Disney Special Needs Pass

[wkat]

So it is true. We went to Disney World last weekend and got a special needs line budger pass. We avoided most of the 30-50 minute waits and jumped to the front of the line, something I felt awkward about at first but got over (to some extent) rather quickly. I don't think I'll use this when my son is older, but am not sure. My son is only 4 and didn't know that we got the pass due to his T1. The truth is the pass was really helpful but did we really need it? I was carrying lots of snacks on me so if he went low, I could have treated him. Although it would have been hard for a four year old to maintain his composure after going low in a long line, I think. And I didn't lie to get the pass. I told customer relations that I had a child with T1 and they handed it over without asking to see the note. So why do I still feel weird about this? I think it's because I grew up with T1 and would have rather waited in line than used T1 as a reason to pass other people. But at 4 it wouldn't have mattered to me, I guess. I know if I were older and my parents had suggested this I would have balked. I did not even want my parents telling a restaurant about my T1 to get seated faster. Of course, as a child I wanted to be like everyone else and I didn't want any special treatment and I think in some ways this worked well for me in the long run. But the pass made Disney World so much fun - we got to go on a lot of rides in our short stay there and my son (and I) didn't have to think about hypos, etc. so much. And for me (not just my son), after 33 years of not allowing myself this kind of special treatment, it was kind of nice.

Wendy
T1 33 years
Mom to Eli, 4, T1

[Sarah Maddie's Mom]

Pretty thoughtful and honest post.

I think this is a really individual thing, and one that would vary from person to person, day to day and year to year.

Obviously we don't want to teach our kids to "game" the system and warp their sense of self by making D a pass to better treatment. BUT, at the same time our kids have issues and physical burdens that most kids don't, so what's so bad in cutting them a little slack now and then and making their time at a place like Disney just that much more fun? Honestly, I could argue it from all sides, just depends on the day and the context.

Glad you had fun - both of you:cwds:

[Kirsten]

We used it for our toddler (age 3). To be honest, the biggest benefit was being able to keep our stroller with all his supplies with us. I did not feel bad about it at all. DS has so many restrictions with D (though we try our best to make D fit in seamlessly to our lives) that it was nice to be able to enjoy our vacation without extra D worries. I don't think that we would use it much when he is older, especially since Disney allows backpacks on all its rides and has fast pass available. But depending on your circumstances (and the weather), I would think that it could make a big difference.

Kirsten

[momtojess]

I have simialer feelings. On one hand, we have the stuff to treat lows/highs while in line. But on the other hand, who is to say the low wont happen when you are next in line, and then you cant get on because you have to treat, and recheck, etc.

On one hand it isnt fair that you get to jump in line and get right on while everyone else has to wait, but on the other hand it isnt fair that our kiddos have D either.

I can see both sides... if/when we go to disney(or kings island, etc) we will try it once.. if my dd doesnt want to, then we wont.

[Bsbllmom]

Well Disney is pretty strict about giving out the actual pass. If THEY feel that a Type 1 gets one then there is a reason. We get one when we go. If I get out of line to treat Christian then I will use it go get back in. Now when DH goes he has a prosthetic leg and we use one for him the whole time we are there. He doesn't use a wheelchair. They have issued his pass up to June when our AP's expire.

[Sari]

The one main reason I would be opt for using the pass is because if Ross is high and has to use the bathroom, it means getting off the long line you just waited on and waiting on it again!

I certainly wouldn't want him taking advantage of the benefit, but we would be waiting on double the amount of lines just for potty breaks! Hey, maybe the pass could cut us ahead of the bathroom line too! :)

[brownkkeb]

I can see both sides of the issue myself. We just went to Disney in December and decided to see how it went without the pass. Due to a few things, DS was actually running higher than normal, and as a result was thirsty and peeing a lot more than normal. I can't tell you how many times we waited in line (not long, 15 - 20 minutes maybe) and DS would tell me he had to use the bathroom. If I had it to do over again, for that reason, I would have gotten the pass.

