Has anyone required medical attention while on vacation?

[SqueakyMouse]

2.5 yo dd complained of a urinary tract infection our very first day of a 10-day trip. CM at AKL gave us the number for the convenient care location and asked if we had our own transportation. We didn't share with the CM what was wrong with her, but we weren't offered an on-site dr. Just received the statement from my insurance company (Anthem BC/BS). Surprisingly, they paid all but a $10 co-pay. We have to pay more than this when we visit the pediatrician at home, so I haven't figured this out yet -- not that I'm complaining!

 

[PatMcDuck]

I have been to the walk in places, once my son got his fingers crushed in the Rock and Roller ride. CM said to him, "move your hand", as he closed the mechansim, and my son just went "Huh?" and did not move his hand, LOL.

I ended up in Celebration ER for a SEVERE bursitis attack in my shoulder, requiring cortisoine injections. It was not a long wait, maybe 2 hours all together. I was thrilled they did the shots in the ER; in NJ they would tell you to take an advil go to a orthopedic dr. That time I tried the walkin, they gave me anti-inflamatory, but I needed the injections (they could not do that there.)

 

[mill4023]

Yep. On our first FL trip (last month), we visited "After Hours Pediatrics" when DD1 had a very large strange looking growth in her mouth. Turned out to be some kind of blister that went away in a few days. They were very good, we didn't have to wait too long, and they just billed our insurance.

Then a couple days later, we visited Centra Care because DW thought she had pink eye. Turned out it was a bacterial infection and they prescribed cipro eye drops. DW was not thrilled with the staff at Centra Care, but they were right about the infection and the drops took care of it.

DS10 also threw up several nights on our trip, but each time, he was fine the next day, so we didn't go to the doctor for that.

 

[alisonbestford]

We're in the UK and used the CentraCare close to Universal for DD (then 6) when she had an ear infection
We had to wait around an hour and a half on a Saturday afternoon and the total for consultation and 2 bottles of antibiotics was around $165 if I remember rightly
The staff were ok and I was able to claim the total cost back on the travel insurance The only thing I would do differently is take the prescription to a pharmacy! The cost per bottle was ridiculous to get it from the clinic

 

[HollyNEd]

Thank goodness only once have we had to use the medical services in WDW. My DM was getting off a bus at DTD and missed the curb because the bus was a bit too far away from it. She broke her pubic bone but didn't realize it until a couple of days later. She mentioned it to the front desk at WL and it was amazing how Disney took care of her. Since it happend because of the bus driver Disney took care of all her medical bills there and at home and kept checking on her. Now, I know why they checked on her and made sure she was ok they were worried about a law suit, but they really went above and beyond. As my DM was being taken care of all she could do was gush about how fabulous they had been over a little broken bone. Even one afternoon after we came back from the parks there was a cute little dessert thingy and a signed picture of Donald duck! (she loves Donald, even has DD sunglasses, which is how they knew she liked DD.) Needless to say my Disney addicted mom now loves WDW even more because of the care she got.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

I had an accident while on vacation when I was 18. I wasn't at WDW, I was in Daytona.

I broke my finger by getting it caught in a slamming door. The maid was there and witnessed it. She went and got the manager. I was in a lot of pain but didn't think I broke it. They offered me medical attention which I STUPIDLY turned down. Later on, I was in soooo much pain I couldn't take it anymore so I went to the nearest ER. I had broken my finger. ARG!!!! Thankfully we were planning on leaving the next day anyway, so our entire vacation wasn't ruined.

I really regretted not taking the medical help offered.

 

[rmontgo892]

Been there done that!

Here's a dated 2003 list from magictrips.com They don't mention the first aid station in the water parks or Celebration ER. We've used Turner Drugs when we are without a car. Posters have mentioned a Peds office they use?

Always bring your Dr.'s phone numbers and most will work with you and call something in if needed. Make sure you have the # for Turner's if your without car or a # of participating pharmacy in the area before you call the Dr.

<<Medical and First Aid Options at Walt Disney World

Being on vacation, does not mean that you cannot fall ill or fall and injure yourself. On occasion, you may find yourself needing the attention of the nearest first-aid station or nurse/doctor.

First Aid Stations:

Magic Kingdom - located adjacent to the Crystal Palace on Main Street USA
Epcot - located at the Odyssey Center in Future World
Disney-MGM Studios - located adjacent to the Guest Relations building, just past the Main Entrance
Disney's Animal Kingdom - located behind Creature Comforts in Safari Village
In Room Health Care - Resort guests may call 407-238-2000 for 24 hour in room service.

Emergencies - Dial 911 on your telephone.

Insulin Refrigeration - All Disney Resort hotels offer refrigerator service for insulin.

Pharmacy Information:
To have medications delivered to your hotel - for a $5.00 fee - you can use Turner Drugs, 12500 Apopka Vineland Road, Lake Buena Vista, 407-828-8125.

