My household is the current inspiration for this post… In the last 6 weeks, we have had sinus infections, a series of colds, and now pink eye! This is all to be expected as we are in the middle of cold and flu season. However, what if you get sick while on vacation at Disney World? Don’t worry! I’ve got the best tips for what to do if illness sours your vacation.
Getting sick at Disney World absolutely can happen, so it is best to go in prepared. Unfortunately, my family suffered through food poisoning, a double ear infection, and the common cold during our last several trips to The World. Here are options for you if you find you need to seek some medical care.
Disclaimer: Before traveling to Disney World, be sure to check with your insurance provider to see what will be covered in case of an emergency or medical visit. If you are traveling to Disney from abroad, it is likely your health insurance will not be accepted here. You may want to look into short-term US health or travel insurance just in case!
Theme Park First Aid Centers
The Disney World theme parks each have First Aid Centers that can assist with minor illnesses and injuries. They can be easily located on the Park maps (usually near the Baby Care Centers). A nurse is present during normal operating hours and can assist with over-the-counter (OTC) medications, bandages, and other quick remedies.
“House” Calls to Your Hotel Room
If you need to see a doctor, there are several options to have one evaluate you directly in your resort room! They are:
- DOCS (Doctors on Call Service)- You can read more about them on their website. To schedule an appointment (24/7), call (407) 399- DOCS.
- The Medical Concierge- A doctor can visit your hotel room 24 hrs a day or you can visit their urgent care clinic (8am-8pm). Read more about their services on their website. To schedule a “house” call to your room, call 1 (855) 932-5252. They also have board certified pediatricians!
- Physician Room Service- To read more, visit their website. To schedule an appointment you can call, text or message (using WhatsApp) (407) 238-2000.
We used The Medical Concierge for a bout of food poisoning and were extremely satisfied. The doctor arrived within 2 hours, did a complete and thorough examination, and was even able to provide medications!
Unfortunately, these “house” call services were completely booked up for the double ear infection. Since we had our car, we drove to the nearest walk-in clinic. So just be advised you may not be able to schedule an appointment!
Urgent Care or Walk-In Clinics
There is a Quality Urgent Care center near Disney World that will provide complimentary transportation to and from the clinic. However, I have heard that wait times can be fairly long depending upon the time of day. You can make reservations online or by calling (407) 200-2273.
For the double ear infection, we opted to visit a walk-in, MinuteClinic at a local CVS Pharmacy. We checked wait times on the CVS website, scheduled a visit, and even filled the prescription on-site! It was very convenient.
Online Doctor Service
If you are sick at Disney World, the online doctor visits are extremely convenient as you can pretty much see a doctor right away by just using your phone, computer, or tablet! Popular services are MDLive, LiveHealth Online, and Sherpaa. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to see if these online services will be covered by your health care plan.
Hospital
If something is terribly wrong, there is a major hospital near Disney World. AdventHealth is located in Celebration, FL. Their phone number is (407) 303-4000.
Overall, even if your vacation does involve some sort of sickness, there are options to have you back on your feet in no time!
In my next post, I’ll cover what to do if you need prescription medication. I’ll also discuss what is in my travel medicine bag!
Until next time… Stay healthy! Cheers!!