Kathy

[Lee]

I wish I would have known about this before we went 1 1/2 years ago - but I didn't. I specifically spent the extra money at every amusement park to ensure that we did not have to wait in a long, hot, sweaty line. I did not buy the pass to avoid the line - I bought the pass because I was worried about lows and highs often associated with D, especially in the heat of summer.

Why I wish I would have gotten the pass instead of buying the standard get to the head of the line free pass: carry on luggage.

Bug roller coaster do not allow fanny packs, back packs, etc. Every ride attendant told me I had to put it in a locker - I would say no, they would throw it on the ground next to their feet, unsecured, not looked after, etc. I would get off the ride wondering if it would still be there. With the T1 Pass - it isn't the same and they treat you more respectfully.

I like what the other Parent said- they don't give them out for no reason, so there is a medical need for the pass...

I am glad that you guys had fun and I hope you don't feel guilty about it!

[Kiresten'sMom]

So it is true. We went to Disney World last weekend and got a special needs line budger pass. We avoided most of the 30-50 minute waits and jumped to the front of the line, something I felt awkward about at first but got over (to some extent) rather quickly. I don't think I'll use this when my son is older, but am not sure. My son is only 4 and didn't know that we got the pass due to his T1. The truth is the pass was really helpful but did we really need it? I was carrying lots of snacks on me so if he went low, I could have treated him. Although it would have been hard for a four year old to maintain his composure after going low in a long line, I think. And I didn't lie to get the pass. I told customer relations that I had a child with T1 and they handed it over without asking to see the note. So why do I still feel weird about this? I think it's because I grew up with T1 and would have rather waited in line than used T1 as a reason to pass other people. But at 4 it wouldn't have mattered to me, I guess. I know if I were older and my parents had suggested this I would have balked. I did not even want my parents telling a restaurant about my T1 to get seated faster. Of course, as a child I wanted to be like everyone else and I didn't want any special treatment and I think in some ways this worked well for me in the long run. But the pass made Disney World so much fun - we got to go on a lot of rides in our short stay there and my son (and I) didn't have to think about hypos, etc. so much. And for me (not just my son), after 33 years of not allowing myself this kind of special treatment, it was kind of nice.

Wendy
T1 33 years
Mom to Eli, 4, T1

Wendy, We went to Disney kast year and I wish I'd known about the special needs pass. We are planning on going again in a year or so. How did you get it? We missed out on a lot because she had so many lows while we were there that or very high that she felt to bad to do very much. :( We mostly got in line as early as we could ta get pictures made and that is mostly what she did. I do not think you should feel bad it all. Kiresten had a lot of fun but she missed out on a lot because she felt so bad and di not want to stand in lines. Her brothers would do things while we walked around and looked in shops or just found a place to sit and rest. :( Glad you guys had a good time. :) Disney is great, wish we could afford to go every year. My teen son no wants to work there. Well have a great day.

[shannonb]

We live in Southern California and go to Disney around once a month (We are actually going today!). We haven't used the pass (although we did ask if it's possible our first visit and were told no). We can navigate Disney pretty well without it. The trick is not going when it's so busy (not so easy if you have to take vacation when everybody else is on vacation).

We just make sure that whoever is standing in line or riding with my T1 carries a backpack with all the snacks, glucagon, cake gel, meter etc. so we have all we need with us in those long lines.

My husband and I had a debate about whether the pass was necessary or not before he asked for it.... I didn't think the T1 necessitated the line jump, especially since I went one time with my friend who has an autistic son and saw how it was really necessary for her family to even attempt a day at Disney. I feel that we get along pretty well without it, as long as we have his supplies in a backpack.

[WestinsMom]

I too wish I would have known to ask for it 5 years ago when we went. But I also have those mixed feelings. At the time I had actually made a comment that we should have come with my mom (before she passed away from cancer) so we could have actually done more than 5 things that day!

[Kiresten'sMom]

Just told my dd about the special needs pass and she goes, "what?!" "Why didn't I get that. I have Diabetes." I said I didn't know about it then, but we will get it next time. She goes "GOOD, because I can't do that again!" SO guess what we will do next time.:D

[funnygrl]

You feel weird about it because unless it's really hot out, there's likely no reason you need a special needs pass. It's using diabetes as an excuse to not have to wait in line, because no one wants to wait in line.

