Disney World for germ-conscious individuals

[GCM]

Some friends of ours are talking about maybe accompanying us to the world next year on vacation. They are very germ conscious, not to say that we are not, but not as much as they. We are avid handwashers, hand sanitizing, keeping hands away from face, etc... But the areas that worry me most, and I mentioned to them, are with respect to eating, things like plasticware not being individually wrapped and sealed, straws not being sealed, difficulty finding a clean table during lunch/dinner rush. I mentioned that they could bring their own plasticware from home, as well as straws, and we usually wipe off the tables with sanitizing wipes, but I just don't want all this to have such a negative mental affect on them that they don't enjoy DW.

Anyone out there germ conscious and how do you handle DW? Any other suggestions so they don't arrive unprepared?

Thanks!

 

[notfrostyjosh]

Xanax, keep your eyes closed, and try not to think about it.

 

[nytimez]

Xanax, keep your eyes closed, and try not to think about it.

 

[MsTinkerChele]

As much effective are hand sanitizers are good they have negative effects as well because they also kill the good "germs" in your hands. We have to build out immune systems somehow!
It would be more effective to wash your hands.
Just let them know to sanitize as much as they can but not let it effect the trip. Germs are everywhere just do what you could to prevent it without going out of their way. They have packets of the antibacterial wipes they can wipe lap bars with or whatever they sense can have germs on.

Some friends of ours are talking about maybe accompanying us to the world next year on vacation. They are very germ conscious, not to say that we are not, but not as much as they. We are avid handwashers, hand sanitizing, keeping hands away from face, etc... But the areas that worry me most, and I mentioned to them, are with respect to eating, things like plasticware not being individually wrapped and sealed, straws not being sealed, difficulty finding a clean table during lunch/dinner rush. I mentioned that they could bring their own plasticware from home, as well as straws, and we usually wipe off the tables with sanitizing wipes, but I just don't want all this to have such a negative mental affect on them that they don't enjoy DW.

Anyone out there germ conscious and how do you handle DW? Any other suggestions so they don't arrive unprepared?

Thanks!

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

Xanax, keep your eyes closed, and try not to think about it.

You are just terrible, lol.

 

[notfrostyjosh]

I heard Johnny Depp is going to be on the custodial staff this week if that's any consolation.

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

Xanax, keep your eyes closed, and try not to think about it.

this

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

I would advise them not to go. Seriously if things like straws and silveware not being wrapped are a bother to them I can imagine the looks on thier faces when they see a child lick a handrail or rsomeone elieve themselves in a fountain, much less the mess left at any QS restraunt on any given day. The more people you are around the more germs you are around and no matter what time of year you go WDW has alot of people...... and germs.

 

[duffy]

I wouldn't worry about it. If they don't have a good time because they're so obsessed over germs, that's not something you can control very easily.

Make sure you have lots of sanitizing wipes and silverware in plastic if it's really something you can't stop worrying about, and then let it go.

 

[Mrsjvb]

straws are NOT permitted in Animal Kingdom.

as for bringing your own flatware: if you are so anal as to not want to use what is available, might as well stay home. wrapping yourself in bubble wrap does more harm than good.

it is impossible to avoid being subjected to germs at such a public place where literally thousands of people visit daily.

 

[Dizneefamily+4]

straws are NOT permitted in Animal Kingdom.

as for bringing your own flatware: if you are so anal as to not want to use what is available, might as well stay home. wrapping yourself in bubble wrap does more harm than good.

it is impossible to avoid being subjected to germs at such a public place where literally thousands of people visit daily.

Sure they are- they're made out of some sort of recycled material that feels like cardboard.

 

[HowdyHeidi]

My question for you is this: are you able to go on a day trip with this family without losing your mind? If so, you might be able to get along with them for a longer trip.

I think they have to be able to handle themselves, it is a question for you if you will have a good time despite their behavior -- IF it is out of the ordinary.

 

[nytimez]

I tend to think "tell them to just stay home" is a little harsh. There's room for everyone... just make sure they know what they're getting themselves into, OP, and try not to take on the responsibility of ensuring their comfort everywhere.

That's a huge burden and it's unfair for you to do that to yourself. They are adults, after all, and if they are that germ-o-phobic and still manage to leave the house every day, they should already know how to handle themselves.

 

[maxiesmom]

This may not be what you want to hear, but there is no way to avoid touching germy things at WDW. For starters, you have to put your finger on the finger scan to even get in the park. Not to mention you have to touch seat restraints and railings and such. If any of those things freak out your friends, then you are in for a long, stressfull vacation.

Even if your friends bring their own silverware, what about plates? They can't possibly pack their own plates or glasses. At some point they will need to use the dinnerware Disney provides. Not to mention they won't be able to bring in plastic wrapped silverware or straws into the Animal Kingdom at all. That sort of stuff is deadly to the animals and not allowed.

