A family’s Christmas Day trip to Disneyland Park turned into a nightmare when the father suffered a heart attack, leaving his wife and daughter frustrated with what they described as a lack of support from the California theme park. Their story, shared on TikTok, has sparked a heated debate over Disneyland Resort‘s response to medical emergencies.
A Medical Emergency in the Disneyland California Magic
TikTok user @realktalktiktok73 recounted the events of December 25, when her family visited Disneyland Park for a festive holiday outing. The trip took a serious turn when her husband, a father of two adult children, began feeling unwell while waiting in line for Storybook Land Canal Boats.
“Things started to progressively get worse, and about 4:30 in the afternoon, he had a heart attack,” the guest shared.
@realtalktiktok73 #dobetterdisney @Disney Parks @Disneyland California
Disney cast members responded quickly, summoning paramedics who arrived “within minutes.” The first responders transported the man to UCI Medical Center for immediate care, a move the Disney Park guest praised: “That was a great place for him to be.”
A Chaotic Exit
While the family appreciated the swift medical response, logistical challenges arose. Only one family member, the couple’s 24-year-old daughter, could accompany the father in the ambulance. The guest and her 20-year-old daughter were left to exit Disneyland Park and navigate to the hospital, unfamiliar with Southern California and its layout.
“This is where things kind of took a sideways turn,” the guest explained. Disneyland Resort security directed them to exit through Frontierland and Main Street, U.S.A., then take the tram to the parking garage. However, navigating the Christmas Day crowds became overwhelming.
“It took me almost an hour to get to my husband,” she said. “It took me a half hour just to get to the tram. My oldest daughter is texting me from the hospital before I even get out to Main Street.”
While waiting backstage for paramedics, the guest noticed golf carts used by Disney cast members and questioned why one wasn’t offered to help her and her daughter reach the parking lot faster.
“Why are they making me walk through Disneyland out to the tram?” she asked. “I stood in the tram line for at least 20 minutes…and then I had to get to the parking garage.”
Her husband underwent surgery at UCI Medical Center before she arrived.
“Disney Can Do Better”
The TikToker expressed disappointment with Disneyland Resort’s handling of the situation and hoped to receive a resolution by posting the video.
“It’s not Disney’s fault my husband had a heart attack in Disneyland,” she said. “But you definitely can do better. Come on, Disney, do better.”
She criticized the lack of transportation support, saying, “When we really needed you the most, you left me stranded. All you had to do was throw my daughter and I on a golf cart and drive me to the parking garage so I can get to my husband.”
Disney Parks Fans React
The video amassed over 1,600 comments, with fans split on Disneyland Resort’s role.
Many defended the Disney park, noting the rapid medical response. “Disney’s fast response on the busiest day of the year saved your husband,” commented @joannatoronto. “His medical care was their first priority and they did very well.”
“What are you blasting them for exactly?” @mommygetz77 asked. “They did everything they could have to help your husband, and got him to the appropriate hospital in great time. You should be thanking Disneyland cast members!”
Others sided with the TikToker, arguing that Disneyland Resort could have provided more support during the family’s ordeal.
“Disney doesn’t know the future,” @bigdrop18 wrote. “A family member could pass at the hospital in that 30 mins. Seems trivial to have a cm give her an escort to her car.”
“I am so sorry,” @disneymccarthy commented. “We had a similar experience when my 2-year-old son broke his arm in the park. They did not offer anything. They gave us the address and that was it. It was very disappointing.”
Do you think Disneyland Resort handled this medical emergency appropriately? Share your thoughts with Disney Dining in the comments.
Disney did all they could do while the man was in their care. You need to understand, Disney does not run the ambulance service that provided patient care and transport. Anaheim Fire Department provides that service. It is that service’s policy that dictates how many can ride in the ambulance with a patient. Being a paramedic for 29 years I can tell you, almost every service in the nation only allows one family memver to accompany a patient during transport. they must ride belted in the front passenger seat. Allowing another to ride in the patient treatment area unsecured is too much of a liability.
Disney should have at least taken the other family members via golf carts straight to the exit or even their cars. That’s not much to ask for an emergency. On the same token, the family did notice the golf carts and could have asked for a fast ride out to follow the EMTs.