Security at OKW & other Hotels

[1disfan]

We live in Orlando and for years, when we wanted to visit OKW we would just drive in using the parking permit from our previous trip in the window. Permit was never checked and we were always waved right in. No more. Today we were stoppped, the permit checked and I had to show my membership card and picture ID. The guard told me that all Disney hotels now require a picture ID, if you are driving a private vehicle onto the property. Not a big deal but the waving you through days are gone.

[Gail Reale]

I think that's great!!!

[PamOKW]

That's good for security and may cut down on lots of other problems as well.

[Sammie]

Sounds good to me and as stated might cut down on other abuses such as using the pool by those not staying at the resort.

[wdwnut]

i'm all for it as well. it might be a touch inconvenient, but it's all for the best.

[Doctor P]

Glad to hear it! Perhaps it will cut down on the pool misuse problem by locals as a side effect.

[rbuzzotta]

Glad to hear that they are really checking I.D's. As for it being an inconvenience, I don't think so........it only takes a few minutes and well worth it.....

[LarryK]

It's about time, I think that up till recently you could drive in with any paper of a similar size on your dash (particularly at night). Disney's security has always done a good job, but this should help them provide "real' protection for guests.

[loribell]

I think it is great as well. I hope they keep it up and don't just back off after a little while. Actually I have been surprised on every trip I have taken, had always got the impression from guide books that this is done anyway but I've never been stopped, always waived through. The only problem I see with it is the Boardwalk ara hotels. How can they block it off. Isn't that parking open to anyone because of all the attractions there?

[Eeyore2U]

WE just came back from from the BWV on 10/6. They were checking and only allowing guests. The Contemporary was doing the same thing.

[Cru*Ella]

on 10/6, we went to BW and just said we were coming to dinner... they let us right through. Parking was to the left and close to the guard shack.

DH said we were going to the Yachtsman, and the guard said we needed to turn around and go to Yacht Club... DH said, we were planning to walk over and he said OK, just park to the left in this lot....

we did show ID and DVC card and room key and had OKW permit in window

[KaraKW]

OK, I hate to be the dissenting voice here, BUT...

I was at WDW two weeks ago. They were checking ID's at hotels and bags at the park entrances, but my question is -- what does this really accomplish????

1-They look at your ID and wave you in. Anyone with a bomb or nefarious intentions could show an ID, and they'd be waved in too!!! Its not even like they're keeping a "log" of people who are going in and out. I think it's a nice effort to "make people feel better", but it's not a genuine EFFECTIVE way to increase security.

2-As for checking bags, I don't mind doing this at all -- especially when the park attendance is so low right now. The lines aren't a problem. But I can just imagine a year from now, in the summer, when it's hot and crowded that this will no longer be well received as the lines stretch on forever. BUT, it's not like they look in the bags very thoroughly AND they don't check the men's pockets or anything. What is THAT about? So my purse gets checked but my DH walks right into the park. I'm thinking, how do they know he's not carrying a weapon of some kind? If you want to search people - search everyone. Besides, if someone went into WDW with criminal intentions, it probably would be a male - not a female! Gimme a break! Get metal detectors or something!

I don't mind "jumping through hoops" - if those hoops actually make WDW safer. But they don't.

I, for one, am not impressed.

Kara

[PKK/MJK]

I was at WDW a couple of weeks ago too. Definitely had to show picture ID to get into the resorts--I'm not sure exactly what that accomplished though. Our bags were searched--sometimes very thoroughly, sometimes not so thoroughly. It hadn't occured to me, but KarakW is right--my DH did not have his pockets searched. I wouldn't be surprised to see metal detectors installed--I hope they do. It's sad when things come to this, but metal detectors would provide a little more security. I'm not sure that anything Disney is doing now actually helps too much, but it is a start. They had to come up with these things very quickly after the tragedy in NYC. Hopefully, better procedures are being developed.

[mikek]

KaraKW-

You are probably correct that it doesnt do a whole lot specifically to weed out problems (i find myself thinking of like 10 ways to defeat the new systems).

But a major part of crime prevention is deterence. A strong visual deterrant often goes a long way- no matter how feeble. Its why the paint police cars and security vehicles bold contrasting colors. It certainly doesnt make it easier to 'sneak up' on a criminal in a big black and white ford with a red light on the roof- but if a crook drives into your town looking for a home to rob and everytime he turns around he sees a police car, he'll probably stumble on down to the next town to find an easier target.

These visual detterants need to be coupled with other more covert means (like unmarked police cars in the example above). But they definately do their part.

Besides the clinacle aspect, in these uncertain times it probably is important for the customers to see it to feel better. For example- Logically, I dont think the national guard patrolling airports and train stations does a hill of beans (in NYC they arent even armed in the rail stations), but I, and i'm sure many like me LOVE to see them, It just gives you a feeling of security if only for a few minutes.

