As Disney Parks around the world remain closed, we can’t help but wonder how things will be different when this is over.
We’ve already speculated about what could be done to increase safety within the parks once they open. But now, it looks like Disney’s former CEO, Bob Iger, is confirming that one major safety check is being considered by Disney for the parks.
In an interview with Barron’s, Bob Iger spoke out about the future of the Disney Parks. Speaking to the public’s likely long-lasting health concerns, he confirmed Disney is considering what we’ve already speculated: Disney Parks may implement mandatory temperature checks to enter the parks.
He referred to the health protocols that have been used in China, stating “You can’t get on a bus or a subway or a train or enter a high-rise building there—and I’m sure this will be the case when their schools reopen—without having your temperature taken.”
Comparing this step to the changes we saw globally following 9/11, he commented, “Just as the case after 9/11 where people ultimately lived with the notion that in order for them to enter a building…you have to show a picture ID or get your picture taken and be screened.”
Iger agreed that taking this step could slow things down in the parks, but that it would be in response to guest demand. “…Let’s prepare for a world where our customers demand that we scrutinize everybody. Even if it creates a little bit of hardship, like it takes a little bit longer for people to get in.”
When we asked our readers at what point they would feel safe going to the Disney Parks when they reopen, we got varied answers, with some guests clearly concerned about loved ones with compromised immune systems. Iger implied that his belief is the public will demand screenings and health checks to enter heavily populated areas, including the Disney Parks.
Just as a guest with a weapon found in their bag wouldn’t be allowed to bring it into a Disney Park out of concern for guest safety, guests with a detectable illness would possibly be restricted from entering.
His remarks are in line with what we’ve speculated thus far. We know the reopened parks could see major changes. We’ll keep you posted on any confirmed updates as they come.
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Would you welcome temperature screenings at the parks? Let us know in the comments.
Kristin says
Considering about 25% of the people who are infected don’t show any symptoms I really don’t see how a temperature check would help. I’m not visiting until three is a vaccine or antivirals!
Melissa says
I don’t see how a temperature screening would do anything to catch asymptomatic people. We’ve seen such a range of symptoms and severity, that temperature is just not a defining enough screening measure. I think having more hand washing stations, hand sanitizer and more signage to remind guests to keep their hands clean and away from their faces will do more than just a temperature check
Natalie says
I am all for this idea, but wonder if people would still find ways to get around it, such as taking tylenol or ibuprofen before entry? And some people are still carrying the virus asymptomatically 🙁 I am not sure it will ever be safe for immune compromised people until we have a vaccine widely available. We are planning to go in September but my husband is immune compromised. We are probably going to have to cancel but will wait longer to see how things play out.
Amii says
Lots of other illnesses cause a high temperature. What if I have a temperature from an ear infection? Ear infections can’t get passed on but I won’t be able to get in to the park?
What if I am sick with something like Covid-19 but I take Tylenol to bring my fever down so I can get in the park?
Alison R. says
My husband’s normal body temp averages around 99-100. Would he need to carry a medical note with him everyday just to be able to show he doesn’t ACTUALLY have a fever and isn’t sick?? I think the better idea is just making the hand washing stations permanent and making sure that public spaces are cleaned more frequently throughout the day. Ultimately, it’s up to us as individuals to make sure we are protecting ourselves. JMO
Gordon says
+1 to what Kristin said.
Christine Suarez says
I agree. Many illnesses are contagious before a fever starts. Some people run warm. I think having hand washing stations fans periodically sanitizing ride cars during the day. Maybe even requiring masks for awhile would be good. But temperatures? Trust me, people will learn to get around that by taking fever reducers before hand to make sure they don’t “fail” the test when they feel fine. I personally would be very upset if I got there with my family, everyone with no sign of illness and the. Turned away for an elevated temperature. I just don’t think it’s the answer. And I’m a Disney fanatic! I will be there when it reopens
Brandon says
This is ridiculous. So if you book your disneyworld vacation months in advance and your two year old starts teething again(yes they get fevers from this) you won’t be allowed in the parks. Or what if it’s over 100 degrees out, then they won’t let you in. This is not China.
MA says
I will not welcome mandatory temp checks. More people with the disease do not have symptoms. Iger should not let the media’s spin dictate what the public wants. The United States is not China.
Colleen says
I worked in an elementary school. Parents with sick children would load them up with Tylenol to reduce their fever right before putting them on a bus. Fever wouldn’t show up for a few hours…then too late.
Julie says
Are they cleaning that thermometer between uses? And on top of that my body temperature is always up a little when I visit Disney World – it’s so hot there!
