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76-Year-Old Woman’s Disney World Vacation Ends in Despair

An elderly Disney Guest finds herself stranded in Orlando, Florida, after falling gravely ill during a family trip to the Walt Disney World Resort.

The entrance sign to Disney World showcases Mickey and Minnie Mouse. The archway, highlighted by colorful flags, stands proudly against a backdrop of palm trees and a cloudy sky, perfectly capturing the enchanting spirit of Walt Disney World.
Credit: rickpilot_2000, Flickr

A vacation to the Walt Disney World Resort in Central Florida is meant to be a magical, unforgettable celebration, offering families the chance to escape the stresses of the real world. Unfortunately, for one British family, that magic turned into heartbreak when their dream holiday took a tragic turn.

76-year-old Patricia Bunting, a resident of Wigan in Greater Manchester, UK, had been saving for years to bring her children and grandson to Walt Disney World. However, during their visit, Bunting collapsed and has remained hospitalized in Florida for the past seven weeks.

According to Bristol Live, Bunting suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and atrial fibrillation (AF). While on vacation, she contracted coronavirus and the flu in November 2024, leaving her bedridden and unable to return home. Her family, led by her daughter Emma, has since been working tirelessly to raise funds for her safe return, managing to gather £40,000 so far.

Crowds on Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom at Disney World
Credit: Marada, Flickr

The family’s hope of bringing Ms. Bunting home recently suffered a setback. “I’m afraid mum isn’t coming home yet due to complications, so she’s in hospital in the US,” Emma explained via Bristol Live. “I haven’t got an exact date as of yet when she will be returning, I’m afraid. It’s a massive blow and shock to all our family as we are eagerly waiting for Mum’s safe return.”

Adding to the difficulty is the fact that Ms. Bunting couldn’t secure travel insurance for the trip. The outlet revealed that, due to her pre-existing conditions, she was quoted £3,000 for insurance, an expense she simply couldn’t afford.

After falling ill on November 23, Ms. Bunting was admitted to Orlando’s Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, where she spent five days in intensive care. While her children and grandson were forced to return to the UK on November 28, Emma remains hopeful, though the British Embassy in Miami has reportedly been unable to assist.

A scenic view of the Cinderella castle at Disney World
Credit: Inside the Magic

Despite the risks, Ms. Bunting was determined to make this trip to her “happy place,” believing it would be her last opportunity to experience the magic of Disney with her family.

It remains unclear how Ms. Bunting contracted the illnesses, but late November is a peak period for the Disney parks due to the Thanksgiving holiday, which brings massive crowds. Orlando International Airport also sees an influx of travelers during this time. Additionally, flu season in Florida, which has been labeled “very high,” typically spans from October through May.

As this heartbreaking story unfolds, we will continue to provide updates.

Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his favorite TV show is Buffy the Vampire Slayer except when it's One Tree Hill. He loves sandy beach walks, forest hikes, and foodie days out in the Big City. Thomas lives in England, UK, with his fiancée, baby, and their dog, a Border Collie called Luna.

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