Going to Disney!

[admin]

A question from a parent:

We are taking our kids to Disneyland next week, our first big trip after dx, our daughter is 5 dx 6 months ago been on the pump 2 weeks, does anyone have any suggestions on what kind of small sized snacks we can bring into Disneyland to help her blood sugar levels stay even? I'm thinking she'll be up a......nd down because of the walking, the sun and excitement.

[Andrea]

Hello! We have been to Disneyworld a few times since my daughters diagnosis and you are allowed to bring anything into the park.  We bring a medium sized cooler with sandwiches,snacks and drinks.  We have never been questioned about it.  Hope you have fun!! Drink tons of water and lots of sunscreen

[pdksica]

Hello, I live in Orlando and we have been to Disney World several times.  My daughter is almost 3 and was diagnosed at 21 months.  We haven't been since she started the pump 2 months ago but I have found that she tends to run really high from the excitement.  You can certainly bring snacks and drinks with you, I recommend an large back pack to carry everything in.  It makes life much easier.  We bring Fruit 2 0 for her and pretzels, and always have gummy treats for a potential low although she has never needed it.  My only caution is don't try to do too much, it is almost impossible, particularly with the crowds and with the heat.  We always decide what is most important before we go and do that first.  Also they have no sugar added applesauce with the kids meals which is nice and they can usually accommodate any needs you have.

Have a great time and enjoy yourselves. 

[SwoneySC]

We've done the Disney trip a few times, but we're still on shots.  Not sure how the pump will affect things for you.  Our son tends to run low when he's excited, so we kept mini juiceboxes in a hip-pack cooler with an ice pack.  I also carried little bags of goldfish (my sons favorite)and some fruit roll-ups.  If you're staying in a Disney resort, they will provide a refrigerator at no charge for your room since you need it for medical reasons for your child.  Also - since they are doing that free meal-plan if you stay at one of their resorts, there are plenty of places to find good food for your daughter to eat and most of the "restaurants" can provide you with carbohydrate information on request (the little stands probably could not provide that information).  Honestly - the diabetes was less stressful - as long as you prepare well each morning - than my daughters peanut allergy.  That was challenging to find food she could eat.  Hope you have lots of fun!

[admin]

You are thinking about a trip to Walt Disney World. Good idea. If you are reading this section of AllEarsNet you are most likely thinking, "Hey Disney could be cool but I know how hard managing Type 1 diabetes can be, can I do both?"

You bet you can.

You can manage type 1 with knowledge.

You can manage a Disney vacation with knowledge.

It is ignorance that is dangerous.

The point of this little bit of cyberspace is to be a place to collect and share thoughts on successfully managing vacations at Disney World with Type 1 diabetes. We also hope it will be fun. Fun for those who read it and fun for those who contribute to it.

We are here for travel tips, not to give medical advice. Your endocrinologist can give the medical advice, we'll do the traveling. Please see the official disclaimer. (It's funny if nothing else.)

DisneyWithDiabetes is proud to join AllEars.Net. We don't expect you to read this front to back, not that you can't, but it is more of a reference tool, so feel free to use this handy table of contents to jump around.

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

[rradams]

We have been to Disney soooo many times since my son was diagnosed 4 years ago.  You can really make it work very easily.  My family consists of 2 type 1 diabetics.  Disney is very accomodating.  If you have any questions, I will be happy to help you out.  It is my passion to advise and help in any way I can with Disney planning.