Safety for Solos [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

Taja

06-20-2005, 09:18 AM

Just be sure to take your common sense with you! :)

It's amazing how many people--solo and groups--completely leave common sense at home when on holiday!

If you aren't comfortable leaving items in your room safe, use the lobby safe deposit box. Don't carry all of your cash, TC, cards, etc. with you (although some people would disagree with that).

The other thing I do is bring a spare house key and car key in case my purse is lost or stolen. I pin them inside my carry-on bag, then shift them to my checked bag after I settle into my room. I keep my checked bag locked, so no one really knows if anything of value is in it!

If I lose my house key or car key, I have to call my cousin who lives 35 miles away from my home--about double that distance from the airport! :earseek:

MdmMim

06-20-2005, 09:41 AM

One thing I do, which may seem strange I guess, when I'm leaving a park or DTD at night and feel uncomfortable for whatever reason, I look for a group of people and walk near them--not so close that they'd wonder what I was doing, but close enough so that some weirdo would think I was part of the group. I makes me feel safer.

Also, I agree with the common sense advice previously given. If the situation doesn't feel right, remove yourself.

Claudia Kellenberger

06-20-2005, 01:22 PM

I would say to use all Disney transportation, and stay on Disney property.
Do not go ALONE to DTD or Pleasure Island at night.
Otherwise ... Have a great time ! :Pinkbounc

Simba's Mom

06-20-2005, 01:47 PM

One thing I do, which may seem strange I guess, when I'm leaving a park or DTD at night and feel uncomfortable for whatever reason, I look for a group of people and walk near them--not so close that they'd wonder what I was doing, but close enough so that some weirdo would think I was part of the group. I makes me feel safer.

Doesn't sound strange to me, I find myself doing that alot of the time too. The other thing I do is always ask for an upper floor room. It probably doesn't really matter, but I just sleep better knowing that someone couldn't run straight to my room from the bushes and rob me.

jenelope

06-20-2005, 04:46 PM

I leave my basic itinerary with my Mom before I go. In addition to what parks I'm planning to visit each day, it has my flight information, the hotel phone number, and a space for my hotel room number. If I deviate from the plan, I give her a call. I also call when I get back to my room at night. Sometimes I call just to say hi or to gloat over a great meal or something. Some people think it's a little over-the-top, but if I'm not where I'm supposed to be, I want someone to miss me!

Oh, and the one trip where I was arriving in the evening, I called to make a room request. I wasn't comfortable with the idea of walking all the way to the back of ASMu alone at night, so I requested a room close to the main hall. The room was close enough that the desk clerk asked who I was friends with.

spiceycat

06-20-2005, 05:27 PM

I live alone so many things are a habit for me.

never park your car in a dark place. If you do go ask the security guards to walk you to your car.

be aware of your surrounding if someone is following you (and yes there are even nuts at WDW) - go to the closest CM and start talking. if possible go to the guest service.

some of these people will still approach you - just say very, very loudly 'NO' and I mean scream it. People will turn around and stare and generally these nuts will go away. Or even better a WDW security guard will appear and take the guy away.

don't let anyone buy you a drink at any bar. don't ever leave your drink. If you have to go to the restroom - when you get back go and ask for another drink. better to pay more and be safe.

if you get lonely meet up with a DIs group - don't just agree to meet someone you don't know. (yea I am very strange - I certainly don't know any Diser's either - but somehow they are generally okay. I am generally the strange one)

I don't take my purse anymore - I take my fannypack and back pack. I never put cash, credit cards or keys in the backpack - only fannypack. the backpack gets the camera, food, water,etc.

be aware if someone is closer than what you think they should. put your hands on your fannypack when this happens. I have even been know to step on feet. Sometimes I say I am sorry - othertimes when the person acts like I should apologize I don't. These people want you think you did something wrong - when they are only interested in getting your mind off your wallet.

don't fall for it.

they were rude first.

You are at WDW to have fun - so have fun!!!

