My husband is disabled with several physical and cognitive diseases. We used to plan everything to help out with this, now that we have started going yearly, we have changed that strategy. I do have a packing list on my iPhone that I always use. That way I am prepared for any emergency or illness. I also plan all the fast passes out, but not necessarily to go to that park. When we arrive at the bus each day to go to a park we get on whatever comes first. If we aren’t thrilled with that we wait, but 9 times out of 10 that’s where we go. We make a little game out of it. He does use the DAS pass, so that lessens our need for the fast passes and we also go in September when it is quieter in the parks. Taking it slower has really improved both our stress and anxiety and creates a more enjoyable vacation. If we don’t get to it, there is always next time. We also try to go with the free dining offer. That’s another stress relief. The vacation is then pretty much all paid for. No financial worries. We call to book our stay the next year before we leave the resort and it allows us to get a bounce back offer which is usually the free dining again for the same time the next year.
I have been to Orlando twice now. In 2017 and 2018. Didn't suffer from anxiety at the moment. But I got panic attacks early january 2020. Now we are planning on going back to Orlando 2021. I won't let anxiety beat me, but I will admit I am super nervous when I think about it. Eating food is the biggest obstacle for me, I'm nervous to throw up because that happend to me a lot in the beginning of my panick atttacks. This video remind me to take more time of and not rush around. Thank you Gary :D
My anxiety is getting worse and worse, on top of that, I am scared to death of big crowds. I am going to DLP again end of this month and these tips actually helped me so much. I actually teared up a little bit. it is so golden that you mentioned to check up on yourself. thank you Gary C, you are amazing
I’m sitting and taking notes as I am off to Disney on Friday. I suffer with anxiety and depression too so it’s nice to have someone I can relate to. This is helping me so much as I sit here and watch it. Thank you for doing this Gary 💕🥰
Gary you are such a beautiful soul. This video is amazing. It should be required watching for anyone going to Disney. I suffer from anxiety/panic disorder and PTSD and depression so self care is a big issue when I’m in the parks. You nailed every single topic. I can’t thank you enough for this video.
Thank you for sharing this. Will be taking a solo trip soon and everyone telling me about how they’d be too scared or anxious to travel alone and how scary and lonely it must be has started to give me anxiety about it all and is distracting me from the happiness the trip is supposed to bring.
I have done quite a few solo trips to Disney and I find that I actually feel great traveling solo there. Other places, not so much. But Disney,, no problem. I hope you have a great time!!
Thank you so much, Gary! I, too, suffer from anxiety and depression. I've learned how to combat some of the issues and it's made a big difference in our visits to Disney World! What a kind, caring young man you are! Hope to meet up one day! xoxo
Knowing how hard it must be for you to discuss your anxiety makes this video even more meaningful. I have family members who suffer like you so I know what you go through. As seasoned Disney vacationers, I can say that your tips are extremely helpful, not only at Disney but in other situations as well. Your voice is very calming. And as I commented to you on other occasions, your videos bring such a smile to my face. Keep posting.
My anxiety is pretty bad and I went back in March. I also have a chronic pain condition. I finally was kind to myself and ended up renting an ECV after an awful day of pain at EPCOT. I had never felt such relief and I think both myself and my husband had a much better time. Being in an ECV isn't the greatest, but it really helped with my mobility and my overall mood throughout the day.
I am such a planner. Whether it's for trips or planning for lessons, I love to plan ahead. I get super stressed about forgetting something or not being prepared, and as soon as I start writing things down, I calm down and can get excited for the adventures ahead! Such a good tip!❤
Thank you so much for this video Gary. As an anxiety sufferer myself, I appreciate you taking the time to share these valuable tips that I know will help me the next time I visit the parks. Thank you for being a kind soul.
Oh gary you have such a kind, sweet soul and nature. I hope you realise how much this will help people, thank you for taking time out of your day to help others 💘💘💘
You are literally the only person that asks me to ‘like’ their video, and I do it! 😘. I actually got the chance to meet Adam at AK on your latest trip to Orlando! I quite literally almost bumped into him when I turned around with my food tray at the mobile pickup window at Flame Tree BBQ! I am so bummed I didn’t gather up the nerve to come over and say hello to you too 🙈 you know, social anxiety and all! I would have showed you pics of my finished nursery, complete with your Fantasy and Friends prints hanging pride of place above the crib ☺️ xxx
I just want to hug you every time you talk. You are SUCH an adorable person! I’ve just discovered you and Adam, and I love to watch you both. I suffer from anxiety, too, and it helps me so much to head back to my Disney resort room mid-day just to decompress and have some quiet. Anyway, I just wanted to comment and say hello and say thank you! ❤️
It is so good to see you happy and cheerful!! Disney does wonders for you! I only wish you could harness that feeling all the time! Praying for this for you always!
I don't suffer from anxiety but Disney makes me anxious! I admire all of you for going and applaud your determination to have a good time. Good for you!
Great advice thank you! Also thanks to you and Adam for constantly allowing us to travel along with you in these vlogs. Your time, money and holidays are a precious as anyone’s - so just know that it’s appreciated that you let us in on your trip. ❤️
I have a travel agent to help me be less stressed. I figure things out during the trip and our meals but she does our fast passes for us. Thank you for the advice Gary. I suffer from anxiety also and I’m a planner
Great tips for everyone! For me comfort, preparation and realistic expectations are all key. I would love to be someone who can go bagless into the parks... But I feel so much better, calmer and less anxious when I have all my essentials (better have it and not need it than need it and not have it😁).
Great advice Gary, we travelled to Disneyworld last year for the 1st time and made so many of these rookie mistakes, we overdid it in the first few days, we forgot eat and ended up with over 65 dining snacks and meals credits left between us by the end of our 2 weeks, one of my daughters ended up sick from heat exhaustion and dehydration, but by the end of the first week we discovered when we needed to rest, stop for drinks/food and headed back to the resort for a mid day rest. I think we were thinking we're in Disney we need to be in the parks 24/7 resting or having a pool day seemed such a waist but your so right you need to check in with yourself and all your family to see how everyone is doing! We heading back nest year (I can't wait) and were gonna have a proper plan in place to include relaxing resort hours as well. BTW we purchased Adams guide to Disney before we went and it was a fantastic help 😃 love watching Adam and your Disney vlogs 👏🏼
Towards the end, you mentioned Adam being a good park partner. That is so critical. If you're going to the park with someone(s), make sure you know their eccentricities, food habits, various OCDs, etc (and vice versa). If you're a "take things as they come" type of person, don't go with someone who organizes a day in the park like a death march, scheduling every 15 minutes from open 'til close! I can get cranky in crowds and when I'm underfed, so the first time I went to Disneyland I actually went by myself so I could gauge how I was coping with things without the extra added stress of having other people on top of me with their expectations of what needs to be seen and done. PS: I know someone who spent a day at Disneyland on a blind date! It turned out to be the worst disaster imaginable because not only were they incompatible, their park personalities were totally different as well. He's been dining out on that awful day for years now!!
The new version of World of Disney at Disney Springs makes me anxious. I just can't stay in there for more than a few minutes. Maybe because it is so open instead of the rooms and sections like they had before. So like Gary says, listen to yourself and if something isn't working, make a change. Thanks, Gary!
It’s interesting you say that. I haven’t spent much time in there since it’s been refurbished. I like the look but it’s quite overwhelming as an open thing.
