No one wants to believe that the vacation they’ve planned for months can suddenly be at the mercy of unforeseen circumstances. However, just like life, vacations can bring about unexpected “bumps in the road” and the best way to combat these bumps is to be prepared for them.
Luckily, while staying at the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts, you are not alone. Disney has many services available to those families in need in order to ensure a “magical” holiday. So, in order to prepare you for the worst, here are a few tips you might want to keep in mind when visiting the Magic Kingdom (as well as other areas of the resorts, of course).
In the event of a medical emergency: The Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts are big locations (especially WDW) and, just as outside the resort areas, life sometimes intervenes. During the summertime, one might become overheated or a member of your party might have simply lost needed medication while in the resort area.
Fortunately, each theme park has a First Aid Center that is staffed by a registered nurse. These First Aid Centers are located at:
Walt Disney World:
- Magic Kingdom: Beside Crystal Palace, near Main Street U.S.A.
- EPCOT Center: Near the Odyssey Center between Future World and World Showcase (beside Test Track)
- Disney-MGM Studios: Inside the Guest Relations Office to the left of the turnstiles as you enter the park.
- Animal Kingdom: Discovery Island behind Creature Comforts.
Disneyland:
- Disneyland Park: End of Main Street, U.S.A. across from the Central Plaza.
- California Adventure: Next to the Mission Tortilla Factory in the Pacific Wharf area
These locations will be marked on your free guide map that can be found just inside the park entrances or inside gift shops.
In the event you are unable to make it to one of these locations, notify the nearest Cast Member of your medical emergency. Our Special Needs Blogger also has some great tips for special needs families who are making the trip to Disneyland.
In the event of a lost child: Outside of a serious medical emergency, this is probably a parent’s worst nightmare. When you first realize your child has become separated from your group, try to remain calm and check your immediate surroundings. If your child cannot be found, locate a nearby Cast Member and make them aware of the situation. This way, Cast Members can keep an eye out for the child while you make your way to a nearby Baby Care Center or Guest Relations. Once you arrive at either the BCC or GR, inform the Cast Members there of your lost child. They will set in motion what basically amounts to a Disney-style Amber alert system which will inform all cast members around the resort to look for the child. When you first arrive at the park, pick up one of the complimentary maps that are at the front gate and within gift shops around the park. This will give you a “key” that will inform you of the Baby Care Centers around the park. As for Guest relations for each park, they can be found at the following locations:
Walt Disney World Resort:
- Magic Kingdom: City Hall (to your left once you pass through the gates and under Main Street Station)
- EPCOT Center: Once you pass through the turnstiles, you will find the Guest Relations Office to your right.
- Disney-MGM Studios: Once you pass through the turnstiles, you will find the Guest Relations Office to your left.
- Animal Kingdom: Once you pass through the turnstiles, you will find the Guest Relations Office to your left.
Disneyland Resort:
- Magic Kingdom: City Hall
- California Adventure: Once you pass through the turnstiles, you will find the Guest Relations Office to your left.
A good plan to keep in mind is, once you first arrive at the park, find a nearby Cast Member and make sure your child recognizes their badge.
Tell your child that, in the event they get separated, he or she is to find someone with a badge like the one the Cast Member is wearing and inform said Cast Member that they are lost.
In the event of car trouble: If your car breaks down on the highways of Walt Disney World, security patrols the area and will likely see your situation. However, to speed things up, you can call the WDW area AAA Car Care Center at 407-824-0976.
If you happen to be on one of the WDW or DL Theme Park parking lots, walk to the posts that line the tramway. Security patrols the area and will stop once you flag them.
The best way to deal with these occurrences is to prepare for them ahead of time. Talk to your children about what you expect them to do in the event of an emergency and come prepared with any phone numbers, prescriptions, and items that will make the situation a bit smoother.