You’ve spent months planning the ultimate trip to the Happiest Place on Earth. You’ve done the research, made the reservations, and purchased matching outfits. But what if something doesn’t go according to plan, like getting sick?
Disneyland (Anaheim) and Disney World (Orlando) are both amazing places with tons of tasty treats and endless magic. But they also have extreme weather and those tasty foods can really take a toll on your stomach. And the rides are amazing but can also lead to motion sickness.
Basically, a lot can happen in one trip.
This post is all about what to do if you get sick at Disneyland.
It’s tough to know how to combat every sickness, ailment, and ache but being prepared helps.
Knowing what to do, where to go, and what to pack can all help to make your trip easier and more enjoyable if you do get sick.
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Reasons You May Get Sick at Disneyland
Heat stroke
The sun isn’t to be tested, especially at Disneyland and Disney World. The heat can reach into the 100’s and coupled with humidity it can be dangerous.
Hydrate all day and night. Have water before hitting the parks, during the day while waiting in line, and also before bed.
I have personally had heat rashes on my legs from the heat at Disneyland. They sting and itch and it’s a major sign of dehydration and heat exhaustion.
Take breaks, wear proper attire, and apply sunscreen often.
Exhaustion
Early mornings to make rope drop coupled with late nights at the Parks for fireworks or drinks at the Tiki Bar can lead to exhaustion, especially when you’re visiting for more than one day.
Dehydration
It’s easy to forget to hydrate when you’re running from ride to ride and throwing in a fun reservation or show.
Pack some water with you or set a reminder to hydrate or even a water goal for the day. Anything to keep you hydrated and safe.
Upset Stomach
The treats are tasty and very tempting. Mixing sugar and drinks, plus whatever you have for lunch can do a number on your stomach.
Remember to stick to a similar dining routine at the Parks as you do at home. Obviously, more treats will be added but take care not to mix too many different treats at once and be sure to hydrate and also eat high-protein foods.
Motion Sickness
The older you get the easier it is to feel sick on rides you used to love as a kid.
Motion sickness can happen on any ride from the Tea Cups to Thunder Mountain; motion is motion.
Change in Sleeping Habits
This goes back to exhaustion. A lack of sleep can really take a toll on your body and mind. It can make you upset, cranky and sad.
Don’t let a lack of sleep ruin your Disney trip. Take time to relax and sleep in when you can.
Lack of Routine/Schedule
Schedules and routines are very important and when we mess with them it can take a toll on our bodies and sanity.
If you’re a routine person, then stick with it. Whether its a morning run or reading, stick with your routine for your own sanity.
Lack of routine and things that make you feel good can slowly grind you down.
Exposure to High-touch Areas and People
This one is more about getting sick-sick, like the flu.
I have seen a grown child lick their hands and rub them along a row of plastic cups. It was horrifying.
Wash your hand regularly and avoid touching railings as much as possible.
Tips for Not Getting Sick at Disneyland
Stay Hydrated
Stick to your regular water routine. Make it a goal to drink 4 water bottles before lunch or set a reminder on your phone.
Pack a reusable water bottle and keep it close with easy access to make sure you’re actually using it.
You can also ask for free water at restaurants. Take the time during lunch to finish a large glass or bottle of water. It will help keep you hydrated and maintain energy, especially in the heat.
Pack medicines
I unfortunately learned this the hard way but ALWAYS pack some over-the-counter medicines in your bag for Disneyland.
Medicines to pack for Disneyland include; Tums, Pepto, Advil, Mortrin, Tylenol, Lactaid, Immodium, Dramamine, etc. You don’t need to pack a full package of each, just one of the smaller packages or a few pills of each in a small container.
I’ve had upset stomachs, nausea and cramps while at Disneyland. Don’t let any of that get in your way of enjoying your day.
On long days at the parks, I will be sure to take a pain reliever mid-day to keep my muscles and feet from getting sore. (comfortable shoes also help with this)
Be Aware of Heat/Rain and Temperature Changes
Wear appropriate attire for the weather. Sun protection at Disney Parks is key. The intense heat and brightness and even the random rain showers can lead to feeling sick and sniffly or lead to heat stroke and rashes.
Pack these items in your Disney bag:
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Cooling towel
- Fan
- poncho
Pack a Mini First Aid Kit
A mini first-aid kit is always in my bag. I’m usually carrying around band-aids, moleskin and sometimes even neosporin. I used to have more items like gauze and wet wipes but I haven’t restocked in a bit. This is just part of my usual travel essentials bag and I’m out/low on things because we have had to use them.
Blisters from shoes or scraping your knees has happened on multiple occasions and carrying band-aids helps in these situations.
For Disney trips, I tend to bring a small amount but just a few band-aids doesn’t take up much space at all. Pack it with your Advil and Tums to make the perfect little kit.
