Just swathe strangest thing at EPCOT. People wading in fountains

[BoarderPhreak]

There's a large fountain at the Smithsonian in DC (behind the Gardens, near the Natural History Museum), and it's not uncommon at all to see dozens if not hundreds of people with their feet in it. Of course, I wouldn't do that at the pool in front of the Capital...that reflection pool is nasty! But, this is a treated water fountain designed for this sort of activity.

Or the neighboring WWII memorial fountain...

 

[BoarderPhreak]

This has come up before. The explanation is that people from other countries use their fountains to cool their feet, or just relax in. I know that we aren't used to such a thing but then we Americans are way too uptight for our own good. The water is all treated, it is no different then being in the pool at the resort. It isn't uncommon for people from Europe to use the fountains like that...it's no big deal. I'm sure that none of the brochures that tell people how to act in the U.S. cover fountains and there proper usage.

But... This ain't Europe.

 

[piazza]

typically fountians are not treated to the same level as pools or spash pads, however this is Walt Disney World, so im not sure what they are doing!

 

[Goofyernmost]

typically fountians are not treated to the same level as pools or spash pads, however this is Walt Disney World, so im not sure what they are doing!

In Florida's heat and humidity, they have to treat it with chemicals or it would be a vibrant green within a few days.

 

[Goofyernmost]

But... This ain't Europe.

Like I said originally, we Americans need to loosen the sphincter just a little and stop fretting over every little thing.

 

[BoarderPhreak]

Like I said originally, we Americans need to loosen the sphincter just a little and stop fretting over every little thing.

I certainly do not disagree.

 

[UofMGuy423]

Having been to New York, D.C and other major cities where kids are playing in the fountains as if it were a swimming pool, I probably wouldn't be too surprised to see someone cooling their feet off in a Disney fountain. Probably wouldn't even give it a second glance.

 

[fillerup]

Seeing someone soaking their feet in a fountain wouldn't phase me in the least. I see it pretty routinely at the American adventure.

What's the harm?

 

[Gabe1]

I am surprised to learn the water in the fountains is treated, but they use recirculated water in those "splash areas" in Epcot. Toddlers are so prone to doing things like sucking on their fingers (after being in "recirculated" water ) .

We have an interactive fountain in my city, I used to go there on my lunch and people watch. Good fun.

I love going to Millenium Park!

If the Epcot splash areas are like ours the water is recirculated through the holding tank which goes through a filter, cleansing and then repumped.

 

[gaelic47]

I always feel a bit grossed out seeing the kids playing in the fountains in NYC because of the recirculated water. At least in Epcot there isn't a homeless person washing their nether regions like in the NY fountains...

I live in NYC, and for part of the year, I work the night shift, outside. So on my "lunch break" I often see homeless folks full on bathing in fountains. So yeah, fountains gross me out a bit.

 

[Gabe1]

I just went looking for Rohde's YouTube when I saw this thread! No CM was going to tell Rohde to knock it off.

 

[danpam1024]

I live in NYC, and for part of the year, I work the night shift, outside. So on my "lunch break" I often see homeless folks full on bathing in fountains. So yeah, fountains gross me out a bit.

that is so gross!!!!! However, I'm almost certain the homeless aren't bathing in WDW (unless they are a "tour guide" with a GAC ) Sorry I went there

 

[Freshee61]

A couple of years ago at all star sports some kid started washing his hair in the pool.

 

[jakeman]

Or the neighboring WWII memorial fountain...

Which is horrifically disrespectful.

Since that photo was taken they have put signs around the Rainbow Pool instructing people not to put their feet in.

 

[armyfamilyof5]

Next we will be seeing naked toddlers in them, it's just a matter of time....it always bother's me when I see people stripping their kids down to nothing at the splash areas. The first week of Flower&Garden we saw a couple standing their 2 toddlers up on the ledge just inside the park to take their picture with one of the character topiaries, they were perhaps 1 and 2 and the parents were not anywhere close enough to catch them if they fell. My daredevil boy has never needed that kind of encouragement to jump off things he shouldn't despite his several visits to the ER to have this and that stitched up, I just would never do this but that's just me.

 

[Zipadeelady]

In Fort Wayne Indiana there are many parks with fountains and our local zoo also has fountains that are expected to be played in. Kindof suprised so many here are grossed out by it. Maybe I'm a gross kindof girl.

 

[tsaintc]

Ok here we are enjoying epcot and walking through the different countries and twice saw people in the fountains. One was just kids some in bathing suites Then in morroco several kids in the fountain andeven an adult sitting on edge with her feet in the water. Strange I have never seen that before and no CM were coming over to ask them to get out. Is this now the norm?

Cannot say that I have seen anyone in the fountain, but during our Christmas trip, we did see some foreign guests and their children, reaching into this exact fountain in Morocco and taking out the coins. No joke. I actually told a CM who attempted to explain that this is frowned upon. My kids still laugh about that one.

 

[Mark In KY]

Eventually somebody will slip while getting in or out of one of the Epcot fountains and Disney will shut them down after paying out for the "injury lawsuit".

 

[Nemo14]

Eventually somebody will slip while getting in or out of one of the Epcot fountains and Disney will shut them down after paying out for the "injury lawsuit".

I think they have strobe lights just waiting for that!

 

[jkl2000]

Seen and done this several times in other countries, and in NYC parks as well - it's pretty common, but maybe not in WDW.

Did anyone else notice the conduit running from the side of the fountain into the nearby bushes, with the following words stencilled onto it: "Water Feed To Dole Whip Machines."