Hello from the happiest place on earth! We are in the midst of spring break at Disneyland, and loving every minute of it! Well, almost every minute.

Before venturing into the parks upon arrival, we gave our selves one day of just enjoying our hotel, the Grand Californian, and downtown Disney.  We noticed as the day waned on that Bergen was pretty lethargic and didn’t finish his dinner or dessert, but didn’t think much of it. After all, it was to be expected after waking up at 3:00 am for our 5:00 am flight.

We all got to bed early that night for our big first day in the park: Georgia’s first time in Disneyland! Unfortunately around 10:00 pm, Bergen was stricken by some sort of stomach bug, and was up, off and on, throughout the night throwing up.

The poor guy was so sad and uncomfortable.  He wasn’t able to stop vomiting for any significant length of time, and since he was completely wiped out, he and I decided to stay back at the hotel.  He could get the chance to rest and recover while Georgia and Slaed went into Disneyland.

Soon housekeeping stopped in to straighten and clean our room. I let her know what had happened last night with Bergen, and she immediately had a nurse call to check on him. She insisted! What an amazing perk to staying in one of the on property Disneyland hotels!

The nurse listened as I described Bergen’s symptoms, and gave us a plan of action and regiment to follow.  Water only, and at least 4 hours (of being in the clear) before we try any bland foods.

After a few hours, Bergen started to try sips of water.  That was working well.  Bergen took a long morning nap, and started to feel a little more energetic.  We had reservations at the Blue Bayou in Disneyland for 11:30 am, so we decided to go for it. We bought some Ritz crackers in the lobby gift shop, and raced off to meet Slaed and Georgia.

Reunited at lunch, we chatted with Slaed and Georgia about their big morning in the park, and made plans for the rest of the day.  Bergen had to abstain from meals, which was really hard for him (he loves to eat!), but he was a trooper. He got sick just one last time, but bit by bit started to feel better.  What a relief!

The “other side” of the stomach flu or virus or poisoning or whatever he had came on though! We know it just had to get worked out of his system though.  So we continued with our strict rules of only bland foods (crackers, apple sauce, and water).

The dedicated fan and thrill seeker that he is, even with the bug, Bergen went on a ton of rides.  Indiana Jones, Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Haunted Mansion just to name a few!

By the evening, he was feeling more like himself.  He ate half of a container of yogurt and a banana, and was ready for a good night’s sleep. I can’t tell you how wonderful it felt to wake up this morning to “I feel really good!” Hallelujah! Knowing that we all slept soundly ALL NIGHT was so reassuring.  We could all take a deep breath and relax.

We still had Bergen follow the previous day’s food regiment.  He ate the rest of the yogurt, more banana, and avoided any sugary or greasy options.  Just as we would have done anyway, we are back at the hotel for a post lunch rest period.  Sleeping instead of powering through feels most definitely like the best-most-right thing to do!

Was it disappointing to miss Georgia’s first experience at Disneyland? Of course it was.  But since Bergen and Slaed actually came alone for Bergen’s first time while Georgia (5 months old) and I stayed home, it actually felt fitting!

I’m just so grateful it was just a (less than) 24 hour bug, and it wasn’t more serious.  I also have so much gratitude toward our hotel, and the excellent service, and unbelievable kindness.  From housekeeping to the nurse, to the special guy who came to clean the rug, and the ladies in the gift shop, everyone was so sweet and helpful.

So what do you do when your child comes down with the stomach flu at Disneyland? Obviously, I’m not a doctor or medical professional, but in short, here’s what we did/recommend:

• Don’t panic!
• If you are staying at one of the Disneyland Hotels, contact the nurse on call (touch “front desk” on your in room phone & they’ll direct you).  If not, just contact First Aid within the park you are in.
  • Disneyland Park: First Aid is located at the end of Main Street next to the Baby Care Center.
  • Disney California Adventure Park: First Aid is located next to the Chamber of Commerce on Buena Vista Street.
• Follow the eating and drinking protocol that is recommended and BE STRICT! We’ve made the mistake before and allowed certain foods.  It backfired.  Now, I refer to the “BRAT” diet (bananas, rice, apple sauce, toast), and add in other foods carefully.
• Once Bergen was feeling better, and could keep crackers, apple sauce, and water down, we sought probiotics.  Probiotics provide good gut bacteria, and we are so thankful to find a source with very little sugar: Siggi’s yogurt.  After racing around our hotel’s eateries and downtown Disney trying to find a good option, I happily paid the $3.25 for just 1 container–Ha!
• Keep up the bland (non-greasy, non-dairy, non-sugary) diet, and only slowly add in “regular” foods. We also advised to avoid citrus.
• Take it easy.  We let Bergen lead the way in terms of what he was up for, and still had tons of magic moments.

Have you or your child ever come down with a stomach bug while traveling or on vacation? I hope not! But if so, please share your experience in hopes that we can all help each other.

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