More and more guests are reporting coming home from Disney World, the most magical place on earth, with a souvenir that they did not pay for, nor do they want — some form of an illness.
The increase in reported incidents of illness among guests at Disney World has raised concerns about the park’s safety. Recent reports indicate that visitors may be experiencing various health issues after enjoying rides and attractions.
Notably, accounts of guests feeling unwell—some describing their experience as “sick at Disney”—have surfaced, with specific incidents highlighting the potential risks attached to visiting the theme park.
A recent state report documented several cases where guests were required to seek medical assistance after their time at the park. Visitors reported feeling lightheaded, experiencing shortness of breath, and even fainting after exiting popular attractions. The lack of comprehensive reporting means that many of these incidents go unnoticed and untracked, leaving potential safety issues unaddressed.
Furthermore, the nature of these reported illnesses varies widely, and it raises questions regarding any links between the rides and subsequent health concerns. Regular visitors to Disney may not fully grasp the potential toll the rides take on some individuals, particularly older adults or those with known health issues.
Rising COVID-19 cases in Florida
Amid reports of illness at Disney World, the state of Florida is witnessing a surge in COVID-19 cases. The Florida Department of Health reported an 11% increase in cases compared to previous weeks. As the state grapples with this rising trend, visitors to Disney World must remain vigilant about their health and safety.
Public health officials emphasize that certain COVID-19 strains are highly transmissible and can lead to milder symptoms similar to a cold. This rise in cases could significantly affect the experience of those in crowded settings like theme parks. Recommendations urge travelers to prioritize health guidelines, including wearing masks in crowded areas, maintaining social distancing, and observing good hand hygiene to mitigate the risk of contracting COVID-19.
The challenges of navigating the theme park experience alongside the evolving pandemic landscape prompt heightened awareness for guests planning trips to Disney World.
According to CBS News, “This year’s pace of deaths is lower than during the past four years. The pandemic hit the state in 2020. That year, Florida had a reported 23,349 deaths, according to state data. The number jumped to 39,872 in 2021, before declining to 21,305 in 2022 and 8,439 in 2023.
In all, 97,746 deaths have been reported.”
Specific incidents reported among park attendees
Recent incidents reported from various Disney attractions highlight the types of ailments that guests have experienced.
Symptoms reported by attendees varied from mild dizziness to chest pains. Many individuals impacted by these episodes were older adults or had preexisting conditions that likely contributed to their experiences.
The rising number of such instances leads to a disruptive pattern of illness, prompting the need for an objective assessment of conditions within the park.
The collective experiences of guests who felt “Disney illness” after their visits stress the importance of transparency regarding health conditions at theme parks. Effective communication would benefit all parties involved, ensuring that guests are fully informed about the risks during their visit.
Discussion of park safety protocols
In light of the alarming reports surrounding guest health, a closer examination of Disney’s safety protocols is warranted. The park has implemented various measures to safeguard guests, including enhanced cleaning regimens and health screenings, yet reports indicate that these measures may not suffice in addressing the challenges posed by widespread illness.
The incongruity between reported incidents of guests feeling “sick at Disney” and the effectiveness of existing safety measures raises concerns. Furthermore, state oversight of theme parks, which historically has allowed such areas to manage their own safety inspections, seems inadequate in this context.
One post on Reddit recently became a giant online discussion board after guests discussed the increase of illnesses after visiting Disney World. The post reads:
“I used to visit fairly often and was usually fine. Of course still some sick days but it was rare and avoidable as long as you just wash your hands and all that.
Then I stopped going for a few years and just recently started again. Been here 4 times in the past couple of years now. And every single time… basically immediately… I get the worst illness you can imagine. This recent trip, it was the second day of the trip, and I already felt it coming on. Then the third day came and I was done. Completely sick with whatever it even is. And that was it for the whole rest of the week. Pretty much wasted all but 1 ticket. I got a solid 1.5 days worth of being able to go to the parks.
Like I said, this has happened every visit in the past couple of years. It probably seems insane that I even keep trying but, I don’t know, I just keep hoping It’ll be different because I really want to go. At least the other 3 times I was here for 2 weeks so I was able to recover and go back again, but this time I was only here for a week so it was just entirely ruined.
And it’s really no surprise that this happens. Everywhere you turn there’s somebody coughing in your face. Standing in lines there a family coughing in your face in front of you, and a family coughing in your face behind you. Not an exaggeration, it’s comical how much that is really true.
But anyway I just wanted to see what other people’s experience is. It truly seems that 95% of people in the parks are sick at any given moment lately. I’m not trying to complain about it but I’m really trying to figure out how I can come back in the future and be able to enjoy a healthy vacation.
Edited to say that I also drive there. So no flights to blame.”
One Disney guest and local theme park visitor pointed out that this has been an ongoing issue for years, stating, “Florida resident here, been to Disney countless times since the mid-80s, and I always come home with SOMETHING no matter how careful I am. People come from all over the country and the world—a real international buffet of germs!”
Others highlighted the challenges of canceling or rescheduling a Disney vacation, which can feel nearly impossible for those who have paid in full, taken time off work, and are unable to get a refund. As a result, many guests, even those with colds or more severe illnesses, likely choose to go ahead with their trip, battling their sickness alongside Mickey Mouse rather than resting at home.
Some guests also emphasized the importance of using hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and washing hands as often as possible to reduce exposure to germs, especially before enjoying treats like a Mickey pretzel.
Despite all precautions, there’s always a risk of getting sick after a Disney trip. As an Orlando local, I’ve caught a cold from Disney World before, but overall, I don’t get sick during most visits.
Public sentiment increasingly reflects a desire for stricter oversight and heightened scrutiny of health measures at theme parks. Recommendations to improve safety standards during outbreak scenarios include enhanced inspections and a formalized reporting process to ensure transparent communication regarding incidents of illness.
As public health continues to evolve, the importance of visitors adopting personal responsibility for their health cannot be overstated. Visitors are advised to stay informed about the latest health advisories related to travel and theme park visits and exercise caution during large gatherings, particularly when visiting places like Disney World.
Have you ever returned from Disney World not feeling too well?