You spend your whole life trying to convince people that diabetes doesn't mean you can't do anything any one else can do, and that you're still normal, then you go get a disability pass at Disney, which is essentially saying that your child is too sick to wait in line. There's a discrepancy there.

I'm sorry if anyone is offended by this, but it's something I feel strongly about. Like you said, it's an individual thing. You need to evaluate your own need for it.

[Kiresten'sMom]

You feel weird about it because unless it's really hot out, there's likely no reason you need a special needs pass. It's using diabetes as an excuse to not have to wait in line, because no one wants to wait in line.

You spend your whole life trying to convince people that diabetes doesn't mean you can't do anything any one else can do, and that you're still normal, then you go get a disability pass at Disney, which is essentially saying that your child is too sick to wait in line. There's a discrepancy there.

I'm sorry if anyone is offended by this, but it's something I feel strongly about. Like you said, it's an individual thing. You need to evaluate your own need for it.

I agree with you on not using it as an excuse. My DD has wanted to use it as an excuse several times and I explained how others are in greater need than her. However, when you spend all that money to get to Disney, then for us drive 10-11 hours to get there, for our DD to not feel like doing very much was vry disappointing. Several times because of the heat, the lows and feeling bad ad the highs that here thirsty and running to the restroom, she cried wanting to just go back to the room. She was so excited to be there, I felt bad for her that her brothers we having a good time while we sat on a bench watching everyone else have fun. If her BG is more under control when we go back, I will probably not use it, but if we are still having difficultythat we re now I will definitely get it.

[funnygrl]

I agree with you on not using it as an excuse. My DD has wanted to use it as an excuse several times and I explained how others are in greater need than her. However, when you spend all that money to get to Disney, then for us drive 10-11 hours to get there, for our DD to not feel like doing very much was vry disappointing. Several times because of the heat, the lows and feeling bad ad the highs that here thirsty and running to the restroom, she cried wanting to just go back to the room. She was so excited to be there, I felt bad for her that her brothers we having a good time while we sat on a bench watching everyone else have fun. If her BG is more under control when we go back, I will probably not use it, but if we are still having difficultythat we re now I will definitely get it.

Fair enough.

[Bsbllmom]

It's good to get in the beginning so you don't have to walk back to get it if and when you need it. I try to keep Christian carbed up while we are there but in the summer he goes low at the drop of a hat. I'd say in the last year we have used it on, maybe,10 different rides. It is just good to have for a back up.

[wkat]

You feel weird about it because unless it's really hot out, there's likely no reason you need a special needs pass. It's using diabetes as an excuse to not have to wait in line, because no one wants to wait in line.

You spend your whole life trying to convince people that diabetes doesn't mean you can't do anything any one else can do, and that you're still normal, then you go get a disability pass at Disney, which is essentially saying that your child is too sick to wait in line. There's a discrepancy there.

I'm sorry if anyone is offended by this, but it's something I feel strongly about. Like you said, it's an individual thing. You need to evaluate your own need for it.


I'm not offended. I think this is a good discussion to have. The way I justified it to myself was not that my child is too sick, but that he was just dxed two months ago, he's still making a fair amount of insulin and is on insulin, so his numbers are pretty unpredictable, and I didn't want to wait in forty minute lines, possibly being stuck in the middle of hundreds of people and unable to get out, if my son were having a hypo or hyper. I can hold my bladder pretty well at my age but he doesn't do such a good job at 4. Some days his body kicks out insulin after meals and some days it doesn't, so his postprandials vary a lot right now. He did have some random and unpredictable numbers and I was glad I wasn't stuck in the middle of the Pirates of the Caribbean line while he had them, but I think as he gets older and has more control over D I wouldn't want to do this. But I agree for myself, that I don't like to use D as an excuse and pretty much never have, although I got to in this case, and it was kind of fun.

Wendy

[wkat]

How did you get it?