As someone with anxiety, watching the Disney vlogs with Adam and your videos in general, these are what I use to calm myself down. Such a positive outlook on everything, you guys are the best❤️
Great tips Gary. I have cognitive issues myself and my biggest tip goes alongside planning - study the maps BEFORE you're in the park and trying to figure things out in the crowds. Knowing how to get to the next attraction and even any little side paths to cut through if necessary make such a difference to my anxiety levels. Also if you have sensory issues and don't mind spoilers, watch the shows on here first. There's high quality full length videos for every show available and they really helped me a lot as I knew what was coming, e.g. when fireworks would go off. Same for on-ride videos.
I always bring headphones and music for when I feel overloaded, its nice just be able to switch off for a few minutes. And fidget toys save my life honestly. Now that i'm older I can just leave the park if it all feels too much which is a blessing after 12 hours in a park
I have type one Diabetes, along with Anxiety and Depression, and this was so super helpful and made me feel a lot more at ease about my trip coming up in October. Thank you for not making this seem like a burden Gary, and for making me feel like i'm not alone in this :)
I'm new to the your vlogs but can I just say that you sum up anxiety in the best way! And the fact you suffer this and help others is truly amazing.. Xxx
Love this, thank you. I have anxiety and autism spectrum disorder so all you mentioned is an absolute for me. I get very anxious on rides, I like to know what happens, directions etc so another tip is to watch ‘ride on’ videos on RUclips before visiting. My son has ASD too and my daughter severe learning disability so it helps to reassure them too 👍
Wonderful video. I love everything you and Adam do. I have a few additional tips. 1- I am the planner but I had to learn to let it go (phrase intended) if we changed things up. Often when things didn’t go as planned we actually ended up with a magical experience. One way to Let It Go is to have a park hopper pass if you can afford it. Sometimes the park we intended to spend the day at gets overcrowded so we hop to another park. Some people go back to resort which is a great option, but for us we often didn’t want to go back out after a rest. Instead we’d do tip 2. 2- plan a non park day every few days. Yes, Disney is expensive but to ease anxiety we plan 2 days where we have no plans for an 8 day trip, 1 day for a 5-6 day trip. We lounge at resort and sometimes do end up going to a park or Disney springs depending on mood. 3- if you haven’t been to Disney before or there is a new attraction and you suffer from anxiety we find it helpful to watch a RUclips video of the ride/attractions or ask someone details. For example, someone in my group didn’t realize that it’s tough to be a bug was in the base of the tree of life and got very claustrophobic and had to leave at start of show due to anxiety panic attack. From that point on I explained the other rides before going on. RUclips may contain spoilers but for someone with anxiety it may be better to know the surroundings in advance. 4-the Minnie vans are great but to save a bit of money we would take a relatively empty bus or monorail from park to a resort and then Uber from that resort to our resort. Sounds like extra work and wasn’t always faster but we weren’t waiting forever in line only to stand in a cramped bus. We may have to wait for the monorail but only ride on it until the next stop from MK and quick change from Epcot to resort monorail. From AK we just hoped on a bus to the closest resort if our line was long. From back of Epcot we took boat and got off first stop and UberEd from that resort. Now you could take skyliner to riviera or carribean and Uber from there. Please keep posting we love you!
You are the best. So real, so kind, and smart, and funny. Agree with you so much about clothes and anxiety. The more comfortable you are the more relaxed you feel. It just removes one of the stress factors. ❤️❤️❤️
My husband gave me a see through landyard to wear around my neck at the airport this last time. I was flying without him. It helped so much to not dig around for my ID and plane passes. Also besides the comfortable bag staps make sure your park and airport bag is a zippered bag. I hate worrying if things have fallen out.It also helped me to have a decoration on the door or window. All the rooms look so much alike
Thank you for putting out this very useful video. As I've mentioned to you previously, my daughter has Asbergers and also suffers from anxiety and OCD (which is especially bad at the moment). She gets the DAS as on the whole she can't cope in queues, and noise and crowds can make her very distressed. Regarding your legs, you may have to resign yourself to hiring a (shock, horror) scooter. I have osteoarthritis and I gave up trying to walk the parks (even with a walking stick) back in 2014. It's just not worth the pain and the worries of whether I can cope during the day for the sake of a few quid. We love watching your park vlogs with Adam; he truly is a lovely man and a great, great friend.
Hi Leonie! I have thought about a scooter. Maybe I could try a stick. That might take the pressure off my right leg - which is worse than the left one at the moment. Thanks for the comment :)
What a fantastic video. Loved your sign off message too, you’re so right. Was in 50s Prime Time once and a lady was suffering a panic attack, which triggered me. The cast members were so kind and moved me so I couldn’t hear what was going on...turned out the cast member that found us a new table had family in the village I live in and I grew up with his cousins. That’s real magic right there! Needless to say it calmed everything down for me and the lady that was also having a panic attack was ok too.
Carla Taylor they ended up bringing her a medical team. I didn’t cope well hearing it. I think sometimes, if you know how it feels you struggle too because you empathise. Luckily they sorted her out and she was fine...just not nice to be in that situation I guess. Amazing that you are someone trained in that field.
I'm off to disneyland paris for the first time in the February been working myself up over it alot, last year I was diagnosed with ocd and social anxiety I've been worried about how I'll cope on the holiday and not wanting to ruin it for my family thank you so much for the useful tips Gary I've got this video saved no doubt I'll be watching it many times thank you for the advice!
Very helpful tips especially with the heat. my family learned this the hard way on a summer trip with busy parks and a tired sweaty family. we should have left and didn't. it was incredibly stressful.
Thanks for this one!! I also deal with anxiety and while I love the parks, a couple times a day I just have to stop and regroup. Good tips, you are the best! 💖
The more of your videos I watch the more I just love you! You are so genuine and honest. You’re overall just a lovely person and that is so easy to see in your videos. Thank you for these tips and reminders. We all want to go-go-go when on vacation. I am guilty of this-I have my excel spreadsheet with all my reservations/fastpasses/suggested activities filled in. Being such a planner, I need to plan to take time away from the park to relax. By putting it in the spreadsheet I mentally prepare myself for knowing that day is not going to be open to close park time so I don’t try to ram it all in. It’s a way to prepare myself mentally as well as a reminder on that day that this is the plan-I am taking a mid-day break or taking a resort day or heading back to the hotel early for an early bedtime. Sounds silly, but I even need to plan to relax! 😂
Great video!!! It’s soo important to look after yourself. I remember on my first day ever at Disney world I did the classic I WANT TO SEE EVERYTHING and pushed myself too far. It got to about 7pm and I was in the queue to meet Mickey with my partner, I suddenly felt overwhelmed and anxious and didn’t know why and I just turned to him and said I need to go back to the resort. It was the best thing we could have done. We potentially would have ruined the rest of the holiday if I had forced myself to stay in that queue and then wait for the fireworks. Another important thing is rest days. I would not survive a full Disney holiday without them! On a side note - loving the hair and your jumper Gary! 💖 xxx
Thanks Jess! Having rest days & taking time out when you need it is great. I’m glad we went back to our resort after Tiffins. It meant we could have a great time in Epcot the next day! 💫
Hi Gary, I would just like to say a huge thank you. I know it took a lot for you to share your anxiety experience with us, and how to manage it around the park.My son suffers from anxiety and panic attacks in certain situations ( which have increased recently )and we are going back to Orlando next August and your tips have certainly helped to plan the trip better. Knowing and understanding the disability pass will certainly help in certain situations, and hopefully help with how he manages the queues. Sending big hugs Gary, thanks again, karen
Thanks Gary My son has already been looking at the fans on Amazon , as so many of the vlogs he watches swears by them as a must to have to keep the heat at bay :) x
Just came across you, and Adam. Love your vlogs. You guys are so excited about everything, it's like seeing it through the eyes of a child again. We could all use your enthusiasm:)
Thank you, Gary! You hit the nail on the head. Spot on about everything. I didn't know that you can do the Disability Access Pass for Panic attack and Anxiety. You are awesome to go over your experiences with us. It has been 2 years since we have been to Disney World. I have chronic migraines and my anxiety and panic attacks are through thr roof right now. I am getting my meds adjusted and we will see how it works out. We are doing a Disney Cruise in Feb. to see how I do. Thanks again and I love watching you and Adam in the vlogs.
