Injuries can happen even at Disney World, the “happiest place on Earth.” Here’s what to do if you or someone in your group gets hurt:
Disney offers strong safety support, including on-site EMTs and quick access to urgent care. But preparation and documentation are key to protecting your rights and ensuring a smooth recovery.
First Steps After Getting Hurt
Injured at Disney World? Taking the right steps immediately can ensure you get proper care and protect your rights.
Check Your Injury
Start by evaluating how serious your injury is. Minor scrapes might only need first aid, but more severe issues demand immediate medical attention. Disney World’s first aid stations have trained nurses ready to assess your condition and recommend the next steps.
Look out for these warning signs:
Notify Disney Staff
Disney Cast Members are trained to handle emergencies. Let the nearest Cast Member know about your situation right away. They can:
Once you’ve received assistance, make sure to jot down all the details while the incident is still fresh in your mind.
Document Everything
Accurate records are crucial for follow-ups or claims. Here’s how to create a thorough account:
“As time passes, memory and details of an incident tend to fade. This can hinder accurate documentation and subsequent investigations. However, by promptly reporting incidents, organizations can ensure the maximum retention of critical incident details. Immediate reporting captures fresh and vivid recollections, allowing for a more comprehensive and precise account.” – Michael Richey, Texas Defense Force Security
Using Disney First Aid Centers
If you’ve assessed your situation and spoken with a Cast Member, head to a First Aid station for professional assistance.
Where to Find First Aid
Disney World parks have dedicated First Aid stations, staffed by licensed nurses, to help you with medical needs. Here’s where you’ll find them:
For water parks, stations are located behind Leaning Palms at Typhoon Lagoon and between Lottawatta Lodge and Beach Haus at Blizzard Beach. If you’re unsure, ask any Cast Member for directions.
Medical Help Offered
Disney’s AdventHealth First Aid centers provide various services to ensure your needs are met:
|
Service Type |
Details |
|
Complimentary Services |
– Single doses of over-the-counter medications |
|
Additional Services |
– Full-size medication products available for purchase |
Park First Aid vs. Hospital Care
First Aid stations are ideal for minor issues like headaches, small injuries, or medication storage. However, if your condition worsens or requires specialized care, you’ll need to seek external medical help.
“The medical/first aid team at Walt Disney World is top-notch!” – Amy Schinner, Touringplans.com
For more serious needs, the AdventHealth Centra Care Walk-in Urgent Care Center provides free transportation. Resort guests can also contact their hotel front desk to arrange transport to a medical facility.
Filing Reports with Disney
After receiving medical care, it’s crucial to document and report the incident through Disney’s official process.
Submit an Incident Report
Inform a Cast Member right away to begin the reporting process. Use your earlier notes to help complete the report. Be sure to include:
Keep a copy of everything you submit for your records.
Obtain Copies of All Records
Once you’ve submitted the report, request an official copy for your records. This will be critical if you need to file an insurance claim or take further medical or legal steps.
Finding Medical Care Outside Disney
If Disney’s First Aid Centers can’t fully address your needs, there are local healthcare options for more serious situations.
Local Hospitals and Clinics
AdventHealth Celebration is the closest hospital to Disney World, and several urgent care facilities are nearby for less critical medical needs:
|
Facility Type |
Best For |
|
Emergency Room (AdventHealth) |
Severe, life-threatening conditions |
|
Urgent Care (AdventHealth Centra Care) |
Minor injuries or illnesses |
|
Buena Vista Urgent Care |
Routine medical care |
“Recognizing the differences between ’emergency’ and ‘urgent’ care can be confusing, because both terms imply there is a medical need that needs to be addressed quickly”, says Dr. Shawn Evans, emergency medicine physician at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla. “If your sudden illness or injury is something you would normally feel comfortable addressing with your primary care doctor, then an urgent care center or walk-in clinic setting is probably more appropriate than the emergency room.”
AdventHealth also provides convenient services like prescription delivery to Disney resorts and a Care Concierge service (407-939-7480) to help coordinate your care.
Getting timely medical attention is key, and knowing your transport options can make a big difference.
Legal Rights and Insurance Claims
If you’re injured at Disney World, it’s important to document everything and understand your rights. Disney has substantial legal resources, so handling claims requires careful attention.
Track Medical Costs
Keep thorough records of all expenses related to your injury. Here’s what to document:
|
Expense Type |
What to Track |
|
Medical Treatment |
Hospital visits, ambulance rides, medications |
|
Ongoing Care |
Physical therapy, chiropractic care, follow-ups |
|
Related Costs |
Travel expenses, medical equipment, lost wages |
|
Personal Items |
Damaged clothing, belongings, replacement costs |
Hold onto original receipts and back them up with digital copies. Take clear photos of your injuries, the accident site, and any hazards involved. Request copies of all medical records and any incident reports Disney provides.
Legal Help Guidelines
“We do not recommend trying to negotiate your settlement claim on your own. Disney is one of the biggest corporations in the world, employing experienced attorneys and relying on experts whose job is to protect the image and brand value of the so-called ‘happiest place’ on Earth.”
Consider hiring a Disney World injury lawyer under these circumstances:
Disney, valued at $195 billion, is self-insured and manages personal injury claims internally. This gives them significant resources to handle claims, making professional legal guidance crucial.
Disney’s Legal Policies
Disney operates under Florida’s pure comparative negligence rule. This means you can receive compensation even if you’re partially at fault, but the amount will be reduced by your share of responsibility. However, if you’re found more than 50% at fault, you won’t be eligible for compensation.
Key points to remember:
To protect your claim:
These steps can help you safeguard your rights and strengthen your case if you decide to pursue a claim.
Conclusion
Being prepared for accidents at Disney World helps protect your rights and ensures you receive proper care. It’s important to remember that official incident reports may not always include every injury detail. For example, in June 2023, a guest suffered an elbow fracture after a fall. Despite Disney’s efforts to provide accurate reports, as stated by spokeswoman Andrea Finger, some details can still be overlooked.
“We have a longstanding commitment to regularly report ride incidents to the Florida Department of Agriculture, and we provide accurate information in those reports based on the information we receive at the time.”
Once your immediate health needs are addressed, it’s crucial to focus on safeguarding your rights. Florida law restricts claims to a two-year window under Statutes § 95.11. Act quickly by documenting medical expenses, witness accounts, and any other evidence related to the incident. Keeping thorough records is key for any potential claim.
Prioritize your medical care first, then take steps to protect your legal rights. With detailed documentation, timely action, and professional advice when necessary, you can manage the aftermath of an injury and reduce the risk of long-term issues.