Unexpected Circumstances in the Parks and How to Handle Them

You've planned, you've scrutinized, and you've packed everything but the kitchen sink. But then the unexpected happens and all the planning you've done is for nought.

What do you do when there are unexpected circumstances in the parks? Although this article won't capture all of them, here's an emergency plan for some of those circumstances that just seem to pop up on Disney trips once in awhile.

1. Getting Lost

Walt Disney World is huge - roughly the size of San Francisco, in fact. Unless you have the sense of direction of Superman, you're bound to find yourself turned around at some point or another. If you're anything like me, you'll need a back-up plan to get you back on track.

The Plan:

Luckily, My Disney Experience has interactive maps that allow you to pinpoint where you are, as well as get directions from one location to another. Pop your app open to get directions for where you need to go. Luckily, all of the parks have free Wi-Fi to help you get back on your way in no time.

2. Frozen Credit Cards

Although some people may have never had to deal with frozen credit cards, this is a circumstance that does pop up rather frequently. You don't realize how dependent you are on credit cards and debit cards until your access is limited. Now everything from room charges and purchasing food, down to getting transportation around the city is in jeopardy.

The Plan:

Carry cash! You don't need to have a ton of cash - just enough for a day or so. This will help you get by until you can speak with your provider and get your account un-frozen. Another option is to carry a back-up card to use while you sort out the issues with your primary card. We've used a combination of both methods in the past to be best prepared for this situation.

3. Upset Stomach

Florida and California are hot. Heat stroke is a definite possibility if you don't stay well-enough hydrated. Additionally, with rides like the Rockin' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith or Avatar Flight of Passage, motion sickness can cause the tummy rumblies too.

The Plan:

Ensure you carry water with you for quick hydration on the go. Keeping a motion sickness medication like Gravol with you may help if you're feeling motion sick, or you can use Pepto Bismol for other tummy ailments. These can be purchased in many of the resort gift shops or various pharmacies. You can also visit a first aid station (which will be marked in the My Disney Experience app) to get assistance if you don't happen to have these medications on hand.

4. Missing the Last Bus of the Night

Maybe you've taken drinking around the world in Epcot just a little TOO seriously and find yourself without a set of wheels at the end of the night. Although unlikely, with buses running an hour past park closing time, it's a remote possibility if you're off exploring and let the time get away on you.

The Plan:

If you are within walking distance of another park with later hours, you may be able to catch a bus there. Disney Springs and Resort Hotels will have bus service until 2:00 am, so these are another option if you're close by to catch a bus.


Additionally, Uber and Lyft offer cheap alternatives to getting a quick ride back to your hotel if you're out of options. And when in doubt, ask a Cast Member! There may be a shuttle that can take you back to your resort if neither of those options will work for you. Disney is world-renowned for its customer service, so you can be sure you won't be left out in the cold.

5. Running Late for Your Fastpass+

It happens to the best of us: you've been enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells of Disney... and then you realize you're 55 minutes into your Fastpass+ booking window and you're going to miss it!

The Plan:

Run. Fast. But if that isn't an option, see if you can re-book your Fastpass+ for a later time slot on My Disney Experience. For some more popular rides, this may not be an option (but keep checking in case a Fastpass+ gets dropped!). For those rides, plan to try to get on later in the evening when other families may be watching the night time show or during extra magic hours when the crowds thin out. This combination worked well for us to ride Na'vi River Journey four times in one day.

6. Buying Too Much Merchandise to Take Home

Now this is a real problem for us Disney lovers! You can't decide between the Duffy Bear, Mickey Loungefly backpack, Dooney and Bourke bag, Oswald ear hat, and more clothes than you can fit in three closets. Of course, you do what any Disney fanatic does - you buy it all! But when it comes time to pack for the trip home, you realize you may have been a touch overzealous with your purchases and you can't quite close your bag.

The Plan:

You have two options here if there is absolutely no way you can get all your merchandise in your bags. Your first option is to get Disney to ship some of your stuff home to you. Just take it down to the front desk and the Cast Members will assist you in getting your precious Chibi Mickey mug home. This is a slightly more expensive option, especially for international customers.

Our recommendation is to purchase another suitcase. Although you will need to pay for extra luggage at the airport most likely, this could still be a cheaper option than shipping your Disney merch home. And then you'll have it right away instead of having to wait for it! If you can plan in advance, bring a large suitcase for one or more family members - and cram that suitcase full at the end your magical trip!

7. Having the Airport Lose Your Luggage

One of the worst things to happen on a trip is to find out your luggage has been lost by the airport. When this happens, what do you do?

The Plan:

I recommend getting a travel credit card prior to your trip if you don't already have one. A lot of these cards will not only have points to redeem for travel on day-to-day purchases made, but other benefits as well. For instance, some MasterCards have an allowance for each day you are without luggage to help you get by until the luggage arrives.

Your flight provider may also have complimentary toiletries bags as well to assist you in when you don't have access to your regular stuff. Make sure any prescription medications, a small bag of makeup if you wear it, and a change of clothes are in your carry-on to ensure you have these in case of an emergency.

8. Losing your Magic Band

Your Magic Band is your key to Disney. It opens your room, allows you to put charges to your room, use Fastpasses+, and enter the parks. What happens if you lose it?

The Plan:

Once you've realized your Magic Band is gone, go to My Disney Experience immediately and deactivate the band. If you do not know how to do this, see a Cast Member at Guest Services and they will assist you. Although PINs are needed to make charges to your room, you don't want someone else using your tickets in the parks or having even the most remote possibility of entering your room. You will need to purchase a new band to replace the old one. The most basic ones are relatively inexpensive. Once the new band is on your account and activated, you're good to go again!



How do you deal with unexpected circumstances on your Disney vacation? Comment, subscribe and/or follow me on Instagram :)


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