I went to Customer Relations (I think that's what it's called) at the front of the Magic Kindgdom and told them I had a child with T1. I had a travel letter from my son's endo that says he has T1 and needs to carry supplies, etc. I asked if they wanted to see it and they said no. They gave me a special needs pass to cover the days we were there. We didn't use it for every ride. Sometimes the lines were less than 20 minutes and there was an easier escape route if we needed to leave.

Wendy

[Nancy in VA]

I thought about it on our trip in December but decided against it. I was just very vigorous with checking and personally, none of us want to wait in super long lines anyway, so we usually just skipped them! I can't wait until they Fastpass more lines! I think the longest was Dumbo and we just checked her before she got in line!

[coni]

We got one when we were at Disney last summer, but we didn't use it. I'm glad we had it, though, just in case. My main concern was the heat and its effects on DD's blood sugars.

I really appreciate the honest discussion on this post. I, too, felt very conflicted about the whole thing.

[liasmommy2000]

I really think it depends on so many things.

We went in Aug 06, seven months after dx when Lia was honeymooning still. We didn't have many problems with highs, just lows. Because it was so hot, I didn't even hestitate to rent a stroller even though she was six years old. I knew with her walking in that heat, she'd spend the whole time low. So that's what we did and it helped SO much. Whenever we had any distance to go she rode in the stroller. If we were just walking between attractions in a small section of a park, she walked. I carried all supplies on my person in a humongous fanny pack (stylish I was not, but it worked). So we had no need to keep the stroller with us.

For that trip our plan worked great. She had a couple of lows, but nothing too bad and when she was low once and we were on our way to a lunch reservation she just cruised in the stroller sucking on glucose tabs and was fine. Without the stroller we would have had a problem.

Next time we go it will almost certainly be in hot and crowded uly/Aug again. I'm not sure what year it will be but even if we went this summer she would be 8 yrs old and no more stroller. So in that case I will likely ask for a pass.

[Kiresten'sMom]

I went to Customer Relations (I think that's what it's called) at the front of the Magic Kindgdom and told them I had a child with T1. I had a travel letter from my son's endo that says he has T1 and needs to carry supplies, etc. I asked if they wanted to see it and they said no. They gave me a special needs pass to cover the days we were there. We didn't use it for every ride. Sometimes the lines were less than 20 minutes and there was an easier escape route if we needed to leave.

Wendy

This is fair. We did do several things that did not have long lines, example she road the train in tomorrowland 3 times, because it was a short line. I know after 2 very long lines she was exausted. On our last day there she was low all day no matter how many carbs we gave her. It was very hot, even her oldest brother who is not D, was complaining about the heat. So I think a pass as a back up for bad days or long lines that she can not handle would be worth it. Thanks again for the info. It makes me not dread another Disney trip. :D

[sammysmom]

We go to Disney every year and we have used the pass every time we have gone. We go during the busy and hot time of year so standing in a long line while pumping insulin never worked out good for us. We use the pass and do not feel bad about it all. To each their own!

shannon

[Nancy in VA]

We go to Disney every year and we have used the pass every time we have gone. We go during the busy and hot time of year so standing in a long line while pumping insulin never worked out good for us. We use the pass and do not feel bad about it all. To each their own!

shannon

See, the difference for us is that we don't go in the heat. I personally don't do well in the heat, and we often take my parents and my mother isn't in the best of health, and she is AWFUL in the heat, so we go in Nov/Dec and the heat isn't so much a factor for us. I think that makes a BIG difference.

[abacobaby]

We will be in DW in May for Grace's 5th birthday! I had read about the special pass, but have still not made up my mind about how I feel about getting one/using one. I think maybe the best thing to do would be to ask for one and if we get one, just keep it as a backup plan, only if needed.

[Mom2rh]

My DS is older so we have not used the pass or needed it. I can totally see where it might be helpful with younger kids...I agree with "to each his/her own."

[krstn9@yahoo.com]

We went to Disneyland in November 07 and was told that they do not offer special passes but we could have a wheelchair if needed to sit in throughout the line. I wanted a pass not use on our good days, but in my back pocket if lows or highs should come up. I was a little dissappointed by this response but luckily we didn't have any issues that trip.

