Disney parks are opening around the world, and health and safety measures are mandatory at this time to keep guests and employees safe. But one that seems standard across many entertainment venues, including Disney properties, is temperature screening.
Disney Springs
So, if we’re going to get our temperatures taken a whole bunch as things reopen, we’re wondering — what exactly is the science behind these temperature checks? Are they legitimately giving true data, or are they all for show?
Why is Disney using temperature checks?
Let’s start with the basics: what factors are making temperature checks such a ubiquitous measure? To start, safety is a priority for Disney and other companies. And due to the global health crisis, safety is more difficult to guarantee.
Until a mass-produced, quick, and reliable method of detecting this illness is present, temperature checks are likely going to be the top choice for large venues.
©Disney
According to Health, government and health officials maintain that temperature checks are an important piece of a much wider strategy in preventing the spread of illness. That is to say, checks won’t stop the spread or keep people safe alone, but with other health measures, they could help.
International Gateway temperature checks
Temperature checks, then, help to keep sick individuals out of contact with others. This means that folks in the venue might be able to stay healthy and as a result, they may feel a whole lot safer knowing that no one with a fever is walking around.
BUT, as a number of our readers have pointed out, body temperature is not always a reliable indicator of illness. So with temp checks becoming more commonplace now, how do these touchless thermometers work?
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How do they work?
There are a few different no-touch thermometers we’ve seen employed so far. Universal Studios and all domestic Disney properties are using infrared thermometers — an easy-to-use handheld tool.
Temp Check
Disneyland Shanghai is using a much more efficient method with thermal cameras. This allows the set-up of a big walkthrough area that displays the temperature of each guest passing through. A Cast Member is stationed to review temperatures as guests enter the park.
According to NPR, both of these devices capture the infrared energy coming off of the body and translate that energy into a temperature reading. Did you know that human skin is a super-efficient producer of infrared energy? Some no-touch thermometers can even match an oral reading within two-tenths of a degree — that’s pretty accurate!
Temperature Check at Disney Springs
Venues are generally determining the maximum temperature that guests and employees can have to be allowed to enter. For both Universal Studios and Disney Properties, that maximum is 100.4 degrees. If you’re a touch warmer than that, you won’t be getting in.
Are they foolproof?
You’re probably not surprised to find out that these temperature checks are NOT foolproof. The infrared thermometers work best with dry skin and draft-free rooms. If someone is sweating or happened to stand in a windy area, they may register a normal temperature even if they have a fever, per NPR.
Cast Members Cleaning in Galaxy’s Edge
Beyond that, some guests may, unfortunately, attempt to trick the thermometers intentionally. Aspirin and other pain relievers have fever-reducing effects that can mask a higher temperature. Instagram users in Shanghai have even been sharing tips to lower their temperatures as they head to Disneyland.
On top of that, these thermometers only keep out people with fevers. According to Health, Some people who are ill are completely asymptomatic or they don’t register fever as a symptom. These folks could be unaware that they are sick or not think that their symptoms warrant any alarm. A thermometer won’t stop them from being around others.
Universal CityWalk on its reopening day
So no thermometer is perfect, but health officials still say that these screenings are the best bet for venues to isolate people who may not know that they’re sick.
We asked our readers how they feel about temperature checks in Disney World. Here’s what they said!
Will temperature checks be a permanent feature?
So, now that we know how temperature checks work, will they be a permanent addition to our theme park and leisure experiences? It’s hard to say! They may only need to be a measure until the advent of a vaccine, case numbers drop and stabalize, or until rapid testing kits are readily available, or they might stick around for a while.
Temperature Check Signs
However, some (including Disney Chairman Bob Iger) think that this crisis will change what allows people to feel comfortable in theme parks and out and about in general. Iger asserted that temperature checks could become as common as security measures like bag checks after 9/11, as people expect a higher level of health awareness.
After all, 70% of readers we polled are on board with the idea of temperature checks at the park gates.
Temperature Checks at Animal Kingdom
For now, as long as businesses are beginning to reopen and people wish to patronize them, temperature checks are one of the better options available at this time to identify ill guests.
Click here to learn about Disney Chairman Bob Iger’s comments on temperature checks!
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How do you feel about temperature checks in Disney World? Tell us in the comments!
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Lol the answer is no, they aren’t accurate. I know people at various American hospitals with the exact same protocol and methodology. They aren’t using them outdoors at a Florida theme park and they still all talk about how laughably inconsistent and finicky these thermometers are. I’m sure under ideal circumstances they do great, but if medical personnel at hospitals have trouble with them, I don’t have much hope for Disney.
I agree with mark. Temp checks are not accurate at all. You guys also pointed that part out where a fever is not a symptom to those who are carrying the virus. In California, this is going to suck. Why? Well most of the ticket takers are older, they already take 5mins per guest just to take their picture for ticket entry. Again, where are the magic bands for CA? Until a better efficient system is in place, I feel like the process to get into the parks has just tripled.
There is a reason why in healthcare we don’t consider someone to have a fever unless their temperature is at least 101. Some people run hotter than others and body temperatures fluctuate throughout the day and with weather, hormonal and activity changes. 100.4 is not a fever. A fever present does not equal a COVID-19 diagnosis. Then there are those who are positive with COVID that never get a fever. These temperature checks are useless and give people a false sense of security.
What if you get a sunburn? Will the temperature check see that as having a fever?
If you are waiting to come inside the part, DON’T STAND IN THE SUNLIGHT. The sunlight will heat your body including your head to a temperature above requirements.
Taking temperatures is pointless. All four of our families had Covid-19. My husband never ran a fever, both kids were asymptotic, and I ran one for 10 days. Doing this will not help
But temp checks for most don’t make much lots of people with the virus don’t have a temp for that matter than might not even have symptoms. It’s just to make you feel safe like masks. The masks most are wearing dont protect you it protects others from you. While I guess masks are something still though they can’t b used long term. Why because Florida in the summer is hard enough..with masks up it 1000%
Temp checks don’t mean much with so many not having symptoms..it’s just something to makes the masses feel safe.
How many people going to take Tylenol about 1/2 hr before they go to parks/DS??? People are gonna have to use their heads, you don’t feel well, have a fever or what ever, Stay away, stay in room or if your home, stay home. It’s a matter of common sense.
All valid points AND who would spend the time and $ to go to Disney and not have everyone in their party take a tylenol just in case! Pointless endeavor
I had an appoimtment earlier this week where they had to take my temp. I am negative, no exposure and no symptoms. I got into.my car that had been sitting in the sun and was approximately 90 degrees inside. It was a 5 minute drive, so air conditioning didn’t have enough time to cool the car. I was denied entry until i could step outside and cool down! Standing in Florda sun and humidity will be worse no doubt!
I wonder how many people were turned away because of a high temperature? And, how exactly are the CMs going to handle that discretely.
Here is a thought. If airlines are requiring temperature checks, what happens when you successfully pass on the way down to Orlando but on the return home someone is ill and has a slight fever? Everyone is denied access on the plane? What happens then? Airline refund? Rent a car?
Athena Braun. Yes, I agree. Most people are not symptomatic. That is the part that is frightening.
It’s not cast members taking your temperature it’s a company that has a tent doing it. They are knowledgeable, I was super overheated from walking from the car to the check in -it’s August in Florida and I’m out of shape so they let me cool down in a tent with a portable AC, they saw my temp was dropping after 5 min and let me go in. They offered me water too.
Totally useless. When we were there in January, I asked each time what my temp was. It was never 98.6. Usually 95 or below. This trip in May 2021, it was between 95 and 97.