WDW and Anxiety?

[LittleRubyShoes]

Hi all!

I'm planing a trip to WDW this June with my mum and I suffer from severe anxiety and panic attacks when I'm in big crowds or queues of people.

I read about the GAC, but I'm not sure if anxiety qualifies for it?

Also, has anyone been to WDW with anxiety and has any coping tips?

Thanks!

Ophelia
xx

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

I certianty am not a expert on this, but if you go to town hall when you get to the MK, you can check out the GAC, , they can mark the GAC as to your issues and CM's thoughout the park (s) have some qiuet areas to let you get away from the crowds for a bit. Please note a GAC card is not a go to the head of the line card.

Hope you have a great vacation.......AKK

 

[Maggie'sMom]

The number one thing I would recommend is a good touring plan and use Fastpasses as much as possible. If you are staying onsite and have park hoppers, you might want to take advantage of the morning EMHs as the crowds for those are typically less than the evening EMHs. You can get a lot done in that hour with short lines. But you will want to hop out of the EMH park by mid-morning because as the day progresses, the EMHs parks are busier than the other parks.

 

[livndisney]

I certianty am not a expert on this, but if you go to town hall when you get to the MK, you can check out the GAC, , they can mark the GAC as to your issues and CM's thoughout the park (s) have some qiuet areas to let you get away from the crowds for a bit. Please note a GAC card is not a go to the head of the line card.

Hope you have a great vacation.......AKK

I'm sorry this is not correct.

Guest Services at any of the 4 main parks can issue a GAC. The GAC lists assitance required not issues.

Each ride/show and attraction does not have a quiet area. In fact very few have "other" areas. If they do they are crowded/loud.

To the Op if you are having trouble with crowds and need to "regroup" you can go to First Aid at any one of the parks for "quiet". There are also little paths at AK, and out of the way Gardens in Epcot. The best tool for avoiding groups is Fastpass and a good touring plan.

 

[LittleRubyShoes]

Thanks for your tips, do you know how I can get a touring plan, or the best way to devise one?

Thanks
Ophelia
xx

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Thanks for your tips, do you know how I can get a touring plan, or the best way to devise one?

Thanks
Ophelia
xx

Check out touringplans.com, ridemax.com, and/or tourguidemike.com.

 

[kchughes]

DH has similar issues. We have never used the GAC. We have always managed to find a quiet, out of the way place for him to regroup. Not sure what we are going to do at MK as the "secret path" from Tomorrowland to Toon Town is closed. We can usually go on CoP or HoP if he needs some time as they are usually not too crowded when we travel (sept). You can find a quiet place in any of the parks, most CM are more than happy to direct you. Or you can go to the First Aid station at any park.Good Luck and enjoy your trip.

 

[Belle1962]

These are steps I find helpful.

1) Tell my dr before I go--he will often "let me" up my meds
2) When in line I have my party stand behind me--I control how much space between me and the people in front and they control the space between me and the people behind us.
3)First Aid stations
4)This will cause quite a stir I am sure but bathrooms: Not a pleasant thought but you can cool down and find a somewhat quiet place to sit for a few minutes.
5) Plan for one sit down meal each day. That hour can help you regroup.
6) Little Mermaid has to have the lowest ceiling in their waiting area in all of Disney World. Be prepared. It is the only room (waiting area) that gives me the heebeejeebees).
7) Know which attractions in which parks can be relaxing. I like Carousel of Progress and Mickey's Philharmagic at MK; The Great Movie ride and Muppets at the Studios; the garden in the United Kingdm at EPCOT--but pretty much any of the countries usually have a more "quiet spot". Haven't found any at AK but we're in and out of there anyway. A good way to tell is if the seating is individual seats (think movie theater type) as opposed to benches where they cram everyone together)
8) Leave the parks and head back to your room or do something you may not have done if you stayed in the park all day (I choose shopping and getting a massage). Sometimes we rent the water mice (they changed the name), tour the resorts or ride the monorail if it's not crowded.

A good touring plan will also be one your best defenses.