Linda says
No not in favor of temp checks for permanent basis. People don’t always have a temp when they have a illness that can transmit to others and some may have temp for something that doesn’t transmit. And what about permitted service animals; since now know they can be carriers- gonna take their temp. Do think handwashimg stations are good
Jennifer says
Too many other non-contagious things elevate temp. like kidney infection, ear infection, ovulation, etc. & some people run “low” all the time, like me. My normal is 96.8; so at 98-99, I could be ill, but you wouldn’t detect it. & my neighbor could fly across the country & be ovulating or have a mild kidney infection, & she can’t get in?!? Bob, this is not a good plan.
Amy says
The bag checks also spread germs from guest to guest.
Carly says
For everyone who doesn’t like this, I’m sure this would be a temporary measure only. Fresh Markets and a couple of other area stores that are still open are beginning to do the same thing. We should all expect there to be “rounds” of COVID-19 much like the 1918 Spanish Flu; while I’m all for staying at home for as long as possible, life also has to go on in many ways. This may be in place for 1-2 years, but I can’t really see it being more permanent like other security measures. Terrorists are still an issue and likely will be until the end of time. This pandemic is (hopefully!) a once-in-a-lifetime historic event. We will eventually have a vaccine or at least better ways to treat this. The idea is that 100 years from now, medical advances will be so we don’t get to this point with a novel disease again AND if it does happen, Disney Parks will have a better road map straight from 2020 on how to respond.
Gina Adams says
Like all the comments have said, temps don’t say you have the virus. And, often you’re most contagious when you don’t have symptoms. Disney shouldn’t be using the China model…
Heather says
Forehead thermometers show a temperature with a sunburn. Since that happens quite a bit in Florida I’m wondering how they would address that?
Cindy says
Here is an idea! Please change security guard gloves or use X-ray and metal detectors. Everything they touch in the bags gets spread to the next person. I bring a clear bag and they still feel the need to put their hand in it. This is a concern long before Covid-19! It is disgusting!
Brandon says
I’m fine going back tomorrow.
Doesn’t bother me one bit.
The only thing I’m scared about are major Price HIKES that are sure to be coming when they open back up.
James says
This is a terrible poorly thought idea. Actually a pretty stupid idea.
There’s 400 mil people in the US, 300,000 people have covid.
How many people right now have high temperatures due to any other non covid factor. I suspect maybe over 10 million?
This is so stupid on so many levels.
Peter says
What about the menopause, my wife is currently experiencing hot flushes several times during the day, would we have to wait and hope we can get to the head of the temperature testing line before she gets a hot flush? Crazy use of an over simplistic partially useful measure
Crystal says
How would this do any good really when there are medical conditions or medication that can raise your body temperature and weather will also play a part in someone’s temperature. Think about when women go through menopause and get hot flashes or medication that stops you from being able to regulate your body temperature. Are people going to have to carry doctor’s note with them? Maybe instead of worrying about temperature, they can make it so people stand further apart in lines?
Rob says
I could maybe see this right after reopening, but longer term, no.
Look, no one wants to catch illnesses when vacationing. I’ve been sneezed on in airports. I’ve had adults and children coughing next to me for entire flights or hour long waits in lines. No one likes it. I would be completely in favor of masks being available. However, Bob needs to realize that people will hesitate to spend thousands of dollars and the countless hours of planning a Disney trip, just to get there and find that they are being turned away due to Jr. having a temperature that day.
Karyn says
I agree with so many of the comments above…I think this is a “Shoot from the Hip” type of reaction right now…Teething infants and toddlers fever….does that mean they can’t enter. Let’s be reasonable here
Jennifer says
This might be a great idea to limit the number of people in the parks. Both my kids run hot and in the past we’ve had lots of issues with ear infections so we have too good a chance of one of use not being allowed in. If they were checking temperatures for entry, we just won’t plan to go.
I can see this being reasonable for the first few months (because it would reduce the numbers in the parks even more at a time when they need to do that) but not 1-2 years. I would never consider this keeping me safe, though, for the exact reasons people have stated.
James says
Dear Lori Rienhardt
I wish i could give 10 million likes to your comment! Well said.
Randi Briggs says
Some of you have mentioned that you think this would only be temporary. Has taking off our shoes at airports been temporary? Have bag checks at the gate been temporary? Once implemented, nothing goes away – ever. Once this goes into effect, it will never go away. I am not a fan. better sanitizing in the parks is a better way to go. We are slowly losing all of our freedoms, and the temp checks are not going to work. At some point, we have to decide we have had enough, and stop this. What will be next? Blood tests at the gate?
