SSR security question\comment

[BobCosta]

I noticed in my last stay at SSR that there was a gaurd at the frontgate.
checkeing to see if I was a resident\guest. But no one checked if I was a resident\guest on the walking trails from DTD. that being said... how does Disney regulate who is on property and how uses the Transpotation system?
It seems to me there is no real security @ SSR. And as an owner at SSR I maybe paying for people to use the Transportation system and the security system that has an obvious flaw. WHAT DO YOU THINK?

[chalee94]

how does Disney regulate who is on property and how uses the Transpotation system?

anyone is free to visit SSR and eat at the turf club or whatever...other disney guests, random people, whoever.



It seems to me there is no real security @ SSR. And as an owner at SSR I maybe paying for people to use the Transportation system and the security system that has an obvious flaw. WHAT DO YOU THINK?

it's not meant to be a gated community.

the fact that people can park at DTD and walk over to SSR and use the buses to get to a park IS a problem, IMO. this is something SSR owners need to be vocal about if they see it happening.

[Lynne M]

If it's a flaw (and I don't think it is), then it extends to the entire WDW property.

WDW transportation is open to all, essentially. They don't check for resort IDs or tickets when boarding any mode of transportation: bus, boat or monorail.

Each of the WDW resorts, DVC or otherwise, has a guard at the road entrance to the resort, but since all resorts are open to the public, they really don't turn anyone away. They'll usually ask for photo id, but anyone can visit the resorts to dine, shop, walk around, use recreational facilities,etc. And, anyone can take WDW transportation to any of the resorts.

I don't consider any of that a flaw in security, since WDW doesn't intend or attempt to restrict access to its transportation or resorts.

[LIFERBABE]

If it's a flaw (and I don't think it is), then it extends to the entire WDW property.

WDW transportation is open to all, essentially. They don't check for resort IDs or tickets when boarding any mode of transportation: bus, boat or monorail.

Each of the WDW resorts, DVC or otherwise, has a guard at the road entrance to the resort, but since all resorts are open to the public, they really don't turn anyone away. They'll usually ask for photo id, but anyone can visit the resorts to dine, shop, walk around, use recreational facilities,etc. And, anyone can take WDW transportation to any of the resorts.

I don't consider any of that a flaw in security, since WDW doesn't intend or attempt to restrict access to its transportation or resorts.

Agreed, the same walking path that leads from DTD Westside also leads to OKW. Anyone can walk from MK to Contemporary, or hop the boat to VWL, or FW. WDW is 1 big open campus.

[dianeschlicht]

Agreed, the same walking path that leads from DTD Westside also leads to OKW. Anyone can walk from MK to Contemporary, or hop the boat to VWL, or FW. WDW is 1 big open campus.

That's true, and the bus service is guaranteed for all ticket holders to parks. At one time that was needed to gain access to the buses, but no more. Think of Disney buses as "public transportation", because that's what they are. If there is a problem with folks parking at DTD and taking the bus to the parks from there, then it's not a bus issue, but a parking security issue at DTD. If they had a time limit on parking there with tow aways for those who violate it, the kind of "abuses" stated wouldn't exist.

[BobCosta]

I like the idea of a time limit @ DTD

[sean-1966]

Why don't they start charging for parking at DTD?? Even a deposit that you could get some back if you show a receipt for so much bought at the shops. The casinos do something similar here...

[twinklebug]

I like the idea of a time limit @ DTD

Agreed, I have found parking over there to be ridiculously difficult on days where there seems to be no one walking around DTD... where did all the people go? I see their cars :confused3

A barcode you put in your windshield allowing a 4 hour parking limit, renewable at (and only at) the DTD guest services if you wish to stay longer could work. They won't institute one though. Disney doesn't want to add a metered system to the shopping area. They want folk to relax, take their time, not worry about the clock, and spend money!

[dianeschlicht]

Agreed, I have found parking over there to be ridiculously difficult on days where there seems to be no one walking around DTD... where did all the people go? I see their cars :confused3

A barcode you put in your windshield allowing a 4 hour parking limit, renewable at (and only at) the DTD guest services if you wish to stay longer could work. They won't institute one though. Disney doesn't want to add a metered system to the shopping area. They want folk to relax, take their time, not worry about the clock, and spend money!
That's true, but who could possibly spend more than 4 hours there???? I can see ending the time limit maybe at 5 or 6 pm.

[dwelty]

Why don't they start charging for parking at DTD?? Even a deposit that you could get some back if you show a receipt for so much bought at the shops. The casinos do something similar here...

They do this at Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort. you get 3 hours free, then 2 more if you get a validation at a DTD eatery or shop. THis seems to keep guests from parking there to avoid paying the 13 dollars.

[toocherie]

I rented a car on my last trip to SSR and got interrogated by what is laughingly called the security guard. I drove in after going off-site for a while--clearly had the parking permit displayed on the dash--was in the car by myself (a 50-year old something single woman) and he demanded to see my personal i.d.

