Visitors Committing a Deplorable and Offensive Blunder at Disney Amusement Parks
In the magical world of Disney, it's easy to forget that the enchanting attractions come with their own set of rules and precautions. One such rule that visitors should be mindful of is the advice against touching or drinking ride water.
When queuing for popular water rides like Tiana's Bayou Adventure, Kali River Rapids, or Grizzly River Run, it is recommended to keep your hands dry and your feet out of the trough. This advice is not just a suggestion, but a safety measure aimed at protecting guests from potential dangers.
The water used in attractions like the Jungle Cruise ride can cause temporary skin damage, such as dry, cracked, or peeling skin, or even permanent damage, like skin color changes. This is due to the presence of chemicals used for sanitisation, such as bromine, which can be harmful if ingested.
It's reasonable to assume that Disney ride water, even heavily treated for cleanliness, can harbor similar microbial risks. Reports have mentioned the presence of "brain-eating" amoebas and bacteria such as E. coli, which indicate fecal contamination. This contamination can occur partly because guests can unknowingly introduce contaminants, and because the water system includes metal machinery that might harbor rust and bacteria.
The viral TikTok by user @nostalgiamountain specifically mentions attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean and It's a Small World. The TikTok also warns about the potential for fecal contamination, citing a 2013 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that found 58% of public pools tested positive for E. coli.
Ride vehicles at Disney parks are designed to keep guests safe, and riders are told to keep their hands, arms, feet, and legs inside the ride vehicle until it comes to a complete stop. Failure to follow posted signage and cast member instructions in both theme parks and water parks can result in physical harm and possible expulsion from the park.
Physical harm is a real possibility when touching ride water. There is always the potential for pinched or severed fingers or toes due to submerged machinery. What looks like a rookie mistake at Disney World can quickly become disgusting or even dangerous due to microbial threats, rust hazards, and real injury incidents.
In Disney's water parks, it's essential to follow all posted signage information and cast member instructions to avoid physical harm. Tourists are warned against touching or drinking ride water due to potential dangers and contamination.
For safety, do not ingest or dip hands/feet in the water from ride troughs or fountains inside Disney parks. While the water may appear clean and inviting, it is not guest-ready for physical contact.
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). Pool & Spa Safety: Keeping the Water Clean and Safe. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/pools/index.html
[2] Disney Parks Blog. (2017). Tips for Staying Cool at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. Retrieved from https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2017/06/tips-for-staying-cool-at-disneys-typhoon-lagoon-water-park/
- When planning your Disney vacation, ensure you consult travel guides for detailed information on the park's lifestyle and rules, such as the advice against touching or drinking ride water in both theme parks and water parks.
- While enjoying the thrill of various attractions like Tiana's Bayou Adventure and Pirates of the Caribbean at Disney, remember that the water used is heavily treated for cleanliness but may still pose potential risks to your health due to microbial threats or chemical exposure, so it's best to refrain from ingesting or dipping hands/feet in the water.