I just wanted to thank you for sharing this I have a 6 year old son who suffers from anxiety and though therapy is helping some getting him to see others that have the same issues I know help more. Makes him feel a little normal. I wish you could have seen his little face while he watched this. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
Having just returned from Disney World yesterday and using the DAS pass for the first time, I have to say it was a life saver. I fractured my spine last year and also suffer with anxiety and cant stand for more than a few minutes without support and don't cope with crowds anymore. Sadly Universal just told me to get a wheelchair. They were sooooo unhelpful. Anyway, I just wanted to say what a brilliant video this is, you really are the sweetest man and have given some valuable advice here. Now back to catching up with Adam's vlogs xx
I've just found you and Adam via your latest vlogs.. you are such lovely likeable lads.. really enjoyed & laughed with you on your trip! I can't wait to go back to Disney world next year.. you've given me lots of tips x
Thanks for the video Gary! What my family and I have found helpful is to get to the park early, then around 2pm go back to the resort and take a long nap or chill by the pool. Then, eat dinner and go back to the park! That way you avoid a busier time and the hottest part of the day, and experience the park when it is a little less busy.
Love you Gary!!! Going ANYWHERE with you and Adam is on my bucket list! I PROMISE you both, once we meet you will wonder how you have gotten along without me all this time! 😉😘 We are 3 peas in a pod! No matter my day, watching one of your or Adams videos brings me back to Joy & Grateful & what is truly important...Connection, Adventure, Travel & DISNEY!
What a great video. As a fellow sufferer I give you lots of respect & love for putting yourself out there and sharing your journey with others. XOX Big hugs to Adam as well, every friend should be as loving & supportive.
Gary that was such a special video. I have been fortunate to have lived an exciting life and often in the public eye but it has never been easy. I had to and still do have to steal myself to sometimes just leave the house to attend important events but the emotional cost is often huge. I am filled with admiration for the way you are managing your life. Your vlog will help many people I am sure. Thank you so much Gary.
Thanks Peter, I’m glad you manage to go out & be fulfilled. It can be exhausting & daunting- especially when people have an expectation of who you are :)
Getting my Disney fix cause I am missing your/Adams vlogs. This was great to watch. As a regular visitor, who Luckily doesn’t suffer with these issues I learnt a lot about how anxiety can have such an impact. You and Adam have a great friendship, I love watching you guys thanks for helping me survive lockdown!
thanks for making this video Gary. I've suffered for 20 years with anxiety and it can really dampen the holiday, you want to enjoy it but your mind starts to run off when you're on a ride or should be enjoying yourself. great tips.
@@garyc Thanks Gary, I wasn't aware I may be eligible for the disney DAS pass either, i asked about it on one of the forums on facebook and got some right absuse. It's not for people you you, you work and get through the day normally ect ect. It's nice to know that I may not have to miss out on a ride for leaving the queue that has been done many times 20-30-40 minutes into queueing when i have an anxious thought or feeling.
This is a wonderful video! I rarely see Disney tips for people with anxiety and they are so important. Little tips like this have the potential to make or break a trip. I've become a pro over the years at finding quiet spots in each park to take a break from the crowds. I once rode the Carousel of Progress 5 times in a row while I calmed down from a particularly rough panic attack. The ride is dark, air conditioned, and never seems to have many people on it. It was a great little escape from the crowds and heat. However, that song was stuck in my head for all of eternity lol but it was worth it. Thanks for always being the master of advice and Disney, Gary! :)
I got a DAS pass for my anxiety on my trip 2 weeks ago, I felt a bit nervous/stupid asking for one because it’s not ‘visible’ disability but the cast member at guest relations was incredible he asked no questions, explained to me how a DAS works & sent me on my way! What an absolute difference it makes to your day having one! I also went to the Halloween & Christmas parties while I was there & I was able to use the DAS pass for rides during the party as well as the characters who are making special appearances which was incredible, it really made the parties more doable for me (I will note I was on holiday by myself & had no one else to stand in line for me for the characters but there were other parties who had return times with more than 1 person in their group)
You are very correct in that these tips can help anyone with their WDW holiday. Our first day was Animal Kingdom. We walked all over that Park willy-nilly without a plan. We were exhausted! That night at the French Quarter resort we saw a family at a table with a map planning out their next day. What a revelation! Snacks, water & rest stops are key.
Animal Kingdom is tough. There seems to be a lot more walking - or at least I felt it on this last holiday. Definitely plan your rides, food & routes! :)
I’m going to DisneyWorld in 17 days and watching you and Adams videos in Disney really get me even more excited! We’re staying at French Quarter and have fast passes, park entrances and meals all included. This will be my 11th time and still get excited. Love watching you and Adam stay strong and keep doing what you do.🥰
@Kathy Wood,we stayed at FQ in Aug. I fell in love. It is now my favorite moderate resort. I loved how easy it was to get aroung in compared to all the sprawling resorts
So I’m clearly coming across some older vids for you but I must say this is a treasured vlog. Suffering from those ailments or even not they are golden reminders! Thank you for taking the time to help, share and explain… You rock Mr C!!
Great tips Gary! That’s essentially what my husband and I try to do - create a basic plan for the day but also be willing to alter it based on how we feel, crowds, weather, etc. I’m loving your vlog series with Adam. It feels like I’m right there with you guys.
Great video! Must admit, this has just made me realise how much I hadn’t thought about. It hadn’t occurred to me how much of a sensory overload it would be. The crowds wouldn’t bother me cos I’d just be hyper and adrenaline would keep me going. I definitely think I’d get the DAS where you just get straight on cos it would do me more damage waiting around in the overwhelming parks. I’d do a few hours in the morning, chill at the resort in the middle then go back in for the evening
Oh Gary! This is superb. I think it’s so easy, if you haven’t been to WDW, to just think “oh, it’s just a holiday, how stressful can it be?” and it’s not until you’re there that it really sinks in. You’re so right about checking in with yourself. It’s easy to just go with it because it’s all bright and magical and overwhelming, and you just want to cram it all in, but you’re not doing yourself any favours and ultimately you will suffer for it. In particular, when it was hot I found AK really tough going. It doesn’t feel an intuitive park to walk around, like say MK does, and couple that with the heat, the intensity of some of the rides there, and your body is just like “nope.” I think it’s also worth mentioning that it’s important to eat properly - not just a load of sugary snacks that won’t fuel you properly, but actual sit down, proper food. Anyway, thanks for taking the time to do this. You come across as such a lovely, honest person, and I think you’re so brave for putting yourself out there to help others. Thank you so much xx
I have suffered with and been treated for severe anxiety with depression for many years now and as much as I love Disney, the lines and queues really can cause me real trouble and make me feel totally overwhelmed. I wasn't aware that I would be able to get a Disability pass as I always felt that I might get stigmatised for asking for one since my disability isn't always visible. This video has made me feel so at ease and I feel able now to go and ask for a pass when I go next year. Thank you for explaining it so well and for all the useful tips. ☺️ Ps love you and Adams vlogs!!! ❤️
Thank you Gary, excellent advice! First of all, please let me say this: you have beautiful, beautiful hands! Second, is that a new ring or did you get yours back? You know, I have anxiety due to my thyroid, it’s awful, I start sweating (only my head, thank God) but it is awful. I feel terribly embarrassed, and I can’t stop it. I’ve learned to breathe to try to stop or reduce it, but it sometimes doesn’t work. This happens at any time of day or night. When I walk into a supermarket, with or without people! Your advice is something that I will take into consideration next time this thing strikes! Thank you. And yes, Adam is a very, very good friend, you are very lucky to count him as your friend.