I asked him why the parking permit wasn't enough and he said--"the parking permit tells me the car belongs here; your i.d. tells me YOU belong here." Which I didn't get--it wasn't like he checked it against a list or anything--he didn't write my name down anywhere. It was ridiculous. If you are going to ask for i.d. you should have a reason or purpose. The thought also occurred to me that if some nefarious person wanted to get on SSR property without showing i.d. all they would need to do is jump on a bus from one of the parks or DTD.

Geesh.

[starbox]

Ever eaten at Chef Mickeys, Ohana, Whispering Canyon or Victoria and Alberts/princess dining/Citricos/Narcooses? How about Boma or Jiko? Ever taken a water ferry from EPCOT to DHS? Eaten at ESPN Cafe? Gone to Jelly Rolls?

Trust me, SSR has much less outside "traffic" than most of the deluxe resorts - the monorail deluxes are like Grand Central Station w/non-property guests using the very popular character dining.

On Spring Break, we spent our arrival night offsite but still played minigolf at Fantasia Gardens - afterwards we walked across the street, through the Dolphin, and sat by SAB at a table with ice cream from Beaches and Cream. Would have been super-easy to walk over to the beach and watch the movie that's supposedly for "resort guests only". Actually, SAB was open and had nobody handing out wristbands or checking ID that late. It would be easy for a local (or a savvy off-site guest) to do some night-swimming. The whole area was full of local teenage couples in prom attire - they had had a banquet at Atlantic Dance Hall - they were walking throughout the boardwalk and Beach/Yach area enjoying the lights and atmosphere.


Whether we like it or not, disney resorts are not open only to registered guests. The more popular the dining/recreation at your resort, the more offsite guests (and locals) will frequent it. Before we started staying on-property, we still ate at Chef Mickeys and Whispering Canyon (and used Disney transportation to get there).

For the DVCs - SSR and OKW have the least popular dining w/the general public - so they attract the least offsite guests.

[liznboys]

...
Trust me, SSR has much less outside "traffic" than most of the deluxe resorts - the monorail deluxes are like Grand Central Station w/non-property guests using the very popular character dining.
...

Excellent point, that's so true.

[toocherie]

My point wasn't that I mind the traffic--just that since there is so much traffic, what's with the "security"--which doesn't do any good anyway.

[DisneyWalker44]

your i.d. tells me YOU belong here." Which I didn't get--it wasn't like he checked it against a list or anything--he didn't write my name down anywhere. It was ridiculous. If you are going to ask for i.d. you should have a reason or purpose. There is absolutely no reason for the guards to check id. They've probably done it a million times with absolutely no business purpose.

[DisneyWalker44]

That's true, but who could possibly spend more than 4 hours there???? I can see ending the time limit maybe at 5 or 6 pm. My nephews. Heck, I bet those kids could spend 4 hours in the Lego store alone.

[DisneyWalker44]

Why don't they start charging for parking at DTD?? A better solution would be to stop charging for parking at the parks. Throw an extra couple bucks on the ticket prices to make up the difference. You eliminate the problem, and Disney saves a ton of money on collection/enforcement.

[Mosleymouse]

When we checked in at SSR in Sept 08, the guard at the gatehouse asked DH for our reservation proof and ID. I thought that this was perfectly OK as it was his job. He was extremely polite and then surprised us by looking at his list and telling us EXACTLY what accomodation we had booked and for how long. I don't have a problem being asked for ID each time, however I would have a problem if I could never get a lounger or the pool was full of off site guests when we have paid good $'s to stay there. Now thats a different thread. lol :lmao:

[dianeschlicht]

My point wasn't that I mind the traffic--just that since there is so much traffic, what's with the "security"--which doesn't do any good anyway.

I have definitely noticed that has become more obvious since 9/11. They used to just ask you to state your name and what you intended to do at the resort. Now they check you in on their check in sheet if you are just arriving, and also check your ID. Once we have had the parking permit, we have never been asked for ID again. Well, unles we are going to another resort to a dining reservation or something. Then we are asked why we are there and how long we intend to stay. We've never had any issue doing that though. We usually end up at BCV, BWV, AKV, and VWL sometime in most trips, and we usually drive if we are going to a restaurant.

[tinkerbell of winter]

the fact that people can park at DTD and walk over to SSR and use the buses to get to a park IS a problem, IMO. this is something SSR owners need to be vocal about if they see it happening.

Why would ANYONE park at DTD and walk to SSR for a bus when there are two bus stops at DTD? It would be easier to snag a bus to the parks or any other resort and do a transfer there.

[DebbieB]

Why would ANYONE park at DTD and walk to SSR for a bus when there are two bus stops at DTD? It would be easier to snag a bus to the parks or any other resort and do a transfer there.

There are no busses to the parks from Downtown Disney for that exact reason. They don't want to make it easy to park there and ride the bus to the park. In the early morning, there are no busses at Downtown Disney, so people walk to SSR to catch a park bus.

[disneynutz]

I rented a car on my last trip to SSR and got interrogated by what is laughingly called the security guard. I drove in after going off-site for a while--clearly had the parking permit displayed on the dash--was in the car by myself (a 50-year old something single woman) and he demanded to see my personal i.d.

