Splash Pad - Recycled Diaper Water...YUCK

[Sammie]

My understanding that the reclaimed water is the same water they use to water plants and such, not just recycled from the splash pad right back to the splash pad.

Even then I would not suggest ingesting any pool water even in the larger pools.

A greater concern and one all parent's need to be aware of is getting into these areas with a cut or scratch. Definitely want to avoid that.

 

[stackyallred]

I just want to say I understand your concern, OP. I, too have a 2 year old and I really struggle with the splash pads anywhere we go. He can be told not to swallow the water but he still will likely get excited and forget... Or, as most two year olds do, he will purposely swallow it because I say not to. I know he *probably* will be ok, but it still concerns me. You aren't the only one out there! I am sure it's not really worth too much worry but I get where you are coming from.

 

[disney1990]

When DD was 6 months old, she dropped her pacifier under the couch. I dutifully grabbed it and washed/sanitized the heck out of it... only to come back and find her chewing on the dog's tail. It was at that point I realized I had to give in and germs were going to win.

Since then, life has been a lot more relaxed. There have been some mudpies, some faces full of dog kisses, and countless experiments with puddles and rain water. Overall, she's remarkably healthy and loves to play in the mud.

That said, I do not see how Disney would be able to continue to have something that draws kids to play in that is not reasonably healthy. Even on cruise ships they advise diaper wearing children to avoid the pools... I'm 100% sure they keep the pools clean and sanitized but it's better just to avoid the situation altogether.

...and, if the thought of splashing in water that might be dirty makes you cringe, avoid any tropical place. Many locals on various islands prefer to let their kids swim nude as opposed to wasting money on bathing suits or diapers. Not to mention the countless marine life who live in a water world...

My, now 27 year old daughter, loved splashing in the water at Disney, playing in the mud, walking in the creek. Ever seen a child drop their pacifier, parent picks it up, wipes it off on their shirt and gives it back. Ever seen a baby hold and chewing on their parents keys. Kids are pretty darn hardy -- they are made to be.

 

[Wadecool]

I would imagine that that water is treated to some degree with chlorine. FYI, or all those freaked out by the splash pads, I was a lifeguard at a public pool in my younger years and you would not believe how often kids poop in the pools. Often it is caught and the pool is cleared, but just as often it isn't caught until much later. Lesson of the day: don't eat the Baby Ruth you see in the pool.

 

[DizzDoll]

My son ate our cat's crunchies. He drank Resolve carpet cleaner (poison control said not to worry there was nothing in Resolve to poison anyone). Both kids played in those Chuck E. Cheese ball pits. With dirty diapers in them!! They've also played in the splash zones at WDW. No ill effects (except for me when I saw that filthy diaper in the ball pit). Kids are pretty resilient. Its us parents who suffer more from the gross-out factor. I agree with the others who said as long as your child doesn't drink the water he should be fine. Just wash off their hands before they eat anything.

 

[rainydayplay]

Your kid ate dog food that's hilarious

My DD used to eat the cat food. She'd get into it, and I'd go fix her some tuna fish..... She still eats tuna, but no more cat food.

 

[DisneyLover75]

I thought I smelled chlorine when I was there.. I hope I did.

My son is eight, but has autism. So in many ways he can act like a two year old. He still would drink the water. I try to stop him but it's a losing battle. He drank the splash pad and pool water at Disney, unfortunately. He hasn't had any serious illness from it thus far.

Nevertheless I'm a little hyper-aware and worried for next time, now that I read this thread lol.

 

[disnut8]

Your kid ate dog food that's hilarious

I'll probably freak out some people here but the child and the dog shared a favorite toy. An squeaky plastic orange clothespin. The dog would play with it, they would play with it together, my son would play with it alone. The day that thing broke was a sad day in our lives.