[sammysmom]

See, the difference for us is that we don't go in the heat. I personally don't do well in the heat, and we often take my parents and my mother isn't in the best of health, and she is AWFUL in the heat, so we go in Nov/Dec and the heat isn't so much a factor for us. I think that makes a BIG difference.


That is the main reason we have to use the pass. I would LOVE to go to disney in Nov/Dec but so far, that has not been possible. I do not think that we would use the pass if it was not for the heat, unless my son went low in line and we had to step out to treat.

shanon

[Judy&Alli]

Do you need a note from endo to get the pass? We are going in about three weeks and will only be pumping for a very,very short time. I would like to have it as a back-up plan. Any info will be appreciated!
Thanks,
Judy:)

[Boo]

I really think it depends on so many things.

We went in Aug 06, seven months after dx when Lia was honeymooning still. We didn't have many problems with highs, just lows. Because it was so hot, I didn't even hestitate to rent a stroller even though she was six years old. I knew with her walking in that heat, she'd spend the whole time low. So that's what we did and it helped SO much.

Now I feel guilty...I guess I've always been very judgemental in the past of parents who push their older kids around in strollers. :rolleyes: It always just seemed so indulgent. Now, I realize that I have NO IDEA what their whole story is, so what gives ME the right to assume they're just being indulgent? I'm glad that worked for you.

I agree that having/using the pass depends on many different factors. We've been to Disney twice since diagnosis. Neither time did we have (or need) the pass. BUT, my son was 9 and 11 on our two trips, so he was older. We also went in early December when the weather is cooler and the lines are significantly shorter. I can certainly see how having a pass (at least for backup) would be helpful with younger, or recently diagnosed children, especially in the extreme heat.

...and just because you have a pass, doesn't mean you have to use it. With young kids, I think I'd recommend for people to try to get one just in case, and use it (but don't abuse it) at your own discretion.

[EmmasPapa]

I fully understand the reluctance of some to use the pass, particularly for older children who are more aware of the stigma that may be attached due to the special treatment. The older children may also be a lot more D aware and able to take care of themselves.

I feel that the overriding factor for younger children is their health, comfort and safety. I didn't feel bad or was at all uncomfortable going to the head of the line with a fragile 2 1/2 year old on a hot Orlando day.

In my opinion, what is best for the child is best.

[abacobaby]

Do you need a note from endo to get the pass? We are going in about three weeks and will only be pumping for a very,very short time. I would like to have it as a back-up plan. Any info will be appreciated!
Thanks,
Judy:)

From everything I've read about it online, NO, you do not need a note from your endo to get the pass.

[Heather(CA)]

My view might not be too popular...I feel that if something positive can happen for the kids because they have D. Like going to the front of the line...Why not???

It true, they can do anything they want...With planning of coarse.

I am a HUGE believer in giving the kids as many choices as possible..To pump or not for example. So if he didn't want the pass, then we definately would not get one.

ANYTHING that it's possable for Seth to have an opinion on, he gets to decide.

I guess I see it kind of like the 504 at school. Yes, they can do it, but sometimes due to their D. Accomadations(sp?) are necessary to have in place.

BTW, I love our opinionated teens (I TOTALLY mean this in a good way) You do a great job stating how you feel:D

[caspi]

Very interesting discussion! See, we CAN have different opinions and still all get along!;)

OK, this is going to sound like a reallllly stupid question here, but who gets to use the pass - just the child and parent, or does the whole family (if they're all going on the same ride, of course)??? :confused:

[abacobaby]

Very interesting discussion! See, we CAN have different opinions and still all get along!;)

OK, this is going to sound like a reallllly stupid question here, but who gets to use the pass - just the child and parent, or does the whole family (if they're all going on the same ride, of course)??? :confused:

I believe I read that they hand out a max of 6 passes per family. Someone correct me if I'm wrong!

