A Disneyland Resort guest has amassed attention online after sharing her family’s harrowing experience at the Southern California theme park. The family was left navigating logistical chaos after the father suffered a heart attack during their Christmas Day visit to Disneyland Park.
A Christmas Trip Takes a Serious Turn
TikTok user @realktalktiktok73 visited Disneyland Resort on Christmas with her husband and two adult children, aged 24 and 20. The trip, meant to be a festive family celebration, quickly turned serious when her husband began feeling ill during their visit to Disneyland Park.
@realtalktiktok73 #dobetterdisney @Disney Parks @Disneyland California
“Things started to progressively get worse, and about 4:30 in the afternoon, he had a heart attack,” the guest explained.
While waiting in line for the Storybook Land Canal Boats, the husband alerted his family that he was about to collapse. The family quickly sought help from Disneyland Cast Members, and paramedics arrived within minutes. The first responders transported him to UCI Medical Center for treatment.
“That was a great place for him to be,” the guest said.
Navigating the Aftermath
The situation became more challenging when only one family member, the 24-year-old daughter, was allowed to accompany the father in the ambulance. The TikToker and her younger daughter, unfamiliar with the area, were left to navigate their way to the hospital.
“This is where things kind of took a sideways turn,” the guest said. “Me being a very concerned and emotional wife, a scared wife… We were both scared.”
Disneyland Park security directed them to exit the theme park through Frontierland and Main Street, U.S.A., then take the tram to the parking garage. However, between Christmas Day crowds and the confusion of navigating the park, the process was 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 in a backstage area, the guest noticed golf carts used by Disney cast members and questioned why one wasn’t offered to transport her and her daughter to the parking garage.
“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. Mind you, I’m not from California, so I have no idea where I’m going.”
The family eventually reached the hospital, but not before the father had undergone surgery.
Seeking Resolution From Disneyland California
The Southern California theme park guest posted her story on TikTok, expressing frustration with Disneyland Resort‘s handling of the situation.
“I don’t know what to do,” she said. “… It’s not Disney’s fault my husband had a heart attack in Disneyland, but you definitely can do better. Come on, Disney, do better.”
She criticized the lack of transportation support, saying, “We go, and we spend thousands of dollars… 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.”
Mixed Reactions from Disney Parks Fans
The video amassed over 1,600 comments, sparking a debate among Disney Parks fans. Many praised Disneyland Resort for its quick response to the medical emergency.
“Good thing they got to your husband and got an ambulance so quickly,” said @reflections_2020. “I don’t think Disney needs to provide escort services to every family that has an emergency. That seems odd to expect that.”
“Shouldn’t this be about the fact they got your husband the help he needed so fast?” @keithsdisneypage asked.
Others criticized the lack of transportation support.
“Disney doesn’t know the future,” @bigdrop18 argued. “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 wrote. “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 situation appropriately? Let Disney Fanatic know in the comments.