I asked him why the parking permit wasn't enough and he said--"the parking permit tells me the car belongs here; your i.d. tells me YOU belong here." Which I didn't get--it wasn't like he checked it against a list or anything--he didn't write my name down anywhere. It was ridiculous. If you are going to ask for i.d. you should have a reason or purpose. The thought also occurred to me that if some nefarious person wanted to get on SSR property without showing i.d. all they would need to do is jump on a bus from one of the parks or DTD.

Geesh.

Sounds like the airports. :)

[cheezNE1]

last march when i visited SSR, they checked my to make sure my name was on the reservation list before I can drive thru the gate. Then my december trip, they just waved me thru and didn't even have to check or speak to me. Oh well, I guess now it's just a public community. ;)

[starbox]

There are no busses to the parks from Downtown Disney for that exact reason. They don't want to make it easy to park there and ride the bus to the park. In the early morning, there are no busses at Downtown Disney, so people walk to SSR to catch a park bus.

Well - confession time...............

Pre-DVC, we used the DTD "hub" to get to parks and resorts all the time. I'd have never parked at DTD and then walked to SSR (that's not a short walk!).

Going to MK? I'd catch the first monorail resort bus and go that way.
Going to EPCOT? I'd catch the first EPCOT area resort and go that way.

I've gone to AK via. AKL

Sometimes, we'd just hop on the first resort bus that showed up - so I've gone to parks via. DTD via. POP and via. POR.

I never thought of it as sneaky at the time (pre-DISboards) - but I used to use take pool towels to my room too!!!!!!!!!!:rotfl:

[starbox]

last march when i visited SSR, they checked my to make sure my name was on the reservation list before I can drive thru the gate. Then my december trip, they just waved me thru and didn't even have to check or speak to me. Oh well, I guess now it's just a public community. ;)


I suspect it's like guards saying "Welcome Home" - just depends on how much the guard on that day is following Disney protocol. Some guards lare happy - they like their job and greet guests warmly, check IDs, heck - we've even had them chat with our kids and give them honorary security guard sticker badges. Some are bashful and wave you through. Some are grumpy. I suspect late at night, some are sleepy. :goodvibes

[tjkraz]

My point wasn't that I mind the traffic--just that since there is so much traffic, what's with the "security"--which doesn't do any good anyway.

I think it's probably a good visual deterrent. We are all pretty well-informed Disney guests. The vast majority of guests probably see those guard houses and immediately consider whether they belong there or not.

Think of how the parking lots would look at resorts like the BW, BC, Contemp or Poly if they were simply open to the public. Each of the resorts needs security and I'd rather have them establishing a visual presence out front rather than sitting in a back room looking at a bank of monitors.

We usually have to present ID when first arriving and after that the parking pass and room key are acceptable. If some guards are asking for photo ID each time, perhaps they just take their jobs as little more...ahem...seriously than others. pirate: Hard to argue with such a minor inconvenience, though. Next time there's a report of a break-in at a DVC resort we'll be calling for MORE security.

[BobCosta]

soo???? Does parking @ DTD to aviod the parking fee ok? should there be a time limit? should there be Gaurds @ the resorts? should I have to wear my I.D all the time around my neck? wristbands? tatoos?

[BobCosta]

Next time there's a report of a break-in at a DVC resort we'll be calling for MORE security....Why Wait till than?

[5forDiz]

Next time there's a report of a break-in at a DVC resort we'll be calling for MORE security....Why Wait till than?



YOU don't have to wait; you are concerned & have questions why wait to make the call or write it in to Disney ?

[BobCosta]

YOU don't have to wait; you are concerned & have questions why wait to make the call or write it in to Disney ?

This was thread was a to get other Members thoughts on the security at the resorts... IMO it is a little lax. I am sure if I called members services they will tell me all the things the previous posters memtioned...But is that RIGHT?
Are WE paying for security? Are WE paying for our share of the transportation? Are WE paying for our resorts to be OUR home away from home?

[tjkraz]

Resort owners pay for theme park transportation and resort security. And even if you're willing to pay more for something like security, Disney is unlikely to make changes to the open nature of its resorts. To do so would negatively impact them across the board--it's an additional barrier to guests looking to dine at a resort where they are not registered, shop at the resort, rent boats at the resort or just look around while considering where to stay next.

I expect Disney to be responsible when it comes to security, but not to slap gates up all over resorts when members complain that non-guests are walking around "their" property.

Do non-SSR guests use the SSR buses? Sure they do. But when I'm staying at SSR and walk over to Downtown Disney and grab a bus to the BoardWalk, then I'm riding on BWV owners' dime. If I take the monorail from MK to the Contemporary, BLT owners are paying for that ride. There's going to be some level of shared responsibility for those costs which cannot be overcome.

Are people parking at DTD and walking to SSR so that they don't have to pay for parking? Yeah, there probably are people doing that. But there are also people parking in the BoardWalk, Beach Club, Dolphin or Swan lots and walking or taking boats to DHS or Epcot. There are people parking at the Poly or Contemporary and taking the monorail to Epcot. There are people parking at AKL and busing to the Animal Kingdom. Amazing what some will do to save a buck--but I don't know that it's worth paying more of MY bucks to add gates and additional security forces to try and stop them.

[BobCosta]

good points...