Love this. One thing we have discovered is waiting for the park to empty after the fireworks. Even better at Christmas time. For just Casey’s and grab a snack then sit at the tables outside. You can enjoy the music piped in and during the holidays, the castle is gorgeous. You can experience the Kiss Goodnight. By that time the park is clear and the wait the buses is minimal.
I had an anxiety meltdown 2 years ago on walking into MK. I pulled a muscle(don’t ask, skipping through the arches! 😂) and basically collapsed in a hyperventilating heap because I was so panicked about making fast passes and reservations planned months before. Thankfully the cast members and my very calm husband helped me to regain composure! The experience actually helped me to face reality and chill out about things for the rest of the holiday.
I just started watching the vlog series with you and Adam. You can tell how amazing your friendship is, but listening to you talk about how kind and patient Adam is as a travel partner makes it even more special. ♥️♥️ Sending love to you both!
My sons are autistic but my youngest found magic Kingdom so hard to cope with. Crowd's were so vast he had meltdowns every afternoon that we were in there so we did magic hours and did as much as we could then went to 1of the other parks. Surprisingly my other son loved it all and my daughter was in her element lol I'm glad you and Adam had a good time I love watching your videos xxx
I sound like a parrot but l have been working my hole life in health care and l have met many people that have anxiety and panic rushes..and this is so important what you are saying now...good job Gary!....women from Sweden 🌹the same as before....❤️🤗
Love ya, gurl! I am thinking of using your tip to get the disabled access for my son with autism. We haven't had to use it before on our trips, but this year we are going to WDW during the New Year week and I fear it will be a different experience. It is hard to find information because people don't have the courage to talk about it, so I thank you so much for not being afraid to be honest.
Great tips! I never had an issue with anxiety due to crowds, etc.. until I went to Disney 2 years ago in June. There were sooo many people going everywhere, every direction, strollers running over the toes and it was hot which made it more intense. My daughter and I sat for an hour at Cosmic Ray's just to cool off and eat which helped the mind and soul. The shops with the air con are a gift from God! lol Thanks for always sharing your experience and knowledge!
your voice is so calming Gary, another great video! We got back from our WDW trip just as you and Adam arrived, really enjoying your insta photos and Adams vlogs!
I don’t suffer with anxiety or anything like that but I still agree with all of these points , Disneyworld is tiring for me too, we go to parks early in the morning and always return to the resort just after lunch , then go out again for dinner at the same park or another park , this works for us, we could never do park open to park close. Also I agree with the Beyoncé fan , we have 2 and I couldn’t be without them now . Loving the Vlogs with Adam , they are just joyous 😀
Thank you so much for this Gary. I came very close to a full on panic attack while waiting in a very crowded line for Festival of the Lion King. It was an experience I will never forget. I appreciate all your great advice and I hope others follow it. Bless you for your courage to share and help others.
Thank you so very much Gary for sharing your strategies. As a mom of teenagers, I just want to give you a big "Mom" hug. Your voice has been in my kitchen for weeks while I food prep and now your inspirational message is in my heart. You're amazing.
Thanks for the advice, I wish I could go but anxiety stops me from travelling alone from UK, you’re so lucky to have a great friend in Adam, your vlogs are fantastic 🤗❤️🏴
the return pass tip will be very handy for my next trip! I was recently diagnosed with a form of low blood pressure so when i'm standing for long periods of time I will feel very faint so queuing can be difficult sometimes!!
This will sound so weird, but I honestly think you have the sweetest soul
Such a lovely comment, thanks Krista :)
Agreed! He's easy to listen to. He could talk about paint chips, I'd still watch.😊
i agree so much! such a sweet soul!
He does!
Even if someone doesn't suffer from anxiety or depression, these tips are still GOLDEN. Well done, sir!
Thank you!
My husband is disabled with several physical and cognitive diseases. We used to plan everything to help out with this, now that we have started going yearly, we have changed that strategy. I do have a packing list on my iPhone that I always use. That way I am prepared for any emergency or illness. I also plan all the fast passes out, but not necessarily to go to that park. When we arrive at the bus each day to go to a park we get on whatever comes first. If we aren’t thrilled with that we wait, but 9 times out of 10 that’s where we go. We make a little game out of it. He does use the DAS pass, so that lessens our need for the fast passes and we also go in September when it is quieter in the parks. Taking it slower has really improved both our stress and anxiety and creates a more enjoyable vacation. If we don’t get to it, there is always next time. We also try to go with the free dining offer. That’s another stress relief. The vacation is then pretty much all paid for. No financial worries. We call to book our stay the next year before we leave the resort and it allows us to get a bounce back offer which is usually the free dining again for the same time the next year.
I have been to Orlando twice now. In 2017 and 2018. Didn't suffer from anxiety at the moment. But I got panic attacks early january 2020. Now we are planning on going back to Orlando 2021. I won't let anxiety beat me, but I will admit I am super nervous when I think about it. Eating food is the biggest obstacle for me, I'm nervous to throw up because that happend to me a lot in the beginning of my panick atttacks. This video remind me to take more time of and not rush around. Thank you Gary :D
thank you Gary..so nice to see someone devote their time to just help other people. ...my tip would be to also eat at non peak times
Thanks, Tiffins at 4-4:30pm was a dream. As we were going it had really filled up 🍽
Thank you, Gary C, for being so vulnerable and authentic. Because of that, your life is a powerful message of love and grace. I am most grateful.
Thanks Megan ❤️
My anxiety is getting worse and worse, on top of that, I am scared to death of big crowds. I am going to DLP again end of this month and these tips actually helped me so much. I actually teared up a little bit. it is so golden that you mentioned to check up on yourself. thank you Gary C, you are amazing
I’m sitting and taking notes as I am off to Disney on Friday. I suffer with anxiety and depression too so it’s nice to have someone I can relate to. This is helping me so much as I sit here and watch it. Thank you for doing this Gary 💕🥰
Have a great time! 💫
Gary you are such a beautiful soul. This video is amazing. It should be required watching for anyone going to Disney. I suffer from anxiety/panic disorder and PTSD and depression so self care is a big issue when I’m in the parks. You nailed every single topic. I can’t thank you enough for this video.
Thank you, I really appreciate it x
Gary I love you and your channel. You have no idea how much these videos mean to a lot of us that struggle with the same or similar anxieties etc.
Thanks so much 🙏🏻
This was the best explanation of the disability pass ever!! Thank you.
Thanks, I’m just glad I got the key things people need in there!
I totally love and comprehend the concept of "being up since the dawn of time"! What a wonderful comment! lol Big virtual hugs Gary.
Thank you for sharing this. Will be taking a solo trip soon and everyone telling me about how they’d be too scared or anxious to travel alone and how scary and lonely it must be has started to give me anxiety about it all and is distracting me from the happiness the trip is supposed to bring.