Take Breaks
Taking breaks during your Disney vacation will save you. Whether that’s an extended lunch or enjoying a snack in the shade between rides or even heading to the hotel early. Resting will help you immensely and keep you from having a meltdown and also keep you from draining in the sun.
Get lots of Sleep/Rest
It’s difficult to get tons of sleep on vacation but, especially at Disneyland. Between early mornings for rope drop and late nights for fireworks and drinks at a themed bar – 8-10 hours of sleep is hard to come by.
Try aiming for restful sleep. That means hydrating before bed, showering before bed and maybe taking a natural sleep aid like melatonin or magnesium.
Avoid Too Much Sugar
Another way to help from upset stomachs is by limiting your sugar and mixing tons of different foods. I know this one can also seem difficult but there are plenty of great protein-heavy meals and snacks at the parks to get you through the trip while still enjoying a churro and ice cream.
Stay Clean
This one sounds funny because of course you will be clean but wash your hands often – more than you think you need to.
There are a lot of high-touch areas from the railings to the lap bars on the rides and then tables and chairs.
Pack wet wipes, and hand sanitizer, and wash your hands before and after meals and of course when using the restroom. Sometimes if a restroom is off the exit of a ride then I will wash my hands right after the ride.
What Happens if You Get Sick at Disneyland
If you get sick at Disneyland, take some time to rest, hydrate and visit a First Aid station.
Pushing yourself when you’re sick will only make it worse. Whether it’s an upset stomach, heat exhaustion, an itchy throat, allergies, or a small scrape – take the time to rest.
The First Aid stations at Disneyland and Disney World offer a place to rest and hydrate and they carry First-aid items and medicines.
What to do if you get sick at Disneyland:
- Stick to a bland diet
- Rest
- Hydrate
- Visit the First Aid Station
- Notify a Cast Member
- In-Room Treatment
- Prescription Drug Delivery
- TeleHealth
How to still Enjoy Disney vacation if you get sick
We’ve had a number of vacations (especially Disney vacations) where we were dehydrated, had insane headaches, upset stomachs and hurt knees. We’ve had to go back early to the hotel on a few occasions.
If this happens, there are still a few things you can do to enjoy your time like
- Rest in the room with board games and a movie.
- Enjoy a movie at the hotel. They usually show nightly movies on the lawn.
- Watch the fireworks from your hotel if you can or put on some comfy clothes and go to another viewing area.
Overall Vacation Tips
For any vacation, it’s good to be prepared. I know most of us might not think anything like getting sick or hurt can happen at Disneyland but it can and has happened.
Always be prepared and pack your medications, EpiPen, inhaler, etc. for your trips. Disney does offer medication drop-off through their partner AdventHealth but only if you are staying on Disney property. At Walt Disney World there is a service that services the resort area called Turner Drugs. They do not work with Disney but are a popular option for visiting guests.
Here are a few tips for traveling:
- Know where the Nearest Urgent Care Is
- Double Check Prescriptions are Packed
- Know where Emergency Center/First Aid areas are at the Parks/Hotel
Conclusion & Recap
Once again, getting sick on any vacation is tough but getting sick on a Disney vacation is definitely not magical. Luckily there are some easy ways to keep you energized and safe from the sun like staying hydrated, wearing proper sun protection, packing your go-to over-the-counter medications and taking breaks.
Remember to contact a Cast Member at the Parks if you have an emergency and don’t be afraid to visit the First Aid stations.
I hope this post helped you out. If you have any questions, please leave them below in the comments – I’d love to help any way I can.
See you at the Parks!
Julia
FAQs
- Where is 1st Aid located at Disneyland?
- The First Aid Center at Disneyland is located at the end of Main Street at the Baby Care Center.
- The First Aid Center at California Adventure is located next to the Chamber of Commerce on Buena Vista Street.
- Where is the closest Urgent Care and Hospital to Disneyland?
- The closest Urgent Care locations to Disneyland are A&C Urgent Care and Concentra Urgent Care.
- What do I do if I get sick at Disney?
- If you get sick at Disneyland or Disney World visit the first aid station and if there is an emergency contact a Cast Member.
- What happens if my kid gets sick at Disney World?
- If your kids get sick at Disney World, contact a Cast Member for assistance. They can help with First Aid, getting back to your hotel, and contacting emergency services if needed.
- Does Disney World have an emergency room?
- Emergency health services goes through Disney’s partnership with AdventHealth
- Does Disney World sell cold medicine?
- Disney World sells over-the-counter medicines. Check with a Cast Member to see if they carry the specific one you need. You may need to go off property for certain medicines.
- Can I get a refund if I get sick at Disneyland?
- All Disneyland and Walt Disney World tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable but the Plan Disney Panel did offer a few tips if you have to cancel your Disney trip due to illness. Read here.
- Can you bring a first aid kit into Disney World?
- You can bring a mini first-aid kit with band-aids, medicines, etc.
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