Jennifer Leonard says
This will not work and will be a huge waste of time. Many people that have the virus will be shedding virus long before they have any symptoms, including a fever. Plus, I’m sure in the middle of July everyone will have a fever due to the heat. This is a very stupid idea.
❤️ Disneyland says
Because my opinion may stir the pot; let me say that there is nary a bigger Disney Parks fan than myself. Having said that, we’ve had AP’s, including Premier Passes 10 out of the last 16 years, so hopefully that will ensure my answer (like it or not) is coming from a true fan and one who wants to get back to the parks themselves. Temperature checks would not rule out that a person is a carrier or not; if you have the least bit of current/ongoing knowledge of this virus. Definitely not a viable solution. Sadly, it might come to the point (not only at Disney parks but many places where large gatherings occurs) of showing an ID that proves you have had COVID19 and have fully recovered and or any treatments that are soon to come down the pipeline noted. Not to say anyone with a raging temperature should be going to a Disney park or anywhere else for that matter, but just taking a temperature is not the only means to containment. We all want to get back to the parks; but an outbreak like this must not happen again and it will take everyone’s cooperating to ensure that happens.
Beth says
Disney also needs to decrease the number of people entering the parks.
Melinda says
You cannot protect everyone from everything. People have to take be responsible for their own safety and actions. Don’t go into the park if you’re sick and wash your hands and bring wipes if you are in the parks. It’s all about common sense. To have to take the temperature of everyone entering the parks, when they’ve been standing in line for 20 minutes because you’re taking everyone’s temps, especially in the 100 degree summer months, is absolutely crazy. Don’t try to protect everyone from everything!!! Just let us come and enjoy.
Anne says
I think it’s a way of limiting crowds in the park initially–which also helps. If your kids are sick, feverish from other issues, etc. Please be patient and wait to bring them until they do not have these issues or there is a vaccine. Simple.
sam says
I agree this is ludicrous and just not going to fly, maybe Iger should go live in China if thats how he wants to run things here. Our days at Disney are done if they start restricting everything and making it too complicated.
Dawn says
The taking of temperatures don’t bother me. I’m sure they will have a temperature point they will set. I agree with the wash stations. Wearing masks would be a good add-on . I work at an elementary school. It’s amazing how many walk out of the bathroom without washing. It amazes me how many parents send their kids to school sick with high temperatures. Like I said before it’s not the parks I’m worried about. It’s the people.
Tim says
This is a pointless endeavor, that solves nothing. You can be infectious and not have fever, in fact that is frequently the case. As has already been stated, taking OTC meds will alleviate the fever anyway. How many people would risk an $$$ WDW vacation for a slight fever that may mean nothing anyway? Please DO NOT implement this pointless policy all in the name of”we did something so dont sue us”! Oh, and I’m an RN with a background in public health and infectious disease so take that for what it’s worth
Debra L Lee says
All excellent comments and I agree with EVERYBODY…DISNEY DO NOT DO TEMP SCREENINGS, its a poor assessment IMO – as an RN people kids can spike temps for many reasons as everybody stated earlier, not a logical way to protect your guests. Consider, screening at hotels the international arrivals – ensure if the US still has travel bans the hotels are doing their research and not letting people in from a BANNED area – if we have the ability to have Vaccines and Antibody screenings in next 4-6 months, folks should carry proof of immunity or getting vaccinated – have more handwashing/wear masks if appropriate and limit limit crowds and figure out a system for 6 feet distancing….. Its going to take alot of work and changes but Temp screening is not the answer IMO
Linda says
What about entering parks without the finger imprint, not too sanitary. Make sure you have hand sanitizer ready to use!
We were scheduled for end of May for 1 yr anniversary. It will be at least a yr , maybe for the Flower / Garden show we are missing now. No hurry tho too many loose ends . It would be nice to go when WDW is ALL cleaned up ( including. construction) , safety in place , cast members back… the new normal is ready to rock and roll .
I feel temps may be an issue, sounds like a plan but isn’t.
Penny Walters says
While I totally expect there to be changes, whether long term or short term, I have concerns with this one. what happens on those really hot Florida or Southern California days? You could get false readings that would exclude people from entering when there is nothing wrong with them other than it is hot.
James says
Just take some tylenol or Motrin about 1 hour before you arrive at the park and you temp will probably be normal. Taking temp before going in is about the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.
