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Doctors Sound Alarm on Florida’s “Very Violent” Virus Outbreak – Is Disney Safe?

Home to the likes of Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando, Central Florida is a top vacation destination for tourists from all corners of the globe. However, this winter, some guests may want to exert caution as the area experiences a sharp rise in flu, COVID-19, and RSV cases, with doctors warning of severe symptoms that are sending many to urgent care or emergency rooms.

A Harsh Flu Season Hits Florida

According to the CDC, 43 states are experiencing high or very high flu activity, and Florida is no exception. The surge in cases has left many struggling with lingering symptoms, and doctors are now seeing more severe complications such as pneumonia and bacterial infections.

Walt Disney World guests during Hurricane Milton
Credit: Jamie S., Disney Dining

Dr. Michael Sparks of SparksMD Family Medicine told Fox 35 that the illnesses hitting Central Florida are particularly aggressive. “It’s creating some very violent symptoms. We’re having a lot of patients who are struggling to kind of shake it, if you will, and even some requiring emergency visits for pneumonia or secondary bacterial infections, as well.”

Health officials report a 4% increase in emergency room visits this January compared to previous years, further highlighting the severity of the outbreak. In addition to flu and COVID-19, cases of norovirus—a highly contagious stomach bug—are also on the rise. January’s colder weather has only made things worse, as more people gather indoors, creating ideal conditions for viruses to spread.

A woman with two children at Magic Kingdom during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Credit: Disney

Increased Risk for Theme Park Visitors

With millions of tourists passing through Orlando’s theme parks each year, exposure to illnesses is almost unavoidable. As one Reddit user bluntly described it, the region is an “international buffet of germs.”

Recent complaints from Disney World guests suggest that falling sick during a trip has become increasingly common. A visitor shared on Reddit in late 2024, “Is it just me or is it literally impossible to not get sick here anymore?” They went on to say, “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.”

A family meets Mickey Mouse at Chef Mickey's
Credit: Disney

How to Stay Safe

Doctors recommend getting a flu shot to reduce the severity of symptoms and lower the risk of hospitalization. While vaccines may not prevent illness entirely, they can provide critical protection. Additionally, anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms should stay home until they are fever-free for at least 48 hours to help limit the spread of infection.

While theme parks no longer enforce strict COVID-19 precautions, visitors may still want to take extra measures by regularly washing hands and using hand sanitizers available throughout the parks. Guests should also avoid touching high-contact surfaces like railings and ride vehicles. Staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy diet, and getting enough rest are also important in boosting the immune system. If feeling unwell, it’s best to rest and postpone visiting the parks to prevent spreading illness.

A family of four smiles and gathers around a smartphone at Disney World
Credit: Disney

As Florida faces a tough flu season, taking precautions can help ensure that a magical vacation doesn’t turn into a miserable one – for you and other guests.

Have you caught the flu after visiting Walt Disney World Resort this winter?

Chloe James

Chloë is a theme park addict and self-proclaimed novelty hunter. She's obsessed with all things Star Wars, loves roller coasters (but hates Pixar Pal-A-Round), and lives for Disney's next Muppets project.

One Comment

  1. It is my opinion that the TOURISTS FROM GID KNOWS WHERE that are not stringent with vaccinations are bringing these severe illnesses to Disney
    We go all the time for the past 23 years living here in Orlando as Annual PASSHOLDERS and we never get sick but we get the flu shot annually go to the doctor regularly and definitely DO NOT GO THE THE PARKS IF WE ARE ILL it’s called COMMON SENSE in other words stay away and keep DISNEY HEALTHY

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