Flight to Disney tomorrow/Child is sick

[SeattleMom]

Hello!

I just joined the boards today but you have all been instrumental in my planning over the last several months. Thank you!

We have a flight to Anaheim tomorrow, staying three nights. Yesterday it became evident that our daughter is sick. Cough, stuffy nose, low fever. We’re seeing the doctor in 30 minutes, but I am doubtful there’s much he can do.

We have reservations at Blue Bayou, Carthay Circle, Catal in Downtown Disney, Sonoma Paint the Night Reception (prepaid) and Lamplight Lounge. Dining packages for the shows, etc.; we went all out as she hasn’t been there for nine years. Our daughter (13) is significantly impacted by autism and qualifies for the disability access service, which we plan to use in conjunction with fast pass. She certainly still wants to go but I can’t imagine that she will last all day in the parks. We’re staying offsite at the Anaheim Marriott suites, about 2 miles away.

Any tips appreciated! Have any of you done Disney with sick children? Help!

 

[DizneyMommy]

My 2 year old got sick at WDW last week a few days after a very snotty 3 year old in the row in front of us on the plane sneezed all over her. Mom was holding her up to look over the seat at the baby - all I could think was, oh please no. She was really sick. 4 days later my little one has a 102.5 fever at Disney World. :-( Please have her wash hands frequently and cover her sneezes!

That aside, first aid at DL and WDW is amazing. They will do a temp check for you, give her Motrin, or even just let her lay down and rest (if she is really sick, not just for anyone with a cold). It is free, use it as much as you need to make her more comfortable!

 

[Skyegirl1999]

I'm so sorry that your daughter is sick at such an unfortunate time for you guys! Hopefully it's just a minor bug and passes quickly. If you're flying Southwest or something where you can change flights, is rescheduling a possibility?

If not, I'd probably cancel reservations a day at a time so you can assess how she's doing and what she'll be up for.

 

[chickapin parterre]

wheel chair to save energy and carry around heat reducing tools, like wet scarfs, water, fan, mister.....no shade and probably warmer than Seattle.

Hope you have a direct flight, head colds are horrible on planes.

hydration is really important in solving health problems.....any autistic issues around drinking fluids?

 

[trivan]

For the flight see if she can take a decongestant. If her ears tubes are blocked it may prevent clearing of the ears on decent. This can be very painful. I’m typically on a plane every other week and always have a nasal spray in my carry on. I’ve been trphru it a couple times and it’s not fun.

 

[DizneyMommy]

wheel chair to save energy and carry around heat reducing tools, like wet scarfs, water, fan, mister.....no shade and probably warmer than Seattle.

Hope you have a direct flight, head colds are horrible on planes.

hydration is really important in solving health problems.....any autistic issues around drinking fluids?

It’s not hot ;-) you won’t need major heat prevention measures. It barely hits 80 for a couple of hours mid-afternoon, but the evening/morning low is 60 which is oretty chilly. I guess it depends on what you are used to but I’ve never felt the need for a fan or cold towel at 80 in the parks.

 

[beachdreamr1229]

I've taken my kids while they're sick. Once, my husband ended up with the flu on our trip, too. Now, that was a challenge with 3 young children...But anyway, it sounds from what you're describing like a cold that's been going around. I would recommend taking precautions so she doesn't share her illness with too many people. Tissues, hand sanitizer, etc. Bring some fever medication like tylenol. If she has a cough, bring cough drops or syrup, whichever works for her. Vicks also helps open the airways. Take plenty of breaks. It can be fun just to sit and enjoy a show or listen to a band play. Good luck!

 

[Dismama2boys]

My son got a tummy bug on our last trip to WDW, and one of us stayed with him at the hotel while the other parent went to the park with the healthy kid. I couldn’t in good conscience risk him spreading germs and ruining someone else’s vacation. I’m cringing at realizing that it’s looking like I’m likely in the minority here.

 

[RainyDayPixie]

It’s not hot ;-) you won’t need major heat prevention measures. It barely hits 80 for a couple of hours mid-afternoon, but the evening/morning low is 60 which is oretty chilly. I guess it depends on what you are used to but I’ve never felt the need for a fan or cold towel at 80 in the parks.