I have done quite a few solo trips to Disney and I find that I actually feel great traveling solo there. Other places, not so much. But Disney,, no problem. I hope you have a great time!!
I LOVED my solo trip
I have anxiety too, Love you GaryC
Thank you so much, Gary! I, too, suffer from anxiety and depression. I've learned how to combat some of the issues and it's made a big difference in our visits to Disney World! What a kind, caring young man you are! Hope to meet up one day! xoxo
Bless ya. I’m glad you’re finding ways to enjoy the parks :)
Knowing how hard it must be for you to discuss your anxiety makes this video even more meaningful. I have family members who suffer like you so I know what you go through. As seasoned Disney vacationers, I can say that your tips are extremely helpful, not only at Disney but in other situations as well. Your voice is very calming. And as I commented to you on other occasions, your videos bring such a smile to my face. Keep posting.
Thanks so much, I really appreciate your support :)
My anxiety is pretty bad and I went back in March. I also have a chronic pain condition. I finally was kind to myself and ended up renting an ECV after an awful day of pain at EPCOT. I had never felt such relief and I think both myself and my husband had a much better time. Being in an ECV isn't the greatest, but it really helped with my mobility and my overall mood throughout the day.
Interesting. I’m glad you enjoyed Disney despite your pain 🙏🏻
I also rented an ecv. That's the Only way I could do it.
You do have the sweetest soul! I wish we were friends because I think you are just the nicest person on U Tube! Adam is up there with you!
I am such a planner. Whether it's for trips or planning for lessons, I love to plan ahead. I get super stressed about forgetting something or not being prepared, and as soon as I start writing things down, I calm down and can get excited for the adventures ahead! Such a good tip!❤
Hats off to you for being OPEN AND HONEST about difficulties and how best to cope. You are so courageous, and just a doll! ❤️❤️❤️
Thank YOU for the lovely comment & watching Michele :)
What a special boy. Nothing but love for you Gary C. :)
Thank you 🙏🏻
Thank you so much for this video Gary. As an anxiety sufferer myself, I appreciate you taking the time to share these valuable tips that I know will help me the next time I visit the parks. Thank you for being a kind soul.
Oh gary you have such a kind, sweet soul and nature. I hope you realise how much this will help people, thank you for taking time out of your day to help others 💘💘💘
I hope it will help people, thanks :)
You are literally the only person that asks me to ‘like’ their video, and I do it! 😘. I actually got the chance to meet Adam at AK on your latest trip to Orlando! I quite literally almost bumped into him when I turned around with my food tray at the mobile pickup window at Flame Tree BBQ! I am so bummed I didn’t gather up the nerve to come over and say hello to you too 🙈 you know, social anxiety and all! I would have showed you pics of my finished nursery, complete with your Fantasy and Friends prints hanging pride of place above the crib ☺️ xxx
Bless ya! Thanks for getting the prints! I was sat a little bit out of the way - surrounded by those birds who watch you eat! Hopefully next time! 🙏🏻
I'm the same. I don't like videos except for Gary's! :)
Hi Gary thank you for all your information hints looking forward to my Disney trip . Sending hugs🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗❤️❤️
I just want to hug you every time you talk. You are SUCH an adorable person! I’ve just discovered you and Adam, and I love to watch you both. I suffer from anxiety, too, and it helps me so much to head back to my Disney resort room mid-day just to decompress and have some quiet. Anyway, I just wanted to comment and say hello and say thank you! ❤️
It is so good to see you happy and cheerful!! Disney does wonders for you! I only wish you could harness that feeling all the time! Praying for this for you always!
Good advice no matter what your situation. Take midday breaks, or naps, if you can. Go in early or stay late is a big help with some of the parks.
Thanks for watching & commenting :)
I don't suffer from anxiety but Disney makes me anxious! I admire all of you for going and applaud your determination to have a good time. Good for you!
Thank you so much! :)
Great advice thank you! Also thanks to you and Adam for constantly allowing us to travel along with you in these vlogs. Your time, money and holidays are a precious as anyone’s - so just know that it’s appreciated that you let us in on your trip. ❤️
Thank YOU for watching & commenting :D
I have a travel agent to help me be less stressed. I figure things out during the trip and our meals but she does our fast passes for us. Thank you for the advice Gary. I suffer from anxiety also and I’m a planner
Great tips for everyone! For me comfort, preparation and realistic expectations are all key. I would love to be someone who can go bagless into the parks... But I feel so much better, calmer and less anxious when I have all my essentials (better have it and not need it than need it and not have it😁).
Great advice Gary, we travelled to Disneyworld last year for the 1st time and made so many of these rookie mistakes, we overdid it in the first few days, we forgot eat and ended up with over 65 dining snacks and meals credits left between us by the end of our 2 weeks, one of my daughters ended up sick from heat exhaustion and dehydration, but by the end of the first week we discovered when we needed to rest, stop for drinks/food and headed back to the resort for a mid day rest. I think we were thinking we're in Disney we need to be in the parks 24/7 resting or having a pool day seemed such a waist but your so right you need to check in with yourself and all your family to see how everyone is doing! We heading back nest year (I can't wait) and were gonna have a proper plan in place to include relaxing resort hours as well. BTW we purchased Adams guide to Disney before we went and it was a fantastic help 😃 love watching Adam and your Disney vlogs 👏🏼
Thanks so much! I’m glad the tips will help people. Enjoy your next holiday! 💫
Towards the end, you mentioned Adam being a good park partner. That is so critical. If you're going to the park with someone(s), make sure you know their eccentricities, food habits, various OCDs, etc (and vice versa). If you're a "take things as they come" type of person, don't go with someone who organizes a day in the park like a death march, scheduling every 15 minutes from open 'til close! I can get cranky in crowds and when I'm underfed, so the first time I went to Disneyland I actually went by myself so I could gauge how I was coping with things without the extra added stress of having other people on top of me with their expectations of what needs to be seen and done. PS: I know someone who spent a day at Disneyland on a blind date! It turned out to be the worst disaster imaginable because not only were they incompatible, their park personalities were totally different as well. He's been dining out on that awful day for years now!!
The new version of World of Disney at Disney Springs makes me anxious. I just can't stay in there for more than a few minutes. Maybe because it is so open instead of the rooms and sections like they had before. So like Gary says, listen to yourself and if something isn't working, make a change. Thanks, Gary!
It’s interesting you say that. I haven’t spent much time in there since it’s been refurbished. I like the look but it’s quite overwhelming as an open thing.
As someone with anxiety, watching the Disney vlogs with Adam and your videos in general, these are what I use to calm myself down. Such a positive outlook on everything, you guys are the best❤️
Great tips Gary. I have cognitive issues myself and my biggest tip goes alongside planning - study the maps BEFORE you're in the park and trying to figure things out in the crowds. Knowing how to get to the next attraction and even any little side paths to cut through if necessary make such a difference to my anxiety levels. Also if you have sensory issues and don't mind spoilers, watch the shows on here first. There's high quality full length videos for every show available and they really helped me a lot as I knew what was coming, e.g. when fireworks would go off. Same for on-ride videos.
Great tip Maisie! I don’t like spoilers but for a lot of people they need to know what they are in for. Thanks! 🙏🏻
I always bring headphones and music for when I feel overloaded, its nice just be able to switch off for a few minutes. And fidget toys save my life honestly. Now that i'm older I can just leave the park if it all feels too much which is a blessing after 12 hours in a park
Found you through Adam’s vlogs and I adore you! So glad you have your own channel for me to enjoy!
Thanks for coming over Johanna :)
Hey Gary! Loved your pumpkin costume! My wife and I love watching your adventures, btw you said the best “Moooorning” awhile ago!