[saxmaniac]

You spend your whole life trying to convince people that diabetes doesn't mean you can't do anything any one else can do, and that you're still normal, then you go get a disability pass at Disney, which is essentially saying that your child is too sick to wait in line. There's a discrepancy there.

By this logic, nobody would need a 504 plan either. I say, get the pass, but you don't have to use it to avoid lines. This way, if someone gives you a hassle about having a juice box, or tries to force your kid to disconnect his "cell phone", you have something to fall back on.

[Bsbllmom]

At Disneyland you can have up to 6 people.

[Bsbllmom]

There is absolutely no reason not to get it. You can use it on every ride or just when needed. It is totally up to you but at least you have it if you need it.

[momtojess]

So after reading more and more.. I think we would get one.. Probably not use.. But if we are in a line, and for some D related reason we have to get out of line after standing there for 20 mins, I would then use it instead of standing there again.

and I agree, I do like all the different opinions

[wkat]

My view might not be too popular...I feel that if something positive can happen for the kids because they have D. Like going to the front of the line...Why not???

Okay, I'm going to play devil's advocate to my own post. Really, I think I'm just trying to figure all this out for myself here and absolutely respect anyone's opinion on how they handle this. My fear for my own son in overusing special accommodations is that when he has to go out and apply for a job, when 504 plans are not a part of his life, he's not going to be able to jump to the front of the line, or tell the person interviewing him that he's going to be an hour late b/c he's had a low. I mean, that's an option, but he won't get the job. I don't think anti-discrimination laws protect people with D very well in the workforce, at least from what I've heard. So I guess I just want my son to be prepared to do his best with what he's got, although I'm not sure using a special needs pass at Disney World when he's 4 is setting him up for disaster or anything. I just worry about how having this mindset in the future might affect him.

Wendy

[mom to a sports nut]

We are going to Disneyland in April and I really hadn't thought too much about this. We used a guest assistance pass when we went on our sons Wish Trip, however, he is in a wheelchair. I didn't think about getting one when we go for Melissa. (Andrew is not coming this time)

[Heather(CA)]

Okay, I'm going to play devil's advocate to my own post. Really, I think I'm just trying to figure all this out for myself here and absolutely respect anyone's opinion on how they handle this. My fear for my own son in overusing special accommodations is that when he has to go out and apply for a job, when 504 plans are not a part of his life, he's not going to be able to jump to the front of the line, or tell the person interviewing him that he's going to be an hour late b/c he's had a low. I mean, that's an option, but he won't get the job. I don't think anti-discrimination laws protect people with D very well in the workforce, at least from what I've heard. So I guess I just want my son to be prepared to do his best with what he's got, although I'm not sure using a special needs pass at Disney World when he's 4 is setting him up for disaster or anything. I just worry about how having this mindset in the future might affect him.

Wendy


I hear what your saying, But, in our case, Seth has never done anything close to using his D to get out of anything. He's never even missed more than an hour of school due to D. (We've been lucky in that he hasn't ever had more than small keytones or he probably would have missed some school)...In fact, he throws a HUGE fit if I even schedule his Dr. appts during school. I just think there are lots of occasions to not them get away with that kind of behavior if it's happening. Disneyland (For most of us) Happens WAY once in a while. I honestly don't think it will affect their ability to hold down a job in the future. So, I say let them have some extra fun, and don't over think it:D JMO

[fredntan2]

I feel the same way. We get a pass every time we go to park. i am not standing in that line for a hr for her to have to tell me she has to pee or is thirsty. If the line is short, then we'll wait in line. never really thought about not using one.:D

[khannen]

Nice timing of this thread! I'm at DisneyWorld now. Lol... We arrived on Saturday. We were here last December as well. What we do for our family it to get the pass so I have it in hand when needed. I'd say we only use it about a third of the time though... if even that much. We tend to come in times of cooler weather and smaller crowds so I'm not worried about heat or long lines.

To answer a few things I saw...
Nobody asked me for a letter from the Endo. I simply said my DD had T1 and they handed me the red and white card. They also tagged her stroller as a wheelchair so we could keep it with us if we wished.
They gave me one card for the whole party/family. It's valid for up to 6 guests (including the T1 child).

