you, but you may have people coming closer than you like behind you. That is not controllable and a GAC helps very little with that.

Using a touring plan and Fastpass will help a lot - the less people around, the less people available to intrude on your space.
Www.touringplans.com and www.easywdw.com are websites many people recommend. Even if you don't follow a plan exactly, the websites can help you I find the least busy areas/attractions at the least busy park.

For restaurants and transportation, avoiding peak times will help a lot.

 

[Noemie]

I was also thinking that Fast passes and good planning will be my best friends. But the problem is that even in a fast pass line if I have to spend 5 minutes waiting near someone who invades on my personnel space, or scares me (I have some PTSD issues as well) I will panic. While waiting for an hour next to people I feel comfortable with won't bother me at all... This makes it pretty difficult to plan beforehand.
I will make sure to take my meds, be well rested, not hungry etc as all these tend to increase the risks of having a crisis. I also know that if I start to feel one arise while not in line, the best thing to do is to find a quiet spot, have a snack, enjoy the moment until I calm down. If this is not enough, would I be able to go to first aid, and just ask for a quiet, safe spot until I'm better?

I'm probably worrying far too much, but I'd rather be prepared and nothing happens than the contrary...

 

[SueM in MN]

You could go to First Aid. The easiest way to explain it would be to say you are having a panic attack and need a quiet place for a few minutes.

As for getting out of lines to FIND a quiet place, you will usually have to go back out the same way you came in. So, that will involve going past people who are in line, a lot of "excuse me" and possibly getting closer than you would like.

I see your profile says you are from Luxembourg, so you will have a long trip in an airplane.
What kinds of coping techniques are you planning for that because your personal space will be invaded a lot more on the airplane with closeness than in most queues.
Whatever you are planning to use for the trip to get to WDW and in your daily life in close situations should also help for WDW.

 

[livndisney]

I was also thinking that Fast passes and good planning will be my best friends. But the problem is that even in a fast pass line if I have to spend 5 minutes waiting near someone who invades on my personnel space, or scares me (I have some PTSD issues as well) I will panic. While waiting for an hour next to people I feel comfortable with won't bother me at all... This makes it pretty difficult to plan beforehand.
I will make sure to take my meds, be well rested, not hungry etc as all these tend to increase the risks of having a crisis. I also know that if I start to feel one arise while not in line, the best thing to do is to find a quiet spot, have a snack, enjoy the moment until I calm down. If this is not enough, would I be able to go to first aid, and just ask for a quiet, safe spot until I'm better?

I'm probably worrying far too much, but I'd rather be prepared and nothing happens than the contrary...

You do know there is not a special GAC line right? Very few attractions have a "separate" waiting area and those that do-pack people in. Sue has pictures of a few like Monsters. The "accommodation" is a chained area in the main room. Massive amounts of people, in a closed space. We have issues with this attraction. However by knowing to do this attraction first thing in the morning-we are in that room with FAR less people.

You can use First Aid to rest as needed.

 

[Noemie]

You could go to First Aid. The easiest way to explain it would be to say you are having a panic attack and need a quiet place for a few minutes.

As for getting out of lines to FIND a quiet place, you will usually have to go back out the same way you came in. So, that will involve going past people who are in line, a lot of "excuse me" and possibly getting closer than you would like.

I see your profile says you are from Luxembourg, so you will have a long trip in an airplane.
What kinds of coping techniques are you planning for that because your personal space will be invaded a lot more on the airplane with closeness than in most queues.
Whatever you are planning to use for the trip to get to WDW and in your daily life in close situations should also help for WDW.

As weird as it seems I have never had problems on an airplane. Now you make me realize that I've always been sitting near nice females... I hope it will be the same this trip otherwise my flight will be hell... But if needed I will try to read, listen to music, watch movies, anything to keep my mind from wandering. Concentrating on the little things often seems to help.

 

[SueM in MN]

This picture shows the 'quieter' waiting area for Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor.

The 'regular' area is to the left in the picture and will be full of people by the time they open the doors to let guests in.
The 'quieter' area is to the right side and is just a chained off area from the rest of the siting room. They do bring the people from that area into the theater about 30-60 seconds before the rest of the guests. But, that area is right next to the regular line and can also get crowded.

This is pretty typical of the 'quieter' waiting areas.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

Are you going by yourself or with friends or family?

If you are going by yourself, I would be concerned that if you started panicking or having an issue, would you be well enough to find a safe spot or get to first aid? Or depending on how you react during a panic attack, would someone or security see you as a possible risk or a danger to yourself or others? I'm not trying to scare you or be negative, but I would see those as big concerns.