CVS - 24 Hour Store/Pharmacy - 5308 W. Irlo Bronson Highway, Kissimmee, Store: 407-390-9185, Pharmacy: 407-390-9431.

Eckerd's, 12145 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Lake Buena Vista, 407-238-9333.

Eckerd's, 7790 W. Irlo Bronson Highway, Kissimmee, 407-397-4544.

Walgreens - 24 Hour Store/Pharmacy - 7650 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando, 407-345-9497.

Walgreens - Drive Thru Pharmacy - 12100 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Lake Buena Vista, 407-238-0400.

Walgreens - Drive Thru Pharmacy - 13502 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando, 407-827-1000.

Walgreens - Drive Thru Pharmacy - 8400 W. Irlo Bronson Highway, Kissimmee, 407-396-1199.

Hospitals in the Walt Disney World Area:

Orlando Regional Medical Center, 1414 Kuhl Ave., Orlando, 407-841-4111
Sand Lake Hospital, 9400 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando, 407-351-8500
Centra Care Clinics:

Offering hospital-affliated walk-in medical services with credentialed physicians
Convenience: no appointment needed
Lab and X-ray services on-site
13 convenient locations throughout Central Florida
Se habla Espanol (most locations)
10% discount for all AAA members off the cost of your visit
Most major credit cards and traveler's checks accepted
Exclusively provided in the attractions area:
Free transportation to Centra Care clinics located minutes from major attractions
24 hour hotel in-room medical care

For Free Transportation: 407-239-6463
For In-Room Medical Service: 407-238-2000

Locations closest to Walt Disney World:

Lake Buena Vista I Centra Care
At the Shoppes at Buena Vista- next to Eckerd Drugs
407-238-7777

Lake Buena Vista II Centra Care
Near Downtown Disney
407-934-CARE (2273)

Formosa Gardens Centra Care
Formosa Gardens Village in front of Splendid China
407-397-7032

Kissimmee Centra Care
Near Wal-Mart Super Srote
407-390-1888

Tip - if you are traveling with a child in your party (other than your own) please be sure to have a copy of that child's medical insurance card AND a note from their parent/guardian giving you permission to make medical decisions for them in case of an emergency.

Last Updated: 28-Dec-2003

>>

 

[D L and K's Mom]

rmontgo892 Thank you for all the great info. I printied it out and put it into my Disney binder to bring with us. I am hoping I dont need to use it but it is great to have!!!

We had to use the medical service on our last trip. DS and DD both got very sick with "The Flu" the I feel like I got hit by a bus and my temp is 103 F and I am vomiting . We called our insurance carrier and then called the Dr's office that the Dolphin provided us with. The Dr was fantastic. He spoke to my Dr. on the phone to make sure what he was perscribing for DS was appropriate as DS is a special needs child. They spoke 2 times, once as Dr. was examining DS and gave my Dr all info as he did exam and then again right before he was leaving to check on meds etc. I was so impressed! He had the meds with him (DD also had an ear infection and they gave DS some type of anti viral med and some med to stop the vomiting before he dehydrated (DS does this very easily) Just a word of warning they have to be paid up front! That means about $250...we charged it. Keep aLL PAPERWORK for your insurance company and make sure you get the Dr's name. We had to call back the service when we returned as we couldnt make out the name of the Dr. I could have looked on perscription bottles but never thought of it. Our insurance co DID give us all money back except for our $15.00 co-pay. I thought the care was WONDERFUL. I hope we never have to use it again but if we do I now know it is wonderful.

 

[chiconh]

Last Sept. after our first ride on Mission Space, my DW turned completely white. She ended up vomiting (in the bag) after we left the ride. We went outside and I thought she was going to pass out. We went to the First Aid station where they had her lay down for over an hour. They gave her fluids and told her to rest. After that we went back to the hotel where she crashed. Needless to say, she will never experience that ride again!

 

[CAD3655]

I have had to use the medical services once in Orlando and twice on the cruiseline. Both have been pretty good.

Used Sandlake Hospital when my sister had a bad reaction to some antibiotics that had been prescribed by her MD at home. She was covered in hives and her eyes swelled shut on our 2nd day there. Gave her some meds and a couple shots and we were off again the next day.

Used the medical services on the Disney Magic. 6mo nephew came down with bronchitis on the ship while we were in Mexico. The physician on the ship was wonderful, so was the staff. They were nervous as he was so young, but he luckily (or unlucky depending on how you think of it) we had our neb (sister and I are asthmatic) 3 treatments a day and some antibiotics and he was feeling back to himself in a few days. He had a blast the next week flirting with the princesses in the Magic Kingdom.

Used the medical services on the Disney Wonder. Ended up with Norwalk on my honeymoon. NOT fun. Medical services was great! They had me feeling ok enough to fly and on a plane home within 24 hours ( I just wanted to go home I felt so yucky). They even sent us a bag of goodies from the ship with the other couple we had been travelling with.