DVCconvert

06-20-2005, 08:03 PM

Stacy's a freak

06-20-2005, 09:22 PM

I can understand the concern, but I'm also a woman. I, too, live alone and I'm used to taking care of myself and I rarely feel threatened or ill at ease. I'm not an imposing figure at 5 feet tall but I feel comfortable in my surroundings since it's home (or work or my hometown). And because I feel comfortable, I know that I appear comfortable and in control, which probably dissuades anyone from making me a target. But going to WDW as a solo, even though I know it to be safe, I want to prepare myself with some safety tips in advance because you just never know. And the more comfortable I feel with my surroundings and my "plan", the less likely I am to be taken advantage of :)

scoutsmom99

06-21-2005, 01:35 AM

I hate to sound so sexist -- but it seems (my apologies if I'm wrong) that all the posters here are female -- but is it this common for so many women to be worried about their personal safety in 'real life' ??

Honestly, (yes I'm an imposing male figure) I find it hard to believe that so many are worried about this issue. (I'm not belittleing it) especially at Disney. Sure 'things' can happen...and do -- but statisically, I expect personal safety at WDW is perhaps in the top .05% of all resort/vacation destinations world wide.

This is a sincere question; what's causing this concern??

I'm not as concerned when I'm at home, but anytime I travel solo or to an unknown place I take precautions(I think anyone male or female should). My best friend is in Phoenix at the moment interviewing for a job with the Phoenix PD and she is down there solo. Well after being at her hotel for only one night a man called her room and started asking questions(he had seen her at the pool that day he told her (she didn't even go to the pool!). Needless to say she is at a new hotel now. I think of WDW as being very safe and that is one of the reasons I have traveled there solo twice.

MazdaUK

06-21-2005, 08:16 AM

I don't worry much about my normal routine, but if something is different (much earlier/later train than usual or on holiday) then I do try to be aware.

I've done some t'ai chi, which is very good for helping you to walk firmly (so people can't knock you over) and flexibly (so you can twist away without overbalancing!) - that's not what I learnt it for but it was a useful extra :cool1:

And I think women do need to be aware more now. When my mother was young no-one would have worried about her walking home from the Elephant & Castle (a dodgy bit of south London) after the last bus - I wouldn't get out of my car there in daylight!

KittyKitty

06-21-2005, 10:04 AM

Women in general have to be more aware of safety when alone. Unfortunately this real concern has to be addressed whenever women travel on their own.

Yes, this is sadly part of our lives. :( :( :( . Which is a real bummer.

spiceycat

06-21-2005, 11:03 AM

Women generally are the victims of rape, robbery, etc - sometimes by other women but mostly by men.

Yes, women have to aware of their area at all times. I don't care how familiar you are or how safe you feel. Crime happens all the time. and sometimes in the best communities.

the best way not to be a victim of crime is to constantly be aware.

If someone comes to close to - look them in the face - be sure you can identity them later - they generally then won't then bother you.

WDW has pick pockets, thiefs that go in the resort rooms when you are away, so don't leave valueables.

WDW has pretty good security. but they can't be everywhere. It is up to you to protect yourself.

MdmMim

06-21-2005, 01:26 PM

wdwr

06-21-2005, 05:11 PM

I have travelled a few times alone and yes I'm a woman.

If at a resort, I try not to leave the grounds or only during the day and then on some type of Tourist trap (sightseeing bus). When I was in Rome, I was too far away from all the tourist stuff, so I followed behind some locals and kept my bag tucked in front of me & under an arm. But I still felt safe, except for the old beggar.

Never a purse. Fanny pack and a small bag to carry my camera and water too. And just a little cash if I want to buy stuff.

Now at WDW, I was there in December and didn't worry the entire time. You might call it naive...but I never left the Resort. I don't drive, so I was on bus transportation or the monorail.

Having said that, I would NEVER go to Pleasure Island at night. It's just a big bar and I have heard that it's not all tourists so that makes me more cautious since I am alone. However, I did go to Downtown Disney to get a pretzel, check out the shops and buy a pearl. Tops an hour and then I was gone. Plus at DTD you can take in a Movie and that always kills a couple of hours if something's out and you are 'parked out' for the day.

I guess it is all your level of comfort and security...plus lots of common sense!

wdwr

katypop

06-22-2005, 04:55 PM

Okay, you guys are freaking me out a bit :crazy: I have had a few solo trips now and consider myself as being very careful and aware of my surroundings. I always ask for a room not facing a parking lot as I do not want to enter my room from there, I also feel safer being closer to where you check-in and have never had a problem. BUT I HAVE gone solo to PI :earseek: I didn't go my first couple of solo trips because I was too self-conscious but finally decided I really wanted to go...so did! I left by midnight, only had one drink and took a disney bus back to my resort. There were many people around so I felt I was pretty safe???

