Sick kid at Disney- now what?

Gillyrose779 · May 29, 2015

Our 4 year old woke up with a fever for a second day. We don't have a thermometer but he is pretty warm, very lethargic, dry lips, and just plain pitiful.

Tylenol works great - once it kicks in he almost seems normal. I don't want to drug him up all vacation though (here for 8 more nights) and we are worried it's an ear infection which only goes away with antibiotics.

Is there a prompt care close by? Anyplace that is quicker than others?

luvdisney87 · May 29, 2015

I've heard if you call the front desk they can help you with arranging a clinic visit.

Gracie09 · May 29, 2015

Go to the front desk and ask. Calling just gets you to a call center. They can help you arrange a visit to a local clinic or a room visit by a doctor

msmama · May 29, 2015

There's also a way to arrange a doc to come to you (concierge offered it to me when my son was sick on our trip last week). Luckily it passed quickly for my son. Good luck!

Gillyrose779 · May 29, 2015

Thanks for the help! Went to the front desk and they gave me the number for the concierge doctor. Called and she should be here in just over an hour. Cost should be 247- hate to spend it but it really isn't much more than spending a few hours at prompt care with our crappy insurance.

mjkacmom · May 29, 2015

I believe most ear infections are viral, and don't need antibiotics. Our pediatrician would write a prescription, but ask us to wait a day or two, to see if it would clear up on it's own. Of course if I were on vacation, I would definitely take the risk of unnecessary antibiotics, and would give Tylenol. At home, I only give it if my child has a high fever, or is very uncomfortable, since fever is the body's way of fighting off infection.

Gillyrose779 · May 29, 2015

mjkacmom said:
I believe most ear infections are viral, and don't need antibiotics. Our pediatrician would write a prescription, but ask us to wait a day or two, to see if it would clear up on it's own. Of course if I were on vacation, I would definitely take the risk of unnecessary antibiotics, and would give Tylenol. At home, I only give it if my child has a high fever, or is very uncomfortable, since fever is the body's way of fighting off infection.

If at home we would wait at least 4-5 days before seeking help- but we are not at home and I don't want me 4 year old to suffer on vacation for 4-5 days if at all possible.

If he has an ear infection this will be about the 8th one and only antibiotics clears it for him.

I M Fearless · May 29, 2015

Hope this doesn't spoil to much of your trip.

Gillyrose779 · May 29, 2015

I M Fearless said:
Hope this doesn't spoil to much of your trip.

Thank you! I must say we are staying at the best resort for this and on the best day so we are lucky! Today is our planned swim day so not too much lost. Plus we are at Animal Kingdom with a savannah view. As I wait for the doctor I'm watching giraffes and zebras eat!

klo1335 · May 29, 2015

I think there is a CVS Minute Clinic close by. The usually accept all insurance.

eagleoneoh · May 29, 2015

My son was sick on our last vacation in may the doctor on call was very good. they also have a drug store on call that you can get prescription meds from delivered to your room my son recovered from his feaver / ear infection in 24 hours and the rest of the trip was good. The other thing we did was covert our tickets to an annual pass and booked a bounce back vacation so he wasnt so upset at missing out on the disney parks for a day.

I M Fearless · May 29, 2015

At least you have a fairly long trip, usually kids perk up fairly quickly if they need and then get antibiotics. In my experience they seem to make a difference in the first few doses. Enjoy your lovely view.

Gillyrose779 · May 29, 2015

Well it wasn't an ear infection- it's strep throat. Not great since it is contagious but at least we have antibiotics now and we know who to call if one of us gets it.

nalajms · May 29, 2015

Gillyrose779 said:
Well it wasn't an ear infection- it's strep throat. Not great since it is contagious but at least we have antibiotics now and we know who to call if one of us gets it.

Sorry to hear that. But like you said, it's much more pleasant to be sick at Disney

Wow, the doctor came to your room and was able to test for strep? totally worth it. We went to the CVS clinic by sea world once. It was an hour wait, plus the travel time getting there. When you're sick, it's not fun being shuffled around.

Did the doctor have antibiotics with them too? Or you have to go to a pharmacy?

Gillyrose779 · May 29, 2015

nalajms said:
Sorry to hear that. But like you said, it's much more pleasant to be sick at Disney

Wow, the doctor came to your room and was able to test for strep? totally worth it. We went to the CVS clinic by sea world once. It was an hour wait, plus the travel time getting there. When you're sick, it's not fun being shuffled around.

Did the doctor have antibiotics with them too? Or you have to go to a pharmacy?

She had the antibiotics with her- she carries the common medicines. It really was great. I think it was just over 2 hours from when I called to when she showed up. They gave me a 1 hour window and also called to tell us she was on her way so we could get breakfast without a problem. So much less stressful than having to leave the resort.

buzznina · May 29, 2015

It's great that WDW has that option but at $250, but I am glad we always have our van

There is an immediate care clinic not to far from WDW that we have had the misfortune to visit twice in the past 6 years. But $25 co-pay is much better than $250. We hope everything works out. How long will your DS have to stay in the room?

maxiesmom · May 29, 2015

Hopefully your son feels better soon! Maybe after he is on the antibiotics long enough to feel better, he will be well enough to stroller through the parks with you for at least little chunks of time! And hopefully no one else gets it!

nalajms · May 29, 2015

I'd submit the claim to your insurance. Can't hurt, worst case they deny it. Best case, you get some reimbursement.

merina888 · May 29, 2015

We did the sick kid thing last August. We ended up going to an Urgent Care. It was relatively cheap, they provided transportation and had the meds on site. Assuming your child feels up to it, as soon as he is on his antibiotic for 24 hours, you should be safe to go to the parks. They are no longer contagious after being on antibiotics after 24 hours. I've had strep numerous times so I am familiar with the protocol. Also see if you can get honey anywhere on Disney property. It's great for soothing a sore throat.

Jewel3k · May 29, 2015

Thankfully strep throat is not contagious past 24 hours after the antibiotics are taken. Mine usually feel back to normal after the second dose. I hope you have a great rest of the trip and your 4yr old recovers quickly.

Sick kid at Disney- now what?

DIS Veteran

Mouseketeer

DIS Veteran

DIS Veteran

DIS Veteran

DIS Veteran

DIS Veteran

WDW Enthusiast

DIS Veteran

DIS Veteran

Earning My Ears

WDW Enthusiast

DIS Veteran

DIS Veteran

DIS Veteran

DIS Veteran

The Mean Squinty Eye Works

DIS Veteran

Mouseketeer

Mouseketeer

Share this page