In the event you're going with others, I would make sure they know where the first aid center is in every park so they can guide you there should something happen.

Other posts are right though, you won't find any place in line that won't have other people around. Depending on the line (although most do this), they do fold back on themselves and while you are separated by railings, it can feel very crowded. Also if you are a ways into the line and feel like you need to leave, you'll probably find that you have to push your way back through a lot of people.

 

[rebelbuddhist]

While I usually try to be accepting and respectful of individual needs since I have my own, I would like to suggest that personal responsibility needs to be factored into your decision. Perhaps part of the necessary accommodation might be not traveling alone?? I think it a bit unrealistic to travel to the world's most crowded amusement parks and expect not to have one's personal space compromised. Everyone else there will have theirs compromised and it is almost a guarantee that yours will be too whether alone or with others. Maybe you need to avoid the rides/attractions that have long lines to avoid any problems. My cardiac condition means I can not ride any of the "thrill" rides-- it is not my right to be able to do everything when it is my condition that mitigates against it. I can't expect WDW to accommodate and create a less "thrilling" option for each attraction so that all cardiac patients and pregnant women can ride. Would you want to be on a ride that travels at 1/4 speed accommodating such persons? Who knows if you do have an attack your handling the situation including possible "self-hurting" may also accidentally, without any intention of doing so, harm others who are quite innocent. There just may be some attractions, rides, restaurants that you have to accept personal responsibility that you just can enjoy.

 

[HopperFan]

DS has personal space issues but he is never alone - but most the time it is just me. One thing I use in a number of ways and it might help you is always have a backpack. You can use it to create space. On a bench sit at the end and have your bag next to you on other side. At a parade I put him next to a trashcan and use backpack for space where needed. For you in ques you can control the space in front of you, have the backpack on your back and that will at least keep the people behind you 12+ inches away from you. Move it and they will be likely to step away to avoid being hit.

Good luck and enjoy yourself!

 

[Noemie]

While I usually try to be accepting and respectful of individual needs since I have my own, I would like to suggest that personal responsibility needs to be factored into your decision. Perhaps part of the necessary accommodation might be not traveling alone?? I think it a bit unrealistic to travel to the world's most crowded amusement parks and expect not to have one's personal space compromised. Everyone else there will have theirs compromised and it is almost a guarantee that yours will be too whether alone or with others. Maybe you need to avoid the rides/attractions that have long lines to avoid any problems. My cardiac condition means I can not ride any of the "thrill" rides-- it is not my right to be able to do everything when it is my condition that mitigates against it. I can't expect WDW to accommodate and create a less "thrilling" option for each attraction so that all cardiac patients and pregnant women can ride. Would you want to be on a ride that travels at 1/4 speed accommodating such persons? Who knows if you do have an attack your handling the situation including possible "self-hurting" may also accidentally, without any intention of doing so, harm others who are quite innocent. There just may be some attractions, rides, restaurants that you have to accept personal responsibility that you just can enjoy.

Let me set the record straight My psychiatrist is absolutely fine with me being in WDW on my own. I am doing pretty well for someone with BPD in my daily life and the likelihood of me needing any special accomodation when in WDW is pretty slim to none. But I want to be prepared just in case...
I tried to find someone who would go with me, but noone was available, or could afford it... and I refuse to let my problems hold me back. Also I don't have panic attacks, it can be a symptom with BPD, but it's not my case. I "only" get overwhelmed by emotions , especially negative ones, and yes in some individuals this could be dangerous. But as I'm handling my condition pretty well, no really dangerous situation will happen, especially with kids around. Should I have any self-harming urges, the worst-case scenario with people around me would be pinching myself, or discreetly scratching myself until I bleed a bit, but noone would notice and there is no risks to others...

But if I could avoid feeling threatened and not having to remove myself from uncomfortable situations it would be better.

 

[MEK]

Let me set the record straight My psychiatrist is absolutely fine with me being in WDW on my own. I am doing pretty well for someone with BPD in my daily life and the likelihood of me needing any special accomodation when in WDW is pretty slim to none. But I want to be prepared just in case...
I tried to find someone who would go with me, but noone was available, or could afford it... and I refuse to let my problems hold me back. Also I don't have panic attacks, it can be a symptom with BPD, but it's not my case. I "only" get overwhelmed by emotions , especially negative ones, and yes in some individuals this could be dangerous. But as I'm handling my condition pretty well, no really dangerous situation will happen, especially with kids around. Should I have any self-harming urges, the worst-case scenario with people around me would be pinching myself, or discreetly scratching myself until I bleed a bit, but noone would notice and there is no risks to others...

