Travelling to Disney as a Veteran with PTSD

A Combat Veteran with PTSD, Chris shares his tactics and tips for planning a safe and magical vacation when travelling to Disney as a Veteran with PTSD

Becky and I are avid travelers to Disney Parks, if you’re a frequent follower of hers you knew that already. If you’re a veteran, and you’re planning a trip and looking for resources, you’ve come to the right place. Tips for travelling to Disney as a Veteran with PTSD.

Veterans, read on. For friends and family, Becky has written an article that is free of jargon for you.

Infantry guy checking in

A quick little background about me, I joined the Canadian Army in 2000, I deployed as a peacekeeper to Bosnia in 2003/04, and I deployed to Afghanistan as a C9 LMG gunner (that’s a SAW gunner for the US vets) in 2008/09. I came back from Afghanistan knowing that something wasn’t right, I asked the doc’s for help but never really took treatment or my condition seriously; then declined for the next 10 years as I went on more deployments, training and teaching until everything fell apart.

It was an Operational Stress Injury (OSI), more commonly known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In that time, I tried to live a normal life; I was promoted to Sergeant, met Rebecca while I was still in the midst of an 18 month bender (she helped me get sober!) and she became my wife, and now we have a daughter, Wendy. But I was also medically released from the army in 2019, I spent months in and out of hospitals, nearly lost everything. Mental Health is no f-ing joke. And now I volunteer with the Royal Canadian Legion helping other veterans.

Mental Health is no f-ing joke.

Me

Why do I like Disney? Yeah, I was like a lot of guys once, I thought Disney World was just for kids, I didn’t even know the difference between Disneyland and Disney World (Pro Tip: Disneyland is version 1.0 in California, Disney World is the bigger and better version 2.0 in Florida). But you do things for the people you love, so long before we had Wendy, I went with Becky to Disney World. And I actually had a lot of fun, the food was incredible and making her happy made me happy. Plus I love to SCUBA Dive, and EPCOT has an awesome tour at Dive Quest. So over the years we went more and more often until I was looking forward to it too. Now that we have a little someone to share the memories with it’s even better.

Becky, Wendy and I now regularly travel to Walt Disney World in Florida, Disneyland in California, and Becky and I traveled to Disneyland Paris, formerly known as Euro Disney, for her birthday in 2018. So, I’ll be able to speak to these three parks, for the Asian parks, I’ll do my best to help; however, the same tips should apply.

It’s going to be a long post with a lot of information, so strap in.

Situation, Mission, EXECUTION, …

If the military damaged you the way it damaged me, planning a vacation is serious work. I have been accused of being too “army” in planning, whatever the hell that means which I have come to learn means I am too rigid. lol.

But I do take a page out of SMESC when I plan, Execution. Timings, routes, actions on, map recces, et cetera may seem like a quick way to suck the fun out of a family trip. But take a step back from calling me a nerd and think about the practical benefits of having a solid plan with contingencies in the event of anxiety or panic or anger or any other legit felling and how that planing can reduce your overall stress, set you up with coping strategies, and give your family the vacation you ALL deserve. From experience, I can tell you that not having a plan in place when something triggering comes along can derail a vacation faster than over-planning ever could.

To properly plan, start with talking to your mental health team. Now, every time I tell my physc that I’m going on vacation, she says “great”, but that doesn’t mean it was always the case. And it doesn’t mean that everyone is fit for something that can be a potential trigger factory; and there’s nothing wrong with that either.

After that, follow the guides from Becky to choose your destination, resort, packages, price, et cetera. If you’re in Canada, Becky can help you plan your vacation for you. This guide will help you plan for some specifics and answer some questions when selecting the time of year, where to stay and what to do.

Reconnaissance

Laugh. Go on. I did at first. But come on, you know the difference between feeling prepared and feeling unprepared. The goal of planning with PTSD is to minimize stressors at every opportunity.

First, get to know the different parks and vacations. Disney has 6 parks around the world, Disneyland in Anahiem was the first, Walt Disney World in Orlando was Walt’s plan to fix everything that wasn’t it’s best at Disneyland (however he never lived to see it open), and there are parks in Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo. Disney also has a resort (without the park) in Hawai’i, Adventures by Disney and the Disney Cruise Line. Most people tend to choose the park that is geographically closest, but don’t get stuck in that thinking. Many choose the park based on cost if cost is a factor. Going through the rest of this guide, and the rest of this site, should help give some other indications to which park to visit.

Airport Transfer

I’m not going to hold your hand figuring out how to get from where you live to Disney, but once you’re at the airport is where I can help with your recce. Booking online lets you select a method of getting from the airport to Disney if you are staying at a Disney resort, if not you’re on your own. Disney World (Florida) has the best option, if staying at a Disney resort you can opt for the Magical Express, a coach bus that will take you from MCO to your resort. Disneyland (California) and Disneyland Paris both have options, but don’t expect Air Force level of pampering.

