I love going to Disney. There is nowhere else I would rather be than inside the parks with my husband. I have just one problem: anxiety. I can get overwhelmed in crowds, and Disney is always crowded. Anxiety is not a topic widely talked about in regards to vacation planning. Some people are embarrassed to admit they get anxious. I don’t understand why. My anxiety is not something I chose, and it shouldn’t be something I’m ashamed of. It’s just part of me.
While everyone’s anxiety is different, here are three tips to help your trip go smoother. A Disney vacation should be filled with Pixie Dust and not panic attacks.
Research the attractions
During my first visit to Disneyland, I had a panic attack in “It’s Tough to Be a Bug.” After entering the waiting area I felt closed in, and my anxiety started. I tried to ignore the feelings, but they wouldn’t go away. Like many people, I started to feel sick. The idea of leaving down the smaller entrance tunnel made me feel more trapped. I noticed the emergency exit and remembered it led to the entrance. I quickly walked up to the three cast members, and asked them if I could use that exit. They ignored me and continued talking about an “annoying family” from earlier. Finally I stepped in the middle of them, explained I was starting a panic attack, and I needed to leave. I tried to explain the entrance wasn’t an option I felt comfortable with. They laughed, said that was my only option, and continued their conversation. Luckily my husband grabbed my hand and said we would do it quickly together.
If I had researched the attraction ahead of time, I would have known it had one of my triggers. We would have simply skipped it, or waited until the last moment to enter. It would have hopefully allowed us to walk straight into the larger theater.
Research crowd levels before you go
The Disney parks will always be crowded. That is a given. If a large crowd bothers you, plan your day according to the lowest projected crowd levels. You can find good estimates on numerous sites.
A great tip is to know what park has Extra Magic Hours that day. Typically they will have the highest attendance, and you will want to avoid that park. Try to visit the park whose Extra Magic Hours were the day before. They will normally have lower crowd levels. If a park had Extra Magic Hours in the evening, a safe bet is to attend that park early the next day. There will still be crowds, but to a much lesser extent.
Travel with a partner who understands you
My husband knows I can get overwhelmed quickly. He knows my expressions and understands the difference between “concerned but ok,” and “get me out of here.” Your buddy can really be anyone in your group as long as they know what makes you anxious. For example, if flashing lights concern you, your partner can help. They can ride “Buzz Lightyear – Spin” first and let you know what to expect.
If you just need breaks throughout the day, they can sit with you and help you relax. There are endless ways they can support you.
Ultimately the most important thing is to have a plan, know what bothers you, and be prepared to encounter those situations. Not everything can be avoided, but with advanced planning things can go much smoother. Now get out there, and enjoy the Parks.
___________________________________
Follow the author on Twitter Here
