Things can go wrong even in the Most Magical Place on Earth.
No, we’re not talking about ride malfunctions or your new favorite snack being taken off the menu (looking at you, Spiced Potato Hand Pies from Kusafiri). We’re talking about the unthinkable – those unfortunate mishaps that leave you feeling a bit red in the face. Here are 6 embarrassing emergencies you might face in Disney World – and what to do about them!
It’s not always pixie dust and magic in Disney World, and when you’re faced with a potentially petrifying predicament it can feel like your trip is completely over. But, we’re all human — and chances are you’re not the first person who has experienced that embarrassing emergency in Disney World — so here’s what you can do about it!
Wardrobe Malfunctions
Clothing can be unpredictable, and if you’ve ever had to deal with a broken sandal or other wardrobe malfunction in the parks you know just how frustrating — and sometimes embarrassing — it can be. But, there are a few different things you can do if this happens!
First, find the nearest Cast Member. This isn’t the case every time, but depending on the situation the Cast Member may be able to provide you with a replacement for your broken item — we’ve seen it happen with shirts and shoes. Keep in mind though, that this doesn’t appear to be an official Disney policy and will most likely be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Sure, you could head to the nearest merchandise location in the parks to buy a replacement item, too, but then you might be out some money that you weren’t really planning on spending. Our best advice is to pack extras in your park bag if you can! Flip flops, socks, and even shirts can fit into most backpacks and can really come in handy.
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Passing Out
We’ll never stop saying it: Disney World can get HOT and it’s so incredibly easy to get dehydrated. Running around from ride to ride can be exhausting, and we know what it’s like to be so excited that you just straight-up forget to eat. Passing out happens more often than you might think, so try to make sure you’ve had enough to eat and drink.
Toss a few snacks in your park bag (our team loves granola bars and Uncrustables!) or schedule breaks for eating and drinking some water. If you are feeling faint while you’re at Disney, find the nearest Cast Member who can assist you or maybe help you find something to eat.
Every Disney park has a First Aid Center with trained personnel who can get you the help that you need as well!
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Bathroom Emergencies
Whether you’re a kid or an adult at Disney World, accidents can happen. Needing to go to the bathroom all of a sudden after you’ve been waiting in line for an hour is the absolute worst, and we’ve definitely been there. You can hop out of line, but of course, you’ll lose your spot. So, try to go to the bathroom before you get in line, especially if you know it’s going to be a long wait or the ride breaks down.
Additionally, you might not be accustomed to eating the way you do in Disney World. Fried foods, dairy, desserts, and big meals can wreak havoc on your stomach if you’re not prepared for it. If you’ve got a sensitive stomach, consider that when making dining choices — oftentimes, Disney has lighter options on the menu! Pack some Tums or Immodium for emergencies, and be conscious of what your body can handle.
And, if you’re someone who has a menstrual cycle, getting that surprise while you’re in the parks is never any fun. If you’ve been caught without period products in Disney World, you can head to the First Aid Center at the park — they often have pads and sometimes tampons as well. You can also find them at various merchandise locations in the parks!
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Tripping and Falling
Tripping is another embarrassing situation that happens ALL THE TIME! We’ve definitely been there — especially on those pesky tracks on Main Street, U.S.A., or a curb somewhere. The most important thing you can do is just be careful and watch where you’re going — we know you’re excited to get to the next attraction, but you probably won’t make it any sooner if you trip and fall!
Toss some bandages in your park bag for any bumps and bruises, but keep in mind that Cast Members can help you out and let you know where the nearest place with bandages might be as well. And of course, when all else fails — head to the First Aid Center!
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Getting Sick or Injured
Some Disney World rides can be a bit vomit-inducing, and whether you get sick on a ride or someone gets sick on you — Cast Members can help. They’ve dealt with this before and know the proper protocols to get you the help you need, whether that means getting water, going to first aid, or cleaning up.
Heat rash is another problem we’ve seen in the parks, and it can be awful if you’re not prepared for it! Avoid going to the parks on hot days if you can help it, and try to stay hydrated if you’re prone to heat rash or are feeling the burn.
If you’ve got blisters a brewin’ on your feet, moleskin patches and bandages can be your best friend. They’re easy to toss in your park bag, too! But, our best tip for avoiding blisters is to wear comfortable shoes that you’ve already broken in — you don’t want to wear your brand new shoes to the parks — trust us!
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Losing Something
Disney World has a Lost and Found for a reason! Cast Members can be SO helpful when it comes to lost items, and they can help you retrace your steps or reach out to the nearest Lost and Found.
One of our DFB team members even had a Cast Member call her at MIDNIGHT after filing a report about her lost keys — the Cast Member knew how worried she was and wanted to call her as soon as the keys were found!
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Despite some of these embarrassing problems you might face in Disney World, keep in mind that we’re all human and chances are you’re not the only one who has experienced this problem in the parks! When in doubt, ask the closest Cast Member for help. They’ll probably be able to assist you, or at the very least find someone who can.
We’ve got a great resource for you when you plan your NEXT Disney World trip – our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining.
We wrote our ebook after decades of visiting Disney World, so that we could help you have a stress-free vacation! Click here and use code WDW2022 to get 25% off!
Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for more Disney planning tips!
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WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
What’s your most embarrassing Disney World story? Let us know in the comments!
Janet McElroy says
My blood sugar went very low during a visit to Hollywood Studios. I went to a cast member to ask where first aid was located, I knew I needed help fast. Pam, the cast member, took one look at me, put her arm around me and walked me to first aid, keeping me talking to distract me. She handled the emergency perfectly and got me help fast. Michelle, the nurse, checked my blood sugar, which was 65, and gave me power ade to bring my blood sugar up. I rested for about half an hour inside first aid then went back to the park and eventually back to my resort. I was embarrassed, but Disney cast members seemed glad to help and insisted that’s why they were there.