Conference koolit::disney

    Before I get into my thoughts on this subject, a quick comment with my
    moderator ears on...

    I believe this is an important topic that warrants discussion in this
    notesfile.  However, I want to caution folks to keep on the topic and
    not propogate the so-called urban legends that pop up from time to
    time.  So unless you have proof or first-hand knowledge (i.e. you were
    there) of a particular incident, please refrain from entering it as
    fact.

    Now, my impressions on the topic of security at WDW hotels and
    otherwise...

    I don't believe that I've ever stayed in a hotel where someone could
    not walk past the front desk, go up the stairs or elevator, proceed to
    my room door, knock, and say, "Room service" (or "Housekeeping").  In
    this respect, WDW is no different.

    As with all vacations, you've got to take some measures to guarantee
    your own security/safety:

    	Lock the door when you're in your room.	
    	Don't open the door for someone unless you can identify who's on 
         the other side.	
    	Don't bring a large amount of cash; use traveler's checks.	
    	Don't leave valuables like expensive jewelry in the room; use the 
    	 hotel safe if there is one.	
    	And on and on...

    Allowing my cynical side to show through a bit, I would say that WDW
    has more security than you'd expect at a Best Western on I-Drive, but
    those measures are put into place more to protect Disney's interests
    than those of its guests.

    Some people have this notion that Disney World is a magical place where
    nothing can harm you, but unfortunately, that's not true because even
    the thieves can buy a ticket.

    But it shouldn't prevent from going on vacation and having a good time. 
    Just use your common sense both in the parks and back in your hotel
    room.  

    Anyone else have other suggestions for a secure and safe vacation at
    WDW??

    - Skip

    When there, last week, we saw uniformed security in the parks, for the
    first time.  We also noticed that what seemed like many HUNDREDS of
    employees wore headsets/mikes.  Six years ago, we saw none of this.
    
    In our room at the GF was a safe that you could re-program the code on
    a key pad.  The door had the usual deadbolt and "restrainer" that lets you
    oopen the door slightly.  The slider to deck had a deadbolt and
    additional lock.
    
    However, as with every other place I have stayed in, ANYONE can walk up
    to your room and knock.
    
    Dave

    
    The local news should look at the lack of local police protection
    first. Last time in Disney WDW people provided a more visiable presence
    and more organized responce to situations that called for this. We
    stayed at a Best Western in Kiss.... and were ripped off by the maid.
    The Hotel made no effort to help and the local police made even less
    effort. Never again, from now on we stay in the park. I would trust WDW
    local staff and system before I would look to local police. You can't
    get away from the fact that crime is on the rise everywhere. This isn't
    WDW's fault. Just a fact of life. Take the normal precautions when
    traveling and enjoy yourself. You can't worry about everything...then
    it wouldn't be a vaction right?
     

    re: .2
    
    I don't think security has gotten any tighter, but I do think that it's
    always been there.  In my "glorious" past I have held the position of
    stage manager for a traveling show and this experience has heightened
    my senses in regard to security people, especially when large crowds
    are concerned.
    
    Each time I have visited WDW I have been impressed with the security in
    the parks.  They have always had people around with headphones and
    radios.  Sometimes they are more blatent than others.  Don't be
    paranoid about it and it won't get to you.
    
    RE: .0
    
    I think .1 said it best.  Take responsibility for yourself and do the
    best you can to enjoy life!  If you do lose something, make sure it
    either was not too valuable, or is insured!
    
    IMHO, staying on-property is safer than off-property and the news media
    is just making a "splash mountain" out of a "minnie" problem.
    
    (Puns intended!)
    
    John
    

    Security was absolutely more present on our most recent trip (last
    month) than on previous visits.  As an example, in the evenings you
    must show a valid resort ID to drive past the Custom House and on to
    the main loop road at the CBR.  All vehicles are stopped and checked by
    uniformed security.  On previous visits, there had been no access
    restrictions to the CBR.
    
    Cheers,
    Ken
    

    Last week I saw uniformed security people in MGM for the first time 
    ever. There was also much more security for riding the buses. We had 
    to show transportation authorization (resort ID, annual passport, 
    multi-day passport) to get onto buses between parks, and a resort ID 
    to get onto buses from parks to the resorts.
    
