How to Avoid These (Literal) Headaches at Walt Disney World

The sights, sounds, and even smells of Walt Disney World can often be triggers for headaches, and all of that is before even considering waking up early for full days in the theme parks, and physical stress.

Whether you are always headache prone (and we get it, it’s the worst!) or you are hoping to keep everything pain-free as you ride as many thrill rides as you can in one day, we’ve got the tips you need to avoid dealing with headaches at Walt Disney World (and what to do if it does happen.)

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First things first, we are Disney fans, not doctors! We are not really giving medical advice here, but we will share what’s helped us manage headaches in the Parks. For specifics, it’s best to speak to your doctor.

Enjoy Your Coffee!

One of the easiest headaches to avoid is the classic caffeine withdrawal headache, and even if you are trying to slow down on the caffeine, if it keeps headaches away at Walt Disney World you may want that extra cup of coffee. (Caffeine can also be effective at treating headaches.)

If your Disney trips have you constantly on the go, it can be easy to miss out on your usual coffee or tea intake. Be sure to get a good night’s sleep, then start your day with a cup if you’re concerned about this. You can always grab coffee at your Disney Resort, and we’ve known some Guests to bring their own cold brew coffee makers for their hotel rooms or slip instant coffee or tea into their Park bag (then you can just get a cup of hot water.)

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Get Enough Sleep

Another surefire way to end up with a headache? Not getting enough sleep (but doing so is easier said than done at Walt Disney World!) We would never recommend sleeping in at Disney World, since rope-dropping gives you a valuable advantage on experiencing your favorite attractions. But we are very pro-nap. Take a midday break to head back to your Resort for a quick nap or relax by the pool in the afternoon to build some of your energy back up.

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Don’t Skip Meals

Disney Parks might be packed with delicious snacks and favorite restaurants, but if you have a packed schedule, it can be surprisingly easy to skip meals. You shouldn’t do this anyway, but especially if you are prone to headaches, you will want to make sure you are eating enough in the Parks.

To be extra safe, or account for the times when you might be waiting in a long line or otherwise unable to grab a Mickey pretzel or popcorn, it never hurts to pack some granola bars in your bag!

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Treating a Headache at Disney Parks

If you do still end up with a headache, we’ve got some advice.

1. Don’t over-do it. Take breaks when you need to, either back at your Resort or in a quiet area of the theme parks.
2. Stay hydrated!
3. Take pain medication. If you are migraine-prone, you are probably already carrying Excedrin to the Parks with you, but if you ever need aspirin you can always visit First Aid.
4. Try a neck massage or cold compress (cooling towels can be great for managing the Florida heat and treating headaches!)
5. Sit down in a long, air-conditioned attraction to relax (think Carousel of Progress, The American Adventure, etc.) (If your headache is a migraine, just be sure to avoid bright lights if you can.)

We hope headaches do not make an appearance on your next Disney vacation, but if they do at least you’ll be prepared to handle it! Have a magical time!