Fireworks

Yes. Disney loves their fireworks.

Disney World has daily fireworks shows at all their parks, except Animal Kingdom (for the animals). Disneyland has fireworks on the weekends (Friday and Saturday), but they occasionally have weekday shows. Disneyland Paris has nightly fireworks shows.

If you are concerned about the fireworks, check the times for the shows each day and be somewhere quiet. And yes, there are day time fireworks shows at some parks.

Choosing a Resort

Where to stay is a big factor in your stress. If stress is a concern, consider staying at a Disney Resort. Staying at a Disney Resort get’s you closer to the parks, and has other perks too. If you’re staying at Disney World, they have a complete transportation system to use, including buses, monorails, sky lifts, and their own Lyft service, Minnie Vans. You can use these to move between the different parks and resorts. Disneyland (Cali and Paris) are both walking distance from the resorts to the parks, if you stay at a Disney Resort. Staying offsite and you get what you get.

Another solid benefit of staying at a Disney World Resort, is airline baggage check-ins at your resort! You can easily drop your bags off and the certified agents will get your tickets and baggage labels printed for you so you don’t have to drag your luggage to the airport. The next time you’ll see your bags will be at your home airport.

Fireworks, as I mentioned, are a frequent occurrence. This should be a factor in where you stay. The resorts closest to the parks will obviously be the loudest (except Animal Kingdom).

Disney Parks Apps

The Disney Parks all have their own apps, and they’re good for navigating around the parks in real time. The app uses your phones GPS and shows your position, and shows all the parks attractions, wait times for rides, stores, dining, et cetera, like a Mickey version of Google Maps. You can book Fast Passes for rides, making dining reservations, even order food from some counter service places. All their menus are on the apps so you can go in knowing what you want.

Get to know the parks. Wherever you go, Disney World or one of the Disneylands, know which park has which rides. Which rides do you want to go on? Which park has rides more appropriate for your family. Know where you want to eat. If having a plan sets you at ease, plan away. Just don’t plan too tightly, between crowds and technical issues at the parks, remember Disney is a family park and things won’t run as smoothly as you want them too; plan accordingly.

Download it now and take a peak. Although, the Tokyo Disneyland app is restricted so you can’t download it outside of Japan.

Your Meds

This is not the time to take a chance on leaving your meds at home. So plan to bring your meds with you, get yourself one of those pill organizers.

For many veterans, and many others living with mental health illnesses or chronic pain, cannabis has become an increasing popular treatment. If cannabis is one of your coping mechanisms, remember that cannabis laws in the USA are not as free as other countries like Canada. Recreational cannabis is illegal in Florida, and non-residents cannot purchase medical cannabis in the state. California however, is legal recreationally so even if you don’t have a medical licence for California, you can still buy.

Just remember, possession and consumption in Disney Parks (any Disney Park, even if you have a medical licence, even if its oil or edibles) is forbidden, and may result in a ban and arrest. So, play by the rules and find a place outside the parks to consume then go in. Finally, cannabis is also illegal in Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo; and Google results shows cases of foreigners in trouble with the law for trying.

All of the Disney Parks and Resorts have stores where you can buy over the counter drugs like Tylenol, and you can always leave to go a nearby pharmacy if you need more than that.

And remember to bring your Health Insurance card(s)!!

Know your triggers, know your coping methods

Which can be summed up as know thyself. You know your triggers and coping methods for going to the mall. This is no different, you just need to know what you’re walking into.

There are a lot of different strategies for coping, but you need to find the ones that work for you.

And bring some apps with you. There are a lot of different smartphone apps out there, better to have and not need than need and not have.

US Veterans Affairs Apps
Canadian Veterans Affairs Apps
UK NHS Veterans Apps
Australian Veterans Affairs Apps

Crowds, Rides, and Speed

Crowds are a trigger for me. How you deal with crowds is ultimately up to you, but I find taking breaks throughout the day help. A big mistake people make, myself included, is trying to maximize the dollar value of the vacation by maximizing our time in the parks. There is more to do at Disney than just the parks.

The Disney Resorts are all great, even the value resorts. Family friendly, with pools, activities for kids (especially the values and moderates), and dining options. Animal Kingdom Resort even has a set of NVGs you can borrow at night to see the animals outside the resort. Disney World has two water parks which are a lot of fun with the family, take the lazy river around and relax. Disney World also has the ESPN Sports Complex if you crave a sportier vacation, and there are world class Golf Courses. Go shopping at Disney Springs (Florida), Downtown Disney (California) or Disney Village (Paris); but even they can get crowded too. Or take a relaxing spa day at Disney World or Disneyland. Or eat, one of the things that first attracted me to Disney was the dining options, right up to some incredible signature dining restaurants.

There’s a lot to do that’s not fighting crowds in the parks.