I have type one Diabetes, along with Anxiety and Depression, and this was so super helpful and made me feel a lot more at ease about my trip coming up in October. Thank you for not making this seem like a burden Gary, and for making me feel like i'm not alone in this :)
I'm new to the your vlogs but can I just say that you sum up anxiety in the best way! And the fact you suffer this and help others is truly amazing.. Xxx
Love this, thank you. I have anxiety and autism spectrum disorder so all you mentioned is an absolute for me. I get very anxious on rides, I like to know what happens, directions etc so another tip is to watch ‘ride on’ videos on RUclips before visiting. My son has ASD too and my daughter severe learning disability so it helps to reassure them too 👍
Wonderful video. I love everything you and Adam do. I have a few additional tips. 1- I am the planner but I had to learn to let it go (phrase intended) if we changed things up. Often when things didn’t go as planned we actually ended up with a magical experience. One way to Let It Go is to have a park hopper pass if you can afford it. Sometimes the park we intended to spend the day at gets overcrowded so we hop to another park. Some people go back to resort which is a great option, but for us we often didn’t want to go back out after a rest. Instead we’d do tip 2. 2- plan a non park day every few days. Yes, Disney is expensive but to ease anxiety we plan 2 days where we have no plans for an 8 day trip, 1 day for a 5-6 day trip. We lounge at resort and sometimes do end up going to a park or Disney springs depending on mood. 3- if you haven’t been to Disney before or there is a new attraction and you suffer from anxiety we find it helpful to watch a RUclips video of the ride/attractions or ask someone details. For example, someone in my group didn’t realize that it’s tough to be a bug was in the base of the tree of life and got very claustrophobic and had to leave at start of show due to anxiety panic attack. From that point on I explained the other rides before going on. RUclips may contain spoilers but for someone with anxiety it may be better to know the surroundings in advance. 4-the Minnie vans are great but to save a bit of money we would take a relatively empty bus or monorail from park to a resort and then Uber from that resort to our resort. Sounds like extra work and wasn’t always faster but we weren’t waiting forever in line only to stand in a cramped bus. We may have to wait for the monorail but only ride on it until the next stop from MK and quick change from Epcot to resort monorail. From AK we just hoped on a bus to the closest resort if our line was long. From back of Epcot we took boat and got off first stop and UberEd from that resort. Now you could take skyliner to riviera or carribean and Uber from there. Please keep posting we love you!
You are the best. So real, so kind, and smart, and funny. Agree with you so much about clothes and anxiety. The more comfortable you are the more relaxed you feel. It just removes one of the stress factors. ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much! 🙏🏻
Thank you so much Gary for sharing this information you are a wonderful soul xx
My husband gave me a see through landyard to wear around my neck at the airport this last time. I was flying without him. It helped so much to not dig around for my ID and plane passes. Also besides the comfortable bag staps make sure your park and airport bag is a zippered bag. I hate worrying if things have fallen out.It also helped me to have a decoration on the door or window. All the rooms look so much alike
The decoration on the door is an interesting tip. I’ve never heard that before! 🙏🏻
Thank you for putting out this very useful video. As I've mentioned to you previously, my daughter has Asbergers and also suffers from anxiety and OCD (which is especially bad at the moment). She gets the DAS as on the whole she can't cope in queues, and noise and crowds can make her very distressed. Regarding your legs, you may have to resign yourself to hiring a (shock, horror) scooter. I have osteoarthritis and I gave up trying to walk the parks (even with a walking stick) back in 2014. It's just not worth the pain and the worries of whether I can cope during the day for the sake of a few quid. We love watching your park vlogs with Adam; he truly is a lovely man and a great, great friend.
Hi Leonie! I have thought about a scooter. Maybe I could try a stick. That might take the pressure off my right leg - which is worse than the left one at the moment. Thanks for the comment :)
Thank you for this video Gary!!!!!!!
What a fantastic video. Loved your sign off message too, you’re so right.
Was in 50s Prime Time once and a lady was suffering a panic attack, which triggered me. The cast members were so kind and moved me so I couldn’t hear what was going on...turned out the cast member that found us a new table had family in the village I live in and I grew up with his cousins. That’s real magic right there! Needless to say it calmed everything down for me and the lady that was also having a panic attack was ok too.
That’s lovely. I’m glad it all worked out :)
This would stress me out...I work in crisis and would feel like I need to step in and use my mental health first aide training
Carla Taylor they ended up bringing her a medical team. I didn’t cope well hearing it. I think sometimes, if you know how it feels you struggle too because you empathise. Luckily they sorted her out and she was fine...just not nice to be in that situation I guess. Amazing that you are someone trained in that field.
I'm off to disneyland paris for the first time in the February been working myself up over it alot, last year I was diagnosed with ocd and social anxiety I've been worried about how I'll cope on the holiday and not wanting to ruin it for my family thank you so much for the useful tips Gary I've got this video saved no doubt I'll be watching it many times thank you for the advice!
Kindness is magic :) thank you so much for sharing this , it has made me feel so much better x
Glad to hear it 🙏🏻
Very helpful tips especially with the heat. my family learned this the hard way on a summer trip with busy parks and a tired sweaty family. we should have left and didn't. it was incredibly stressful.
It can be incredibly stressful. I hope lots more people become aware of how much the weather can affect your stay!
I’ve only just discovered your channel but you seem like such a lovely person and your videos have made me smile 😊
Thanks for this one!! I also deal with anxiety and while I love the parks, a couple times a day I just have to stop and regroup. Good tips, you are the best! 💖
It’s always best to pause, rather than power through :)
You’re so fab Gary, love watching you - especially in the Disney vlogs! x
The more of your videos I watch the more I just love you! You are so genuine and honest. You’re overall just a lovely person and that is so easy to see in your videos. Thank you for these tips and reminders. We all want to go-go-go when on vacation. I am guilty of this-I have my excel spreadsheet with all my reservations/fastpasses/suggested activities filled in. Being such a planner, I need to plan to take time away from the park to relax. By putting it in the spreadsheet I mentally prepare myself for knowing that day is not going to be open to close park time so I don’t try to ram it all in. It’s a way to prepare myself mentally as well as a reminder on that day that this is the plan-I am taking a mid-day break or taking a resort day or heading back to the hotel early for an early bedtime. Sounds silly, but I even need to plan to relax! 😂
Great video!!! It’s soo important to look after yourself. I remember on my first day ever at Disney world I did the classic I WANT TO SEE EVERYTHING and pushed myself too far. It got to about 7pm and I was in the queue to meet Mickey with my partner, I suddenly felt overwhelmed and anxious and didn’t know why and I just turned to him and said I need to go back to the resort. It was the best thing we could have done. We potentially would have ruined the rest of the holiday if I had forced myself to stay in that queue and then wait for the fireworks.
Another important thing is rest days. I would not survive a full Disney holiday without them!
On a side note - loving the hair and your jumper Gary! 💖 xxx
Thanks Jess! Having rest days & taking time out when you need it is great. I’m glad we went back to our resort after Tiffins. It meant we could have a great time in Epcot the next day! 💫
Hi Gary, I would just like to say a huge thank you. I know it took a lot for you to share your anxiety experience with us, and how to manage it around the park.My son suffers from anxiety and panic attacks in certain situations ( which have increased recently )and we are going back to Orlando next August and your tips have certainly helped to plan the trip better. Knowing and understanding the disability pass will certainly help in certain situations, and hopefully help with how he manages the queues. Sending big hugs Gary, thanks again, karen
Thanks Karen! Definitely look at getting a couple of the fans. They will make the August heat that little bit more bearable :)
Thanks Gary My son has already been looking at the fans on Amazon , as so many of the vlogs he watches swears by them as a must to have to keep the heat at bay :) x
Just came across you, and Adam. Love your vlogs. You guys are so excited about everything, it's like seeing it through the eyes of a child again. We could all use your enthusiasm:)
Thank you, Gary! You hit the nail on the head. Spot on about everything. I didn't know that you can do the Disability Access Pass for Panic attack and Anxiety. You are awesome to go over your experiences with us.
