Disney, Universal, Sea World provide free insect repellent as Zika scare rises

The complimetary insect repellent given to customers Sunday

ORLANDO, Fla. – Walt Disney World, Universal and Sea World will start providing free insect repellent to its customers on Sunday after Zika scares increase.

The complimentary insect repellent will be given out at all Walt Disney Parks and resorts. They will also be provided at Universal Studios theme parks, resorts and at all Sea World parks.

Disney made the decision after the Gov. Rick Scott held a press conference earlier this week about the ongoing Zika risk-- asking businesses to get involved.

Signs will be posted throughout the parks and resorts letting people know where to get the repellent. Cast Members will be at stations throughout the parks handing out the repellent as well.

Disney released the following statement to News 6 Saturday afternoon:

“In an abundance of caution, we are accelerating preventative efforts throughout our property, including providing complimentary insect repellent to our guests along with helpful guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. We have an extensive mosquito-prevention and monitoring program in place, and we continue to work closely with local, state and federal experts on this topic,” said Jacquee Wahler, vice president, communications, Walt Disney World Resort.

There will also be aerosol cans in guest rooms at the resorts.

News 6 reached out to Universal Orlando, which said it already has an aggressive, destination-wide prevention and management program in place for mosquitoes and other environmental issues.

"We will continue to work closely with local and state officials in this area," a spokesperson from Universal Orlando said. "In addition, out of an abundance of caution and for their peace of mind, we will be making complimentary mosquito repellent available to our guests upon their request."

Universal Orlando will begin doing so Sunday.

Sea World told News 6 that their parks already have robust mosquito control programs in place to ensure the health and safety of our guests, team members and animals.

“Out of an abundance of caution, starting today we will offer guests complimentary EPA- approved insect repellent along with other theme parks in the area. Repellent will be made available at locations throughout all our Florida parks: SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, Discovery Cove, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island. We continue to stay in contact with local, state and federal health officials for the latest updates and recommendations,” Sea World said.


About the Author:

Emmy-nominated journalist Kristin Cason joined the News 6 team in June 2016.