Negligible Actions Tourists Often Commit at Disney Parks, Potentially Harmful and Off-putting
In a 2013 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it was revealed that 58% of public pools tested positive for E. coli, indicating fecal contamination [1]. This raises concerns about the cleanliness of water in attractions at Disney parks.
While ride vehicles in Disney parks are designed to keep guests safe, with announcements instructing riders to keep their limbs inside the ride vehicle until it comes to a complete stop, the water used in these rides may harbor similar microbial risks [2]. It is a reasonable assumption that Disney ride water, even heavily treated for cleanliness, can potentially introduce contaminants when guests unknowingly introduce them.
Moreover, the speed of water rides does not necessarily make them any less threatening than roller coasters in Disney parks. Water rides can potentially cause physical harm, such as pinched or severed fingers or toes, if someone decides to test the space between a ride vehicle and the sides of the ride [3].
To avoid health and physical risks from touching Disney ride water, it is advisable to not touch or dip any part of your body into the water on rides or in fountains at Disney parks. The water is not treated or maintained for safe skin contact and can contain harmful microbes, rusty metal parts, and other contaminants, including dangerous bacteria and amoebas [1].
Additional precautions include avoiding intentional contact with water in ride troughs, fountains, or lagoons, as these are not guest-ready for physical contact and may pose infection or injury risks from submerged equipment or sharp rusty edges [1]. Practicing good hand hygiene after potential incidental contact is also crucial, by washing hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer before eating or touching your face.
Issues cited in a recent viral TikTok by user @nostalgiamountain include metal machinery underneath that can rust and reports of people sprinkling ashes of their loved ones into the pools [4]. When in line at Tiana's Bayou Adventure, Kali River Rapids, or Grizzly River Run, guests should keep their hands dry and feet out of the trough.
The potential dangers of touching ride water in Disney parks are not limited to germs, but also include the risk of physical harm. Tourists are advised against touching or drinking water in Disney ride troughs, fountains, and lagoons due to potential dangers and contamination [5]. The moat at Sleeping Beauty Castle, the water on Jungle Cruise, and the falls on Pirates are not guest-ready for physical contact due to various risks.
Following posted signage and cast member instructions is important in Disney's water parks to avoid physical harm and possible expulsion from the park. So, the safest approach is to completely avoid touching ride water to prevent risks of infection from bacteria like E. coli or amoebas, and to avoid physical injury from hidden underwater hazards [1][4].
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). Water Playgrounds—Unsafe Water and Increased Risk of Illness. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 62(12), 214-218. [2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011). Surveillance for Recreational Water Illnesses—United States, 2010. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 60(18), 565-568. [3] Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. (n.d.). Ride Safety Information. Retrieved from https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guide/parks/magic-kingdom/attractions/ride-safety-information/ [4] @nostalgiamountain. (2021, May 21). Disney Ride Water Dangers [Video file]. TikTok. [5] Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. (n.d.). Health & Safety at Disney. Retrieved from https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guide/parks/magic-kingdom/health-safety/
- For a safe and enjoyable travel experience, it's recommendable to read travel guides about Disney parks, as they often contain important information such as health and safety guidelines.
- In addition to focusing on the lifestyle aspects of a Disney park vacation, such as dining and entertainment, it's essential to pay attention to the cleanliness and potential hazards associated with water attractions.
