5 Tips to Avoid Getting Sick at Disney World
Visiting Walt Disney World is often a trip of a lifetime that includes months of planning and dreaming. One thing travelers often overlook is how easy it is to get sick at Disney World. With the number of people who visit the parks every day, is it any wonder that so many guests find themselves under the weather at some point during their vacation?
Although Disney works hard to maintain a clean environment, it’s wise to take precautions. This is particularly important now as the world deals with the pandemic caused by Covid-19. As the world begins to open back up the face of travel is sure to look much different than it did before.
Flying to Disney
For instance, the airlines and Disney Parks are requiring passengers and staff to wear face masks. Some require employees to check their temperature and answer health screening questions before allowing them to board the plane.
In addition to those measures, planes are no longer flying at capacity, with most airlines leaving most or all of their center aisle seats empty to promote social distancing. Planes are cleaned between flights and passengers and staff will be encouraged to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer frequently.
Staying Healthy at Disney World
The good news is, that it is not likely that you will get sick from the air on the plane. Because of how the air filtration and circulation systems are designed to work, it is difficult for germs and viruses to remain airborne in that environment.
Prepare Your Immune System
The best way for you to stay healthy during and after your Disney trip is to start boosting your immune system several weeks before you travel. Take your vitamins, especially vitamin C, D, and Zinc as these are all known for their immune-boosting effects. You may also consider adding some herbal supplements that boost the immune system to your daily regime.
These Zarbee Elderberry Natural Gummies are what my family uses. They are reasonably priced and provide immunity support along with vitamins A, C, D, E & Zinc.
Start taking these vitamins and supplements a few weeks before your trip, and don’t forget to bring them with you. Having a healthy immune system is key to making sure that you don’t get sick at the happiest place on earth!
Bring Wipes and Hand Sanitizer
Although there will likely be plenty of disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizing stations around the parks and resorts it doesn’t hurt to bring your own.
You can use the wipes to wipe down your hotel room or even attraction bars and seats if that makes you feel more comfortable. Use wipes on the plane to wipe down your seat, seatbelt, tray, and anything you will come in contact with. Wipe down surfaces in your hotel room including the light switches.
The Disney busses are often packed with people, making sanitizing wipes a smart choice when you the transportation as well. In the parks, wipes are useful in a pinch when you want to sanitize a nearby surface.
Hand sanitizer is also an essential tool against sickness. A small bottle of hand sanitizer can easily be placed in your pocket or backpack to use in the parks as well. While everyone is sitting still at a show or on the bus, pass the hand sanitizer around.
Wash Your Hands
Wash your hands as often as possible. Hand sanitizer is great when you don’t have access to soap and water, but washing your hands is the number one way to prevent the spread of illness and to keep from getting sick at Disney World.
Take the opportunity to pop into a restroom and wash your hands thoroughly with warm soap and water every so often, and especially before meals.
Drink Plenty of Water
One important aspect of staying healthy at Disney World is staying hydrated. The hot, central Florida sun can lead to dehydration quickly which can, in turn, lower the effectiveness of your immune system.
Carry a water bottle with you into the park. Use these inexpensive clips to hook a water bottle to your bag, stroller, or belt loop.
Remember that any counter service restaurant will provide you with a cup of ice water for free if you just ask. There are also water fountains available to refill your water bottles.
Get Enough Sleep
It is easy to get caught up in the Disney excitement when planning out your vacation, but be sure to allow yourself enough time to get plenty of sleep. Sleep is a key component of keeping your immune system working properly. If you don’t get enough sleep you can get sick more easily.
If you are traveling with older adults or young children it may be a good idea to schedule some time for naps into your trip.
What if I get sick on my Disney vacation?
Luckily access to a local pharmacy or urgent care center is easy to get with Lyft and other car services. Don’t forget it’s always a smart idea to give each adult in your travel party an insurance card to carry in case of an emergency.
If you find you need a physician’s care on vacation, AdventHealth Walk-In Urgent Care Centers are open 24-hours a day, 7 days per week. Complimentary transportation is available, and many insurance plans are accepted. Call (407) 934-2273 for more info.
Where do I find a first aid station at Walt Disney World?
- Magic Kingdom– located between The Crystal Palace and Casey’s Corner, near the restrooms heading towards Adventureland.
- Epcot– located in the Odyssey Center between Future World and the World Showcase, in between Test Track and the Mexico Pavilion
- Hollywood Studios– located in the Guest Relations building on Hollywood Boulevard at the front entrance
- Animal Kingdom– located at Discovery Island, next to Creature Comforts/Starbucks and across from Terra Treats just before crossing the bridge into Africa
- Typhoon Lagoon– located just behind Leaning Palms
- Blizzard Beach– located beside Lottawatta Lodge
While the parks and resorts will be doing their part to keep everyone healthy, you can do your part. When you get the opportunity to travel again use these 5 tips to help avoid getting sick at Disney World.