One of my rules is that we never never never get into a line/attraction/show without basic supplies for her. We once hopped straight onto Peter Pan because there was absolutely no wait. It normally lasts about 2 minutes. Forty-five minutes later we finally got off! EEEK! It broke down and it took forever to free everyone. i kept asking her how she was feeling and was totally paranoid of what would happen if she crashed. Ugh! Also, sometimes it's hard to exit the que once you're stuck in there. It would sometimes be hard to get out to treat a low or for those desperate high BG must pee now moments!

[CAGrandma]

I think we'd all agree that the universe is slightly out of balance when we have little kids dealing with diabetes on a daily basis. Having a guest pass at Disney means getting on rides that you might have to pass up (for a test or potty break), or maybe going on an extra ride or two in the day. Sounds like a minor advantage in the grand scheme of things. And all it does is start to
'even the playing field', which is what the 504 provisions are supposed to do. Kids without diabetes don't lose their place in line because they have to pee yet again, or have a snack right now. The heat may make them tired, but it doesn't affect their blood glucose readings.
Sometimes people in the long lines give you dirty looks, since they can't see the diabetes. I always wish I could ask them if they want to trade places. But I mean really trade places - they get the guest pass and the diabetes that goes with it. Such a deal.

[funnygrl]

Having read many a post on this board, and talked to many a parent in chat, I've become fairly certain that living with diabetes is way easier than being a parent of a child with diabetes.

I don't consider having diabetes to be a hardship to cope with. I don't consider it something other people should be compensating me for. I don't consider the playing field uneven. I don't think it's unfair that I have diabetes (most days).

To me, it's just something that's a small part of me that I have to live with. No more a hardship than the fact that my sister has to work harder in school than I or that some families have less money than mine. We all have our "cross to bear" so to speak, and this is one of mine.

Admittedly some days are harder than others, and I still cry about it some times, but from day to day I can do what I need to do and move on, or even laugh at it.

Since I'm the one that's going to have to be living with this the rest of my life, I consider that a fairly healthy attitude to have. I'd rather spend a "normal" day at Disney than bring diabetes into it.

[Brensdad]

I say that our kids go through enough each and every day, and they should use the pass as a way to have something special done for them just because they deserve it.

We got the pass when we went for Emma, and it's a good thing. The heat was constantly degrading the insulin in her tubing, and because she was so little she would get dehydrated and her BG would spike like crazy. As it was, we spent several hours over the course of the trip in aid stations cooling off and getting her BG down. Without the pass, she'd have gotten to do very little at Disney.

[sammysmom]

I say that our kids go through enough each and every day, and they should use the pass as a way to have something special done for them just because they deserve it.

We got the pass when we went for Emma, and it's a good thing. The heat was constantly degrading the insulin in her tubing, and because she was so little she would get dehydrated and her BG would spike like crazy. As it was, we spent several hours over the course of the trip in aid stations cooling off and getting her BG down. Without the pass, she'd have gotten to do very little at Disney.


And to add to that: I also feel that the pass was a good thing for my older son as well. He always feels left out and that everything we do revolves around Sam and his diabetes. Well for a few days his brother having diabetes actually came in handy for him. Big brother got to reap the benefits of Sam's sucky disease. He got to go on rides and not wait in a long line. Purely a selfish though, but hey, my older kid puts up with a lot of stuff due to diabetes being in the house. At least while at disney, he can feel like a big shot that goes to the front of the line!

[coconne3]

Hi, I wish I'd known about this pass last year. We went last March (2m after diagnosis) for a week. I spent more time , getting out of lines to feed her, for her to go to the BR and just chasing lows. We missed so much! We are going to CWD conference in July and to WDW for a day. This might help so we don't have to start over in line again and again.
I felt funny thinking about it as I was reading the posts but then as I thought about our visit last year, I thought how much more we could have gotten done and how much less tears there would have been when we had to miss something. If it is still offered, I think we will get one and use it only if we have to get out of line because of "D".
Thanks for the discussion