As much as Disney is about magic, it’s also about making the impossible possible—and that includes navigating the parks with a chronic illness like POTS.
I’ve always dreamed of spending a day in the parks, just soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying the magic. But when I was first diagnosed with POTS, I wasn’t sure how that would work. Would I even be able to stand in line for rides? How would I deal with the heat and crowds? Disney isn’t known for being a “chronic illness friendly” place, right?
Well, spoiler alert: Disney magic does exist for people like us. It just takes a little planning, some pacing, and a lot of self-compassion. Here’s how I’ve been able to enjoy Disney even with POTS—and how you can too.
✨ Plan Ahead
If you’re like me and need to manage energy levels and avoid overstimulation, planning is key. Before every trip, I take time to map out which rides and attractions are must-dos, and I make sure to schedule breaks throughout the day. Here’s my usual routine:
- Arrival Time: I try to get to the parks early when crowds are thinner and I’m still feeling fresh.
- Rest Periods: After every 1–2 hours in the park, I find a quiet spot to sit and hydrate. Whether it’s a bench, a shaded area, or even the indoor seating of a quick-service restaurant, it’s important to rest—not just when I’m tired, but preemptively.
- Slow Pace: Disney is exciting, but it’s not a sprint. Don’t rush, take time to soak it all in, and give yourself grace to go at a slower pace.
- Come Prepared: Bring any medications you may need, a pulse oximeter, a cooler bag with water bottles and snacks, electrolyte packs, anything you think you may need…BRING IT!!!
- Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes, in the summer wear light weight clothing, in the cooler months bring a light jacket/cardigan, and in the winter be prepared for it to be cold one day and hot the next!
- Locate First Aid in Each Park: I know where they are located now, but I had to take the time to locate them on the MyDisneyExperince app, they are also listed on the paper maps, and you can ask any cast member for help finding it!
🏰 Navigating Rides Without DAS
Disney used to offer the Disability Access Service (DAS) to guests with conditions like POTS that made standing in long lines difficult. But as of 2024, DAS is now only offered to guests with developmental disabilities who can’t tolerate or understand long waits—so it’s no longer available for most chronic illnesses. (I have tried to get it four times)
To help manage the parks, Disney introduced two new options: Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass.
The Multi Pass lets you book up to three attractions in advance, and once you’ve used your first one, you can keep making more reservations one at a time throughout the day. It’s great if you need flexibility and want to avoid long lines in the heat.
The Single Pass is available for those really popular rides and can be bought individually. It’s a good option if there’s a must-do ride on your list with a long wait.
Both of these options can help make the day easier to manage—especially if your symptoms come and go or standing for long periods is tough.
💧 Hydration is Key
I cannot stress this enough: water, water, and more water. Dehydration is one of the worst triggers for POTS symptoms, so staying hydrated is my number one priority at the parks. I always carry a refillable water bottle with me, and there are plenty of water refill stations around the parks.
Don’t be shy about asking for ice water at any counter-service restaurant or quick-service stand—they’ll give it to you for free! And I always pack snacks too—anything that’ll help keep my energy levels stay steady throughout the day.
🌞 Heat Management
Florida heat is no joke, especially if you have POTS. For me, staying cool is crucial. I’ve learned to:
- Wear light clothing that lets my skin breathe and helps keep me cool.
- Use cooling towels (they work wonders) and keep a small fan in my bag for when it’s extra hot. I also have recently started carrying gel cooling patches with me!
- Avoid the midday sun by taking breaks indoors, preferably in air-conditioned areas like the shops on Main Street or the indoor seating areas at some of the restaurants.
🎢 Managing the Rides
One of the hardest parts of Disney with POTS? Rides. While some roller coasters and spinning attractions might be off-limits for me due to dizziness, there are still so many that I can enjoy without issue. It’s all about knowing what works for your body. I’ve learned to:
- Avoid intense rides that could trigger dizziness or a heart rate spike.
- Focus on low-impact rides that are still magical, like It’s a Small World, The Haunted Mansion, and Peter Pan’s Flight.
That said, there are still some thrill rides I can handle, especially if I take the right precautions and listen to my body.
💖 Enjoying the Magic, No Matter What
Even with all of the planning and self-care, there are still moments when my body doesn’t want to cooperate. But that’s okay. The magic of Disney is not just about the rides or the shows—it’s in the atmosphere, the details, the little moments. And sometimes, I find the most magic in slowing down and truly enjoying the experience in my own way.
Whether it’s watching fireworks from a bench, meeting a character, or just being in the middle of the parks with all the music and sounds around me, there’s always a little magic waiting for me, no matter how many breaks I need to take.
🏰 Final Thoughts
Navigating Disney with POTS is not always easy, but it’s definitely possible. With the right planning, self-care, and some flexibility, you can still enjoy all the magic Disney has to offer. And remember: the magic isn’t just about how many rides you get on—it’s about making memories, enjoying the moments, and embracing the adventure, no matter how it looks.
Thanks for visiting POTSofMagic—may your days be magical (and upright)! 💫
POTSofMagic 
