Every year, as the temperatures drop, flu season ramps up. This also happens to be the time that millions flock to Disney World. Sadly, the Disney bubble doesn’t protect you from getting sick!

Main Street, U.S.A.

Germs and Disney World seem like they would go hand and hand. With that many visitors packed into the parks coming from all over the world, the chances of you going back home with more than just new Disney souvenirs might be higher than guests think. But there are things you can do to keep yourself healthy during your Disney vacation.

1. Wash Your Hands, Don’t Just Use Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer is convenient, but it’s no substitute for good old-fashioned handwashing. Especially during flu season, you need to wash your hands with soap and water frequently. You’ll want to think before meals, after bathroom visits, and any time you’ve touched high-contact surfaces. It also helps if you wash your hands on every bathroom break, even if you aren’t the one in the group who is stopping to go.

Disney Parks have well-maintained restrooms all over the property, so make use of them to scrub for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer is great in a pinch, but nothing beats soap and water when it comes to removing germs effectively.

Toy Story Land restrooms

2. But Also, Bring Hand Sanitizer

Of course, you won’t always be near a sink, especially when you’re deep in a ride queue or hopping on the Skyliner. That’s where hand sanitizer becomes your flu-fighting sidekick. Bring travel-sized bottles with you and keep them easily accessible in a bag, stroller, or even clipped to your belt. Use it before and after touching ride restraints, grabbing snacks, or boarding transportation. It’s a small step that can make a big difference.

Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer stations are not found throughout the park as much as they were during the COVID-19 pandemic, so we suggest packing your own. We love the Touchland Mickey Hand Sanitizer. Not only is it on theme for the parks, but it is sprayable, making it perfect for kids and adults!

Mickey Touchland Hand Sanitizer

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3. Pack the Clorox Wipes

Disney does an impressive job of keeping the parks clean, but flu season calls for a little extra vigilance. Bring a small pack of disinfecting wipes (such as Clorox or Lysol) to wipe down tables, high chairs, stroller handles, and even your hotel room’s remote control or door handles. Think of it as an extra layer of protection and peace of mind, especially if you’re traveling with kids or anyone with a weakened immune system.

All those strollers!

4. Don’t Touch Everything

We get it, Disney World is full of exciting things to see and do. But it’s also full of high-touch surfaces like railings, ropes, queue chains, and glass displays. Make it a rule, especially for younger kids, to avoid touching things unless necessary. It can be a tough habit to break, but simply being aware of what you’re touching can significantly reduce your exposure to germs.

Monorail crowds

5. Avoid the Buffets

This one might be a bit of a bummer, especially if you love all-you-care-to-enjoy options like Chef Mickey’s or Crystal Palace. But during flu season, buffets come with more shared surfaces and more opportunities for germs to spread. If you’re especially concerned about getting sick, consider booking family-style meals (like Garden Grill) or traditional table-service restaurants where the food is brought directly to you, minimizing contact with shared utensils and surfaces.

Chef Mickey’s Buffet

6. Know Where to Go If You Get Sick

No one wants to think about getting sick on vacation, but it’s always better to be prepared, just in case. Disney Resort hotels stock basic over-the-counter medications in their gift shops, and there are First Aid Centers located in each park for quick help. For more serious situations, AdventHealth offers on-property services for Disney guests, including urgent care that will even pick you up from your hotel. You can call Guest Health Care Services presented by AdventHealth at (407) 939-7480, available daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Keep that number in your phone, just in case you need it.

Some items from the hotel gift shop

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Do you have any tips for keeping your family healthy on a Disney vacation? Tell us in the comments below!