Think about it if you were a crimenal- would you go to the place that checked ids and rumaged though bags (no matter how cursery the checks) or would you go to the place with no overt security at all?

[KaraKW]

Mike,
I see your point. It definitely gives people a sense (no matter how false) of security, and it may act as a deterrent to some extent -- to some of the more "petty" criminals. But, frankly, I believe that if the terrorists target WDW, an ID check isn't going to keep them away. They will "complete their mission" regardless.
Kara :wave:

[Debbie H]

WE sent my parents down a couple of weeks ago and they just returned Friday. My dad was telling us about how one day out of the blue they stopped him coming in and asked for his resort ID even though he had a parking pass. ( I guess though if people are using passes from previous trips, this really is a joke!) They did not ask for a picture ID once. As he was checking out the guy checking him out asked what he thought of the security. He proceeded in telling him what he thought and the guy behind the desk went back and got a manager. He told them he really did not mind being stopped at the front, however, it was never consistent. Also, ANYONE can get into any resort just by hopping on a bus. They do not check resort ID on the buses anymore due to people complaining about it. He said at times he saw the CM's really going through bags, other times they just peered in and waved people in. Many times he said when they went back to one of the parks, there was only 1 CM at the gate. So, the upshot of all this is I guess, my dear ole dad was not impressed.

Debbie

[KNWVIKING]

I would be curious to see how carefully they check the bags & pockets of "Arab looking" people. In NJ a HUGE issue over the last few years has been racial profiling. Is it now suddenly acceptable to profile Arab's ? I imagine I'm torn like the rest of the population on this issue but I've kinda rationalized it this way: When it comes to the crimes other profiled race's are accused of, I can do things to protect myself- stay out of certain areas, I don't buy drugs, things like that which protect me from most of the ills of our society. But I can't protect myself against a fanatic who is willing to blow himself up and hundreds with him. These fanatics also aren't going into the ghettos and doing this,they're looking for the big high profile areas we percieve as safe. They want the full shock effect. I know the negative responses I'm going to get but I'll say it anyway- Search the hell out of them. I know the vast majority of these people are honest,hard working,America loving people and I feel terrible that I would consider myself a profiler,but I also think if I were an Arab living here I would go out of my way to prove I've got nothing to hide. You want to search me-I'll get naked for ya, look where ever you want,take as long as you want.I'm a good guy,I'm on your side,I'm not insulted by your mistrust.

If I offended anyone,I apologize in advance.

[downontheBW]

Europeans have been dealing with terrorism for years. Does anyone know what kind of security they have at the park and resorts in Paris?

[PamOKW]

I think WDW would be wise to go back to the old way of checking resort IDs for those boarding the buses. People, at least for now, are being a lot more tolerant of inconvenience for safety's sake. I agree that checking the IDs will not necessarily stop a terrorist but it will give them a better grip on who is traveling around the resort. It will also discourage those who are abusing the pools or looking to do mischief crimes like theft.

[BevS97]

downontheBW -

I haven't been to DLP yet (20 days and counting...) BUT I would be very surprised if they asked for an id, it's not very common anywhere in the UK mainly because we don't have a decent photo id to show (our drivers license didn't have a picture on it - it is being phased in).

Also, as other's have said - it doesn't really prevent anything.

The big things which I have noticed is that there are very few litter bins and lockers in public places - this is because this is a common place for a bomb to be left. They are starting to come back, but for many many years we had no left luggage facilites at any train stations, airports etc.

Coupled with that, everyone is very aware of abandoned bags - I can't even see an abandoned carrier bag without a little suspicion and if I was to see a sports bag or suitcase that appeared to have been forgotten there is NO way I would go anywhere near it. The police would be called and it would be checked out -There was a case a few years ago where someone left their briefcase in a carpark and when they came back to retrieve it, it had been blown up in a controlled explosion!

Bev

[SalandJeff]

We were at WDW in September. We had a rental car and were asked for picture id at every resort we went to. They also checked our bags at all the parks. I was happy to see this being done and felt safe. I do agree that they should ask for resort id on the buses.

We can't turn every place in our country where large numbers of people gather into "gated communities". Yes, I could have a picture id and a bomb in my trunk, but what's the solution to this - searching every vehicle entering WDW property. And the security people at the parks are looking for large items (like bombs). We can't give up all our freedoms and way of life or the terrorists have won.

Each person has to decide what they feel comfortable doing and where they feel comfortable going based on how secure they perceive it to be. I guess none of us will ever have that 100% feeling we had before September 11 again.

[RAD]

We just returned from OKW (10/17). They asked for a picture ID when we checked in at the gate and said we'd need to show our room key card plus a picture ID when returning, they even had a hand printed sign in the windows of the guard shack. However for the five days we were there I always just showed my room key, never a picture ID and they never asked. However, my son one night was asked for a picture ID on his way in, maybe they're doing a bit of profiling?

[baileybrad]

I appreciate the safety aspect of the improved security. I work at a DOE facility and every morning we open our trunks, glove boxes, etc. when driving on-site. In the past they just verified our id badges on the way in.

