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Credit: Edited by Inside the MagicThe Walt Disney World Resort has been the source of magic for millions since 1973, and it continues to provide enchantment and wonder even over 50 years later. However, as the parks have grown and evolved over the decades, some Disney features are still stuck in the past, and we’re not talking about dated animatronics.
Since most of Disney World’s structures were constructed before specific safety codes and building regulations were enacted, many are starting to show their age. While that’s proven to be more of an aesthetic issue than anything life-threatening, there have been instances where deterioration has been hazardous to guests’ health.
Related: Report: Disney Removing Guns from Magic Kingdom Soon
Certain rides have experienced outbreaks of black mold in the past, but a recent post reports one Disney World structure still contains asbestos fibers. Even more troubling is that it sits right against one of the Magic Kingdom’s favorite restaurants. @themouselets shares more information in their post below.
Does Disney World Still Have Asbestos?
@themouselets this may be why Disney has yet to retheme Stitch’s Great Escape…. #disneyworld #disneyfacts #disneyimagineering #disneysecrets #magickingdom
In one of the channel’s many videos covering abandoned Disney attractions, @themouselets goes into great detail on why Stitch’s Great Escape still remains a forgotten remnant of Disney’s second attempt at an interactive alien ride instead of being converted into a modern attraction. It’s not due to lack of desire, but rather what will happen if the walls come down.
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Per @themouselets, buildings that were built in the 1970s contain asbestos, a notoriously dangerous insulation fiber, that we now know poses a severe risk to guests if they were to be exposed. If any restructuring work is done on Stitch’s former attraction or Cosmic Ray’s, the building would need a complete overhaul, costing Disney more money.
Where’s the Danger?
The Center for Disease Control shares the following regarding asbestos exposure,
“When the mineral fibers are handled, they can be released into the air and be inhaled, because of their microscopic size and fibrous nature, which can lead to asbestos accumulating in the lungs and causing respiratory illness. Exposure to asbestos has been associated with adverse health effects such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.”
Carcinogens and lung diseases aren’t exactly the best way to sell tickets to one’s theme park, and completely gutting the building would take time, money, and effort. Given the popularity of the restaurant, especially since Sonny Eclipse made his return, the chances of Disney shutting things down completely aren’t very high.
Related: Disney Confirms Massive Animal Kingdom Project Is About To Begin
That said, any exposure found in the restaurant building or the abandoned attraction will force Disney to shut down the entire structure until the asbestos-containing material is properly disposed. When that will happen, however, is anyone’s guess.
Related: Disney’s Hollywood Studios Faces Another Major Closure
In this writer’s opinion, it’s better to rip the bandaid off now than risk public safety to hazardous materials. At the time of writing, there has been no reports of anyone suffering from exposure. But as the saying goes, it’s only a matter of time.
Do you think Disney should investigate this claim? Tell Inside the Magic about it in the comments below!