Perception of Disneyland after measles outbreak focus of email exchange with health officials

Someone somewhere is going to use this "news" to make Disney look like they're trying to do something sleezy.

The news of the measles outbreak? Or the news of the email?

Regardless, every story I see on the news about the measles outbreak (which by the way, is every day) includes the word "Disneyland". I'd probably be trying to pedal my way out of this, too. It's not their fault, but it's where it started, and there are going to be people who see the place as a hot bed of disease.

Which is a shame. Every time we go see a movie on Christmas Day I seem to walk out with the flu. But I don't blame AMC.

The "news" about the emails, not the (actual) news about the measles cases.

The cruise ship industry seems to weather the tide of on board illnesses. I'd go to Disneyland long before I'd get on a ship.

RCMAC said:

...and there are going to be people who see the place as a hot bed of disease.

...should we ride Splash Measles or Measles of the Caribbean first?

If Disney is really worried about the measles outbreak and negative impacts on their business, couldn't they offer free measles vaccinations to employees and guests (that aren't already vaccinated) planning a trip at least 2 weeks in advance until the issue disappears?

Rather than trying to change negative media perception that Disney wasn't responsible and that their parks are completely safe, they could issue a press release that more than 90% of guests are already vaccinated and protected from measles. Then, for anyone not vaccinated without insurance that would cover it, Disney would offer free advance measles vaccinations to instill confidence in any guest planning a trip, while of course reiterating the safety and cleanliness of their parks.

The take rate would likely be low, and this could put a positive spin that Disney has the utmost care for its guests' well-being.

Actually, I believe they are offering measles vaccinations to WDW employees.

I cringe every time the media attributed the start of the outbreak to Disneyland. No, the start of the outbreak was not vaccinating your child.

Jeph said:
If Disney is really worried about the measles outbreak and negative impacts on their business, couldn't they offer free measles vaccinations to employees and guests (that aren't already vaccinated) planning a trip at least 2 weeks in advance until the issue disappears?

I doubt that most people not getting their kids the measles vaccine are doing it because they can't afford it. And Disney offering free shots isn't going to change their minds.

So today I hear that patient zero in this outbreak caught it somehow in the Philippines, and brought it back to the US. I also read that the person was Amish.

^^Right, but that's not the point of what I was suggesting. I said the offer take rate would likely be low.

What I was thinking about was a more effective way for Disney's PR team to turn this positive and shift the responsibility to the guest.

Media loves to turn things negative. In this instance, trying to make Disneyland look like a risky place. Then when Disney's PR team tries to recommend change in the wording to health officials, it's almost presented as a shady deal or cover-up by media.

There's a simple solution to this problem, and it's being vaccinated. So, if media broke news everywhere of a PR release that "Disney is Offering Free Measles Vaccinations to <10% of Guests that Aren't Vaccinated," it might help shift responsibility to the guest and put Disney in a good light, while drawing attention to the fact that over 90% of people are vaccinated and safe already.

It would be pointless to offer vaccinations when visiting Disneyland. It takes a few weeks to develop an immunity after the vaccine is given, persons receiving the vaccine at Disneyland would not develop any immunity during their visit.

True, which is why I suggested 2 weeks advance minimum, for those planning a trip. Shots could be handled anywhere. Again though, really more of a positive PR spin attempt. I'm sure few would act on it.

Or a negative one.
One might read "If you're coming in here probably better get your shots updated" into that.
Kinda like a trip to Africa.

Jeff is right. Wdw cast members are being offered free vaccines this month.

There has been an ongoing outbreak in the Phillipines for a few years now. If I were in charge, I might consider refusing unvaccinated individuals entry into the US if their passport indicated they'd been in the Phillipines (or perhaps a mandatory quarantine period).