Mother Knows Best is a regular column on Your Highway in the Sky dedicated to celebrating Disney with Kids. Traveling to Disney with kids can be lots of fun. Whether you’re taking a baby or a teen, or any age(s) in between, we’d like to share with you ideas to help you make the most of your family trip. It’s even possible to enjoy a Disney vacation with children of multiple ages!
Last week, I had two sick kids at my house. Since I practically live and breathe Disney, this got me to thinking . . . what would we do if we were vacationing at Walt Disney World and one of the kids got sick?
This past September, when the kids and I visited Disney, I was the one who ended up sick! I got a sore throat the afternoon before we flew out; and my ears closed up on the plane and stayed that way for the first 48 hours of our visit! I felt miserable, but wanted to make the most of our few days. So, I asked a friend who had a vehicle on property to drive me to a pharmacy or grocery store. I stocked up on sinus medications and the grocery store at The Crossroads.
Next time, I’ll be sure to pack medications, even if we don’t anticipate needing them! Here are a few that I’d recommend including in your suitcase:
- Tylenol
- Advil
- Cold medicine
- Sinus medicine
- Cough medicine
- Vitamins
- Anti-diarrheal medicine
- Any prescription meds
- Insurance & prescription cards
I know it sounds like overpacking, but it’s better to be safe than sorry!
I asked my friends and blog readers if they’ve experienced sick kids at Disney and what they have done about it. Here are some of their suggestions, which I found quite helpful:
- Visit the Baby Care Centers in the parks. They have over-the-counter medications available.
- If you’re in your resort, call the front desk to alert them to the fact that you have a sick child. One reader said “they told me it was Disney 911 – they sent two paramedics and they checked her out, hydrated her and basically told me everyone from everywhere brings every virus known to man with them to Disney! Best part about this service- it was FREE! They also arranged for us to have a late check out so we could all get some much needed rest. It was a very cool DISNEY PERK! (Just call the front desk before you hit 911 – to make sure the same rules still apply!)”
- Stay in your room. The resorts have much to offer and the rooms are comfortable. Settle in, turn on the tv, and relax. If you have two (or more) adults traveling with you, take turns going out to the parks.
- Use a stroller or wheelchair to navigate the parks.
- Visit an urgent care facility off-property. I found a list of facilities and pharmacies that are near the WDW resort here. It may be a good idea to print this list out and take it along with you, just in case!
- If the situation is serious, visit the Emergency Room at Celebration Hospital.
So, what about you? Have you ever experienced Disney with a sick child? What did you do?
