How I Avoid Having Stomach Issues at Disney

Do you know the common saying that Disney calories don’t count? Well, unfortunately, that mantra has gotten me into trouble and made my day at the Most Magical Place on Earth a lot less…magical to say the least. Stomach issues at Disney aren’t fun, but unfortunately, they are common. Prolonged sun exposure, extreme walking, and a mixture of fun and funky flavors can all cause stomach issues such as gastrointestinal issues and abdominal cramps. Luckily though, there are a few ways you can prevent such discomfort. 

Bring Stomach Meds

While you pack, don’t forget to bring some stomach meds to help with unexpected cramps or gastro issues such as Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics. Digestive Enzymes help break down protein, carbohydrates, and fats from food. Essentially, these enzymes help transform the food you eat into something your digestional tract can absorb by speeding up your body’s chemical reactions. Most health professionals agree that you should take a Digestive Enzyme right before you eat, however, always talk to your doctor before following any type of medical advice. 

Probiotics, on the other hand, are live bacteria that promote optimal gut health. These supplements can help relieve pain and discomfort caused by irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea. These are usually most effective when taken on an empty stomach, but again, please consult with your family doctor to find out what type of stomach med is right for you before your vacation. 

My Bag of Go To Stomach Meds

• Rainbow Light Digestive Enzymes
• Silver Fern Probiotics
• Peppermint Oil
• Pepcid AC
• Gas X
• Immodium

Read more: Disney World Packing List

Stay Hydrated

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: you have to, have to, have to stay hydrated when spending the day at Walt Disney World. On average, the temperatures are in the mid to high 80s, not accounting for those extremely hot months from June to August where temperatures reach the high 90s. 

Unfortunately, the majority of Walt Disney World is outside and not protected from the sun. Toss in ride queues and 60-180 minute wait times for popular attractions and you’re spending a lot of time in the sun, completely unprotected. Usually, you could stay hydrated while you wait in line but with the COVID-19 pandemic, eating and drinking in line when masks need to be warned are a big no-no. 

That’s why you have to stay hydrated while you’re not in line. Water is an essential component that keeps your body working, and when it comes to food, it helps move everything down through your intestines. When your body is dehydrated though, this process doesn’t work as easily and can cause abdominal pain and even constipation. A bottle of water at the parks can cost around $4.50, which can quickly become costly if you’re traveling with a family of four or more. There are countless water bottle options you’re allowed to bring into the parks that won’t be too cumbersome to toss in your purse or backpack. 

Read more: Our Favorite Disney World Water Bottles

Skip the “Sick” Rides

Without a doubt, these rides are most likely to cause stomach issues and trigger motion sickness: 

• Space Mountain
• Mad Tea Party
• Soarin’ Around the World
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
• Toy Story Mania
• Splash Mountain
• Expedition Everest
• Big Thunder Mountain
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
• Mission: SPACE
• Avatar Flight of Passage
• DINOSAUR
• Astro Orbiter
• Star Tours – The Adventure Continues
• Smuggler’s Run

…and this isn’t even an exhaustive list, considering the experience will be different for each person. Personally speaking, these rides have all given me that “stomach drop” feeling and I’ve been nauseous far too often on Tower of Terror because I always ride it shortly after eating. 

If you just ate or knowingly suffer from motion sickness or stomach issues, we recommend skipping these rides (if you can). If you suffer from motion sickness, there’s not much you can do to offset how you feel after these rides, however, you can take a motion sickness medication like Dramamine (again, only with a doctor’s approval) about two hours before riding something. Or, if you know that you don’t feel good in the front of the car on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster but feel fine toward the back, ask the Cast Member for a specific seat. They’ll do their best to be accommodating. 

If you’re only at Disney World for a short time and don’t want to skip out on these rides, try to avoid eating a large meal beforehand to help offset any stomach issues or nausea. If you want to risk it I highly recommend investing in a Reliefband it’s a medicine-free way to get rid of nausea and I have been using it and LOVE how well it works.

Read more: What to Expect on Avatar Flight of Passage

Take Plenty of Rests

When you’re at Disney World, the word “rest” isn’t really in anyone’s vocabulary. To put it bluntly, there’s simply too much to do and not enough hours to get it done, especially if you’re only visiting one park per day. Despite this, though, rest is essential, especially if you suffer from stomach issues. 

Stopping off to rest can give your stomach time to settle and gives you the bonus of drinking some water. Even if you’re just stopping down for a few minutes, it gives your body a deserved break from the busy day. There are a lot of rest areas in Disney, so try to find something shaded if you can. 

Read more: Great Places to Rest and Take a Break in Disney World

Make Healthier Choices

I know Disney calories don’t count, but the more bad food you pack into your body, the worse off you’re going to feel. By no means does this mean you have to avoid that Mickey pretzel or Dole Whip, but maybe space them out throughout the day so you’re not eating an overload of just carbs and sugar. Many dining locations sell bananas, salads, and other fruits and veggies you and your family can snack on or replace with greasy fries or chips. 

Read more: How to Stay Healthy on your Disney World Vacation

Final Thoughts

A Disney World vacation is a lot of fun, but not if you’re suffering from stomach issues. Oftentimes, my digestive issues can be resolved by staying hydrated and listening to my body when it tells me I’ve pushed myself too far. Even if you have a busy day planned, a 10-minute break here and there won’t put a kink in your schedule. Take your time, drink lots of water, and substitute a churro for an apple every once in a while to keep your digestive system intact (though that one is admittedly really, really hard to do). 

Do you have any tips and tricks for keeping stomach issues to a minimum at Disney World? Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for all the latest news and insider tips.