DisneyLAND

[justducky78]

MrsBee - We've been married almost 4 years. We have been together forever, though, so I have to admit, I knew he was up to something. He did one of those treasure hunt things through the parks/rides and then proposed on the beach at the Polynesian. It was very romantic but unfortunately it rained, but we had our trusty yellow rain jackets to wear! :lol:

Popsiclestrees - I can't wait to ride Mr Toad. That is one of the rides I really miss at WDW.

TP2000 - Yes, I have read about the crime rates in Orlando. I heard about the (kidnapping was it?) of a couple at Downtown Disney. Scary. I always felt safe at DTD during the day but at night (near the dance clubs) it seemed to attract a different crowd.

I understand there is a lot of crime in Orlando as a whole and of course, a perfect target is tourists! But, I still like the feel of WDW and the isolation (wide open spaces between the resorts, etc).

 

[agent86]

Well, I still feel pretty darn safe when I stay at WDW.

That's known as "false sense of security". Regardless of how you "feel", statistics don't lie. The area surrounding Disneyland (regardless of how "seedy" you and others want to make it out to seem) is FAR safer and less crime-ridden than the area around WDW.

 

[agent86]

I think the point is that you are pretty safe at either resort.

Actually that's not quite the point. The point is that you are much safer in the Disneyland area than you are in the WDW area.

 

[agent86]

But, I still like the feel of WDW and the isolation (wide open spaces between the resorts, etc).

That isolation that you love the feel of, is a big part of what makes WDW less safe.

 

[justducky78]

Agent86 is officially on my ignore list. Not interested in what HE has to say. Buh-bye! :wave:

 

[agent86]

Agent86 is officially on my ignore list. Not interested in what HE has to say. Buh-bye! :wave:

Didn't you already say that like five posts ago? :lol::hammer:

 

[MrsBee]

I think the point is that you are pretty safe at either resort. I felt completely safe in and around Disneyland just as I did in and around Disney World. Even on Harbor Blvd, at least alongside the park (that's all I've been at) is safe. I think its just a misconception that because Disneyland is inside a large metropolitan area that it is somehow unsafe or less safe than Disney World which is so isolated.

I always stay offsite at Disneyland (now that I don't live in the area anymore...thank God. I didn't like living in california.) One thing that I hate is walking back to the hotel at night. I don't trust the drivers on Harbor. I was in the park one night when a family got hit by a car. I think some of them may have died. I don't know the exact story. I just remember waiting for the monorail and seeing a lot of flashing lights. We heard about it later on.

MrsBee - We've been married almost 4 years. We have been together forever, though, so I have to admit, I knew he was up to something. He did one of those treasure hunt things through the parks/rides and then proposed on the beach at the Polynesian. It was very romantic but unfortunately it rained, but we had our trusty yellow rain jackets to wear! :lol:

Popsiclestrees - I can't wait to ride Mr Toad. That is one of the rides I really miss at WDW.

TP2000 - Yes, I have read about the crime rates in Orlando. I heard about the (kidnapping was it?) of a couple at Downtown Disney. Scary. I always felt safe at DTD during the day but at night (near the dance clubs) it seemed to attract a different crowd.

I understand there is a lot of crime in Orlando as a whole and of course, a perfect target is tourists! But, I still like the feel of WDW and the isolation (wide open spaces between the resorts, etc).

I love Mr. Toad's. Such a cute ride. My glasses always fog up in "hell" in the winter...haha.

Agent86 is officially on my ignore list. Not interested in what HE has to say. Buh-bye! :wave:

I was happy to see that this message board had the ignore feature. I don't think I could handle one more tongue hanging out, hammer to the head icon. It was getting pretty old....haha.

If you have any other disneyland questions...let me know.

 

[marsrunner]

I always stay offsite at Disneyland (now that I don't live in the area anymore...thank God. I didn't like living in california.) One thing that I hate is walking back to the hotel at night. I don't trust the drivers on Harbor. I was in the park one night when a family got hit by a car. I think some of them may have died. I don't know the exact story. I just remember waiting for the monorail and seeing a lot of flashing lights. We heard about it later on.

True, but bad drivers are everywhere. That's as likely to happen if you are staying offsite at WDW. Probably MORE likely since there are so many more tourists (i.e. people who don't know where they are or are going) there than around Disneyland. That's part of why I stay on property at Disneyland...no surface streets to cross. I'm not worried about getting mugged on Harbor anymore than anywhere else, but it is a busy street and accidents are bound to happen.

 

[agent86]

True, but bad drivers are everywhere. That's as likely to happen if you are staying offsite at WDW. Probably MORE likely since there are so many more tourists (i.e. people who don't know where they are or are going) there than around Disneyland.

Well said!! :sohappy:

I think MrsBee and justducky78 (who I'm actually starting to suspect might actually be the same person...notice how the two of them are NEVER online at the same time) are looking for anything they can find to make Disneyland appear inferior, less safe, or otherwise not as good as WDW. :hammer:

 

[TP2000]

Fact is, the Orlando metro area is a cesspit of crime and drug gang violence. It's really one of the most dangerous metro areas in the nation, and the authorities just can't seem to get a handle on it after years and years of escalation. And the crime often targets tourists on I-Drive or the various theme parks, or creeps on to Disney property around Pleasure Island and DTD.