On two occasions I have taken a taxi back from Jellyrolls to my resort. The last time, this past May, was the only time I really felt a little scared. The cab driver freaked me out a little...and I wondered how long it would be before someone noticed if I didn't make it back to my resort :confused3 Silly I know but sometimes it is a little unnerving going solo.

So...how do the rest of you feel...should I definately not do PI solo? Would you take a taxi ride at night alone?

Kathe

lonegungirl

06-22-2005, 07:35 PM

I went to PI just to look around. I found it unpleasantly crowded. I plan on going someday, as I want to see the comedy club and the Adventurer's Club, but I don't drink or dance (nerd) so I have little interest in the rest of it. I didn't feel threatened in the slightest--there were so many people it would have taken some sort of alien hive mentality to turn them all against you.

I go most places alone, and I am careful and aware of my surroundings, but I refuse to live a fearful life where I can't even wear a purse when I want to. I have never had any problems and I go where I wish to, for the most part.

However, and with whomever you go, travel safely and have fun!

wdwr

06-22-2005, 08:09 PM

Kathe:

So...how do the rest of you feel...should I definately not do PI solo? Would you take a taxi ride at night alone?

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sorry, didn't mean to freak you out. There is nothing wrong with PI, really. It is busy and you should be safe if you don't go off with any strangers...duh.

But being a single woman, in a BIG bar...has a habit of getting the attention of drunk men. And I just don't have the patience I used to. Being hit on or harassed. Too old for that stuff now. :teeth: If I did want to go to a bar and do some people watching and hear some music for a little while...it's a good place to go. (the Adventurerer's Club is great)

As for the taxi. I always end up in a taxi alone and at night. So that doesn't bother me. But I would get the hotel staff at the Boardwalk (If coming from Jellyrolls) to order me one. They normally always use the same company.

And if you want someone to watch out for your return. Just drop a message at the front desk and tell them you would like to make sure someone knows where you are and that you will contact them when you get back.

I would think any Disney CM at the front desk would be happy to make that note. But hey, I could be wrong.

WDWR

katypop

06-22-2005, 08:37 PM

The only reason I go to PI is for Adventurer's Club and Comedy Warehouse, so I have never really felt that I am in a big bar...maybe I'm being naive :rolleyes:

Good idea about telling the cm's at my resort about my whereabouts, wdwr, but I'm afraid I don't have too much faith in them noticing if I didn't return :sad2: My last trip my df lost her luggage and every manager we spoke to at the 2 resorts we stayed at promised to tell the next manager at the end of their shift...well this only happened once over a week long period. Don't get me wrong, I have had very good service from the cm's at the resorts...but I would not count on them too much , they are pretty busy with all the guests they encounter, and not sure if I want everyone to know I'm alone.

Kathe

wdwjunkie2005

06-22-2005, 08:46 PM

I hate to sound so sexist -- but it seems (my apologies if I'm wrong) that all the posters here are female -- but is it this common for so many women to be worried about their personal safety in 'real life' ??

Honestly, (yes I'm an imposing male figure) I find it hard to believe that so many are worried about this issue. (I'm not belittleing it) especially at Disney. Sure 'things' can happen...and do -- but statisically, I expect personal safety at WDW is perhaps in the top .05% of all resort/vacation destinations world wide.

This is a sincere question; what's causing this concern??

Only a man would say these things. Women in our society are made to feel like victims, even if we haven't been. We also live in a society that blames the victim (whether male or female): "She deserves what happens to her if she looks like a tart." No one wants to be in that category of people to whom things do happen--after all, they (unfortunately) have to happen to someone. I'm not trying to speak for all women, but many of them feel the way I feel, and wanting to know how to stay safe is a legitimate concern for many of us whether in our "real life" or at the happiest destination on earth.

A side note to women who go to PI solo: If you're not married or just don't wear a wedding ring of you are, get a cheap band to wear on your ring finger. It may help with the being hit on (if you don't want to be hit on).

DVCconvert

06-23-2005, 07:47 PM

Only a man would say these things.