It has been 2 years since we have been to Disney World. I have chronic migraines and my anxiety and panic attacks are through thr roof right now. I am getting my meds adjusted and we will see how it works out. We are doing a Disney Cruise in Feb. to see how I do.
Thanks again and I love watching you and Adam in the vlogs.
Hi Nikki, glad you liked the video. Happy to help! 💫
I just wanted to thank you for sharing this I have a 6 year old son who suffers from anxiety and though therapy is helping some getting him to see others that have the same issues I know help more. Makes him feel a little normal. I wish you could have seen his little face while he watched this. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
Thank YOU so much. I made this video for people with anxiety. Bless ya x
Having just returned from Disney World yesterday and using the DAS pass for the first time, I have to say it was a life saver. I fractured my spine last year and also suffer with anxiety and cant stand for more than a few minutes without support and don't cope with crowds anymore. Sadly Universal just told me to get a wheelchair. They were sooooo unhelpful. Anyway, I just wanted to say what a brilliant video this is, you really are the sweetest man and have given some valuable advice here. Now back to catching up with Adam's vlogs xx
I’m glad Disney could help & made it easier x
I've just found you and Adam via your latest vlogs.. you are such lovely likeable lads.. really enjoyed & laughed with you on your trip! I can't wait to go back to Disney world next year.. you've given me lots of tips x
Thanks, I hope you enjoy tomorrow’s video on his channel. We’re off to Epcot! 💫
Thanks for the video Gary! What my family and I have found helpful is to get to the park early, then around 2pm go back to the resort and take a long nap or chill by the pool. Then, eat dinner and go back to the park! That way you avoid a busier time and the hottest part of the day, and experience the park when it is a little less busy.
This is a great plan! I should do something like this :)
Love you Gary!!! Going ANYWHERE with you and Adam is on my bucket list! I PROMISE you both, once we meet you will wonder how you have gotten along without me all this time! 😉😘 We are 3 peas in a pod! No matter my day, watching one of your or Adams videos brings me back to Joy & Grateful & what is truly important...Connection, Adventure, Travel & DISNEY!
What a great video. As a fellow sufferer I give you lots of respect & love for putting yourself out there and sharing your journey with others. XOX Big hugs to Adam as well, every friend should be as loving & supportive.
Thank you. It can be tough sharing things online (because it opens you up to it all). But it's rewarding when it helps people :D
Gary that was such a special video. I have been fortunate to have lived an exciting life and often in the public eye but it has never been easy. I had to and still do have to steal myself to sometimes just leave the house to attend important events but the emotional cost is often huge. I am filled with admiration for the way you are managing your life. Your vlog will help many people I am sure. Thank you so much Gary.
Thanks Peter, I’m glad you manage to go out & be fulfilled. It can be exhausting & daunting- especially when people have an expectation of who you are :)
Getting my Disney fix cause I am missing your/Adams vlogs. This was great to watch. As a regular visitor, who
Luckily doesn’t suffer with these issues I learnt a lot about how anxiety can have such an impact. You and Adam have a great friendship, I love watching you guys thanks for helping me survive lockdown!
thanks for making this video Gary. I've suffered for 20 years with anxiety and it can really dampen the holiday, you want to enjoy it but your mind starts to run off when you're on a ride or should be enjoying yourself. great tips.
Thanks, it’s easily done! You just have to try & aim for balance. Equal measures of self-care & Disney magic :)
@@garyc Thanks Gary, I wasn't aware I may be eligible for the disney DAS pass either, i asked about it on one of the forums on facebook and got some right absuse. It's not for people you you, you work and get through the day normally ect ect. It's nice to know that I may not have to miss out on a ride for leaving the queue that has been done many times 20-30-40 minutes into queueing when i have an anxious thought or feeling.
This is a wonderful video! I rarely see Disney tips for people with anxiety and they are so important. Little tips like this have the potential to make or break a trip. I've become a pro over the years at finding quiet spots in each park to take a break from the crowds. I once rode the Carousel of Progress 5 times in a row while I calmed down from a particularly rough panic attack. The ride is dark, air conditioned, and never seems to have many people on it. It was a great little escape from the crowds and heat. However, that song was stuck in my head for all of eternity lol but it was worth it. Thanks for always being the master of advice and Disney, Gary! :)
Carousel Of Progress is great as an escape! It’s a shame the song stays with you looooong after! 😂
I got a DAS pass for my anxiety on my trip 2 weeks ago, I felt a bit nervous/stupid asking for one because it’s not ‘visible’ disability but the cast member at guest relations was incredible he asked no questions, explained to me how a DAS works & sent me on my way! What an absolute difference it makes to your day having one! I also went to the Halloween & Christmas parties while I was there & I was able to use the DAS pass for rides during the party as well as the characters who are making special appearances which was incredible, it really made the parties more doable for me (I will note I was on holiday by myself & had no one else to stand in line for me for the characters but there were other parties who had return times with more than 1 person in their group)
I had no idea it worked on some characters too. I’m glad it made the trip easier for you :D
Gary C me either! I awkwardly went and asked a cast member at Pooh & friends & she was beyond helpful! 💕
What a great idea for a video Gary. How courageous of you to post something like this.
Thanks Zach 🙏🏻
You are very correct in that these tips can help anyone with their WDW holiday. Our first day was Animal Kingdom. We walked all over that Park willy-nilly without a plan. We were exhausted! That night at the French Quarter resort we saw a family at a table with a map planning out their next day. What a revelation! Snacks, water & rest stops are key.
Animal Kingdom is tough. There seems to be a lot more walking - or at least I felt it on this last holiday. Definitely plan your rides, food & routes! :)
I’m going to DisneyWorld in 17 days and watching you and Adams videos in Disney really get me even more excited! We’re staying at French Quarter and have fast passes, park entrances and meals all included. This will be my 11th time and still get excited. Love watching you and Adam stay strong and keep doing what you do.🥰
Have a great time! We had a walk through French Quarter & I loved it! 💫
@Kathy Wood,we stayed at FQ in Aug. I fell in love. It is now my favorite moderate resort. I loved how easy it was to get aroung in compared to all the sprawling resorts
You're such a pure and magical soul. I won't tell the other Slytherins... don't worry.
Tell none of them, they’ll throw me out of the common room 🐍 xx
there is always is a place for you in Ravenclaw Gary.
So I’m clearly coming across some older vids for you but I must say this is a treasured vlog. Suffering from those ailments or even not they are golden reminders! Thank you for taking the time to help, share and explain… You rock Mr C!!
Great tips Gary! That’s essentially what my husband and I try to do - create a basic plan for the day but also be willing to alter it based on how we feel, crowds, weather, etc. I’m loving your vlog series with Adam. It feels like I’m right there with you guys.
Thanks! It's good to plan but sometimes you have to be flexible. You never know when the rain will decide to show up! :D
Great video! Must admit, this has just made me realise how much I hadn’t thought about.