A kidnapping in a Downtown Disney parking lot at WDW, with two tourists robbed at gunpoint near their car, kidnapped, and then dumped in a Kissimmee landfill is really a very different level of incident compared to a jaywalker being hit while running across Harbor Blvd. http://www.wftv.com/news/13479609/detail.html?subid=22105266?cnn=yes&qs=1;bp=t

My hunch is that since 21st century Orlando is pretty much built on tourism, the civic authorities are trying to downplay the runaway crime and pretend it's not as bad as it is, rather than launch an all-out war against the gangs and criminals which could potentially scare tourists away. They've also invested heavily in "Orlando" as a brand that encompasses all the various parks and attractions, so Orlando civic authorities declaring war on the horrible crime isn't going to do much for their TV commercials and international marketing campaign. http://www.orlandoinfo.com/

Just so long as the tourists "feel safe" and they can quickly gloss over the drug-fueled crime and gang activity, I think Orlando leadership from both the local government and the tourist industry would prefer to ignore the problem. They certainly don't seem willing to tackle it head on, or make any improvement in the growing crime in and around Orlando.

 

[MrsBee]

Fact is, the Orlando metro area is a cesspit of crime and drug gang violence. It's really one of the most dangerous metro areas in the nation, and the authorities just can't seem to get a handle on it after years and years of escalation. And the crime often targets tourists on I-Drive or the various theme parks, or creeps on to Disney property around Pleasure Island and DTD.

A kidnapping in a Downtown Disney parking lot at WDW, with two tourists robbed at gunpoint near their car, kidnapped, and then dumped in a Kissimmee landfill is really a very different level of incident compared to a jaywalker being hit while running across Harbor Blvd. http://www.wftv.com/news/13479609/detail.html?subid=22105266?cnn=yes&qs=1;bp=t

My hunch is that since 21st century Orlando is pretty much built on tourism, the civic authorities are trying to downplay the runaway crime and pretend it's not as bad as it is, rather than launch an all-out war against the gangs and criminals which could potentially scare tourists away. They've also invested heavily in "Orlando" as a brand that encompasses all the various parks and attractions, so Orlando civic authorities declaring war on the horrible crime isn't going to do much for their TV commercials and international marketing campaign. http://www.orlandoinfo.com/

Just so long as the tourists "feel safe" and they can quickly gloss over the drug-fueled crime and gang activity, I think Orlando leadership from both the local government and the tourist industry would prefer to ignore the problem. They certainly don't seem willing to tackle it head on, or make any improvement in the growing crime in and around Orlando.

So are you saying I should be super paranoid at WDW and at my WDW resort because I might be mugged or something? Honestly, I try not to live my life in fear.

 

[MrsBee]

Oh, and I'm not disputing the fact that there's crime in Orlando. But you make it sound like everyone going to Disneyworld better watch out or they might be mugged at gunpoint.

If you think about how many peope go to WDW every year....and then look at the amount of crimes being committed....I'm sure the odds of something bad happening at WDW aren't terribly high.

Out of curiousity, did you have something bad happen to you in Orlando? Is that why you feel so strongly about this??

And do you really think Orange County (CA) is "nearly crime free??"

 

[agent86]

So are you saying I should be super paranoid at WDW and at my WDW resort because I might be mugged or something? Honestly, I try not to live my life in fear.

That's an extreme interpretation of what TP2000 was trying to explain to you. She is simply pointing out that the WDW area isn't as "safe" as people (yourself included) appear to believe it is, and also that the DL area (contrary to what you and justducky78 "feel") is actually much safer. TP2000 has provided plenty of statistics and credible information to back up her claim. All you've been able to provide is your own personal "feeling" about how safe WDW is compared to DL.

 

[Erika]

I think the point is that you are pretty safe at either resort. I felt completely safe in and around Disneyland just as I did in and around Disney World. Even on Harbor Blvd, at least alongside the park (that's all I've been at) is safe. I think its just a misconception that because Disneyland is inside a large metropolitan area that it is somehow unsafe or less safe than Disney World which is so isolated.

That's an extreme interpretation of what TP2000 was trying to explain to you. She is simply pointing out that the WDW area isn't as "safe" as people (yourself included) appear to believe it is, and also that the DL area (contrary to what you and justducky78 "feel") is actually much safer. TP2000 has provided plenty of statistics and credible information to back up her claim. All you've been able to provide is your own personal "feeling" about how safe WDW is compared to DL.

I think that's it. I don't think it means you have to be looking over your shoulder and acting paranoid the entire time, but of course a little common sense goes a long way. Disney does a fantastic job of making you feel removed from reality but... reality is always there regardless of which park you are visiting :shrug:

Regardless, I've been in worse neighborhoods than the Disney 'hoods :lol:

 

[justducky78]

I agree with Erika - it comes down to common sense.

I never said I felt safer at DL than I did at WDW. I said I like the feel of WDW as a whole (I wasn't talking about safety when I said that - I was talking about the magical Disney feeling you get on the property - it is so spread out, I love that!).