But if I could avoid feeling threatened and not having to remove myself from uncomfortable situations it would be better.

I think you should go on your trip. I think being at WDW and exposing yourself to uncomfortable crowd issues and coming out a winner will only increase your confidence!

Several years ago I suffered from an anxiety disorder with OCD components. I became very fearful of doing a lot of things. I continued to go to work, but felt the rest of my world getting smaller and smaller. During this time period I traveled to WDW solo because I knew if I gave into my fears, I might run the risk of never traveling again. There were some uncomfortable moments for sure, but at the end of the trip I left with more self confidence and a clearer head than I had had in a long time.

You are going to get different opinions from people who have never suffered an anxiety disorder. But having walked in similar shoes as yours, I congratulate you on taking this bold step and I hope you have a wonderful time.

A little tip I learned when dealing with anxiety and panic was to thank my brain for giving me the warning. Yup - I said and still say "thank you for the warning" and then I say, "now bring it". I learned this from a very reputable psychologist who runs a clinic exclusively for anxiety and OCD. Using this technique over and and over again basically changed my life.

Good luck to you!

 

[ArwenMarie]

I don't really know how to go about this as even though I've been struggling for years, I've only been diagnosed with BPD a couple years ago. I'm going to WDW solo octobre and I'm starting to worry a bit.
My psychiatrist is fine with me being on my own on another continent as I know how to keep myself safe in most situations if nothing is forced upon me. And to be honest I'm pretty sure I'll be fine at least 95% of the trip without needing any special help. The only major problem I could see is if someone invades my personnal space when queuing and in this case it doesn't matter whether I'm waiting for 5 minutes or an hour. I will start to panic, maybe self-harm and need hours to calm down... which I obviously don't want.

Knowing this what would you do? I was thinking about not bothering with a GAC, see how it goes and getting one if needed. But wondering if it wouldn't be safer to get in anyway just in case and just don't use it unless a crisis is near...

Thanks for your help

Read up on the GAC and see if it would truly help you. I have panic disorder and I would get a GAC in a heartbeat if I thought it would help, but I have never needed it. That is your choice to make.

Your personal space will be invaded at some point, I think you can count on that. However, on the bright side, Disney can also be a therapeutic place. Even though it is crowded, it is also very distracting in a good way. I made huge progress at Disney on some issues involving my panic disorder and crowds etc.

Not sure where you are staying, but one tip to keep in mind, remember that from MK you can always walk over to the Contemporary if you need a time out to regroup. The first floor lobby tends to be very quiet and calming (and there is a nice coffee shop there too!). Same for the Epcot resorts lobbies for Epcot and DHS.

Good luck, I hope you have a great trip

 

[Piper]

Two things stand out to me: You are going solo and you are worried about people invading your personal space.

One solution that no one has mentioned is renting an ECV. Getting one from an outside vendor is much less expensive. This would give you a cushion around you and since they are mainstreamed for the most part, you would go in the regular lines (unless you have gotten a fastpass for the attraction.)

If you are staying on Disney property, you can take the Magical Express. There are at least 2 HC spots on each one--some have 3 or 4.

Now with an ECV, you do have to be vigilant and watch the people around you. This might cause extra anxiety or it could give you an extra warning of when your space might be compromised. If you put a backpack on the back of the ECV, you would have extra space in lines.

 

[bopper]

Another idea is to go to Disneyland Paris and see how that goes before you invest in flying to Florida.

 

[Noemie]

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.

 

[ProudMomTo3Boys]

My son has personal space issues as well and unfortunately the GAC could not do much for us for this particular problem. The best way we gave him space was by clever family positioning to make him appear to have more area ( he also I'd not as bothered with close familiar people). I know you are traveling solo so that makes it more difficult and I'm bit exactly sure what your best bet would be aside from great planning.
For us we also find that some lines cause more anxiety than others and just FEEL more crowded, like Buzz Lightyear, Toy Story, Monster Inc on a busy day and Peter Pan. Some he doesn't have a difficult time with are Star Tours, Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, the Tea Cups and Any ride we can usually walk on like Living With The Land and Maelstorm.

Either way have an amazing trip!

My son is the same way with personal space issues. He actually had a screaming fit on a bus once because a girl was touching his leg. I apologized but really there was nothing that could be done, it was just a crowded bus. WE tried to put him between my DH and me but the girl still touched him. You can not control other people and what they will do. He also doesn't like to be surrounded by people on both sides, so for certain rides, like Soarin, he needed to be either in the front row or back row in the queue. Other rides that have many rows for the ride like Pirates he needed to be in the front or back of the boat. I say get the GAC and have it just in case.