No complaints here with any of the medical services we have needed...THEY ROCK

 

[DVC-Don]

We used the Centra clinic just off property for an ear infection for our DD. Centra looked at our medical ID and said they did not participate and we would have to pay up front, so we did. When we got back and contacted our insurance company they said Centra DOES participate and should have even given us a discount. The insurance company paid us the discounted amount, but we never could get Centra to give us the overcharge back.

 

[PamNC]

I got swimmers ear and had to go to one of those places. I went to the first aid office at Animal Kingdom and they basically couldn't help me so I was whisked away in a van. I was in a lot of pain and apparently I also had a lot of wax build up and all the swimming and riding the darn water slide at the Polynesian had stirred things up. They drained my ear, gave me ear drops and sent me on my way. I couldn't hardly hear until I went to have this done.
Yuk! Going in 20 days - hoping nothing happens this time. It won't - surely not.

PamNC

 

[idofabric]

Have been to the Celebration Hosp a few times. The first was when my DS then about 9yo woke up and said he could not breath cause his chest was hurting to bad. This was a few months after my DH,42 had woke up with a pain in his chest and was having a heart attack... So we rushed DS to the Celebration Hosp. They were great, and we were only there a few hours. DS had badly bruised his chest on BTM- which is funny, cause it is the only roller coaster he will ride!
We have also been for sinus/cold/flu stuff and I think another time for possible broken bones... We tend to "Vacation" at a busy rate! And you know how dangerous all that having fun can be!

Never used the walk in places. But since DH's heart attack I make sure I know where a Hosp is if at all possible!

 

[minijeanie]

well see I am not the only one whose kids or other family members get sick..

personally, I feel it is the air on the airplanes that makes us all ill
but that is another subject in another forum

 

[DemoBri1]

We used the Centra clinic just off property for an ear infection for our DD. Centra looked at our medical ID and said they did not participate and we would have to pay up front, so we did. When we got back and contacted our insurance company they said Centra DOES participate and should have even given us a discount. The insurance company paid us the discounted amount, but we never could get Centra to give us the overcharge back.

Speaking from a personal standpoint, I would never go to Centra Care's clinic ever again. Not only did I spend 3 hrs of my vacation waiting there, being exposed to who knows what, but they ended up mis-diagnosing my ear infection and gave me the wrong medication for it.

By the time the end of my trip hit, my ear was just as bad if not a bit worse. When I got home, I went to an ENT specialist and my infection cleared up within a week.

If you get sick, I'd probably pay the extra $$$ and have a house call made to your room.

If you can't afford the house call and end up at Centra Care, DO NOT get a prescription filled at the Pharmacy attached to the clinic. Unless they have changed, they do not accept any insurance plans. Take your prescription and find a Walgreen's or Target Pharmacy.

Brian

 

[disneyeveryyear]

I suffered a miscarriage while at WDW in January, 1997.

After a couple of days, my cramps had gotten worse, not better, so my local OB wanted me to get checked at an ER.

I have no idea which hospital we went to. They were very nice, checked to make sure everything was progressing properly, and gave me some meds to guarantee the miscarriage was complete.

Other than that, my kids always get sick before we leave!

 

[hipcheck]

Nothing for us, but when wife and I were in Hawaii we walked by a crowd of people. Turns out that it was a woman receiving CPR. I dont think she made it. Made me sit and think for a long moment about how quickly paradise can turn sad... It's a tragedy because now the most perfect place on earth isnt perfect for that family. Makes me feel very sad for them... That was the first thing I thought of when I heard about the boy that died...

 

[ktglads]

Luckily I have managed trips to WDW without incident, but I did get first hand knowledge on Cedar Point's medical procedures. I broke my leg while climbing over a guard rail (rain + sandals with no traction = not a good idea) and had to be taken out of the park via ambulance. I was not charged for the trip or emergency room visit (I think my insurance picked up most of it). Managed to spend 5 days in the Firelands regional hospital when they put the rods and pins in before they would release me for the 4 hour ride home. The Cedar Point people acted very quickly and were in control of the situation in seconds.

And so I will continue to tell people that I am the reason why they tell people not to climb over the guard rails or for the kids to stop playing on them. I am tempted to bring the xrays with me to show the kids as to what happens when you do stupid things at a theme park

 

[DizzneyDi]

On my last short solo trip I went to Epcot's first aid station after feeling a sudden pain and noticing blood running down the back of my leg. I thought I had been bitten or stung by an insect, but in the end it was just a scratch that decided to bleed more than such a small injury should have. The nurse cleaned me up, applied neosporin and a bandaid, and I was fine.

HOWEVER...

The place was full of people lying on stretchers! She told me that just about everybody there had either bad sunburns or dehydration, because, yes, it was very sunny and very hot that day! Do people really not use sunscreen and drink water while in the parks? Apparently so...

 

[Vijoge]

My son fell off a fishing dock while we were camping when he was about 5. He hit some type of pole that just about poked a hole in his abdomen. We took him into town to the (very small) hospital, which was staffed with two or three nurses. They called the doctor at home and he came right over. My son was ok and the doc refused payment.