Obviously, crime happens anywhere. It can happen in your own home. I don't even know how this turned into a topic on safety anyway? I said the area surrounding DL looks a little seedy (unsightly). It does, sorry. That's all I meant.

As tourists, we always have to be careful. But, like MrsBee, said, we can't walk around paranoid. I'm careful with my personal belongings, I don't travel alone, I survey the people around me and there is a lot to be said for intuition. There are just some people or areas (even Disney) that feel "off" and you get the heck out of there! We've felt that before at DTD at night.

I don't have a false sense of security anywhere I go - even Disney! You have to be careful. You have to watch your kids. You have to watch your personal belongings, etc. I'm careful when I go to the mall near my home - again it comes down to common sense.

I feel like there is a TROLL among us on this thread - on a witch hunt. Seriously, where is the moderator? This is supposed to be a happy place to come and discuss topics (like adults).

 

[MrsBee]

I agree with Erika - it comes down to common sense.

I never said I felt safer at DL than I did at WDW. I said I like the feel of WDW as a whole (I wasn't talking about safety when I said that - I was talking about the magical Disney feeling you get on the property - it is so spread out, I love that!).

Obviously, crime happens anywhere. It can happen in your own home. I don't even know how this turned into a topic on safety anyway? I said the area surrounding DL looks a little seedy (unsightly). It does, sorry. That's all I meant.

As tourists, we always have to be careful. But, like MrsBee, said, we can't walk around paranoid. I'm careful with my personal belongings, I don't travel alone, I survey the people around me and there is a lot to be said for intuition. There are just some people or areas (even Disney) that feel "off" and you get the heck out of there! We've felt that before at DTD at night.

I don't have a false sense of security anywhere I go - even Disney! You have to be careful. You have to watch your kids. You have to watch your personal belongings, etc. I'm careful when I go to the mall near my home - again it comes down to common sense.

I feel like there is a TROLL among us on this thread - on a witch hunt. Seriously, where is the moderator? This is supposed to be a happy place to come and discuss topics (like adults).

Exactly. You hit the nail on the head with your entire post.

I don't think either Disney park is completely safe, by any means. But I also don't think one is any less safe than the other. Bad things can and do happen at both. But I'm not going to be super paranoid while I'm there. Just like I'm not paranoid when I go places during my every day life.

Where I live, we had a horrible mall shooting in 2007. Does that mean I never go to the mall anymore? Of course not. We had some purse snatching occuring in parking lots recently. Does that mean I'm going to stop going to the store and Target? No. I'm always very aware of my surroundings and the people around. I think that's the most important thing. I'm not going to clutch my belongings to my chest and run into the store while darting my eyes around the parking lot. That would just be a sad way to go about life.

I enjoy both Disneyland and WDW. I did feel pretty safe at WDW last year. But we also weren't really out when it was late so that probably helped a little. At Disneyland, there were times I went to the parks by myself. And those were the times I probably felt the least safe...even though it was during the day. I felt safe in the parks....there's security everywhere....even wearing plain clothes (but you can still spot them sometimes.) Walking alone in the parking structure was the least safe I felt. But even then...I didn't feel afraid.

Anyway...I realize I'm just babbling...haha. Basically I feel pretty good at both parks. And I don't think comparing crime statistics at nearby cities is a good idea. The only really useful info would be to compare actual crimes that have occurred IN the parks.

 

[MrsBee]

Oh, and I agree with JustDucky...the area around Disneyland doesn't look great, by any means. I do like the secluded feel of WDW. When we go to WDW we feel immersed in Disney the entire time (because we dont' rent a car and we stay onsite.) At Disneyland I don't get that feeling because our trips to CA are not solely for Disney. We stay offsite. We rent a car. And we do other things while in town (such as visit family.)

I enjoy both Disneyland and WDW trips. But for an overall, big vacation...WDW has more of a vacation feel for me.

 

[TP2000]

For the record, I would choose a WDW vacation staying in the Contemporary or the Polynesian over a Disneyland vacation staying in a Harbor Blvd. hotel in a heartbeat! :lol:

That said, it always fascinates me how the Orlando leadership in government and private industry completely glosses over the crime statistics in that dangerous part of the country. You've got to hand it to them, through both cosmetics and PR they do an excellent job of keeping the tourists "feeling" safe, even if they really aren't.

 

[justducky78]

TP - I'll take the Contemporary anyday! I do agree Orlando probably glosses over a lot of the crime stats, but that goes for any vacation destination - where tourism plays a huge role in the local economy. I've personally never encountered any crime in Orlando (or any vacation, for that matter) but that doesn't mean it isn't happening.

 

[unclemike]

Well said!! :sohappy:

I think MrsBee and justducky78 (who I'm actually starting to suspect might actually be the same person...notice how the two of them are NEVER online at the same time) are looking for anything they can find to make Disneyland appear inferior, less safe, or otherwise not as good as WDW. :hammer:

Wow two people not being on a chat board at the same time, that seems impossible, :hammer:To bad you can't block negative people from the site all:shrug: together