Terrorist in Disney?!?

[T I G double GA URR!]

My best friend and I are planning to be in Disney World on Memorial Day to celebrate our graduation. My dad is in pest control and works in private homes. He was talking to an American Airlines flight attendent today about us going on Monday. She said that disney is a big target for that weekend. I would just like to warn anyone that is going this weekend. She said that you should report anything that looks suspicious, espescially any stuffed animals that are "lying around". We had decided to go to epcot the day we get there, but thought it would be best to stay at the resort (we are staying at CBR) just to be on the safe side. I think that anyone who is going during this time should really consider this. Please be extra careful, I pray that everyone and everything will be ok. Thank you!

[PamOKW]

No matter where we are, we need to stay vigilant. But we also have to keep on living. I'm glad to hear you are going ahead with your trip. Have a safe and fun one!

[Ricola]

My thoughts are certainly with anyone traveling this holiday weekend. Stay safe, and have a great trip!

[MermaidsMom]

Does it occur to anyone that this "warning" is from someone who has exactly (3) THREE posts on this board? Hello, I smell troll!

[ducklite]

Mermaids Mom--I was just about to post the exact same sentiments!!

Of course in this day and age, we have to be aware of our surroundings. But this has the makings of an urban legend.

Immediately after hearing of the series of tragedies taht took place on September 11, the Disney corporation CLOSED all theme parks, CLOSED all Disney Stores, CLOSED all offices in areas that were either affected or had the potential to be threatened, requested a USCG escort for the cruise ships at sea back to Port, and worked diligently with authorities to ensure the safety of Disney guests, cast and employees worldwide.

Several Stores and offices remained closed for several days or longer until it was felt that reopening them would be safe.

As with most large corporations, Disney has a set standard operating procedure in place for dealing with disaster management. These SOP's are not made public, as this would undermine the very nature of the security procedures. Disney is not going to take chances like are being suggested. If there is CREDIBLE evidence, not "I heard from someone who heard from someone", WDW will takes all appropriate steps to ensure guest, cast, and employee safety, even if it means closing a park. Yes, they lose millions when they close a park for a day. But the losses would be billions if they didn't, and there was a catastrophic event. They realize that. Remember, they closed for Hurricane Floyd because the best credible evidence they could get was that they were expecting a direct hit.

Anne

[SuiteDisney]

My mother mentioned to me yesterday that she heard WDW was a target. I don't think the first poster is a troll.

[disneyag]

YAY, Ducklite!

The story CNN ran the other night mentioned that a "vague" and "uncorroborated" threat to the water supply of Orange County, FL had been made. Then CNN said Orange Cty is where WDW is located. It was NOT a specific threat against Disney.

[barbnbrian]

We're flying to WDW on July 4th and my sister who lives in NY is a nervous wreck. What can I say that might relieve her fears? I've tried telling her that something can happen at anytime, not just July 4th, and that we shouldn't stop enjoying life and live in fear. I'm going no matter what, I won't be scared off. Of course I'll be on alert for everything, but I believe in fate and when my numbers up, I'm going. Any thoughts out there?

[disneyfan551]

...but what do you mean by "troll"? I believe that everyone here had only 3 posts at one point! You have to start somewhere...:p

[mrsltg]

Of course Disney is a logical target. You've got a large group of people in a relatively small space. Let's keep the hysterics under control, though. Unfortunately we as a nation are entering new and unfamiliar territory. We must all keep our wits about us and pay attention to our surroundings. We are indeed our brothers' keeper, and we must be vigilant in our efforts to stay out of harms way. Keep your eyes and ears open, and try to relax. Things are no different (threat wise) then they were 9/10. We are just keenly aware of the threats.

Be careful, and don't let threats ruin your life.

Erin :)

[ducklite]

Originally posted by disneyfan551
...but what do you mean by "troll"? I believe that everyone here had only 3 posts at one point! You have to start somewhere...:p

A troll is a person that posts on a message board with the sole intent to upset people, start a problem, or otherwise be disruptive.

Anne

[Wish Upon A Star]

Hey BarbnBrian:

We are also flying on July 4th . . .what you said makes alot of sense. My DH feels the same way . . .Me, personally, I'm concerned, but I'm still going . . . .I'm hoping that our security will be definately heightened on OUR Independence Day.

I WILL NOT let those idiots stop me from taking a vacation which I deserve! The more I think about it, the more angry I become.

[barbnbrian]

Thanks Wish!

Can't believe it's only 43 days away, just noticed that when I saw your counter at the bottom of your post. Still can't figure out how to get those counters! Tried, but it didn't work.

Anyway, of course July 4th would be a logical date to pull something, but anything can happen at any time, and I'm not going to start worrying about what going to happen months down the road. I live for today! and plan to live each day to the fullest. But not everyone thinks that way. My sister lives in NY and lost friends and neighbors with the 9/11 tragedy. She is naturally a person who stresses over everything and now these warnings just gives her something else to stress over. It took a lot to convince her to do our girls' only trip this July. I think she was too jealous of me going with our mom and my two daughters, so she finally broke down and booked her and her daughter who will turn 4 yrs. on July 4th.

