What To Do When You Get Sick In Disney World
Your long-awaited Walt Disney World Vacation has finally arrived, and YOU ARE READY!
You’ve read up on your Disney World vacation basics, you’ve made all the necessary preparations, and your park bag is brimming with sunscreen, ponchos, and naturally, that requisite pair of Minnie ears.
You’re completely prepared….right? Not so fast. Have you considered what to do if you get SICK in Disney World?
It’s a nightmare scenario: you (or someone in your party) fall ill or become injured in the Most Magical Place on Earth. You’re away from home, away from your doctor, and in many cases, you don’t have transportation of your own. Suddenly, the Most Magical Place on Earth is feeling A LOT less magical.
Luckily, getting sick in Disney World doesn’t have to spell the end of your Disney vacation. Disney’s top-notch facilities, experienced healthcare providers, and incredible Cast Members can help you get the care you need.
You can ensure your family’s health and safety – and get your vacation back on track – if you just know where to look!
Plan Ahead
When it comes to vacation (especially a magical Disney vacation!), no one likes to think about the worst-case scenario.
But when you plan ahead for those less-than-ideal situations, you can avoid a whole lot of stress, confusion, and hassle.
Prepare for minor ailments like headaches, stomachaches, and minor injuries by packing a basic First Aid Kit in your park bag. Include over-the-counter medications, allergy medications, and stomach soothers like antacids and digestion aids.
Don’t forget bandages and antibacterial ointment for minor scrapes and cuts!
When packing for your trip, always triple-check that you’ve packed any necessary prescription medications, along with your insurance card and prescription card.
Be sure to store your doctor’s number in your cell phone in case of emergency.
First Aid
If your personal First Aid Kit just won’t cut it, visit one of Disney’s First Aid centers for assistance. First Aid Centers are available in each of Disney’s theme parks and water parks.
They are staffed with nurses who can address health issues like headaches, stomachaches, dehydration, and small injuries.
Disney’s caring, helpful nurses can provide bandages as well as single doses of over-the-counter medications. Generally, First Aid Centers can supply pain medications, allergy medications, and stomach medications, along with sunscreen, lip balm, and other simple remedies.
In addition, First Aid Centers will provide you with a quiet place to lie down and arrange transportation to Urgent Care or the Emergency Room if necessary.
So where can you find Disney’s First Aid Centers?
In Magic Kingdom, look for the First Aid Center between Casey’s Corner and The Crystal Palace near Main Street, U.S.A. In EPCOT, the first First Aid Center is located in The Odyssey building, while Animal Kingdom’s First Aid Center is located near Creature Comforts on Discovery Island. Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’ll find a First Aid Center next to Guest Services inside the park entrance.
If you need medical attention but can’t make it to the First Aid Center, ask a Disney Cast Member for assistance. Disney Cast Members are there to help and are trained to call 911 in an emergency.
In-Room Medical Services
If you’re sick in Walt Disney World and need to be seen by a doctor, you’re not out of luck. While Disney resorts do not offer on-site doctors, you can see an AdventHealth doctor from the comfort of your Disney hotel room!
Simply download the AdventHealth app to your phone or tablet, and a doctor or nurse practitioner will see you remotely. This service is available 24/7 (no appointment necessary!) and is intended for non-urgent matters only. Prescriptions can be sent to a nearby pharmacy or delivered directly to your Disney resort.
Off-Site Urgent Care Through AdventHealth
Unfortunately, even the magic of Disney World can’t prevent serious illness. If you’re sick and need to see a doctor in person, AdventHealth Centra Care Walk-In Urgent Care Center at Lake Buena Vista is open seven days a week from 7 AM to midnight.
Meanwhile, AdventHealth’s emergency room in Flamingo Crossings Town Center is open 24/7.
If you (like many Walt Disney World guests) are without a car on vacation, don’t fret.
Complimentary transportation to the Urgent Care Center is available to all Walt Disney World resort guests. You can arrange transportation through the First Aid Center, your resort’s Front Desk, or by calling AdventHealth at (407) 939-7480.
AdventHealth accepts many (but not all) insurance plans, so call your insurance provider for more information. Prescribed medications can be picked up at a nearby pharmacy or delivered directly to your Disney hotel.
Call 911 In An Emergency
Disney Cast Members, First Aid Centers, and AdventHealth providers are all incredible resources if you find yourself sick in Disney World. But in any true health emergency, always call 911 immediately.
First responders will determine the best course of action and arrange transportation to a nearby hospital as necessary.
You may be transported to AdventHealth Centra Care, Buena Vista Urgent Care, the AdventHealth emergency room in Flamingo Crossings, or Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.
Make The Best of A Sick Day
In most cases, a few days of rest and some handy prescription meds will put you right in no time! But how do you make the best of a sick day in Disney World?
Depending on the severity (and contagiousness) of your illness, you may wind up confined to your hotel room. In this case, it’s time to snuggle in, binge-watch some Disney movies, and rest up.
Room service is unavailable at most Disney resorts, but you can get food quickly and easily by using your MyDisneyExperience app to mobile order your meal. If you need extra pillows or blankets, press the “Housekeeping” button on your room phone to have them delivered to your room.
If someone you love is sick in Disney World, try brightening their day with some Disney treats or an extra magical souvenir.
Kids will love a coloring book or a special, snuggly stuffie, while adults may appreciate some cozy new pajamas while they recuperate.
Above all, prioritize rest so you can get back to the magic as soon as possible!
Cancellations
If you or someone in your party is sick, chances are you’ll need to adjust your vacation plans to some degree.
If necessary, cancel (or modify) dining reservations through your MyDisneyExperience app. The current cancellation policy allows cancellations and modifications up to two hours before your reservation time. Be sure to make any necessary changes before this window to avoid a cancellation fee.
If you need to cancel a dining reservation that’s less than two hours away, try calling Guest Services for help.
Walt Disney World park tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. However, if you are sick and your illness prevents you from using your tickets during the original timeframe, you may be able to reschedule your visit.
Assuming your tickets haven’t expired, you can make date changes in your MyDisneyExperience account or by asking a Cast Member for assistance.
Get Back To The Magic!
Getting sick while away from home can be a stressful and frightening experience, but it doesn’t have to mean the end of your magical Disney vacation.
If you or someone in your party falls ill in Walt Disney World, remember to stay calm and ask for help. Disney Cast Members will help you get the medical care you need so you can get better fast – and get your vacation back on track!
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