Walt Disney World (the entire Walt Disney Company, actually) has always presented itself as related to fun and magic and happy family memories. On the surface, they’ve always tried to make you think of them with positivity.
Even when a “rag mag” blog posted a rumor about WDW that got national headlines, Disney publicly handled it with grace (said rag mag’s response was that the company’s theme parks division had become “petty” and they were “at war” with the Walt Disney Company. Oh, please).
But I guess some things just can’t be sugarcoated.
With Disney Springs, Disney’s shopping and dining district, reopening tomorrow, I guess they’re getting all of their ducks in a row. We’ve already told you about the rules they’ve put into place but now there’s something on Disney’s website that’s the most ominous and dead serious (for Disney) thing I’ve ever seen:
“We have taken enhanced health and safety measures–for you, our other Guests, and Cast Members. You must follow all posted instructions while visiting Walt Disney World Resort.
An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable.
By visiting Walt Disney World Resort, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
Wow, that’s some pretty heavy stuff. I mean, that type of “doom and gloom” is not typical Disney. Not at all. Yet they have it on at least two pages of their website (here and here).
I totally get it. We live in a very litigious society. People will sue theme parks for just about anything…like when this happened. Disney’s lawyers undoubtedly know that if some people go to WDW and then wind up with coronavirus, they’re going to be looking to sue. Whether the COVID can be traced back to their trip to WDW doesn’t matter (and let’s face it – the U.S. is NOT seriously looking at contact tracing); they’ll still sue. So they’re covering their own butts by telling potential guests that any public place could potentially expose them to COVID-19 & if they visit WDW, they’re voluntarily putting themselves at risk.
But still – this is the most “unDisney” thing I’ve ever seen come from Disney.
#stayhealthy #staysafe #washyourhands
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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
11 comments
Geeze. I would have thought Disney’s banning of Winnie the Pooh at all China-based parks and content would be the most UN-Disney. Poor Walt. The CCP making decisions on Disney’s activities and liabilities.
I disagree that this “unDisney”. Disney very clearly warns their guests about the danger in their attractions and parks. While this is a bit more prominent, it’s nothing different from the ample warnings you receive prior to going on Space Mountain or Rockin Roller Coaster.
Yeah, it is. “Do not go on this ride if you’re pregnant or have neck/back problems” is not the same level as, “If you come here, you could catch something that could kill you.”
As I said, I don’t blame them for posting it. But it is nothing like they’ve ever (had to) post(ed) before.
There is nothing Un Disney about this at all. Disney’s first priority always has been about safety. Disney is a business, you have a choice to go there or to go somewhere else. I think they are doing a great job out there by warning people about the chances of being exposed to Covid19. Be safe and wash your hands.
It’s not a matter of priorities or that Disney is a business. That wasn’t my point.
Disney’s warnings are usually very vague. “Do not go on this if you’re pregnant or have heart or neck problems.” “No diving.” “There are alligators in these waters.” They all suggest not to do something stupid and of course they’re there to cover their butts. “You did something dumb. Don’t blame us (even though you’ll try to, but this way we could say we tried to warn you).”
“If you come here (not do something stupid…just show up), you run the risk of catching something that could make you very sick or even potentially kill you,” is a whole other level. Of course, LIFE is on a whole other level right now, but still…
So of course it’s about safety and what a business does. And of course the lawyers made them do it. Whatever the case, I’ve still never seen Disney write something that ominously explicit.
And that’s why I wrote the post.
I hope you can understand the difference. If not, then I’m sorry it didn’t come out as I intended.
Disney has done nothing wrong by posting this warning and making the public responsible for their own health and safety. It’s time we the people start being accountable for ourselves, it’s not the mouse’s responsibility lol!
I never suggested Disney did anything wrong with posting what they did – just that they have never written a warning as ominous as, “If you come here, you are putting yourself at risk for something that can cause death.”
And people should always be accountable for ourselves. I am. You are. Many, many people are not and the number of those who are not seems to be getting worse over time.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the posted signs.
I didn’t say there was. Just that they were nothing like any other sign they have ever posted.
But again, these are times like we’ve not experienced in over a century.
But they’re still very ominous…for Disney.
Honestly, these are about as ominous as seeing the California Prop 65 warning signs at the park entrance.
They don’t have those at WDW 😉