The sad part of having folks show a picture id when entering a resort, is that those weasels that murdered so many on the 11th where more than willing to show a "picture' id to the airlines personnel before boarding and what good did that do?

[KaraKW]

The sad part of having folks show a picture id when entering a resort, is that those weasels that murdered so many on the 11th where more than willing to show a "picture' id to the airlines personnel before boarding and what good did that do?

EXACTLY my point, BaileyBrad!!!! :D

Kara :wave:

[disneydawn6]

We just came back from from the Grand Californian at Disneyland. Everytime we left and came back we had to show picture ID from everyone in the car plus open our trunk and security checked through it each time we came back... All vans were searched inside also...
This is my question. We will have a 2 bedroom and we have 2 cars. If my brother has my name on the parking pass and he comes alone, will they allow him into the parking lot???

[MickeyMcMouse]

"Europeans have been dealing with terrorism for years. Does anyone know what kind of security they have at the park and resorts in Paris?"


We have been to Disneyland Hotel at Paris 4 times and have never once been asked for any ID.

However, with the hotel being the entrance to the park, you do need your room key to get into any of the many side entrances although the main doors are freely accessible.


David:)

[CaptainMidnight]

I hope the security guards checking ID's and DVC resorts also add "Welcome Home".

There are abuses that the new security will address. Locals stealing pool priviledges may be less likely to do so. A major well planned terrorism plot, they could probably get around it.

Unfortunately, in this new world, we are vulnerable. Blaming Disney won't help. Do we realy want them to have airport style screening (and is even that effective?).

[KaraKW]

I'm not -- and I don't think anyone else here has -- "blamed" Disney for terrorism. Where or earth did you get that idea?!?!

Nor am I saying that I want to have the same kind of security precautions that are going on at the airports. Quite the contrary. All I'm saying is that it seems really idiotic to me that the measures they HAVE taken are "empty" --they don't really DO anything to keep anyone "safer". My feeling is, unless you're really going to DO something -- don't do anything!!!!!!!

This showing my ID crap is going to get really old in a big fast hurry -- especially when it does NOTHING to keep me safe!!!! I'd be willing to go along with it, if I felt it really benefited the public and me. But it doesn't. So why bother?

Everyone is thinking it's wonderful right now. How long till we all get tired of being treated like potential terrorists in WDW?

Kara :wave:

[Nanajo1]

I agree that in the long run terrorists will find a way to circumvent these "security" checks but it may slow them down a bit. Also there is a side benefit that those who use the DVC facilities are either members staying on points or cash paying customers. It might weed out the freeloaders! This probably sounds trite but what the heck I'm looking for a bright spot.

[PamOKW]

they don't really DO anything to keep anyone "safer".

I disagree that they don't do "anything". Of course, they would not prevent someone from carrying out a mission if they really wanted to. However, they do require the ID checker to stop and take a look at the person they are ID'ing. In that time, they may pick up on something. If the same person is coming in and out of the resort several times a day with a different group of people each time....that might spark a question. It's just a means by which people are really looked at rather than just waved by. I also think it will cut down on petty crimes that can occur when there is open access.

I'm all for slightly stricter entry into the resorts and the transportation.

[Granny]

I agree with PamOKW and Nanajo1....

I don't think the measures will stop a well thought out terrorist plan, but the side benefit of making sure only authorized people are where they should be is a good one. It's not hard to carry ID and as long as they have sufficient personnel to make sure you don't get "backed up" waiting for clearances, I'm all for it.

Also, keep in mind that there are A LOT of people who would complain if WDW went on with "security as usual". People want some reassurance, even if they know it's not foolproof. Do we really think that having armed National Guards makes the airports a whole lot safer? They are there as a visible show of force and to make the travelling passenger feel more comfortable.

Right now this country needs a confidence boost for the travel and tourism industries. Anything Disney does within reason to help that gets my thumbs up.

[KNWVIKING]

.... going to keep basically honest people honest, just like locking the doors on your house or car. If a professional thief wants to break in,a lock isn't going to stop him. I think Id'ing people at the resorts will stop a lot of the pool parasites and I think they should check ID's for the buses, especially at DTD, but if OSAMA were to shave his beard & swap his turbin for a ball cap, he could easily forge an ID to get anywhere he wanted in WDW. Right now what WDW is doing is for appearance only,and not to say anything good came from 9/11 but maybe Disney has been wanting to do something like this for a long time but didn't know how to implement it without offending customers.

[mapny]

Even though the obvious new security measures don't appear fool-proof, I assume that WDW is instituting other security measures that they aren't announcing. After all, isn't it easier to breach security measure that are being publicized?? After all, during the trial for the WTC bombing in 1993, experts described what type of explosive force, etc. would actually be needed to take down the Twin Towers. That could only have helped the success of the madmen on September 11th. Or maybe I'm just being naive...