I think frequent handwashing and sanatizing is the best you can do. Also being careful not to touch your face (which is harder than it sounds) helps to keep germs from getting into your system. Maybe pack some Airborne for your friends to help their immune system.

I wish you luck.

 

[SDSorority]

Some friends of ours are talking about maybe accompanying us to the world next year on vacation. They are very germ conscious, not to say that we are not, but not as much as they. We are avid handwashers, hand sanitizing, keeping hands away from face, etc... But the areas that worry me most, and I mentioned to them, are with respect to eating, things like plasticware not being individually wrapped and sealed, straws not being sealed, difficulty finding a clean table during lunch/dinner rush. I mentioned that they could bring their own plasticware from home, as well as straws, and we usually wipe off the tables with sanitizing wipes, but I just don't want all this to have such a negative mental affect on them that they don't enjoy DW.

Anyone out there germ conscious and how do you handle DW? Any other suggestions so they don't arrive unprepared?

Thanks!

Hi. Fellow germ-phobes here

This is what we do:

Hotel room- wipe all surfaces (light switches, counters, phone/tv/clock/fridge, bathroom surfaces, door knobs, etc.), put remote in large ziplock (pre-labled "remote"), check for bedbugs, remove comforter and replace with own blankets brought from home.

Food (in park)- bring in most food after shopping at Publix. Utensils sealed in plastic bags. Before eating, wash hands or use sanitizing wipes or Purell. Don't touch food with hands- only utensils or held with plastic baggies.

Table Service Meals- Use hand sanitizer/wipes after touching menus. Try not to pick up food with hands- use utensils.

Other things- don't touch handrails, commonly touched areas on ride vehicles. If riding TSM or Buzz, wear gloves. Use hand sanitizer after getting off rides if you touched something like a seat belt or lap bar, or after you come out of shops. Take vitamins and probiotics every day, wash hands as soon as you get back to the hotel room.

To those that aren't germ-phobes, please be nice to those of us who are. Some of us can't help it.

For us, at home, we don't necessarily act to this extreme, but on vacation, that's one place where you don't want your trip ruined by a sickness.

 

[mom to minnie&mickey]

How are you planning on getting to WDW? Planes are by far the worst where germs are concerned. Even if you drive, will you not eat in restaurants and use public restrooms on the road? Germs are a fact of life and cannot be avoided. Sounds like they have a phobia. It is their mental issue and I feel if you vacation with them it WILL put a damper on your vacation (and possibly your friendship if you end up feeling a grudge towards them.) WDW is a breeding ground for germs given the amount of people using everything there everyday (rides, restaurants, shows, transportation, pools etc.) Given that, we have been there 3 times for 10 days each time and never gotten sick. Perhaps your friends should vacation in their backyard in a tent. Good luck to you.

 

[SDSorority]

OP-

You might want to consider asking this over on the DisAbilities thread, too. There are folks with compromised immune systems over there that can offer some good tips regarding limiting germ exposure.

 

[maxiesmom]

Food (in park)- bring in most food after shopping at Publix. Utensils sealed in plastic bags. Before eating, wash hands or use sanitizing wipes or Purell. Don't touch food with hands- only utensils or held with plastic baggies.

Table Service Meals- Use hand sanitizer/wipes after touching menus. Try not to pick up food with hands- use utensils.

I'm honstly trying to understand this, but how come you would bring in your own utensils for some meals, but use Disney's for others? Or do you bring your own to all meals, even the table service ones? In that case, how come using the plate doesn't squick you out?

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

I heard Johnny Depp is going to be on the custodial staff this week if that's any consolation.

You are just too funny, lol.

I tend to think "tell them to just stay home" is a little harsh. There's room for everyone... just make sure they know what they're getting themselves into, OP, and try not to take on the responsibility of ensuring their comfort everywhere.

That's a huge burden and it's unfair for you to do that to yourself. They are adults, after all, and if they are that germ-o-phobic and still manage to leave the house every day, they should already know how to handle themselves.

I like this!

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

I tend to think "tell them to just stay home" is a little harsh. There's room for everyone... just make sure they know what they're getting themselves into, OP, and try not to take on the responsibility of ensuring their comfort everywhere.

That's a huge burden and it's unfair for you to do that to yourself. They are adults, after all, and if they are that germ-o-phobic and still manage to leave the house every day, they should already know how to handle themselves.

Would you send a claustrophobic spelunking on their vacation? or how about recommend an acrophobic to spend their vacation on a trip to scale the Empire State Building? Then why recommend your germ phobic friends go to a place that is crawling in germs?

I have a niece that is terrified of costumed characters and parades. As much as I want her family to get to go to WDW and have a great time like we do I can’t in clear conscious tell her parents to take her there and that they will have a great time. We are hoping she will outgrow it and one day they will get to go but until then if they ask me if there are parades and charecters around (anywhere, giving a schedule of times and places to avoid isn't good enough to calm her fears) I cannot lie to them and tell them there is no way they will run into a charecter or two.