Did you know?

I knew about the hallway from the front hall to the exit hall, but I didn't what all it could be used for.
I've had many less than magical experiences in the HM cast training when it comes to disability services. I'm glad to hear that your co-worker has had great luck with them being helpful there.

The HM at WDW is different than the HM in DLR. The WDW HM Stretching Rooms are not elevators, like those in Anaheim.

Of course, this may have no bearing on someone with a fear of enclosed places, elevator or not.

Great tip, Karli! We got to ride through the hallway when we took Benn's aunt and she was using a wheelchair, but I wouldn't have thought to use it for little kids to avoid the stretching room.

Also jrice now that I think about it, you're absolutely right. I was totally tricked into thinking that we were moving down in the stretching room, but it's not possible because the offloading area/ alternate loading area is definitely on the same level as the traditional loading area and once you offload, it's a level walkout.

Hubby used to ask if the stretching room at WDW's Haunted Mansion was an elevator. I always said that no, it was not. If it were, I would've known it, being more sensitive to motion (and motion sickness) than most people are. Wasn't till I read somewhere about the difference between WDW HM and DL HM that I could give him evidence, though.

If it will help, Karli, I'm very claustrophobic as well and I've never had an issue in the stretching room. It kind of depends what triggers the anxiety for him. For me, it's usually triggered by being confined in an area that I can't control--elevators, airplanes, inflexible safety harnesses--and it's worse in the dark or when it's super hot/humid because that makes everything feel closer. I think what makes the stretching room ok for me personally is that the ceiling is very high and they keep that area cool. If your father-in-law's attacks are triggered by crowds, he might still have a problem depending on what time of day you visit. He might also have an issue if he feels a need to know where the exits are located at all times. So that's my take on the stretching room--hopefully it helps your case to share Haunted Mansion with him!

Oh no!! It does sound like it affects him worse than it affects me. The only Disney ride I've ever had a panic attack on was Mission Space and it was because of the restraint system. Unfortunately I also had a residual attack on Spaceship Earth (which always freaks me out a little bit--I feel like I can't breath in there) right after the Mission Space incident and now I'm a little bit apprehensive about that ride. I got a little bit freaked on Stitch's Great Escape, but once we were out I was ok and I won't even entertain RnR or ToT!

Since your next trip is still awhile from now, we'll give you an extension on your TR from last December!