[PiratesFan]

I just read an article that Disney reports it is worried that WDW might be vulnerable and loose attendance due to the SARS epidemic. This is since many visitors are foreigners. I am planning on going in 3 weeks but am not really concerned, but those going soon should be made aware. It makes me wonder, though, since I have always noticed foreign tour groups visiting the parks. What are the chances one could come in contact there with an infected person?
It makes me sad how Disney (WDW) has taken a financial beating since 9/11, to have this potential threat loom on the horizon. ;pirate:

The original article can be viewed at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...2003Apr11.html

[buzzsmommy]

I think everyone has to remain calm about SARS. There have been something like 1000 people WORLD WIDE who have died of this disease yet every year we lose 30,000+ in the US alone to the flu and no one cancels trips because of flu!!! So, just go and have fun and wash your hands!! You probably have a better chance at getting hit by the tram car in the parking lot than catching SARS!!!:D

[David]

Originally posted by buzzsmommy
You probably have a better chance at getting hit by the tram car in the parking lot than catching SARS!!!:D

Now how will you feel if that really happens...

j/k! Saw Final Destination 2 last night... :whistle:

[tigger03]

As if it isn't stressful enough trying to plan a perfectly fun and enjoyable trip for my family, now this.

I am a wreck right now. Two days ago I was freaking out thinking what if my 18mnth old who's never been on a ride decides she wants to have a fit and try to climb out of a ride like Dumbo or panics on minute 3 of an 11 minute ride(like small world). Now I am paniced about SARS. I certainly don't want to cancel my trip, but I don't want to encounter someone on my drive south or at DW that has it and my little girls, we all know how they touch everything and haven't care in the world about hanging on those metal barrier things in the lines. I guess I could catch it just as easy standing in line at the grocery or eating at a local buffet, but I am freaking out here.

Has Disney issued any statement other than they are loosing money. Are they taking any precautions or are they just going to cancel more things and close earlier. What about the pools and buffets?I see a natural germ fest growing here. I am not ususally one of those paranoid moms, kids are kids they share germs but, I don't want us to be sharing deadly ones.:cry:

Please help me calm down:dazed

[mickey]

When we were on the Disney Cruise in December, after they had already cancelled a week because of the Norwalk virus, most of the meals on the ship are buffets, and they had CMs serving all the food. I would guess that if there was any danger ahead, they would do the same thing at WDW.

[Goofette]

Just wondering if anyone has heard anything else on this? I was watching the news (can't drag myself from it these days :nervous ) and they were talking about there were more cases than originally reported. There were restaurants that were practically empty and everyone had on masks (China)...are there any more reports of how this is affecting the US, particularly Disney? Has there been any report of anyone there showing signs and symptoms? I keep seeing on the news how attendance is dropping for fear of the SARS virus, but they aren't saying if anyone who's visited has actually contracted the virus. It almost sounds like it is more of panick to stay away, than anything actually happening yet. Anyone know?

[goofygal1975]

Gofette, I live in the Tampa area, and just yesterday there was a reported case in Pinellas County (my county, but way north of me) a 41 yr old man. And another new reported case in another county (a 1 year old boy) There are I believe 14 cases of SARS in Florida right now. None of them in the Orlando/Disney World area.

[Cinderellafifi]

My husband and I were discussing this last night since we are going up so soon. Besides constant hand-washing and bringing some sanitizing hand gel, I don't know what else to do. Thank goodness children seem to have more of a resistance but this is of concern...more so for us than any terrorism threat. :cry:

[JOANN]

It's really a shame that we have to live our lives in such fear today. I know if it isn't SARS, it will always be something else.
We will be leaving for DW in less than a month, and believe me, I am also concerned, especially since we are flying. So, we need to all take those extra precautions, and just try and be so careful.!!! JOANN

[trishb]

Has anyone ever heard of this little word...

Faith

[Goofette]

I agree, it's good to have faith, but I like to find out as much about something as possible, it's not that I'm panicked at all, I just like being informed. Especially if it might affect my daughter. I did hear they found the virus that (corona virus?) causes SARS, so that is good news.

[Simbasmom]

My understanding is that SARS is a coronavirus which is related to

a common cold virus. So, there's a chance it will die down during

the summer months like colds do. The mortality rate is actually

less than that of the flu, and of course the elderly and those with

compromised immune systems are at highest risk. So, healthy

people who practice reasonably good hygiene are really at very

low risk.

[wdwjeff]

Originally posted by trishb
Has anyone ever heard of this little word...

Faith

Not only that(and I totally agree with you, Trish), the risk is extremely minimal. Influenza(the flu) is at least as dangerous as SARS, and we don't walk around with masks on every year during flu season. If you are a generally healthy person, even if you get SARS, your symptoms and recovery will be flu-like. Very few of the fatal cases were in otherwise healthy individuals. As a health care professional, I find the panic humorous, and somewhat ridiculous. Truth be told, it reminds me of the old Orson Welles War of the Worlds panic. Anyway, that's my 2 cents worth on SARS.:heart :)

[buzzsmommy]

Amen to that WDWJEFF!!! A little voice of reason in a sea of panic!!! Thanks again!

[Goofette]

I've always tried to be respectful of other peoples opinions here and not try to belittle them, but i'm extremely disappointed in how some of us who have asked about Sars have been practically ridiculed just for asking questions and wanting to voice something that has us concerned (See other thread started today about Sars). I think because someone wants to become more knowledgeable doesn't make them "Panicky" and it upsets me tremendously how these boards are becoming more and more rude! This has always been the place where I was able to come and voice my concerns and not have to worry about others making me feel like I'm Stupid and Ridiculous. I'm truly HAPPY for the ones of you who are not concerned at all...that's Terrific! I on the other hand am concerned about things I see and thought this is the one place I could voice those concerns. I'm Sorry that I have seemed somewhat "humorous" and "ridiculous" to some of you. I will shut up now because I would hate to think I'm adding to the "Sea of Panic" that so many of you talk about.


I will go ahead and apologize for this rude post I am making. There are so many of you here who have been kind to me since I've joined. But, it just sickens me when I feel that people are expected to never have any fears in their life and they are ridiculed when they have them. :cry: There was a time at these boards that some of the inconsiderate comments I've seen lately would have never been posted (and yes, that includes this one )