Seems like all this talk on the boards and bringing everything up again and making old wounds sore again. Let's all think happy thoughts. Pixie dust to everyone!

[DisneyKidds]

IMHO, probably not a troll, unless it is an elaborate troll who previously posted several relevant questions about his/her upcoming stay at CBR just to throw off the scent ;). That being said, I hope I am not feeding a troll.....

Unless American Airlines flight attendants are privy to FBI warnings other than the "vague", "uncorroborated" threat regarding the Orlando water supply, I am not too worried. Sometimes people share their personal concerns or fears that may not be based in anything, and the result can sometimes be unfounded hysteria.

We have been to WDW twice since 9-11. DW has always been concerned that WDW is a target. I happen to disagree.

On 9-11 terrorists stuck at the heart of our governmental and financial pillars. Attacks that were not only a symbolic strike with impact on politics, government and the economy worldwide, but also designed to inflict maximum casualties. IMHO, those goals could not be accomplished with a strike against WDW. Yes, there are a lot of people at WDW. However, I don't believe the concentration of people at any particular location is such that thousands of casualties would result from most attacks. WDW is just too spread out. There are many more targets that would produce more casualties and accomplish terrorists goals of making people live in fear in their everyday lives. WDW is not part of everyday life for 99.99999999999999999% of people on the planet. In addition, while we all love WDW and would be horrified by an attack on WDW, some people could care less about WDW. Of course any terrorist attack at WDW or elsewhere would outrage most, but I don't believe an attack at WDW would have nearly the impact that the attacks on 9-11 did, or the impact that attacks on other potential targets would have. To be honest, it concers me more that my office is two floors above Penn Station, one of the busiest train stations in the world that is used by more people than any individual Orlando theme park on any given day, than it does that we will be in WDW this weekend. But we can't live our lives in fear - if we do they win.

Should terrorists strike again I think they have to pick their targets carefully because each attack makes the next one more difficult as vigilence increases. I don't happen to believe WDW makes the best target for these monsters. That is only my opinion and I can only pray that I am not wrong.

We leave tomorrow night. WDW here we come :).

[GraceDVC]

With living just south of Manhattan, and working in the downtown financial area near the NY Stock Exchange and the WTC area, going to WDW over the 4th of July isn't any more dangerous than staying at home for us! We are having faith in the heightened security measures in place and hoping for the best as we enjoy our favorite place. Yes, we are frightened about walking through the castle (or standing under Epcot globe) as they could indeed be targets, so we'll probably go around these Disney monuments. (We also avoid the Statue of Liberty, Stock Exchange, Empire State Bldg. right here in Manhattan). Life has to go on today, but with an awareness of all around you. It's a shame that as Americans we are now placed in a state of fear, especially when visiting famous American sites, but I have faith that each of us will be viligent to those around us and have increased faith in our heightened security measures.

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

Unfortunately, I think anywhere could be a target - as in the recent news reports about suicide bombers inside the U.S. In Israel they seem to strike buses, marketplaces, restaurants, hotels - anywhere there's a concentration of people and probably not as much security as a place like Disney World. We still need to live our lives but with a new awareness and not paranoia. It's up to us now to pay attention and look out for each other. I also heard the report about the water supply in orange county florida. We were at WDW last month and every day I saw low flying helicopters around our resorts. I don't remember this from before and I thought it's probably security.

I take anything a politician (or anyone else for that matter) says with a grain of salt (everyone has their own motivations) but I think we need to use some common sense. Don't be afraid to report something that doesn't seem right to you. If you see a stray package or backpack or something, get away from it and let security know. I'm not trying to be an alarmist but we have to be aware. Security/police/FBI all those people we depend on can't be everywhere all the time - hence the inevitable remarks. I think the general public can go a long way in minimizing the "inevitable".

JMHO.

[T I G double GA URR!]

No, I am not a "troll" as you say. I am simply a teenager trying to celebrate her high school graduation in the happiest place on earth. I was just trying to be cautious and let everyone be "in the know". My father really scared me last night, but with the help of some OTHER posts, I now realize that I should enjoy my vacation. If you took the time to read, I just joined the discussion board this month and the only other posts I have written are about CBR, which is the resort I am staying at. I did not want to alarm anyone, I just want people to be safe. Thank you.

[froggy12]

Sorry to interrupt this post....i'm replying about something that doesn't have anything to do with this post. This is for ducklite....

disneyfan551 posted.... what is a troll....i ( me ) had the same question

ducklite....you posted.....A troll is a person that posts on a message board with the sole intent to upset people, start a problem, or otherwise be disruptive.

hey....all i can say is...LOOK IN THE MIRROR...you are upsetting people

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

TIG,

I understand your concerns. Have a good time. CBR is beautiful, it's one of the places we stayed last month and we enjoyed it very much.

Have a great vacation.

[ducklite]

Originally posted by froggy12
Sorry to interrupt this post....i'm replying about something that doesn't have anything to do with this post. This is for ducklite....

disneyfan551 posted.... what is a troll....i ( me ) had the same question

ducklite....you posted.....A troll is a person that posts on a message board with the sole intent to upset people, start a problem, or otherwise be disruptive.

hey....all i can say is...LOOK IN THE MIRROR...you are upsetting people

It seems like my post was very reasonable. I do'nt see how it would upset people. The original post was the one posted with the possibility of upsetting people. I simply tried to rationalize the situation.

