Disney World for germ-conscious individuals

[Wadecool]

A bottle of rum can calm the nerves AND sanitize any surfaces... not to mention fit in nicely with the whole "pirates" theme.

Also, white rum looks just like water when you put it into a Poland Spring bottle. I'm just sayin'...

Excellent point! Just don't let the Magic Kingdom Temperance League catch you with that spiked water bottle, you'll be drawn and quartered for sure.

 

[Schmeck]

I agree with this in principle, however there's also the reality that today's germs can be more powerful than those of the past and drug-resistant bacteria are now turning up "in the wild" (ie outside of hospitals and nursing homes).

Remember, in human terms a generation is about 20 years... but for some bacteria, a generation can be as short as a few minutes -- so while we're staying the same, they're rapidly evolving.

In addition, widespread travel has made it easier to spread "exotic" bacteria that might not harm the person carrying it because they're used to it, but could sicken someone who's never been exposed.

I'm not saying anyone needs to worry about a doomsday germ, but it does make more sense to take more precautions now than we did as kids years ago.

Also, remember when you do get sick -- and for many people, illness is a fact of life that happens from time to time -- it's not from going out without your jacket or being stuck in the rain as some still suggest... it's because you've been exposed to these germs somewhere along the way during your day, so a little prevention could go a long way overall toward limiting illness.

And the reason today's germs are more powerful is because people have gone overboard with germophobic cleansing, leaving the more powerful germs behind. Less exposure to more mild germs leaves one's immune system underdeveloped, and so when one of the nasty ones shows up, whamo!

People need to understand that the common cold, as long as you are otherwise healthy, is actually strengthening your immune system. It helps your body fight off more devastating illnesses, and that cold could actually save your life one day.

 

[Mrsjvb]

A bottle of rum can calm the nerves AND sanitize any surfaces... not to mention fit in nicely with the whole "pirates" theme.

Also, white rum looks just like water when you put it into a Poland Spring bottle. I'm just sayin'...

so THAT is why the rum is always gone....

 

[bellamama]

A bottle of rum can calm the nerves AND sanitize any surfaces... not to mention fit in nicely with the whole "pirates" theme.

Also, white rum looks just like water when you put it into a Poland Spring bottle. I'm just sayin'...

 

[GCM]

I had no idea this question would evoke such passion.

I have read all the posts and will try to answer as many as I can remember.

Let me begin by saying that I have worked in the medical field for years....and years....and years. Not only that, but in the lab and yes bacteria (germs) are EVERYWHERE. There is no escaping them. I also am a HUGE believer that going to the doctor for every sniffle is only making your own immune system weak. It honestly kills me when people go to the doctor for a cold, but that's another topic altogether.

Yes, this family has gone to amusement parks, concerts, beach, etc... They are not hermits by any means. However, I have only gone out to eat with them, shopping, to local concerts and a couple of local tours, not an amusement park. They don't walk around with their sanitizer out, but before eating (like all should), they do wash their hands or sanitize. Also, I would imagine they would after such rides as Buzz or TSM. I know they don't like the idea of anyone or thing touching something that they will eat other than the food preparer, who they feel should be trained in proper sanitary measures.

They don't have a problem with using silverware in restaurants I assume because they know it has been washed and handled by workers (who one would assume have clean hands). However, the plasticware that Disney uses is just out in bins, anyone can touch it, similar issue with straws. I just know that will bother them. I knew there were other germ-conscious people that go to DW as I have seen their posts before. I just wondered what other things my friends could find troubling. I am quite certain that they won't wear gloves on the rides, but now they might sanitize the hotel room.

I do appreciate all the views that have been voiced, but I feel I have no right whatsoever to tell my friends that they can't go or assume that they have OCD. I just want to honestly prepare them for what they might encounter, so they can make an informed decision about whether this is a vacation they would enjoy.

 

[Nicoleclaw]

There is a saying that says "Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."

I seriously doubt that people 'choose' to have ocd, etc. In fact, it could be argued that instead of holing themselves away at home, they are facing their fears and trying to give their child a great WDW experience. My hat is off to the op, who is clearly trying to be a good friend.

Oh, as far as helping. Suggest hand sanitizer and hand washing. Most likely letting them feel some 'control' over the situation will help. Also, just sort of ignoring the extras that they do, will help them feel less self conscious and more relaxed.

Sounds like good advice. Some people here have been quite critical of their stance on not liking germs. I suppose no one else here has any fears or phobias?

 

[Babbletrish]

This thread has put me to thinking. Imagine if every guest who went to disney used these

seriously could you imagine if you got a set of these with your quick service plan and they charged for plastic. Just curious how many people would do it?

Is that a set of bamboo utensils in a canvas sleeve? My gosh, can you imagine the plastic that'd never have to be produced if they had people purchase their own silverware as part of the meal plan?

Remember, in human terms a generation is about 20 years... but for some bacteria, a generation can be as short as a few minutes -- so while we're staying the same, they're rapidly evolving.

True that. It's why we need to get new flu shots each year. And why the Biology minor in me always has to tell my OCD to shut up cause why bother?

A bottle of rum can calm the nerves AND sanitize any surfaces... not to mention fit in nicely with the whole "pirates" theme.

Vodka's a pretty good "stealth" Mother's Little Helper as well. Na zdrowie.

I just had this silly mental image of the water being like the radioactive sludge from Robocop...

"Hey, Lisa! Dare you to drink the water!"

(Hey, I got to quote "The Simpsons" twice! Where's my no-prize?)

 

[laurie31]

I had no idea this question would evoke such passion.

I have read all the posts and will try to answer as many as I can remember.

Let me begin by saying that I have worked in the medical field for years....and years....and years. Not only that, but in the lab and yes bacteria (germs) are EVERYWHERE. There is no escaping them. I also am a HUGE believer that going to the doctor for every sniffle is only making your own immune system weak. It honestly kills me when people go to the doctor for a cold, but that's another topic altogether.

Yes, this family has gone to amusement parks, concerts, beach, etc... They are not hermits by any means. However, I have only gone out to eat with them, shopping, to local concerts and a couple of local tours, not an amusement park. They don't walk around with their sanitizer out, but before eating (like all should), they do wash their hands or sanitize. Also, I would imagine they would after such rides as Buzz or TSM. I know they don't like the idea of anyone or thing touching something that they will eat other than the food preparer, who they feel should be trained in proper sanitary measures.

They don't have a problem with using silverware in restaurants I assume because they know it has been washed and handled by workers (who one would assume have clean hands). However, the plasticware that Disney uses is just out in bins, anyone can touch it, similar issue with straws. I just know that will bother them. I knew there were other germ-conscious people that go to DW as I have seen their posts before. I just wondered what other things my friends could find troubling. I am quite certain that they won't wear gloves on the rides, but now they might sanitize the hotel room.

I do appreciate all the views that have been voiced, but I feel I have no right whatsoever to tell my friends that they can't go or assume that they have OCD. I just want to honestly prepare them for what they might encounter, so they can make an informed decision about whether this is a vacation they would enjoy.

We aren't germophobic at all, but this part did kind of gross us out. Especially the day we saw a young girl pick up a fork someone had dropped on the floor and put in back in with all the clean ones.

I'm sure she meant to be helpful, but yikes. I was glad DH had already gotten ours! (of course, who knows what happened to it before he picked it up. LOL)

Ultimately the "wash hands frequently and don't touch your face" plan is the way to go. I wouldn't blame the OP's friends for bringing their own utensils, but otherwise, I think they would be fine. I hope they go and have fun.

 

[BlovesC]

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

Best thing I've read all day!