As magical as that first day was, the rest of our trip taught me something even more valuable.
It taught me that I could confidently travel to Walt Disney World with Type 1 diabetes.
Before our vacation, our travel agent had mentioned Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS). At the time, I didn’t think it was something I needed.
I wanted to experience Disney just like everyone else. I remember telling Steven, “I’ll be fine.”
The very next morning, while we were waiting at the bus stop to head to EPCOT, we met one of the sweetest couples.
Their names were Andy and Anna, and they happened to be Disney Cast Members celebrating their own anniversary.
What started as a simple conversation quickly turned into a friendship.
They helped us navigate the parks, shared tips we’d never heard before, and somehow made us feel like we’d known them for years.
Meeting them ended up being one of those unexpected Disney moments we’ll never forget.
Later that day, while we were waiting in a standby line, my blood sugar dropped.
Steven and I had to leave the queue so I could treat the low.
Andy and Anna gently suggested that I give DAS a try.
I politely smiled and said I really wanted to experience Disney the same way everyone else did.
Then, later that afternoon…
My blood sugar dropped again.
That was enough to convince me.
Looking back, using DAS wasn’t about skipping lines.
It was about giving myself the flexibility to safely manage diabetes without feeling stressed or guilty if my blood sugar suddenly decided to do its own thing.
That experience completely changed how I viewed accommodations.
Sometimes accepting a little help allows you to enjoy the experience even more.
I Definitely Overpacked
Another thing I laugh about now is my park bag.
If you’ve ever traveled with Type 1 diabetes, you probably know exactly what I’m talking about.
I packed for every possible situation I could imagine.
Then I packed for a few situations I probably couldn’t.
I had enough diabetes supplies to survive just about anything.
At the time, it made me feel prepared.
Looking back, I definitely overpacked.
Every Disney trip since then has helped me figure out what I truly need in the parks and what can safely stay back at the resort.
Today I’m still prepared—but my shoulders are much happier.
Disney Changed the Way I Look at Food
One of the biggest surprises from that trip wasn’t a ride.
It was the food.
Because I have Type 1 diabetes and eat gluten-free, traveling usually means spending a lot of time researching menus before we ever leave home.
Disney completely exceeded my expectations.
Every restaurant we visited made me feel comfortable asking questions.
The Cast Members understood food allergies and dietary restrictions, and I never felt like I was inconveniencing anyone by asking for gluten-free options.
That was such a relief.
One of my favorite discoveries happened at Chef Mickey’s.
Gluten-free Mickey waffles.
I still remember taking that first bite and thinking, “Okay… I get why everyone talks about these.”
To this day, they’re still one of my favorite Disney breakfasts.
And then there was Dole Whip.
Before that trip, I had never tried one.
Now?
It’s become tradition.
Every single Disney vacation includes at least one Dole Whip.
Usually more than one.
Sweet Tea and South Carolina Priorities
Another memory that still makes me smile happened at Garden Grill in EPCOT.
At the time, it was one of the only places on Disney property serving sweet tea.
As two people from South Carolina, that immediately became important information.
Steven enjoyed it so much that our server eventually stopped refilling his glass and simply brought an entire pitcher to the table.
Honestly…
It was probably easier for everyone involved.
Years later, we still laugh about it.
Maybe I Judged Tower of Terror Too Quickly…
Not every ride was love at first sight.
Andy and Anna encouraged me to ride Tower of Terror.
I wasn’t convinced.
Then I rode it.
When we got off, I was about as white as a sheet of paper.
I looked at Steven and basically said,
“Never again.”
Fast forward a few trips…
Now it’s one of my favorite rides.
I guess Disney has a funny way of changing your mind.
Looking Back
When people ask me why I love Walt Disney World so much, the proposal is usually the first thing that comes to mind.
But it isn’t the only reason.
This was the trip where I learned that Disney could truly accommodate my gluten-free diet.
It was the trip where I realized traveling with Type 1 diabetes didn’t have to be stressful.
It was the trip where complete strangers became friends.
It was the trip where Steven made me laugh until I cried on the teacups.
It was the trip where I discovered gluten-free Mickey waffles.
It was the trip where I discovered Dole Whip.
Most importantly…
It was the trip that made Disney feel like home.
Every vacation we’ve taken since has built on the memories we made during that first visit.
Every time I walk down Main Street, U.S.A., I still think about that girl riding the bus toward Magic Kingdom with tears in her eyes because she couldn’t believe she was finally there.
She had no idea she was beginning a tradition that would last for years.
And she definitely had no idea she’d one day be sharing those memories here with all of you.
Harriet’s Diabetes Notes
What I packed: Looking back, I definitely overpacked! I carried enough diabetes supplies for just about every scenario imaginable. While that gave me peace of mind, each trip since has helped me fine-tune what I actually need for a Disney park day.
Biggest lesson: Don’t be afraid to use accommodations that help you safely enjoy your vacation. For me, DAS wasn’t about skipping lines—it was about reducing stress and allowing me to manage my diabetes confidently.
Favorite food discovery: Gluten-free Mickey waffles at Chef Mickey’s and, of course, my very first Dole Whip.
Most valuable reminder: Diabetes comes on every vacation with me, but it doesn’t get to decide whether I enjoy the trip.
