My sad trip report . . .

[lisbeth74]

TxAnn,
Reading your post was like reading a recap of our vacation. We arrived Sat. 9/26, my son got sick 9/27 while at AK, took him to the local health clinic 9/28 where we were then transferred via taxi to South Florida hosp. in downtown Orlando. He was admitted 9/28 and stayed overnight until 9/29. Confirmed case of H1N1. We had been planning our vacation for 2 years and saving up for it. It was my children's first visit. I felt so bad for my son, mostly because I had been talking about the trip for weeks, even showing him the different rides and shows on you-tube and such. I missed out on 2 days of our vacation, and he missed out on even more since it took him another couple of days to even start feeling a little better. Since arriving Sat. 9/26, he didn't even get to see the Magic Kingdom until Friday, 10/2 - two days before we left. We were able to salvage some of the trip towards the end - we had MNSSHP and Hoop De Doo planned at the end of the trip. To make matters even worse, my middle daughter also got it, my husband had a fever/chills/cough and my mother got a cough/runny nose/muscle aches. After returning home, my youngest had a fever of 103.5. The only ones to come out unscathed were me and my father.

So, I can definitely feel your pain. Although we still had a good time and experienced some Disney magic, I don't have that feeling of "Disney Vacation fulfillment", if there even is such a thing. We are just glad my son is better and doing well. I did book a bounceback for next Sept/Oct., but we'll see how everything goes.

Hope everyone in your family is now healthy.

 

[babs.ohio]

I am so sorry that the flu struck your family while on vacation.

I am glad that everyone is well now.

 

[bluesky225]

I'm so sorry. This makes me so sad for you all....

 

[tpholland]

Awww...my heart breaks for you and your kids ...That is so disappointing. I pray that you are able to go back soon and it will be 100 times more magical for you!

Ditto..I know it's hard, but try to concentrate on the one great day you had to help get you to your next spectacular trip!

 

[MissionWDW]

Oh no!! I am SO sorry...that is so terribly sad! I can only imagine how hard that had to be to pack up and head home. I'm glad you are all well again. I hope you are able to plan another trip soon and I hope it's just as wonderful as your one day in WDW was.

We fly down on the 22nd and I am SO worried about illness. All the kids, but my daughter (school pushed back the flumist) had their shots and I've been giving them vitamins and Claritin (they get terrible allergies) daily, but I still am so paranoid. My one son and I actually had a horrible reaction the the flu shot and I still have a lingering cough...ugh....needs to go away.

 

[Ktharee]

First-I have also experienced a sick child at WDW and I really really feel for you. My heart breaks for you all. Concentrate on "things happen for a reason".

Secondly--my husband and I went in July for his birthday one year. EVERYONE told us we were nuts to go to Florida in July. Well, turns out when we went 7/19-7/23 it was cooler in Florida than it was in our hometown on Long Island! So one never knows! There are plenty of ways to keep cool, so if that is when you can go. If that is when you have the chance to mend the broken hearts, I say go for it!

 

[Sandi]

I'm sorry to OP's family had such a cursed trip. Next time will be better -- even if it is in July. We have gone in July or August the last 4 years. While it's hot and humid, it is possible to have a great trip (we always do!). Make sure you plan to take breaks during the hot part of the day. The parks will be open later than they are during the fall, so you get just as much time in the parks.

A hot day at Disney World is better than a comfortable day anywhere else!

 

[daisyduck123]

So, if you're reading this and you have something great to say about July, please share!!!

You can see from my signature that we've been going in July for the past several years (late July for 10-13 days each trip).

July is totally doable!

We just follow this simple plan:
1) park in the morning (this is the time to hit any major attractions)
2) swimming in the afternoon
3) shower & change about 5pm
4) dinner & back to a park in the evening

**Since joining DVC in 2006, we stay at resorts with fantastic pools (BCV, AKV) and my kids LOVE the swimming more than hitting the parks. As long as they know they've always got a great pool to go back to, they don't mind walking around the parks in the heat.

 

[JboysMom]

Just wanted to tell the OP how sorry I am too. I have nightmares about that sort of thing. (My boys were diagnosed with H1N1 just this morning.) I hope I would be as strong and unselfish as you, to pack them up and take them home. That had to be heartbreaking!

 

[meghanet]

Sadly it is very common for people, especially kids to get sick at WDW. Not only are you exposed to more germs than is probably normal, but the stress of vacationing weakens your immune system. When kids get super excited it is a form of stress that can suppress the immune system.

I guess the solution is to tell the kids to not get excited and don't touch anything

Seriously though, the OP did the right thing by packing up and going home. It is a shame to see parents dragging around sick kids because they "paid good money for this trip."

You'll have fun in July though. Just get the mister spray fans, stay on property and take a midday swim/nap break, and don't push too hard to see everything and you'll be fine!

 

[luvmyfam444]

Sorry to read your report - glad to know you're better!

As far as July - we went last year it was fine - hot of course -but we're from the south & used to the heat - I wouldn't recommend it if you're not used to humidty or from Alaska or something - LOL

we took those fan mister thingies & had lots of icecream. We didn't leave the parks @ all & we even camped @ FW. And still did the bonfire! But it DID rain every afternoon so that made it nice & steamy.

If that's the only time to go then just go & enjoy it!

 

[TLinden16]

I'm going to move this over to our trip report board.

 

[Philharmagiclover]

I'm so sad for you and your entire family. It's awful to be sick at WDW.

In 2007 we went with my parents and all three of my boys caught a 24 hour bug. My mom and I had gone to see a parade by ourselves and when I came back I could smell it the minute I walked in the door. Hubbies just don't know how to call housekeeping! Anywho, I spent two days in the room while my parents, my husband and whichever child had recovered/not fallen ill yet went out to the parks. Let me tell you, you did the right thing. There is nothing worse than sitting in a Disney hotel (even the WL) for 48 hours straight.

I'm sure July will be wonderful...you'll be at Disney, how could it not be