Fellow Seattleite here- 80 in direct sun usually feels pretty hot to us, LOL. It's not quite 60 and partly sunny here today and my 10 year old says it's too hot to go outside.

OP- What did the doc say? What terrible timing. I hope she is feeling better!

 

[Elle23]

It’s not hot ;-) you won’t need major heat prevention measures. It barely hits 80 for a couple of hours mid-afternoon, but the evening/morning low is 60 which is oretty chilly. I guess it depends on what you are used to but I’ve never felt the need for a fan or cold towel at 80 in the parks.

I grew up about 10 miles from Disneyland and no one ever believes that we didn’t have air conditioning (I guess because we’re in Texas where we need it to survive half the year...)

Other than some random heat waves, it just never got that hot (at least not enough to need an AC.

(I’m sure it will feel great when I’m there Friday coming from 100+ heat!)

 

[Mamato4boys]

Would she be willing to wear a mask on the plane and in the parks?

I saw several people doing that while we were in the parks last week and I was thankful for them taking precautions not to spread anything.

I hope she feels better soon! We used DAS this trip for our four year old, and although we didn't use it a lot (probably 2-3 rides a day), it was a huge improvement to our trip.

 

[DizneyMommy]

I grew up about 10 miles from Disneyland and no one ever believes that we didn’t have air conditioning (I guess because we’re in Texas where we need it to survive half the year...)

Other than some random heat waves, it just never got that hot (at least not enough to need an AC.

(I’m sure it will feel great when I’m there Friday coming from 100+ heat!)

We have “nature’s air conditioning” lol the good old on shore flow.

 

[smartlabelprint]

Wear a mask on the plane. And possibly in the park.

Cancel all or most of your reservations and take it easy in the park.

No park if she has a fever of 99 or more. Those are the requirements for my kids school to prevent spread.

 

[beachdreamr1229]

My son got a tummy bug on our last trip to WDW, and one of us stayed with him at the hotel while the other parent went to the park with the healthy kid. I couldn’t in good conscience risk him spreading germs and ruining someone else’s vacation. I’m cringing at realizing that it’s looking like I’m likely in the minority here.

You're right in trying to avoid spreading your family's germs to others. I draw the line at colds. If it's a minor cold, it's nothing different than what my kids come in contact with at school on a regular basis. Colds are unfortunately a part of life and as long as your kids are good at covering their months and keeping their hands clean, it's something they'll come in contact with regardless of location. If there's a fever over 100.5, vomiting, or diarrhea, they stay in the hotel room and the adults take turns staying with the kiddo that's sick.

 

[chickapin parterre]

It’s not hot ;-) you won’t need major heat prevention measures. It barely hits 80 for a couple of hours mid-afternoon, but the evening/morning low is 60 which is oretty chilly. I guess it depends on what you are used to but I’ve never felt the need for a fan or cold towel at 80 in the parks.

they are coming in from Seattle, different climate, different level of humidity to which they are breathing. I am not living in the LA basin and have not a clue to what LA humdity is to Seattle humidity. , but I can tell you that as a native from the PNW, my number one issue I have the Arizona desert is the dry, lack of moisture suffocating air I breathe, it is more debilitating then the heat, now imagine that with a head cold. I understand now why folks have nose bleeds here in Arizona

the child is sick and will always be on the verge of dehydration if the child is not constantly sipping on water or jucie. The wheelchair is to prevent excessive dehydration, vehicle to carry fluids and to help with any autistic issues that are magnified by being sick, in the sun, in a dry climate.

 

[WillowRain]

Agree if they are coming from Seattle LA climate might be hard on her. Me I cannot stand dry heat, I prefer humidity. But Anaheim can and has gotten over 100, and walking down Main Street I was melting. I say keep motrin and tylenol on hand in case she spikes, and at that point it's unfortunate but you may have to stay in. If it's just a cold she should be okay if you have the chair and don't push her too much. Also the day of your PTN reception take the afternoon break for sure, have her take a cool bath. I always find heading back around 6 pm the weather has cooled down and it's so lovely. Try to have fun!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

My son got a tummy bug on our last trip to WDW, and one of us stayed with him at the hotel while the other parent went to the park with the healthy kid. I couldn’t in good conscience risk him spreading germs and ruining someone else’s vacation. I’m cringing at realizing that it’s looking like I’m likely in the minority here.

