Type 1 Diabetic at Disney

[Josh Lee]

DISCLAIMER: I didn't put this in the disABILITIES forum because I don't consider it a disability. I felt this fit better in the normal Theme Park forum.

I recently found out that I was a Type 1 Diabetic. I want some advice from any other Type 1's out there. At Disney, how do you tackle the food? How do you ask for nutrition information at the small snack stands? Can you bring food into the park? ANY ADVICE HELPS!

 

[BlueFairy]

I'm not diabetic.

You should ask over there. They all consider themselves to have ABILITIES, like the names says. They are also experts on everything. Or ask in the Dining forum.

QS has books behind the counter with all of the ingredients and nutritional info. Many (if not all) places have a no-sugar-added dessert option. There are ways to make substitutions for side items. I don't know about kiosks and carts. Make a note of your situation on all ADRs for TS meals. There is a special diet phone number as well for discussing food restrictions and ADRs in advance.

Everyone can bring food items into the parks. No worries there.

If you have medicines to refrigerate or other medical needs, there is a centrally located first aid clinic with private areas in each of the 4 parks.

I believe almost all resort rooms now have small refrigerators. Many people arrange for grocery delivery to their resort. Most food courts have a microwave and toasters that you can use, as well. There are options on property for larger rooms with kitchens if you prefer to cook more.

 

[inky dinky doo]

DISCLAIMER: I didn't put this in the disABILITIES forum because I don't consider it a disability. I felt this fit better in the normal Theme Park forum.

I recently found out that I was a Type 1 Diabetic. I want some advice from any other Type 1's out there. At Disney, how do you tackle the food? How do you ask for nutrition information at the small snack stands? Can you bring food into the park? ANY ADVICE HELPS!

Josh, my grandson learned that he has Type 1 diabetes shortly before one of our trips, several years ago. Unless things have changed, since then, the dietary hotline/email address (or whatever they call it) will probably be no help, at all. Do ask, at every restaurant/CS/cart, for nutritional information. Some places have it, and some don't. And, test often. Yes, you may carry food/snacks into the parks with you, just like anyone else.

A good (small) book to carry with you (in the parks and elsewhere) is The CalorieKing Calorie, Fat & Carbohydrate Counter: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1930448678/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER It has lots of fast food/restaurant information, including many, many restaurants you probably know and love (Starbucks, anyone?). The book I have even has info on cafeteria-type foods, sandwiches, wraps, and fair and carnival foods. Looking at it should help you 'guestimate' Disney carb and calorie counts, when they're not available. I know this book sure helped us!!

You're right. Type 1 diabetes is not a disability! It's just something you'll learn to live with. My grandson played footbball all the way through high school, when on a school trip to Europe, and we've enjoyed many, many trips to WDW. Type 1 Diabetes has not slowed him down, at all.

Good luck! And, have fun on your trip!

 

[Allison]

Check out the restaurant board and the disabilities forum so you can get the best information. Good luck.

 

[hiroMYhero]

Because this pertains to food and nutrition, moving to the Restaurant Board.

 

[ConnecticutFlea]

Type 1 diabetes can be a little overwhelming at first. Disney has not been great with providing carb counts. I second the suggestion to use calorie king as a guide. You will learn how to accurately guesstimate carbs with a little time and practice.

A FRIO bag is wonderful for keeping insulin cool in the Florida heat.

Carry some lifesavers with you at all times. You will be walking more than normal and that can drop your blood sugar. If staying in a hotel, make sure you have some sugary drinks in your room in case your blood sugar drops during the night when everything is closed.

I like your attitude. Diabetes is more of a life style than a disability. Good luck and have a great time.

FYI.....there have been posts in the past on this subject that you can "search" for.

 

[frkymcky]

DISCLAIMER: I didn't put this in the disABILITIES forum because I don't consider it a disability. I felt this fit better in the normal Theme Park forum.

I recently found out that I was a Type 1 Diabetic. I want some advice from any other Type 1's out there. At Disney, how do you tackle the food? How do you ask for nutrition information at the small snack stands? Can you bring food into the park? ANY ADVICE HELPS!

Josh - my daughter is a T1 Diabetic as well. Unfortunately, Disney is not able to provide carb counts on their food. I am not sure how far out you are from diagnosis, but for the foods you typically eat, you will have a good idea as to what the carbs are.

What we did do at the beginning, before we were more comfortable with managing her diabetes, we would carry collapsible measuring cups with us. This helped measuring snacks, pasta's, veggies etc. We also used the Calorie King book - there is an app available for that, we also reference myfitnesspal for carb information.

It's not as hard as it seems it could be, it can be overwhelming at first, just note the common foods you eat and the carb counts, carry that list with you - it will help.

Just want to add, I agree Type 1 Diabetes is not a disability - its a condition...best of luck to you - feel free to message me with any questions, will be glad to help.

 

[frkymcky]

Josh - my daughter is a T1 Diabetic as well. Unfortunately, Disney is not able to provide carb counts on their food. I am not sure how far out you are from diagnosis, but for the foods you typically eat, you will have a good idea as to what the carbs are.

What we did do at the beginning, before we were more comfortable with managing her diabetes, we would carry collapsible measuring cups with us. This helped measuring snacks, pasta's, veggies etc. We also used the Calorie King book - there is an app available for that, we also reference myfitnesspal for carb information.

It's not as hard as it seems it could be, it can be overwhelming at first, just note the common foods you eat and the carb counts, carry that list with you - it will help.

Just want to add, I agree Type 1 Diabetes is not a disability - its a condition...best of luck to you - feel free to message me with any questions, will be glad to help.

Want to add- anything that is prepackaged will most likely have carb counts on them. The snack stands will most likely not have any carb information.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Maybe some help here...

http://allears.net/pl/diabetes.htm

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/dining-with-diabetes-in-disney-world/

http://www.dlife.com/diabetes/lifestyle/traveling_with_diabetes/disney_with_diabetes

http://www.t1everydaymagic.com/friends-for-life-guide-to-disney-world-with-type-1-diabetes/

 

[Pumbaa_]

I would still visit the disabilities board. There is so much. Expertise there, they would be happy to help with advice on how they handle it at Disney

 

[Sprockie]

Some good suggestions here. My DD (15) has been a Type 1 for 3 years. Things get easier, trust me on that. We have cruised and been to Disney since she was diagnosed. I have to say, most of the vacation is done by guestimating. If you have a good idea what 30 grams of carb of fries looks like and how much ice cream = so many carbs, hot dog buns etc. you will be fine. We found we need to go light on the rapid insulin because of the constant walking.
I would advise against keeping insulin in the little fridges. They quite often freeze things and then you'll be in trouble. Insulin is stable at room temp for at least 30 days. We take double or triple the amount of insulin we think we'd need and just keep it at room temp.
Frio bags are wonderful if you're travelling in the heat. They will keep the insulin nice and cool.
If you don't have a CGM, I would strongly encourage you to get one. We had to pay out of pocket for my DD's, but it's worth it's weight in gold. It will take 90% of the worry and stress out of everyday life.
Also, don't beat yourself up if you don't have great control. It's a vacation. My DD always ran somewhat high during vacation because I didn't want her going low somewhere halfway through a ride or lineup. Do your best and get back on track when you get home. Have fun!