It hadn’t occurred to me how much of a sensory overload it would be. The crowds wouldn’t bother me cos I’d just be hyper and adrenaline would keep me going.
I definitely think I’d get the DAS where you just get straight on cos it would do me more damage waiting around in the overwhelming parks. I’d do a few hours in the morning, chill at the resort in the middle then go back in for the evening
There’s so many things to do & see. I don’t know if there is another DAS but it’s worth looking into. The mornings are great!
Oh Gary! This is superb. I think it’s so easy, if you haven’t been to WDW, to just think “oh, it’s just a holiday, how stressful can it be?” and it’s not until you’re there that it really sinks in.
You’re so right about checking in with yourself. It’s easy to just go with it because it’s all bright and magical and overwhelming, and you just want to cram it all in, but you’re not doing yourself any favours and ultimately you will suffer for it. In particular, when it was hot I found AK really tough going. It doesn’t feel an intuitive park to walk around, like say MK does, and couple that with the heat, the intensity of some of the rides there, and your body is just like “nope.”
I think it’s also worth mentioning that it’s important to eat properly - not just a load of sugary snacks that won’t fuel you properly, but actual sit down, proper food.
Anyway, thanks for taking the time to do this. You come across as such a lovely, honest person, and I think you’re so brave for putting yourself out there to help others. Thank you so much xx
Just stumbled onto your videos and absolutely love them! Thank you for sharing your kindness and LOVE how fierce u are! We love a fab pumpkin legend
Thanks Kimberly :)
I have suffered with and been treated for severe anxiety with depression for many years now and as much as I love Disney, the lines and queues really can cause me real trouble and make me feel totally overwhelmed.
I wasn't aware that I would be able to get a Disability pass as I always felt that I might get stigmatised for asking for one since my disability isn't always visible. This video has made me feel so at ease and I feel able now to go and ask for a pass when I go next year. Thank you for explaining it so well and for all the useful tips. ☺️ Ps love you and Adams vlogs!!! ❤️
Thanks for the comment Kate. DAS is definitely for physical & cognitive difficulties. I hope you have a great time when you return :)
@@garyc thank you 💗
Thank you Gary, excellent advice! First of all, please let me say this: you have beautiful, beautiful hands! Second, is that a new ring or did you get yours back? You know, I have anxiety due to my thyroid, it’s awful, I start sweating (only my head, thank God) but it is awful. I feel terribly embarrassed, and I can’t stop it. I’ve learned to breathe to try to stop or reduce it, but it sometimes doesn’t work. This happens at any time of day or night. When I walk into a supermarket, with or without people! Your advice is something that I will take into consideration next time this thing strikes! Thank you. And yes, Adam is a very, very good friend, you are very lucky to count him as your friend.
Thanks! I appreciate the hands comment. I look at people’s hans all the time! I got a new ring from Amazon (same one £10.99). Adam is okay I guess 🤪
Love this. One thing we have discovered is waiting for the park to empty after the fireworks. Even better at Christmas time. For just Casey’s and grab a snack then sit at the tables outside. You can enjoy the music piped in and during the holidays, the castle is gorgeous. You can experience the Kiss Goodnight. By that time the park is clear and the wait the buses is minimal.
Gary this is so awesome of you to do this. You are so kind hearted. There are so many people who could use all this great information, Thank you.
I hope it helps people & they look forward to their time in Disney :)
Love your videos. You are such a kind and gentle soul. Adam and you make a great team!
Thanks for such a lovely comment x
I had an anxiety meltdown 2 years ago on walking into MK. I pulled a muscle(don’t ask, skipping through the arches! 😂) and basically collapsed in a hyperventilating heap because I was so panicked about making fast passes and reservations planned months before. Thankfully the cast members and my very calm husband helped me to regain composure! The experience actually helped me to face reality and chill out about things for the rest of the holiday.
It’s hard to not let the excitement get the better of you! I’m pleased the cast members & your husband were there. It can be a lot! 💫
Oh I hear ya. I did a grade 4 sprain on my bad ankle the day before flying to Hong Kong for the weekend. Definitely made HK disney hard.
I just started watching the vlog series with you and Adam. You can tell how amazing your friendship is, but listening to you talk about how kind and patient Adam is as a travel partner makes it even more special. ♥️♥️ Sending love to you both!
My sons are autistic but my youngest found magic Kingdom so hard to cope with. Crowd's were so vast he had meltdowns every afternoon that we were in there so we did magic hours and did as much as we could then went to 1of the other parks. Surprisingly my other son loved it all and my daughter was in her element lol I'm glad you and Adam had a good time I love watching your videos xxx
Magic hours are great! Best bit? Avoiding the heat! 💫
@@garyc yeah they are hun
I sound like a parrot but l have been working my hole life in health care and l have met many people that have anxiety and panic rushes..and this is so important what you are saying now...good job Gary!....women from Sweden 🌹the same as before....❤️🤗
Thank you so much x
Love ya, gurl! I am thinking of using your tip to get the disabled access for my son with autism. We haven't had to use it before on our trips, but this year we are going to WDW during the New Year week and I fear it will be a different experience. It is hard to find information because people don't have the courage to talk about it, so I thank you so much for not being afraid to be honest.
Thank you. New Year? I’d definitely go & ask, I’ve heard it’s a busy time. Have a great time 💫
Great tips! I never had an issue with anxiety due to crowds, etc.. until I went to Disney 2 years ago in June. There were sooo many people going everywhere, every direction, strollers running over the toes and it was hot which made it more intense. My daughter and I sat for an hour at Cosmic Ray's just to cool off and eat which helped the mind and soul. The shops with the air con are a gift from God! lol Thanks for always sharing your experience and knowledge!
I love the shops! Because everyone is doing the rides & shows, a lot of them are quiet! :)
your voice is so calming Gary, another great video! We got back from our WDW trip just as you and Adam arrived, really enjoying your insta photos and Adams vlogs!
Thanks so much! I hope you had an incredible time :)
Thank you for the great tips. Like you, my legs are not what they use to be and I do not like crowds. God bless and keep you.
I don’t suffer with anxiety or anything like that but I still agree with all of these points , Disneyworld is tiring for me too, we go to parks early in the morning and always return to the resort just after lunch , then go out again for dinner at the same park or another park , this works for us, we could never do park open to park close. Also I agree with the Beyoncé fan , we have 2 and I couldn’t be without them now . Loving the Vlogs with Adam , they are just joyous 😀
Thank you. I love my Beyonce fan too! 💫
We visit Disney World often, your advice is excellent for everyone, with or without issues. Thank you as always for sharing ❤️
Thank you x
Thank you Gary!!! Love your VLog's!!! Hoping you are well & sending big hugs from Massachusetts :)
Thanks! :D
Thank you so much for this Gary. I came very close to a full on panic attack while waiting in a very crowded line for Festival of the Lion King. It was an experience I will never forget. I appreciate all your great advice and I hope others follow it. Bless you for your courage to share and help others.
Thanks, enjoy your next trip! X
Thank you so very much Gary for sharing your strategies. As a mom of teenagers, I just want to give you a big "Mom" hug. Your voice has been in my kitchen for weeks while I food prep and now your inspirational message is in my heart. You're amazing.
Thanks so much 🙏🏻
Thanks for the advice, I wish I could go but anxiety stops me from travelling alone from UK, you’re so lucky to have a great friend in Adam, your vlogs are fantastic 🤗❤️🏴
the return pass tip will be very handy for my next trip! I was recently diagnosed with a form of low blood pressure so when i'm standing for long periods of time I will feel very faint so queuing can be difficult sometimes!!