You're right in trying to avoid spreading your family's germs to others. I draw the line at colds. If it's a minor cold, it's nothing different than what my kids come in contact with at school on a regular basis. Colds are unfortunately a part of life and as long as your kids are good at covering their months and keeping their hands clean, it's something they'll come in contact with regardless of location. If there's a fever over 100.5, vomiting, or diarrhea, they stay in the hotel room and the adults take turns staying with the kiddo that's sick.

First of all, to the OP, welcome to the DIS Boards! Glad you came here for help. That's what we're here for.

I agree with both these sentiments, but hope that the OP and others here keep in mind that DLR is a little bit different as a very special trip destination. We just can't know on any given day how many guests around us in the parks are undergoing chemotherapy, have immune deficiency issues, are on Make a Wish trips, or have other issues that make staying away from contagious illnesses a bigger deal than it would be for most other people. What is a "common" bug for most people is not common or a small deal for them. So while life happens, and we all understand that it isn't possible to have things turn out the way we'd like all the time (wouldn't that be pixie dust?!), it is possible to try our hardest to be considerate of our fellow guests as much as we can be and to try to be as careful as we can be to avoid spreading known contagion. How this plays out is up to each parent's good sense and good conscience, but at least we can all try to do our best for each other.

 

[gottalovepluto]

If you wake up to a child still sick I would look into a letter from the doctor saying she can’t fly in accordance to whatever refund policy the airline has. Look it up to cross your T’s and dot your i’s. You can cancel all Disney dining reservations you’ll be fine. Your tickets will retain their cash value even if they expire.

Hopefully it’s a quick one and she’s better tomorrow morning! Idk about your DS but I cannot imagine the break down my autistic fam member would have had at not being able to go to Disneyland. It is truly an entirely different set of thoughts and emotions, I empathize so much. Unfortunately, there would be nothing worse than getting on the plane and just spending the trip sick in a hotel room. If you’re stuck with them sick in a hotel room you will be desperately trying to get all the stuff you have readily available at home and it’s just not there. Room service food just isn’t home food.

If she’s better I just echo others to take your time and stay hydrated. Have you considered uber/Lyft/ART to the parks? If you don’t want to walk that just know those are all options. I’d keep the TS reservations for breaks in your day but if she needs to leave just call Disney Dining and explain the situation if you need to cancel within 24 hours.

 

[gottalovepluto]

First of all, to the OP, welcome to the DIS Boards! Glad you came here for help. That's what we're here for.

I agree with both these sentiments, but hope that the OP and others here keep in mind that DLR is a little bit different as a very special trip destination. We just can't know on any given day how many guests around us in the parks are undergoing chemotherapy, have immune deficiency issues, are on Make a Wish trips, or have other issues that make staying away from contagious illnesses a bigger deal than it would be for most other people. What is a "common" bug for most people is not common or a small deal for them. So while life happens, and we all understand that it isn't possible to have things turn out the way we'd like all the time (wouldn't that be pixie dust?!), it is possible to try our hardest to be considerate of our fellow guests as much as we can be and to try to be as careful as we can be to avoid spreading known contagion. How this plays out is up to each parent's good sense and good conscience, but at least we can all try to do our best for each other.

Wisely put. I can see why they made you a Mod!

 

[bumbershoot]

I stay home for colds. My son stays home from dance for colds. When we’ve gotten sick on vacation and try to keep going we end up sick for more than a month.

It’s not hot ;-) you won’t need major heat prevention measures. It barely hits 80 for a couple of hours mid-afternoon, but the evening/morning low is 60 which is oretty chilly. I guess it depends on what you are used to but I’ve never felt the need for a fan or cold towel at 80 in the parks.

Those are the current temperatures in the Seattle area and it’s too hot to deal with.

Other than some random heat waves, it just never got that hot (at least not enough to need an AC.

Or your houses are built differently. Or when you grow up in the heat you are used to it. I grew up in northern CA and it did get hot, but our true stucco house kept things basically cool, and we were used to it.

No park if she has a fever of 99 or more. Those are the requirements for my kids school to prevent spread.

99 is normal body temperature. That’s a bit odd of your school.

98.6 was the average when I grew up, but it was changed to 99 about 20 years ago.