No one wants to get sick on their vacation, and especially not on their theme park vacation. Despite the magical nature of the Universal Orlando theme parks and resorts, sometimes people can and do get sick while visiting. Some illnesses and injuries are directly related to the area — people get overheated, eat foods that are a little past their prime and even develop common complications and issues that can happen anywhere.
Learning what to do if you or one of your family members becomes ill while you are visiting Universal Orlando can help you take immediate steps. Here’s what you need to know about illness, and injury in one of the most magical vacation destinations in Orlando, and how to find help when you need it!
Common Universal Orlando Health Concerns
While every experience is unique, some common illnesses and concerns crop up again and again for those visiting the Universal Orlando theme parks:
Heat-related illness: Common to Florida tourists in general, it is easy to overlook the impact of the sun and the extended time outdoors. Since many of Universal Orlando’s most popular areas are outside and in the direct sun and heat, you may face an increased risk of heat related illness, sunburn and dehydration.
Animal-related injuries: While the theme parks' busy environment keeps some natural pests at bay, bites and stings can happen. These impact individuals differently but can be severe enough to cause physical injury and illness.
Theme park-related injuries: They are less common, but visitors can be harmed by the very rides they are most interested in riding. Guests who fail to follow all safety instructions or who access restricted areas increase their risk.
Sensitive travelers: Travelers who are very old, very young or who have sensitivities or disabilities that can lead to a heightened risk should take precautions while on-site. Hand sanitizer, heavier-than-usual emphasis on hygiene and increased focus on healthy habits can prevent problems.
Emergency illness: Appendicitis, heart attacks, premature labor and other conditions bring guests to Orlando’s emergency rooms every day. In some cases, these conditions or situations can happen everywhere, in others, the excitement and conditions of the theme parks can lead to unexpected complications.
Physical aches, pains and injuries: The typical guest does far more walking each day once they arrive at Universal Orlando than they likely do at home. This can lead to an increase risk of injury, aches and pains that are more prevalent than usual and a need for relief from overuse injuries and pains.
Finding Medical Attention in Universal Orlando
You have several options when it comes to staying healthy and finding treatment when you visit Universal Orlando. Discovering these in advance can help you make swift decisions when illnesses or injuries occur and allow you to recover swiftly. You’ll get the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re just a few short steps from assistance when you need it.
Simple Medical Concerns and Ailments in Universal Orlando
You can find over-the-counter treatments for a wide range of illnesses in a variety of locations in Universal Orlando. The front desk, concierge and gift shop can all help you find NSAIDs, acid reducers, band aids and blister treatments and other items to address minor injuries and maladies.
If you are in the Universal theme parks and need first aid attention or are suffering from a mild illness or injury, you can find help at first aid and family services stations. Get the full scoop here, or check your map to determine where to go for help.
More Severe Medical Worries in Universal Orlando
Some problems can’t be resolved with an over-the-counter pain reliever or antacid tab. For these, you may need additional medical advice and assistance. There are several urgent care facilities in the area around the Universal Orlando theme parks and hotels. There is also an emergency room and a full service hospital within a 15-minute drive.
Medical Emergencies in Universal Orlando
If you have an immediate and urgent medical emergency in the Universal Orlando theme park, the security and safety team is best able to assist. Let any guest services or park employee know you need assistance or that a member of your party is having an emergency and the team will deploy someone to help you.
Since the parks are enclosed areas, this is also the fastest way to get assistance for medical concerns on property; the security team is well versed in emergencies and will be able to get an ambulance or medical team to you swiftly when you need help.
Emergency and Urgent Care Help in Universal Orlando
The easiest and most convenient way to get assistance is to call for a medical health house call. The following local brands are all board certified and ready to visit you, no matter which on-site Orlando resort you are staying in.
The Medical Concierge (855-932-5252; themedicalconcierge.com) offers board-certified physicians that provide 24-7 house calls and cover the Universal Orlando resorts.
DOCS (Doctors on Call Service; 407-399-3627; doctorsoncallservice.com) offers 24-hour house-call service to Universal Orlando as well.
Physician Room Service (407-238-2000; physicianroomservice .com) offers doctor house calls to Universal Orlando area guest rooms for adults and children.
If you prefer to go to a facility yourself, consider one of these local options, Centra Care (www.centracare.org) has several walk-in-care facilities near Universal Orlando, including:
- Lake Buena Vista (12500 S. Apopka-Vineland tel. 407/934-2273)
- Kissimmee (7848 W. Irlo Bronson Hwy. 407/397-7032).
If you are ill or injured in your Universal Orlando Hotel, you should also consider touching base with the hotel’s on-call security team. If you require an ambulance or emergency assistance, your hotel can help ensure that the team deployed to assist you can reach you quickly. They may also be able to connect you to the medical team on call to help determine how to best care for you.
Your own medical team or insurance may also provide virtual appointments online or via your phone; this can help you get assistance for common ailments (ear infections, allergies, extreme sunburn, toothaches and more) without delay.
Recognizing risk and taking the time to learn where to find medical help at Universal Studios Orlando ensures you can get the treatment you need, when you need it. Be prepared to describe your symptoms, provide any physician you see with a medical history and list of medications you take and to spend some time being seen.
While getting medical help can disrupt your Universal Orlando itinerary, so can suffering from a worsening illness or injury. Take steps to seek out help if you have an emerging or growing concern and to assess an emergency if you have concerns about yourself or a family member.
Have a question about seeking medical help at Universal Orlando? Have tips that have worked for you or your family? We'd love to hear them!
Hoppy planning!
