Safety at Disney

[figmentisgreat]

Hi all,

I think this is in the right thread, but I'm not 100% sure, so can someone please move it if it's wrong? Thanks in advance!

In this letter, I am sincerely trying not to be an alarmist, but rather a realist. When I personally am I Disney, I forget about the real world and the dangers that go along with it. I am more prone to wander around alone and not be as vigilant as I usually am. Today, I was walking around on campus at Rutgers and was being followed by a strange man. It was very scary, and fortunately I'm OK, but it reminded me of how the world can be. I am only 5'1", and there was no way I would have been able to defend myself against him.

I know we all love Disney, but please remember that people don't need background checks in order to go to the parks. While I wish I could say that all people are good, the fact is that they're not. There are bad, dangerous people everywhere, even Disney. Please keep that in the back of your mind when you go, whether you are a woman, man, or child.
Please be careful, and keep vigilant.

*End of sermon*
Heather

 

[tigsmom]

Hi all,

I think this is in the right thread, but I'm not 100% sure, so can someone please move it if it's wrong? Thanks in advance!

In this letter, I am sincerely trying not to be an alarmist, but rather a realist. When I personally am I Disney, I forget about the real world and the dangers that go along with it. I am more prone to wander around alone and not be as vigilant as I usually am. Today, I was walking around on campus at Rutgers and was being followed by a strange man. It was very scary, and fortunately I'm OK, but it reminded me of how the world can be. I am only 5'1", and there was no way I would have been able to defend myself against him.

I know we all love Disney, but please remember that people don't need background checks in order to go to the parks. While I wish I could say that all people are good, the fact is that they're not. There are bad, dangerous people everywhere, even Disney. Please keep that in the back of your mind when you go, whether you are a woman, man, or child.
Please be careful, and keep vigilant.

*End of sermon*
Heather

Just because you are 5'1" does not mean you could not defend yourself. Please sign up now for a self defense class and you will learn what to do. We did this for our girls and I know that my DD (who is away at the University of Tampa) can protect herself if need be.

 

[dismedic]

figmentisgreat

You make a valid point Disney is a place where we tend to let our guard down the atmosphere Disney provides is designed around rest and relaxation and family enjoyment, The world is full of others who take advantage of our solitude provided at Disney resorts. Keeping diligent is just part of human nature remember to balance diligence with enjoyment.

Disney still is one of the safest places to visit Enjoy and relax but always keep your guard up

 

[PhilosophyMagic]

Disney is a bit safer than the Rutgers campus, though. Physically isolated places, especially areas with entry fees (the parks) are not going to have as many random criminals walking around as Newark, NJ. Of course there will be people who go to WDW for the sake of pick-pocketing, etc., and there always have been.

Definitely go for the self-defense class, though, There's no reason to be defenseless anywhere.

Cheers!

 

[raven]

There are also plain-clothed security in the parks looking out for anything suspicious. But you still need to always be aware of your surroundings and don't get into a vulnerable situation. Draw attention to yourself at times and look everyone in the eye if you can. This will make you less of a target.

 

[Panhead]

One good thing about Disney (as stated above), is the "foxes" or undercover security officers. The parks will ALWAYS have a lot of people in them, so attracting attention in a bad situation should be easy. Maybe if you're out on a walking trail somewhere it may not be as helpful. A self-defense class would be a good thing to do, I would like to take one eventually, always helps to make yourself feel a little more secure.



-Chris-

 

[KingStefan]

But the OP makes a good point for certain situations: ungated areas, especially at night, and off-site locations. There have been robberies this last year in the parking lot at DtD. Whereas the hotels and parks seem very safe, be careful Downtown or off-site late at night.

 

[C&D]

Be cognizant of your surroundings (then evaluate whether there is need for concern). Awareness is key (always); glad you are okay, but a general alarm about personal safety might not have been universally appropriate here. JMO

 

[Master Yoda]

Just because you are 5'1" does not mean you could not defend yourself. Please sign up now for a self defense class and you will learn what to do. We did this for our girls and I know that my DD (who is away at the University of Tampa) can protect herself if need be.

Absolutely correct. One of the deadliest people I know is a 5'2" woman. She in an Aikido instructor and I have seen her do things to guys the size of NFL linebackers that make me cringe. If I was forced to go up against her and I had a gun I think I would still give up and beg for mercy.

 

[DisneyMusician2]

Absolutely correct. One of the deadliest people I know is a 5'2" woman. She in an Aikido instructor and I have seen her do things to guys the size of NFL linebackers that make me cringe. If I was forced to go up against her and I had a gun I think I would still give up and beg for mercy.

Well said. Don't be defenseless, take control!

