I’m back from another whirlwind adventure. This time, a trip to the Children With Diabetes: Friends For Life 2011 conference. Or as I like to call it, “Diabetesland.” The week was absolutely incredible, spending days and nights with people with diabetes…just like me.

It. Was. Awesome! I have a lot of stories and information to share from the Friends For Life experience, but first I want to recap an event that was eight months in the making.

On Tuesday, July 5, 2011, nearly two dozen people who share their lives with diabetes joined together for the first ever D-Coaster Day, inspired by those days that are spent on the glucoaster with our blood sugars going up, down, and all around. Except this day was way more fun. WAY more fun!

Kicking off the 2011 D-Coaster Day at Disney's Magic Kingdom!

Our first coaster of the day was Space Mountain, where Jess and Scott were thrilled, while Josh took a moment to say a prayer and watch his life flash before his eyes.

Then A-Flizzle mopped the floor with me on the Buzz Lightyear ride. If evil toy robots ever try to take over, trust me, we want her on our side.

Also while in Tomorrowland, I found Stitch, who has done an impressive job of blending in here on Earth. Only that one paw gives him away.

D-Coaster Day - Sara & Jess at The Haunted Mansion

Next, we made our way to The Haunted Mansion, where the expressions on Sara's & Jess's faces pretty much sum up the day.

Unfortunately, I couldn't be there to join in the fun. I had apparently been planted outside of The Haunted Mansion.

Or had I? I may or may not have staged my own death to sneak away to Cinderella Castle with A-Flizzle. Muwahaha!

Here we are at another classic Disney coaster, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

What do you get when you mix a bunch of PWD's with 3D Disney cartoons? D-Coaster Day!

We gave Dumbo diabetes! Well, we at least gave him a bunch of people WITH diabetes. Who wants a flying elephant with a low blood sugar anyway?

D-Coaster Day in front of Cinderella Castle

A fairytale ending to D-Coaster Day right where we started it...in front of Cinderella Castle.

Thank you to all of the folks that came out for D-Coaster Day. It truly means the world to me that you joined in on this crazy idea, and made it such a huge success. I hope you had as magical of a D-Coaster Day as I did!

VENUE CHANGE! …as of May 16, 2011.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at 9:00am EST

Set your calendars! Make your travel arrangements! Get ready!

I am extremely excited to announce that on Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at 9:00am EST members of the DOC and their families are invited to join together at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida for the 1st ever D-Coaster Day!

Update: The venue has been changed because Disney’s Magic Kingdom will allow for more people to attend D-Coaster Day than leaving Disney property and traveling offsite to Universal Studios. Magic Kingdom provides three family-friendly roller coasters (Space Mountain, Thunder Mountain, and Splash Mountain), as well as a variety of other shows, rides, and experiences. For those staying at the Coronado Springs Resort, you can get to Magic Kingdom via Disney bus, free of charge.

I am working with the Magic Kingdom to make sure that those of us with special needs are taken care of on that day. After all, it is July, in Florida (read: It’s hot.). For more information about what to wear and bring with you, check out the Magic Kingdom Guest Relations page.

I’d like to get a better idea now that we’re getting closer to the date (and since the venue has changed) of who will be able to attend. This will help with my discussions with Disney’s Guest Services department. I have reset the comments below, so please message me on Twitter or leave a comment below if you will be attending (and what time you will arrive, if not at 9:00am EST), so that I can add your name and contact information to my list. It will not show up below, but when you leave a comment, please also enter your email address in the appropriate field so that I can contact you with updates and if there are any questions. No matter what time of day you arrive, I am arranging a way for you to meet up with other members of the DOC once inside the park, so don’t stress if you can’t be there at 9:00am EST when we bust through the gates at Magic Kingdom.

Also, you can leave a comment below if you have any questions. I will respond, and if appropriate, post the Q&A here for others to benefit from.

——————————–
Question: Are all people with diabetes welcome?
Answer: Yes, anyone with or without diabetes is welcome to take part in D-Coaster Day. All are welcome.
——————————–
Question: Is this event part of the Friends For Life: Children With Diabetes conference?
Answer: No, this event has no affiliation with the Friends For Life conference. This is a completely separate event.
——————————–
Question: What if I am arriving later than 9:00am EST? Can I and my family still be a part of D-Coaster Day?
Answer: Yes, absolutely. All of the folks who confirm their attendance by commenting below will be given a cell phone number to reach a member of the group once inside the Magic Kingdom.
——————————–
Question: How much do tickets cost?
Answer: As of May 16, 2011, regular priced tickets to Disney’s Magic Kingdom are $87.33 for ages 10 and older. Tickets for ages 3 to 9 are $78.81. You may be able to get discounts if you are attending the Children With Diabetes Friends For Life conference. Click here for more info.
——————————–
Question: Is there a list of who will be joining in on the D-Coaster Day fun?
Answer: See below. List will be updated as people confirm.

Martin Wood (+1)
Karen (+1)
Courtney
Kim
Jess (+1)
Michelle (+3)
Scott Strange
Jacquie
Caleb (+4)
Brian
Heidi
Sara

	Rick Phillips on I Lied
	Tina on A Bunch of Sensitive Pric…
	Heather Gabel on Diabetes as a Disability
	Martin on Diabetes as a Disability
	Heather Gabel on Diabetes as a Disability

Diabetically Speaking

D-Coaster Day

A Magical D-Coaster Day

D-Coaster Day 2011

Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at 9:00am EST