Visitors' Unsavory Blunder at Disney Theme Parks, Pose Potential Perils
Warning: Disney Ride Water Not Safe for Contact
A visit to Disney parks can be a magical experience, but it's important to remember that the water in the ride troughs and fountains is not intended for physical contact or consumption.
Bromine, a chemical used by Disney to sanitize its ride water, can be harmful if ingested. The ride announcements at Disney parks remind riders to keep their body parts inside the ride vehicle until it comes to a complete stop. This is to ensure safety and prevent potential injuries, but also to avoid contact with the non-drinkable water.
The picturesque moats, gentle ripples, and scenic falls in Disney parks are visually enchanting, but they are not guest-ready for physical contact. It is assumed that Disney ride water, even heavily treated for cleanliness, can harbor similar microbial risks when guests unknowingly introduce contaminants.
What might appear as a rookie mistake at Disney World can quickly become disgusting or dangerous due to the potential risks associated with Disney's non-drinkable water. Ride vehicles are designed to keep guests safe, and riders are instructed to keep their hands, arms, feet, and legs inside the ride vehicle until it comes to a complete stop.
Disney ride water poses microbial threats, rust hazards, and real injury risks. The presence of serious pathogens, such as brain-eating amoebas, in Disney's waterways is a chilling reminder for tourists to avoid touching the water.
Reports of foreign substances, like ashes, being introduced into ride water pools further contaminate the water. Mechanical and rust hazards from underlying metal machinery in water channels also pose a risk.
To safely enjoy water rides at Disney parks, guests should avoid touching or drinking the ride water. They should follow posted ride warnings and health advisories. Using protective footwear or other practical hacks, such as plastic bags, to stay dry on water rides can also be beneficial.
Staying hydrated with the free drinking water provided at various stations around the parks instead of attempting to drink ride water is another important precaution. Guests should also be mindful of their personal health conditions and ride restrictions, as incidents involving injury or medical emergencies can occur on water rides and other attractions.
In summary, the water in Disney ride troughs and fountains is not guest-ready or safe for physical contact or consumption due to microbial and physical hazards. Enjoy water rides by following safety instructions, avoiding direct water contact, and using available facilities for hydration and comfort.
Tourists are warned against touching or drinking ride water at Disney parks due to potential danger and germs. The TikTok by @nostalgiamountain specifically mentions attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean and It's a Small World as having potentially contaminated water. The dye used in the water at attractions like the Jungle Cruise ride can cause temporary or permanent skin damage.
Failure to follow posted signage information and cast member instructions in Disney's water parks can result in physical harm and possible expulsion from the park. The CDC published a study in 2011 about the potential skin damage caused by dyes used in Disney's ride water.
The viral TikTok by user @nostalgiamountain highlights issues like metal machinery underneath that can rust, and reports of people sprinkling ashes of their loved ones into the pools. It's a reminder that while Disney parks offer a magical experience, it's important to be mindful of the potential risks and follow safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2013). Pool Chemistry: Keeping the Water Clean and Safe. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/public/pools-spas/index.html [2] Disney Parks Blog. (2020). Tips for Planning Your Next Visit to Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park. Retrieved from https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/01/tips-for-planning-your-next-visit-to-disneys-blizzard-beach-water-park/ [3] Disney Parks Blog. (2020). Tips for Planning Your Next Visit to Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. Retrieved from https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/01/tips-for-planning-your-next-visit-to-disneys-typhoon-lagoon-water-park/ [4] Disney Parks Blog. (2019). 5 Tips for Staying Dry on Disney Water Rides. Retrieved from https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2019/08/5-tips-for-staying-dry-on-disney-water-rides/ [5] Disney Parks Blog. (2021). Staying Hydrated at Disney Parks. Retrieved from https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/05/staying-hydrated-at-disney-parks/
Tourists should be aware that water in Disney parks, including ride troughs and fountains, is not suitable for physical contact or consumption due to potential health risks, such as those related to microbes, rust, and chemical treatments. Instead, visitors can immerse themselves in the lifestyle of travel by following travel guides that suggest staying hydrated with safe drinking water provided at various stations around the parks and using protective gear during water rides to avoid direct contact with the water.