I'm sorry, but I neither elected nor chose that gender upon the occassion of my birth -- did you yours?

Women in our society are made to feel like victims, even if we haven't been. We also live in a society that blames the victim (whether male or female): "She deserves what happens to her if she looks like a tart." No one wants to be in that category of people to whom things do happen--after all, they (unfortunately) have to happen to someone.

IMHO we are all meant to feel like victims of one sort or another. Your politically correct or you're not, you're acceptable or you're not, you fit in a definded group or you dont. No one likes to feel unaccepted.

I'm not trying to speak for all women,

With all due respect, it kind of sounds like you may be.

but many of them feel the way I feel, and wanting to know how to stay safe is a legitimate concern for many of us whether in our "real life" or at the happiest destination on earth.

Junkie - I'll admit to being naive -- I live in a rural state who's population is pretty homogeneous. Most of us do not lock our doors at night, nor do we take the keys from our cars when we leave them. I suspect you may find that hard to believe, but that is the 'reality' in our area. I asked this question out of honest, sincere concern -- as the level of concern expressed by many surprised me. My personal experiences in WDW have (correctly or not) lead me to feel that people -- all people -- were generally "safe" there.
:)

floridagirrl2

06-23-2005, 09:58 PM

Let me tell you a story about going to a continuing ed class for my professional license in Tampa. It was a 2-day class, and I went alone. There was a special rate to stay overnight in the hotel in which the class was held, so I (and many of the other people in the class) stayed overnight there. On the second morning, I ordered room service for breakfast. When I opened the door for room service, the man handed me the tray, and then said, "You have to sign for this."

I turned and went back into the room to put the tray down, then signed for it. The man had a little smirk on his face, and he creeped me out. I realized he could have walked into the room at any time when I opened the door for me, and that if he was on the -up-and-up he would have had me sign FIRST for the tray before he handed it to me.

I went on to the class (shoulder rehab) and right before we broke for lunch, I noticed a man in the class, who was participating in the shoulder exercises we were practicing, who looked very familiar. I realized it was the room service guy! I'm guessing he had followed me down to the class. He left during lunch and didn't come back for the last 4 hours of the class. Creepy, creepy, creepy!

There are lots of people out there looking for an opening to commit crimes of opportunity. They are looking for vulnerable people. I feel very lucky that nothing happened to me. I haven't travelled alone since, but I would be VERY careful if I did--I'm not sure I would ever open a door for room service again (they can leave the tray outside the room!), among other things. I also would not stay offsite at Disney along unless I was staying at a very plush place--even then, you have no way of knowing how well they screen their employees.

Yes, women have to be very conscious of our security when we travel alone. If we seem to have a siege mentality, it's because we are under siege.

PrincessCandaceMarie

06-24-2005, 10:28 AM

I would say to use all Disney transportation, and stay on Disney property.
Do not go ALONE to DTD or Pleasure Island at night.
Otherwise ... Have a great time ! :Pinkbounc
Why not go to DTD or PI alone? I've been there tons of times alone and I've been fine. |f you do get the 'scared' feeling, ask a security guard to walk you to the transport, don't be afraid to go out at night at Disney....

WonderWomanDC

06-24-2005, 02:06 PM

I hate to sound so sexist -- but it seems (my apologies if I'm wrong) that all the posters here are female -- but is it this common for so many women to be worried about their personal safety in 'real life' ??

Honestly, (yes I'm an imposing male figure) I find it hard to believe that so many are worried about this issue. (I'm not belittleing it) especially at Disney. Sure 'things' can happen...and do -- but statisically, I expect personal safety at WDW is perhaps in the top .05% of all resort/vacation destinations world wide.

This is a sincere question; what's causing this concern??

Unfortunately, women do have to be much more mindful of their safety at all times. Men tend to fear that a woman will laugh at them. Women tend to fear than a man will kill them. Sorry to be over dramatic...but it's true.
I think caution when traveling alone is a given, at WDW or anywhere else. I have never been to Disney alone, and I rarely travel alone at all although I've done so for business in the past. It's important to make sure the front desk does not loudly state your room number or any other information about you. Most hotels are very good about just writing it down now, I think WDW is included in that. Make sure you lock all the locks on your hotel door, get a room that's not ground level, and do not get into casual conversations with anyone that reveal that you're traveling alone, where you are staying, etc. At WDW I would probably valet my car at night so that I could simply walk into the resort rather than walking from self parking which we all know it rather far away.

