by Sarah H (DVP)

Sarah H shares some great information on traveling to Walt Disney World Resort with Type 1 Diabetes.

• Be careful where you leave unattended strollers - The stroller patrol has been known to move strollers after you park them.  So if you leave the stroller in the shade because you have your insulin in it, you may come back and find it in the sun.

• Double pack supplies - You never know when you might lose something or have something break.  Bring extras of everything.  You can get supplies delivered but it will cost you.

1. Redundant Meter.
2. Double the needles.
3. Twice the strips.
4. Two times the needed bottles of insulin.
5. Take double the sets, double the IV prep and twice the needed number of pump reservoirs.
6. Two carry-on bags each with half the stuff in each bag.

• Put your name/phone number on your supplies - If you lose your bag of supplies it is more likely you will get it back if you have your name and cell phone somewhere on it.

• Test BS often - Lots of walking, lots of excitement, lots of junk food, and heat can all cause BSs to be very different then you would normally expect.
• Drink lots of water - This is important for everyone, especially if you visit in the summer.
• Plan your trip - Disney is too big to do it all.  Figure out what are the most important things you want to see and do them.  Take your time to enjoy yourself.
• Call Mousekeeping for a sharps container - Or you can use an old soda bottle.
• List on your Dining Reservations that you have someone with Type 1 - Tell your hostess when you check in to the restaurant that someone in your group has diabetes. If you would like, one of the chefs will come out and talk to you and try to help you with what ingredients are in different items and carb counts if he has them.  Each chef will be different, and some will have more information than others.

• Locate the First Aid Stations - Each park has a first aid station where you can keep your supplies and change pump sites if you need to.

1. Magic Kingdom - Between Casey’s Corner and the Crystal Palace
2. Epcot - The Odyssey Center Building between Test Track and Mexico
3. Disney MGM-Studios - Next to Guest Relations Building near the Main Entrance
4. Animal Kingdom - Behind Creature Comforts in Safari Village
5. Blizzard Beach - Near Entrance between Beach Haus and Lottawatta Lodge
6. Typhoon Lagoon - Next to Leaning Palms

• Think about removing the pump on some rides - It is recommended that you disconnect your pump for free fall rides and roller coasters. You might also want to remove it and leave it with someone not riding if you go on one of the water rides such as Kali River Rapids.
• Guest Assistance Card (GAC) - You can pick this up at Guest Relations.  
• Refrigerators in rooms – All the resorts have small refrigerators in their rooms.  If you arrive and there is not one in your room call the front desk. Be sure you tell them you have a medical reason.
• Frio pack - This is great way to keep insulin cool when you don’t have a refrigerator.  Some people keep pumps in Frio packs while they are in the parks if they visit during the summer.
• Talk to your Dr. - Let your endo know that you are going to Disney and ask his/her advice.

If you are traveling to Walt Disney World with someone who has Type 1 Diabetes please consider requesting Sarah H as your Dream Vacation Planner. She has experience with this and would love to help you!

If you are arriving by air, your vacation starts the moment you land. You won't need to hassle with your luggage at Baggage Claim. As a Walt Disney World® Resort Hotel Guest, Disney's Magical Express is complimentary. Motor coaches take you from Orlando International Airport to your Disney Resort, while Disney takes your checked bags (excluding pet carriers) from the plane to your room. And when your vacation's over, you receive complimentary return transportation back to the airport. Disney's Magical Express service requires a separate reservation made at least 10 days prior to arrival.

Ask your DVP about adding this option to your Disney vacation package. It's free! Request your Walt Disney World quote today.

Yes, it's dark, and not the best video ever. We know. BUT you get the idea! So, strap in, hold on tight and ..... scream!