Walt Disney World Resort‘s iconic Dole Whip has found itself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. A Disney Park guest recently took to Reddit to warn others about possible foodborne illness linked to the beloved frozen treat.
The dairy-free pineapple soft serve is a must-try for many Disney Parks fans, available at multiple locations across the Central Florida Resort, including Pineapple Lanai at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Magic Kingdom Park’s Adventureland, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park’s Africa, and Disney Springs. However, one guest’s experience with the popular snack reportedly took a sharp turn, sparking concern among fans online.
What Happened to the Dole Whip?
In a Reddit post last week, user u/PeoriaNative1 claimed that two family members became violently ill after eating Dole Whip from Pineapple Lanai.
“If you had a pineapple Dole Whip from Pineapple Lanai at the Polynesian around 12:45, you probably had something spoiled,” they wrote. “By the time I finished it I didn’t feel right and have had chills and projectile vomiting since 4 p.m. and now just dry heaving every 15 minutes.”
The post quickly gained traction, with other users debating the claim’s validity. Some commenters pointed out that food poisoning symptoms typically take longer to develop, suggesting the illness could be linked to something the guest consumed earlier.
A Bigger Issue or Just a Coincidence?
While some Disney Parks fans thanked the guest for the warning, others were skeptical.
“Food poisoning generally doesn’t take effect that quickly,” said Redditor u/vvtim, referencing the timeline of symptoms shared by the original poster. “If you were feeling sick immediately after eating the Dole Whip, it was likely from something you ate earlier than that.”
Another commenter, u/kheret, suggested a more common culprit: “I’m convinced like 90% of the ‘food poisoning’ posted on here is [Norovirus].”
The original poster, however, insisted the Dole Whip was to blame after reviewing their recent meals. “Based on what I ate up to that point it was definitely the Dole Whip,” they wrote, adding that their wife became ill later in the day, though their children remained unaffected.
Still, other Disney Parks fans decided to steer clear of the pineapple soft serve for the time being.
“Well, I guess I’m not getting that tonight,” u/TheLastGunslinger wrote.
Disney’s Food Safety Measures
Though the guest’s claims remain unverified, Disney has robust protocols for handling food safety concerns. If a guest believes a food or beverage at Walt Disney World Resort caused illness, they are encouraged to notify Guest Services immediately so the situation can be investigated thoroughly.
Foodborne illnesses are rare at Disney Parks but can occur in any high-traffic tourist destination. The crowded nature of Walt Disney World Resort, combined with year-round travel, makes stomach viruses like Norovirus a far more common issue among guests.
While incidents like this are alarming, it’s important to remember that reports of food contamination at Disney are extremely rare. Dole Whip remains a fan favorite and a staple of Disney Parks dining, delighting countless guests daily.
Has a Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort snack made you sick? Share your story with Disney Fanatic in the comments.
