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Guest Claims Recent Disney World Trip Saved Their Life

There are so many experiences that can make a Walt Disney World Resort vacation a truly memorable experience. Disney World has over two dozen hotels and all of them are incredible. Then there are the mouthwatering dining options, the incredible character meet and greets, nighttime spectaculars, and, of course, dozens of amazing rides and attractions. No matter what you prioritize, you are sure to have a vacation that you will never forget.

But one guest is remembering their recent stay at the Most Magical Place on Earth for an entirely different reason — it saved his life.

Disney Security
Credit: Disney

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Reddit user Fiesty-Succotash1720 shared their story, and it was truly incredible. According to the OP (Original Poster), he and his wife regularly visit the theme parks, enjoying everything they have to offer. Now, OP has not been feeling too great for the past couple of years, but that didn’t stop him from heading to Orlando for another getaway. The feeling comes and goes, and OP is on certain medications aimed at helping him.

First, OP and his wife went on a Disney cruise and then planned on spending some time in the parks. While on the cruise, OP started to feel unwell again. After their cruise, they headed to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, where they would be staying. Unfortunately, OP just continued to feel worse, and it got to the point where walking to and from the buses and restaurants became painful.

Walt Disney World Resort BoardWalk
Credit: Disney

OP decided that he should go to the hospital. While there, he learned that he had the heart of an “80-year-old man” and he was having a massive heart attack. He ended up having emergency triple bypass surgery that saved his life.

My wife and I have been going to Disney World regularly since we met with the exception of the pandemic. But the two of us have been fans our whole lives. It even came up on our first date which is who we knew we were a good pair.

Over the past couple years I have not felt right, in general. I eat healthy, I don’t smoke, go to the gym semi-regularly, but I have a very physical job. The problem was I would get tired very easily. It felt like someone was putting weight on my shoulders. I went to doctors and cardiologist but they only found high blood pressure. So I took medication, worked out and continued to eat healthy. Sometimes the feeling would go away but would eventually come back. The last trip I took to Disney I had to stop and sit down a couple times. Which was frustrating because I look around and can’t figure out why people twice my age and size are getting around better than me.

Now that brings us to this year’s trip! My wife and I first went on a cruise and then were going to meet up with the rest of her family at Disney staying at the Boardwalk. A resort I always wanted to stay at and we booked through David’s. On the cruise the feeling started to come back. To the point that the last day I did not drink alcoholic drinks and was eating very lean. I was really looking forward to going back to Disney as always.

Day one I still was not feeling great. I stayed close to the resort, which I loved! I only went on one ride which was Ratatouille. That night I went out with everyone for dinner which was at another resort. To get back involved a lot of transfers and walking, which I understand and am not complaining! But the feeling was worse than before. Actually painful now. I could not sleep and finally decided to go to an emergency walk in. I am so happy I did this. At first they could not really find anything wrong with me until on Doctor took a chance and sent me to the ER to get a camera put inside me. Once they did they found I had the artery “of an 80 year old man” and I was having a massive heart attack. I had to have an emergency triple bypass. This was all genetic from a family history of heart problems.

The rest of my time at Disney was spent in the Orlando Hospital on one of their very uncomfortable beds but at least the food was edible and the staff was great. I got to spend one night at the Boardwalk. But the staff at the resort took very good care of my family. Disney also refunded me on a lot of things since I only went in the park for 30 minutes of a 6 day trip. I am told David’s was not accommodating at all and horrible to work with. I am told we are NEVER using them again.

All of this could have played out differently and I would not be here writing this post. My big point of this is listen to your bodies people. If something does not feel right get yourself checked out. And be pushy with doctors. It took a camera in me to find the problem.

You will be happy to know I am doing really well and we are already planning a “do over” trip to Disney!

A red and white monorail travels on an elevated track in front of the large, recognizable EPCOT geodesic sphere. The sphere is surrounded by trees and greenery under a clear blue sky.
Credit: Disney

Related: Disney Cast Member Saves Guest’s Life Amid Scary Emergency

Unfortunately, OP had to spend the rest of his vacation in the hospital, but he said that Disney was very accommodating and understanding. He said that Disney cast members were very kind to his family and that Disney refunded most of the money his family spent on their vacation, even though they were not required to.

The main point of OP’s post was to remind people to listen to their bodies. Walt Disney World Resort has First Aid centers all over the place, including one at each theme park. If you are not feeling well, do not hesitate to head to a First Aid center, where you will be evaluated by a medical professional.

disney world first aid station
Credit: Facebook/AmnetUSA

If you are feeling too terrible to make your way to First Aid, sit down and have someone in your party immediately find a Disney cast member. They will be able to radio for medical help. They can also call an ambulance for you if you think that it is best to go to the hospital.

Have you ever experienced a medical emergency while on your Disney vacation? Let us know in the comments.

Krysten Swensen

A born and bred New England girl living the Disney life in Southern California. I love to read, to watch The Golden Girls, and love everything to do with Disney and Universal. I also love to share daily doses of Disney on my Disney Instagram @BrazzleDazzleDisney!

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