10/11/2023
This is for all the Type 1 Diabetics going to the parks that wear insulin pumps! Do you take your pump off for Tower of Terror? For us, yes we do. I know that many don't and that is their decision.
Tower of Terror is a giant magnet and has been known to scramble some pumps. Some manufaturers have it stated in their warranty that damaged caused to a pump by a roller coaster will void the warranty. Plus if a pump is damaged in the middle of your trip, your loved one is without an insulin pump for the remainded of your stay unless you borrowed a "vacation pump" from your supplier. Haven't heard of that??!?! It is true - you can contact your supplier before you leave for vacation and request a back up pump. That way if the one you have is damaged or breaks, you have something you can use until you get home.
**Another ride is Splash Mountain - it is a free fall ride which means it is also a giant magnet
For those that are on the Omnipod - of course, that cannot be removed for a ride. I suggest that you put a back up pod in your backpack so that you are prepared if there is a problem. I have had several (not many) guests contact me to share that their pod was scrambled on Tower of Terror.
If you remove your pump, what do you do with it? You can store it in a locker or at first aide while you are on this ride. Or you can use "rider swap" and have one of your group members stay back and hold it while your T1 rides the ride. Then the pump holder can ride next. NO - you CANNOT ask a CM to hold onto your pump while you are on the ride. That is not their responsibility so please don't even ask.
Other rides to be wary of are rides with a g-force for pumps that has a tube - this is not for Omni pod. A g-force has been known to push the insulin through the line and cause an unexpected low blood sugar. It is best to disconnect for these rides to be safe. That is at your discretion. My son does - he will disconnect and put his pump in his backpack and then keeps his backpack with him on the ride - he never leaves his backpack behind. Again - this is another article that a CM cannot watch while you are on a ride. They are not responsible for watching personal items.
My son will disconnect for Rockin's Roller Coaster, Everest, Test Track, Thunder Mountain, and Space Mountain - he has even been known to remove his pump for 7 Dwarfs Mine Train, Slinky Dog Dash and Smugglers Run.
