If you are travelling with children or anyone who has health needs or limitations, here are some tips that may help:
Breathing/Walking Difficulties
- There is lower humidity in the month of May and also less showers so the drier air may suit your family member a little better.
- Don't forget , you can hire electric mobility vehicles either at the parks or before you arrive in Orlando for the whole trip...even the public transportation is clued up to accept these vehicles.
- Make sure your wheelchair has a comfortable seat and you, as the carer , have exceedingly comfortable shoes as , if not , you will both be miserable.
- Make sure you have ordered enough of the regular medications needed to go the distance of your trip.
- Your sinuses may be a lot more active in Florida causing headaches and
that stuffy feeling so buy some good decongestant /antihistamines as
you may need them.
Overexposure to the Sun
Year round in Orlando, the sun is especially risky for the many Northerners who come down for a visit. And many of the parks and sighs have lots of water or concrete, so the reflected rays are dangerous, too. To prevent over exposure in the first place, use sunscreen! Wear the strongest possible sunscreen and follow the bottle's directions carefully. Most sunscreens are not towel proof so re apply at least every 2 hours and wear a factor 30 upwards. If you or someone you're with gets too much sun:
- Treat with a sunburn lotion/remedy immediately, or get Aloe Vera gel with a concentration of 99% from Walgreens or similar and put it in the fridge. If you even start to turn pink , layer it on in thick layers until it no longer sinks in. This will reduce the level of the burn and remove the sting .
- Also remember that sunburn can make you feel very unwell so have lots of rest and eat lightly.
- Avoid re-exposure to the sun for at least the next day.....even use a full block on it if you have to go out or , better still, cover it up.
- Drink plenty...sounds obvious , but bear in mind that , by the time you are thirsty , you are technically already dehydrated.
Tips for Parents
- Visiting the parks in Orlando in summertime can be a hot, and potentially dangerous enterprise especially if you have children who suffer from asthma. Prepare or avoid visiting at this time of year accordingly.
- Take all important medication and carry it with you at all times.
- Give other people in your party the right to seek medical assistance for your child in case you, the parents, are not with them.
- Make a list of all medications you child needs and put it in the childs pocket.
- Carry a fan to cool the child down and perhaps some wet wipes that have been kept in the fridge or a cooler bag.
- Make sure your children get plenty of fluids and periods of rest through the day especially if visiting theme parks - they do not have as much stamina as adults do.
In the event that any member of your party needs minor medical assistance within a theme park; be sure to utilize the First Aid Center available to all guests free of charge at all the parks. The First Aid Center is most usually marked by a Medical cross symbol on the park map. The centers are also available as a helpfull resource for guests with medical needs, including complimentary storage of important medicine such as insulin for diabetic guests. (Also see Florida Hospital Centra Care information below after hospital listing)
In the event of an unfortunate severe medical situation or emergency; thankfully Orlando has a very good network of hospitals, most with excellent state-of-the-art facilities. Here is a list of the main local hospitals, links to their websites, and their phone numbers:
Orlando Regional Medical Center (Regional Level 1 Trauma Center) - 321-841-5111
Florida Hospital Orlando - 407-303-5600
Dr. P Phillips Hospital (Near Disney) - 407-351-8500
Florida Hospital Celebration Health (Near Disney) - 407-764-4000
Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children (Children Only) - 407-649-9111
Florida Hospital East Orlando - 407-303-8110
Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies (Women & Babies Only) - 321-843-9792
In addition to hospitals, there is Florida Hospital Centra Care, a network of walk-in clinics for minor injuries or basic medical conditions, here is nearest location to Walt Disney World:
Lake Buena Vista II -
12500 S. Apopka Vineland Road, South Orlando
Phone (407) 934-2273
Hours: 8:00am - Midnight