Anne

[DisneyKidds]

froggy - sometimes people's opinions or thoughts may tend to upset people. In any discussion forum this is bound to happen. However, that doesn't make them a troll. If someone replies to a post with an honest thought or opinion intended to add to the discussion that is fine, whether it upsets people or not. A troll, on the other hand, could care less about the topic they post on. They often tend to be infrequent visitors or 'outsiders' who only want to muddy the waters and don't really intend to discuss the topic they post on in a productive manner. They get their jollies throwing out something alarming or controversial and sit back and see what mayhem they created. They basically don't have a life.

BTW, I don't think TIG is a troll. Happy graduation and enjoy your trip. We will be in the MK on Monday :).

[kaitlynangel]

Troll, huh? I think some people don't get it. I suggest that you go down to Ground Zero where my Husband works (NYPD) and apply that defination of Troll and they would probably say that many families would have like to have had a pre-warning to what happened. If you give people news of a what is speculated to happen your a Troll, but President Bush and President Clinton who's administration had information regarding speculated Terrorist activity are wrong for not telling the American people. You can't win with some people. damned if you do, damned if you don't. NY'ers are a little more aware of the Terrorist threat becasue some of us are at the site of devastation every day that it is real (real like I can touch it real). For others it is as real as the images of a TV. But When do we open our eyes and say, yeah there is a credible threat to my security, therefore I will walk around and keep a vigilant eye out and an open ear to what Is going on in this world. I am not saying that you should hide under a rock but if some one has a credible bit of information to share or wants to share their concern why is that a troll? Not a very nice word. Maybe we should change it to a "Nostradamus" or a "HomeLand Security Agent", if you make a statement regarding your information / concern. Just keep an open mind and believe that there is a credible threat ANYWHERE for terrorism, I am sure the people in the WTC never thought they were a Target, Disney being another very populated place is not out of the question, just keep your wits about you and be aware of your surroundings.

[DisneyAngel12]

We are planning a trip this weekend to the Dolphin. We are always cautious but I refuse to live what is left of my life in fear. I will not let these threats keep me from my prusuit of happiness. I will take care, as always, to be as careful as I can be but I will go and I will have a wonderful time. :eek:

[DisneyKidds]

kaitlynangel - well said :), but you do miss the point of a troll. If a real troll had posted this they would care less if WDW was a target and wouldn't have any credible info or even unwarranted speculation that there was a threat. Their intent would not be to pre-warn anyone. Rather, they would post in an attempt to fray people's nerves for no good reason, other than for them to sit back and see the dismay and worry they create. I don't know why people do it, but they do. Seems rather sick, especially if one used terrorism as a vehicle to get their jollies.

If someone truely believes or speculates that there is a threat and they genuinely post their concern, no one would consider that a troll - it would be welcomed, even if others disagree. Not trying to disagree with you, I agree with most of what you said. Just trying to make sure you understand the motivation of a real troll. They are nasty little creatures :(. Again, I don't think TIG is a troll.

I won't get into the Bush/Clinton thing and what they could have or should have done. That is over on the debate board. It does sicken me to think that if the FBI and CIA had put their heads together and connected the dots they may have had a chance to prevent 9-11. I doubt it, but who knows.

[mrsltg]

DisneyKidds-

In your post, you say

"It does sicken me to think that if the FBI and CIA had put their heads together and connected the dots they may have had a chance to prevent 9-11. I doubt it, but who knows."

Hindsight is 20/20 and completely counterproductive. No one and nothing (short of completely grounding all flights, forever) could have stopped the atrocity of 9/11. Anyone willing to trade tehir life for yours wins. Sick and unfortunate, but true. And if the terrorists couldn't have flown those planes into buildings they would have found something else to do. It's a scary world, and we'll have to learn to adapt.

Disney is still Disney, though. It's supposed to be a place to go and forget about your worries. I don't think that anyone should cancel their plans... you're just playing into what these bast***'s (pardon the french) want.


JMHO--- Erin

[ducklite]

Because TIG came on and posted their third post as a vague warning based on complete hearsay, they certainly fit the definition of an "Internet" troll.

Had this person had a long posting history, or more credible evidence (Sorry, I don't belive that a FA is privvy to high level classified info, and this sounds more like an old fashioned case of "telephone"), they might have been looked at a little differently. Generally trolls appear out of no where, stir up trouble and/or rattle nerves, then disappear. The urban legend style warning along with the newness of the poster certainly led several people to believe that TIG was a troll. Now that TIG has posted again on this thread, it appears maybe not.

Of course Disney is a potential terror target. So is every major city in the world, as well as some not so major ones. The best we can do is keep our eyes and ears open and notify authorities if we see something suspicious. The worst thing we can do is take an alarmist attitude, and spread unsubstantiated rumours.

Anne

[Trekker]

Well this has certainly gotten off topic! There are several people now posting personal messages back and forth.

It is closed!