    I'd feel more comfortable on property than in the Motel 6 in downtown
    Orlando. Just take appropriate precautions and have a good time.
    
    Linda 

Excellent feedback -- this is exactly what I was looking
for.  I am pleased to see that there is a heightened
level of security at the park and that it is more obvious,
but then, that begs the (almost rhetorical) question: 
Why?

Is the security at a heightened level because of these
reports?  Were there any reports at all that anyone can
quote from?  Or is this just a coincidence?

Does anyone, probably from the Orlando area, or someone
who bothered to pay attention to the local news during a
recent visit, know of any reports?  Are my mother's 
concerns based on factual reporting or are they just a
loving mom's paranoia?

I appreciate the input, and am back to seriously considering
staying at the resorts again.

Thanks,
Aaron

    Aaron, I think that the problems that WDW is having are not WDW
    problems they are larger problems that WDW is trying to handle the best
    they can and I know I would feel much more safe having vacation in WDW
    that in just about any American city these days, so I think in a sense
    your Mother is right but only partially right.  WDW is probably more
    dangerous than in the past but relative to the rest of society, I think
    it's probably safer.  I wouldn't use this as a reason to not go to WDW,
    you should go, take the normal precautions, forget about it and have a
    good time.
    
    Tom

    Florida most likely has the largest number of tourist and visitors than
    any other state. This in itself makes it a very attractive place for
    crooks. These tourist are also a major source of income to the state.
    The two are proportional including increased security. Its sad to think
    a place like WDW has to resort to increased security but I think it
    shows that they do care about their source of income.....people. I
    think if you looked at crime outside of WDW and the surrounding Orlando
    area, WDW would prove to be at lot safer. 

    Aaron, 
    
    One of the things you said is that you have a 2 year old child with you
    which in my opinion can be a good distraction for pick pockets, theives
    etc.  I have stayed both on an off the "WDW" property and with a small
    child, my recommendation would be to stay on the property.  WDW makes
    everything easy access as possible.  Having a small child with you at
    all times, you want things to go as smoothly as possible.  Just take
    the little extra precautions as you would anywhere you travel.   I do
    feel that the little extra attention you get on WDW property is worth
    the extra expense.  I have always felt safe there.   Just use your best
    judgement in the parks and not leaving your valuables accessable. 
    
    Relax and Have Fun!
    
    Rose East
    

    Reprinted without permission
    
                  ATTACK VICTIM SUES DISNEY WORLD
    
    ORLANDO, Fla. - A Maine woman who was beaten, raped, and robbed in a
    hotel room at Walt Disney World is suing the entertainment complex for
    damages.
    
    The 20-year-old woman, identified in court papers only as a Maine
    resident, said park officials failed to protect her last Oct 31. Her 
    lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Orlando Circuit Court, accused Disney
    Caribbean Beach Resort Hotel of ineffective security patrols, poor 
    employee screening, improper maintenance of door locks and an inade-
    quate 911 emergency telephone system.
    
    Disney spokeswoman Jane Adams said the company does not comment on
    pending litigation.
    
    No one has been arrested in the attack, which occurred the day the
    woman checked into the Caribbean Beach Resort Hotel with her 10-month-
    old daughter. After checking in, she ordered a crib for her baby and
    then left with the child to meet relatives. 
    
    When she returned to her room, she found the crib and the attacker, who
    placed duct tape over her eyes, mouth, legs, and arms and tied her to
    the bed. 
    
    The woman managed to free herself after the attack and dialed 911, the
    lawsuit said. The call went to Disney rescue officials and later park 
    security officers. The Orange County Sheriff's Department was not
    notified until a half-hour after the report. (AP)
    

Thanks.  This corresponds with what little information I've been able to get from 
my mother.  It also coincides with the aforementioned heightened security at WDW.

I plan on going, and am seriously considering at staying at one of the resorts.  
I got my MKC card the other day, bought the latest Birnbaums, and have a pile of 
brochures.  

Heigh-ho, heigh-ho, it's to WDW we go!

Aaron

    A group of us from a local dance studio are going to Orlando for a
    dance convention from July 12-19.  We are staying at the Holiday Inn on
    Kirkman Road in Orlando just across the street from Universal Studios.
    
    Has anyone stayed there and what is the security like in that area?
    
    After reading this I'm wishing we were staying in the park...
    
    Thanks,
    Cyndi