Jennifer says
We are AP holders & live in FL, so we go all the time. I already expressed my “no” 👎 vote on temps; BUT, since we’re on the subject of contagion: Hey, Bob – how about having your security guards stop SPREADING germs/disease by touching everyone’s personal effects back-to-back without disinfecting after each person. Sure, they have gloves, but those gloves only protect them, and EXPOSE the rest of us. Bob: reality check: walk into your parks, or get on the monorail the way the rest of us do & take an unbiased look at what you see happening at security checkpoints.
......... says
Sam, I agree. Disney is getting too complicated!!!
luv says
NO NO NO. This is a violation of human rights. I will 100% never go to a disney park again if they take my temperature. Also what do they do with that saliva swab of your dna? This is not okay and will no solve anything. DO NOT do this Disney.
Carlijn says
I’m so happy that almost every single comment thinks this is a bad idea, as I was also going to post that this is not only a completely useless endeavor, it shouldn’t even have crossed Iger’s mind to do this. It’s fundamentally ethically wrong.
Karac says
So my teething child, who has a 100+ temp due to teething, will not be allowed in on our over ten thousand dollar vacation?
Many smarter things you could do. Limit occupancy, you’ve allowed far too many people in the parks lately. Get rid of fingerprint scanner. Hand sanitizer. Virtual queues. Etc.
But no, we, the people already paying loads of money to stand in line and be hit with a gift shop at the end of each line, now have another hoop to jump through?
I get the idea, but this is not where the problem should be addressed.
Natalie says
In Florida your temperature could elevate 2 degrees in the 10 minutes it takes you to walk from the bus in a mob of people to security. Not to mention all the people who are sick with any number of things before they are symptomatic. And do these people have their temp checked before they get on the bus, skyliner, or boat? I understand why they need to do this but I feel like they might need to think this through more and be very clear in their communication seeing that they are expecting to have guests there before this virus is under control.
Kris R says
I do not support temperature checks and it would likely be, as alluded to, something only for guests’ sense of security rather than accomplishing anything. Would guests be checked before boarding the Magical Express, entering Disney Springs, boarding a plane to MCO, checking into a hotel, riding a bus, getting on a monorail…? There are so many other ways that a potentially infected person could have close contact with guests, CM’s, etc. and the sick person wouldn’t be checked. Will everyone with a fever be sent off-property immediately? Or just take the monorail back to his/her hotel? This is just ridiculous
Katie says
I think a lot of people are misunderstanding. This is not the ONLY thing they should do. It is just ANOTHER fail safe, in addition to more hand washing and sanitizing stations. You can’t prevent the virus entering the park 100% , you can only do things to REDUCE the risk of spread. Also, everyone saying temps of 99 are going to get them kicked to the curb. This is NOT THE CASE. It’s going to be a temperature over 100.6 or 100.8, like New York has done In grocery stores and yes, like China. It would take into account people “running high”. I personally would prefer that they do everything to ensure EVERYONE’S safety, even if “inconvenient”. I had a trip scheduled. Believe me it was inconvenient to cancel, but I’m alive and safe. I absolutely support the company continuing to put everyone’s well being first, instead of making sure everyone will spend money and fill their pockets. I wish people would be more responsible in not spreading a virus when left to their own decisions, but it’s quite clear people will only do what’s necessary to prevent this when they are faced with a “rule”. I’m just glad the Disney company cares enough to protect me from others who do not hold other people’s safety in high regard.
Jennifer says
I’m a HUGE Disney fan (we even live super close to it) but come ON. Like many have already stated, some people are asymptomatic. Also, how about the fact that ear infections, like people again have already stated, are not contagious but can cause fevers? Or how about the fact that hey, we’re in FLORIDA and in the super hot months, everyone will be reading a little high in temperature? I can’t wait for them to open, buuuut I’m a little concerned as well. Oh boy!
Dopey420 says
Just like all security theater, temp checks will stop some people who know they are sick from trying to enter.
You can’t trust people to do the right thing. They won’t. They will still try to drag their sick kid into the parks.
It is private property. If they want to check your temp before entering, they will, and there’s nothing you can do about it, except go home.
STEPHEN CAPRIOLI says
I know how about everyone that’s afraid of going to Disney stay home!! As a matter of fact don’t ever leave home this way people that want to live there life to the fullest can enjoy life. The other parts of society can live in fear and dwell on dying. It’s amazing there are people that are supposed medical professionals keep talking about this vaccine that they are skipping steps toward making are going to kill people by not properly testing it, no thank you. Viruses mutate so just like the regular flu shot which is only 30-40% effective any given year. It’s a false sense of security. They need to come up with a medication that heals you if you get sick that’s more important. Herd immunty is the answer the population needs to be exposed in order to build immunity yet no one in this discussion has metioned it.