Rides can be triggering too. If you’re concerned about speed, turns, darkness, noise, smells, or heights, ask the cast member outside the ride. But have your grounding stone with you if you have triggers in the park.

Take it slow. Another big mistake people make when trying to maximize their time in the parks, is try to move with a sense or urgency from one ride to the next. I see it every trip, and it’s not a veteran thing, it’s a human thing.
Just. Don’t. Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.

Check for discounts

Disney is a patriotic American company, #TeamUSA. So check to see what’s available when you are planning. There are discounts for serving and retired US military, but little else for us Allies. There is even a program where each day a veteran will be selected for the Magic Kingdom Flag Retreat. Disney is even a big veteran employer if you’re a US citizen.

Disney World has a partnership with USO to host Shades of Green, a Disney Resort for US Military and Veterans that’s less in-your-face Disney. The resort is beautiful, Becky and I visited once when we registered for a Run Disney marathon. The resort is open to Allies only if they are posted to a US based unit, operation or task force. I’ve even heard it is a quiet resort away from the nightly fireworks at Magic Kingdom. And it has an AAFES inside too. Although, it is about a 10 – 15 minute walk to get to the Polynesian Resort to access the Disney Transportation system.

Say Hi to Us, or Don’t. Your call.

Depending on the type of vet you are, you either embrace your service, or have put it in context and moved on. In either case, your service is yours.

There are lots of us veterans walking around the parks, some are easy to pick out by their hats, shirts, haircuts, tattoos or deportment. I’ve even encountered amputee vets in the parks, still going strong. Some vets, however, are more subtle. If you’re feeling isolated from your brothers and sisters, you could reach out and make a connection.

A few years ago, Becky and I ran a Run Disney Marathon, and after a few kilometers we got separated (she was pregnant). I ended up running behind someone with one of those ARMY shirts the Americans wear on PT. So I ran a little faster, caught up to him and we ended up talking over the next few kilometers.

Why this can be important is if in the middle of your trip you start feeling off, and maybe you could benefit from some peer interaction, a friendly chat starting with the all-too-familiar “where’d you serve?” can go a long way to making someone feel less isolated.

I DO NOT RECOMMEND going to a random veteran if you are in crisis. They may not be able to help, they may not even want to help (let’s be honest it happens), or worse they could be on rocky ground themselves and you could trigger them. Peer Counselors go through training, you can’t just expect someone to be in a position to help like that.

If you are in crisis, Disney has medical staff, get to a cast member and ask for help, or call 911.

Then again, if you’d rather have a quiet vacation with your family, do whatever you need. It is, after all, your trip.

Safety Plan

We’re almost done, and one big thing to have before you leave on any trip is your Safety Plan. The US VA has a good page on making your Safety Plan.

Don’t leave home without one.

Emergency Contact Information & Resources

Seems like a no-brainer, to have your contact info in case something happens. But do you have a list of help lines and resources that you are comfortable with, and work in the country you’re visiting? Don’t assume that your Canadian, British, Aussie, or wherever you’re from, Veteran Crisis Line will work if you’re calling from the USA, France, China, HK or Japan.

If you are a US Veteran in the US, you can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 to be connected with the Veterans Crisis Line.

If you are a non-US Veteran in the US, I researched this answer, I reached to the US VA and their crisis line, I even called a fellow Canadian Vet living in the US, the answer is not good. There isn’t much, so factor that into your safety plan and have alternative solutions.

There is some good news, though. The Canadian Veterans Affairs Crisis Line works from the US, it was tested. It stands to reason that any 1-800 should work the same, but if you are concerned ask your crisis line if they will accept calls from the USA. You may have to suck up the roaming costs and call your home country crisis number.

There are Royal Canadian Legion Posts in both Florida and California if you are a Canadian or Allied Veteran in the US. Membership in the Royal Canadian Legion will also get you access to American Legion branches if you need assistance.

Now Go Make Some Good Memories

With all this information I just threw at you, you probably forgot half of it already. That’s ok, there’s a lot. But with this info, you’ll be able to plan a trip that you can enjoy, and your family can enjoy. Disney is an amazing family destination, you’re going to have an amazing time. Keep your shit together, though. And if I missed a concern of yours, a) let us know, b) ask Disney, the cast members at Disney are amazing people.

Just remember, you are a mother f-ing veteran. You survived what gave you those wounds, you can damn well survive this. Fight on.

Me, again

Now that you know what to expect, you can make your own plan. And now you can explore the rest of the site to find fun things to do with your family while you’re there.

Dear Disney

If you’re reading this, build a quiet space for Veterans, Allied Veterans too, at your parks. Partner with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Royal Canadian Legion, Royal British Legion, Australian Legion, etc. Just a small space with cold drinks, coffee, wi-fi, comfortable chairs, and mental health staff. It would go a long way….