On a recent family vacation, we decided to take a trip to an amusement park. Upon trying to enter the park, we were asked to show the contents of our bags (understandable so considering what’s going on in the world toady) and back pack. Inside the back pack were our “low packs,” juice boxes, bottled water, protein snacks, etc. We were told that they were not allowed inside the park, that all items to be consumed had to be purchased within the park or they needed to stay in the car and we could re-enter the park after consumption. How is it this is possible? These items are for emergency use. We were told that there were eating areas and booths available within. What about the wait and if we were somewhere that it was inconvenient to get to theses places or on an attraction at the time of a low? Is it “legal” for places to deny these items or how should we have gone about getting them to allow us to bring them into the park?

Unfortunately, this is policy with some theme parks. If you plan on visiting any amusement park in the future, it is wise to go online or phone ahead to check their policy. Some are sticklers about the rules, while others may allow you to bring supplies for a low if you bring whatever documentation they require.

In any case, if a person is experiencing a low blood sugar, do not wait in line. Go to the front of the line and say in a loud voice, “My child has diabetes and is having a low blood sugar; I need juice immediately.” Normally, the crowd will make way for you and a manager will come running. At the very least, you should get your juice right away. Do not be hesitant about cutting in line; if they won’t allow you to bring emergency supplies into the park, then they need to be responsive to emergencies.

That is the advice that I’ve been given at both Universal Studios and Disney, where CWD holds summer events. And both places have allowed me to bring supplies for my child with diabetes into the park, although it’s just been a juice or two and some glucose tabs, not a lot of items. That, in itself, may make a difference.

LB