If you’ve visited Walt Disney World recently, you might have noticed something missing — the futuristic whoosh of air from Dyson hand dryers. In a subtle but significant shift, Disney appears to be removing Dyson Airblade hand dryers from park restrooms and replacing them with traditional paper towel dispensers.Credit: Brian McGowan, UnsplashThis development was first spotted by X (formerly Twitter) user Belle, who shared photos from inside the parks and wrote:“It appears that Walt Disney World is removing all Dyson hand dryers from restrooms and adding more paper towel dispensers.”It appears that Walt Disney World is removing all Dyson hand dryers from restrooms and adding more paper towel dispensers. pic.twitter.com/1E1ncosGs0— Belle (@FiBelleFi) September 21, 2025While there has been no official statement from Disney regarding the change, the images shared by guests — showing wall-mounted Dyson units gone and paper towel holders installed in their place — suggest the shift is already underway.For a company known for meticulous guest experience management and forward-facing innovation, the removal of Dyson products raises more questions than answers. What caused Disney to ditch the high-speed hand dryers it once prominently featured in its restrooms? Is this a cost issue? A hygiene concern? Or could it be part of a broader, quieter distancing from Dyson altogether?From High-Tech to Old-School: Why the Switch?For years, Dyson hand dryers were a mainstay in Disney restrooms, particularly in newer or recently renovated facilities. Their sleek design, quick drying time, and eco-friendly appeal made them a seemingly perfect fit for Disney’s image — especially as the company pushed for sustainability and modern guest amenities.But the shift back to paper towels, a seemingly more “old-school” method, suggests something changed.Here are a few possible factors that may be influencing the decision:1. Guest Preferences and Hygiene ConcernsSince the COVID-19 pandemic, public perception of shared-air devices has changed. While studies on hand dryers and germ spread are mixed, a significant number of guests now view hand dryers — especially those that use high-velocity air — as less hygienic than paper towels.Even pre-COVID, there was public debate about whether air dryers could aerosolize bacteria from restroom environments. Whether those concerns are scientifically justified or not, perception can often drive policy in guest-centric businesses like Disney.In short, if guests feel safer with paper towels, Disney may simply be accommodating that preference.2. Maintenance and ReliabilityDyson Airblade dryers, while high-tech and efficient when working properly, are also complex machines that can malfunction or wear down — especially under the high traffic volume Disney parks experience daily.Paper towel dispensers, especially manual ones, require far less upkeep. They don’t break down, don’t need electricity, and can be refilled easily by custodial staff.It’s possible that after years of maintaining these devices, Disney concluded that simpler solutions work better in high-use environments.3. Operational Costs vs. Waste Trade-offsIronically, one of the initial selling points of Dyson dryers was sustainability. Reducing paper towel waste and eliminating the need to transport and dispose of it was seen as a step toward environmental responsibility.But now, with rising operational costs and the ever-present balance between guest satisfaction and budget efficiency, the pendulum might be swinging back.While paper towels create more physical waste, they might be cheaper in terms of long-term maintenance and guest approval — especially if guests are drying their hands faster and moving through restrooms more efficiently.The Dyson-Disney Disconnect: Not Just in the ParksCredit: Lee (myfrozenlife), FlickrInterestingly, this isn’t the first time Dyson and Disney have clashed — albeit indirectly.Over on the high seas, Disney Cruise Line actually prohibits Dyson hair dryers on its ships, including its newest vessel, the Disney Wish.According to a post on Disney’s official planDisney forum, Dyson hair dryers and hair wraps often exceed the cruise line’s wattage limitations. The rule is in place to protect the ship’s electrical systems and ensure guest safety. While some Dyson items might technically work on board, many guests report having their devices confiscated during luggage screening.Here’s a direct excerpt from planDisney:“The Disney Cruise Line prohibited and restricted items list states hairdryers must be 230V and 450 watts or less. […] Disney Cruise Line reserves the right to seize and secure any item that doesn’t meet safety specifications.”While the cruise line provides in-stateroom hair dryers and salon services in the onboard Senses Spa & Salon, it’s a clear — and perhaps under-discussed — example of Disney distancing itself from Dyson’s high-wattage, high-tech devices.This is not to say that the removal of Dyson hand dryers in the parks is directly related to their ban on cruise ships. But taken together, it’s an interesting pattern: Disney has now, in two completely separate areas of its operation, moved away from Dyson products that were once seen as luxury upgrades.Guest Reaction: Mixed, but Largely PositiveReactions to the change across social media have been surprisingly supportive — or at least accepting. Some guests expressed relief, noting they prefer paper towels anyway. Others pointed out that hand dryers often left their hands half-damp and weren’t as convenient when dealing with kids, spills, or other messes.On the other side, a few environmentally conscious users questioned whether switching back to paper towels was a step backward for Disney’s green goals. Still, many acknowledged that hand hygiene and perceived cleanliness have become more important than ever.No matter where you fall on the hand dryer vs. paper towel debate, one thing is clear: Disney is adapting to new expectations, quietly and without fanfare.There’s no word yet on whether Disneyland Resort in California or Disney parks internationally will follow suit. For now, the changes appear to be limited to Walt Disney World in Florida, but Disney tends to test updates at one property before rolling them out more broadly.As for Dyson, the brand still enjoys global popularity — especially among luxury appliance users — but its relationship with Disney appears to be cooling. Whether it’s power limitations at sea or hygiene concerns on land, the once-high-tech synergy between the two brands is increasingly a thing of the past.And in a company like Disney, where nearly every operational change is intentional, even restroom accessories can tell a bigger story.Have you noticed the Dyson dryers disappearing in your favorite Disney restroom? Let us know what you think — are you team towel or team air-dryThe post Disney World Makes Park Wide Bathroom Changes for All appeared first on Inside the Magic.