Where to Buy Medicine at Disney World

Not feeling well isn’t fun even when you’re at home, but what if you find yourself feeling unwell while on vacation at Disney World? Perhaps you’re struggling with Florida’s notorious heat and humidity, or maybe you rode one of Disney’s high-intensity thrill rides just a bit too soon after that three Turkey Leg lunch. Whatever the reason, nobody wants to see the cost of a Disney World vacation go down the drain due to illness.

Thankfully, with a company as large and well-equipped as Disney, help is never hard to find. Here’s all the info you need to make sure you’re covered for all of life’s little ailments such as headaches, cuts and scrapes, pharmacy refills, and even more urgent medical events. 

Does Disney Have a Pharmacy that Fills Prescriptions?

There are no pharmacies located on Disney World property which fill Guests’ prescriptions — but there are plenty nearby (some of which will even deliver).

It takes only a quick search on Google Maps or Apple Maps to find no less than ten or fifteen pharmacies in nearby Lake Buena Vista and Kissimmee, just a quick drive (or Uber/Lyft/taxi ride) away from Disney. Most major pharmacy chains such as CVS, Walgreens, Publix, and Walmart are well-represented, conveniently located either on or near all of the major roads leading to Disney World. That makes it even easier for you should your prescription already be on file with the same chain back home.

If you don’t have access to a car, you can arrange for your prescription medicines to be delivered from a local pharmacy.

AdventHealth, a major hospital and healthcare system in central Florida, provides pharmacy delivery to Disney World property as part of its partnership with Disney.

There are also delivery pharmacies such as Turner Drug which specifically cater to the Orlando tourism industry. These companies specialize in tourist-centric pharmacy issues such as lost prescriptions and forgotten medications, so they might be a bit more helpful than a big chain store. And with same-day delivery to your hotel front desk even on holidays, you can continue your vacation with minimal interruption. Of course, this type of service comes at a cost: expect to pay delivery fees (typically around $10-15) and don’t be surprised if drug prices are a bit different than what you’d pay back home. Also note that many of these tourist pharmacies do not accept medical insurance; you’ll pay in full upfront, but they’ll usually provide you with the paperwork needed to file a reimbursement request with your medical insurance company later.

If all you need is over-the-counter medication (rather than prescription drugs), you have many options to purchase on-site at Disney World without needing a vehicle.

Can I Buy Over-the-Counter Medication at Disney World?

At many of the gift shops located throughout the Disney World theme parks and resort hotels, you can find a limited selection of over-the-counter medications. After all, nobody’s vacation should be cut short for a simple headache! Typical items such as Tylenol (Acetaminophen/Paracetamol), Advil (Ibuprofen), and Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) are usually available, along with sundry personal care items. The selection is limited — similar to what you would find at the shops inside airports or your local convenience store — but is usually complete enough to get you out of any minor jam. 

If you’ve wandered into a gift shop and don’t see medicines for sale, simply ask any Cast Member; the items might be behind the counter, or they can point you to another shop that has what you need.

If you’re actually inside a theme park, you might not even need to buy over-the-counter medication:

When in Doubt, Seek Out a First Aid Center

All Disney parks have dedicated first aid centers, and each and every Cast Member knows where to find them. First aid centers are staffed by registered nurses and offer free minor medical care, including over-the-counter medications for headache, allergy, and tummy troubles… plus other healthcare items such as bandages and ice packs for minor cuts and bruises. They’re also a great place to go if you’re experiencing signs of heat exhaustion, offering a place to lie down in the air conditioning with an ice pack and plenty of water.

For more serious issues, first aid centers will arrange for you to visit a nearby urgent care clinic or hospital outside of the Disney World property. For medical emergencies, dial 911 for assistance or you can locate a nearby cast member and they can help you get the care you need ASAP. 

What Is Disney World’s Policy on Bringing Medication?

As long as the medicines are clearly labeled with your name and the prescription — and aren’t in large glass bottles — you won’t have any problems. Small glass medicine vials are absolutely allowed, as are needles necessary for the self-injection of prescription medication.

If you have medication that requires refrigeration, you can visit the first aid centers located inside all Disney parks and they can assist you in storing your medication. Additionally, first aid centers can provide a secluded place for the self-injection of medications, if needed. 

Don’t Fret; Help Is Just a Cast Member Away

All cast members are trained to deal with every situation imaginable and can contact help in seconds. While it might not be obvious, behind the scenes at Disney is an intensely well-oiled machine and miles of tunnels and backstage routes connect all sorts of services. 

With more than 58,000,000 annual visitors, you can rest assured that Cast Members have seen and heard it all.

Stay Hydrated and Eat Some Food

The Florida heat and humidity can be difficult for those not accustomed to the climate (and frankly, even for those who live there). Walking around the parks all day burns lots of calories, too, so grab a snack if you feel like you’re losing energy. Be sure and keep a water bottle handy and fill it up at the water bottle fill stations in the parks, as well. Or, just drop by any counter service restaurant and get a free cup of ice water. Dehydration can be pretty sneaky, and you might wind up with a bad headache before you even feel thirsty. Keep your body well-fueled, well-hydrated, and well-rested, and you’ll be in tip-top shape for your entire Disney experience!