That being said, I cannot tell you how many unattended children I have seen and people asking if it is OK to let their 16 and 10 year old wander the parks by themselves on boards...

Caution is always advisable

 

[sublimesting]

Remember, didn't a couple get abducted from Downtown Disney last year (maybe it was a plot for extortion or something I don't remember) but even Disney doesn't always fart rainbows and kittens.

I know that you can't do this at Disney but I am always amazed that more women don't carry mace! I make my wife. Very easy, simple and effective.

 

[KingStefan]

Remember, didn't a couple get abducted from Downtown Disney last year (maybe it was a plot for extortion or something I don't remember) ...

Last summer, someone was abducted, I believe from the DtD parking lot, and driven to an ATM and forced to withdraw money. The one I referred to earlier was a mugging of a couple in the wee hours by the water in November.

 

[H20Babie]

Yup, I already thought of this too. I'm taking along a small flashlight with an attached key chain (with some junk keys) for my trip. I was a little concerned about walking from the TTC to my room at the Poly at night and will have these with me, just in case -- one as a club and the other as an eye-gouger! (Can't get Mace or bear spray through airline security )

 

[Master Yoda]

Remember, didn't a couple get abducted from Downtown Disney last year (maybe it was a plot for extortion or something I don't remember) but even Disney doesn't always fart rainbows and kittens.

I know that you can't do this at Disney but I am always amazed that more women don't carry mace! I make my wife. Very easy, simple and effective.

If I remember correctly charges were never filed in that case. I think it wound up being a drug deal gone bad or a plot to sue Disney or something along those lines.

 

[wedway71]

Absolutely correct. One of the deadliest people I know is a 5'2" woman. She in an Aikido instructor and I have seen her do things to guys the size of NFL linebackers that make me cringe. If I was forced to go up against her and I had a gun I think I would still give up and beg for mercy.

When I was in the Air Force I had the chance of meeting at the time one of the toughest Seal Team Members for Seal Team 6. He was only 5 foot 3 and I kid you not this guy would take down guys twice his hieght and weight.

Height maybe kills a basketball career but you can learn defense tactics.
My Karate instructor when I was a kid was only 5 foot nothing and about 100 pounds soaking wet. I would bet my house that if that weird guy tried that with him walking -that would have been that LAST thing he ever did.

 

[earnhrdt3]

i got 3 words for ya! groin, knees and eyes!

 

[tigsmom]

Yup, I already thought of this too. I'm taking along a small flashlight with an attached key chain (with some junk keys) for my trip. I was a little concerned about walking from the TTC to my room at the Poly at night and will have these with me, just in case -- one as a club and the other as an eye-gouger! (Can't get Mace or bear spray through airline security )

I've made that walk and there were always a lot of people doing the same. Its a straight run from the TTC up the walk to the rooms.

I have never not felt safe in the parks or around the hotels, DTD well that is another story.

 

[westie]

My mom had some guy try to steal her purse outside her room at PO. It was about 10 years ago when you could just drive onto disney property. He was in the bushes and grabbed it. She pulled it back and screamed and the guy took off running. But, I have never felt unsafe at Disney.

 

[Master Yoda]

When I was in the Air Force I had the chance of meeting at the time one of the toughest Seal Team Members for Seal Team 6. He was only 5 foot 3 and I kid you not this guy would take down guys twice his hieght and weight.

Height maybe kills a basketball career but you can learn defense tactics.
My Karate instructor when I was a kid was only 5 foot nothing and about 100 pounds soaking wet. I would bet my house that if that weird guy tried that with him walking -that would have been that LAST thing he ever did.

I have been told by several of my instructors that an ideal height for hand to hand combat is between 5'2" and 5"9". Any taller that that and a person starts to become top heavy and much easier to throw of balance. From my own personal experience I have found that to be pretty accurate.

 

[disneydudette]

We're always a little less cautious in Disney...

How often do you strike up a conversation with a stranger waiting in line or for a parade/show? I know for us we chat about what resort were at, where were from, kids and family, etc.

Have you ever seen parents leave empty camera bags, diaper bags, back packs, etc in strollers? Even if there is nothing "worthy" in them... I know ours has our name, address, and phone number.

Those are just two examples I can think of right now that we don't even give a second glance to when in Disney.

Maybe it's us... but Disney is "safe" to us and we do find ourselves in situations that we would never place ourselves in back home (like the above mentioned). I have no desire to treat Disney as if they're the streets of some rough neighborhood and never plan to. Disney is the "safest" place I've got; even if it is a false sense of security.

The biggest advice I always give to people traveling to Disney is to use common sense and trust your instincts. Don't place yourself in uncomfortable situations and it's not a bad idea to have a form of communication (cell phone or walkie talkie) on you at all times as well someone who knows your whereabouts.