Taja

06-25-2005, 08:00 PM

I understand the differences between areas where one rarely--if ever--locks the door to the house and areas where everything thing is locked at all times!

The same Phoenix where a previous poster's friend had issues with unwanted telephone calls to her hotel room was a much gentler place when I moved here 28 years ago. Very few people locked their homes, people left their keys in their vehicles--and the vehicles unlocked!--and people said hello to one another on the street. I was a stranger in a strange land!

Unfortunately, the way of life that I left has become the norm here. I still love the Valley of the Sun, but the area has attracted many people who prey on those less able to care for themselves.

That is why WDW is such a wonderful break from reality for many people--including me! Since I travel frequently on business, I have a standard checklist for accommodations. I always request a top floor room, not too close to the elevator, but not at the end of a long corridor, either. Apart from safety, I don't want to traverse a mile-long corridor to get to my room after a day in the parks!

Safety when traveling solo tends to be more of an issue for women than men, but don't be too complacent, gentlemen! It can happen to you, as well, so keep your common sense with you, even on holiday! :)

BriarRosie

06-26-2005, 01:54 AM

I think some of the other women are being a wee bit extreme in their
cautionary posts. Do I think we should be cautious?

YES! But it's always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings, and
use good sense and gut instincts about what feels "wrong" or "right" about
personal safety.

I do travel all over WDW property alone. I go to Pleasure Island every
night, and when the Adventurers Club closes, I head to the bus stop.
Those areas are highly trafficked, and I've never felt uncomfortable there.

I think it's more important to click the lock on the door AND use that
swing latch that catches the bolt should anyone try to enter your room. :)
I've read horror stories over the years (may or may not be true) of people
being awakened by people trying to get into the room.

While it might be scary for us to be the one in the room, imagine being the
guest who was mistakenly given the room as their own, due to room
assignment glitches. It's rare, but it can happen.

I'll bet a lot of people will start swinging the top latch across the bolt
after they read this! LOL!
another party's room by mistake!

auntie pooh

07-05-2005, 05:55 AM

Before you venture out Go out and walk arround the grounds of your resort...To get a good idea of the set up..Even if you've been there before its a habit I make...To familarize yourself with your surroundings..If it looks dark in the day time It will be even darker @ nite.. Get to know where the fire exits are. emergency phones...Don't be aloof be alert @ all times!!!

DisneyGirl

07-10-2005, 07:16 PM

I hate to sound so sexist -- but it seems (my apologies if I'm wrong) that all the posters here are female -- but is it this common for so many women to be worried about their personal safety in 'real life' ??

Honestly, (yes I'm an imposing male figure) I find it hard to believe that so many are worried about this issue. (I'm not belittleing it) especially at Disney. Sure 'things' can happen...and do -- but statisically, I expect personal safety at WDW is perhaps in the top .05% of all resort/vacation destinations world wide.

This is a sincere question; what's causing this concern??

I'm not sure this is so much concern-- more of common sense-- I don't think any of the things people are suggesting are really all that "crazy"-- I think the "bad" people are definitely in the minority out there, but they definitely are out there. It's too bad, and I'm sure some nice people are offended because of the precautions (i.e., I've turned down several guys who wanted me to come with them on vacation-- I may agree to meet someone in someplace private, but I don't know who you are, and I am NOT getting in your car!), but how do I know if the perfectly charming gentleman is not a perfectly charming rapist/murderer? The facts are, you don't know... It's horrible to see things like what happened with that girl in Aruba (although, we don't really know what happened with her)-- if those guys did do something (which I think they did, or at least know what happened), they were probably very nice, but she went with them alone-- if she didn't, or at least brought a friend, she might be back with her family!

auntie pooh

07-11-2005, 02:24 AM

I don't think I mentioned crrazy MEN?..I think most of the rules or comon sense can be applied if your male or female. What's so wrong wih being familar with your surroundings? Being aloe or with a group also. But if you are a female traveling solo I think you're more vunerable than a Male traveling alone!!!
BTW Ted Bundy was a most charming man & look what he did!!!!

disneyfav4ever

07-13-2005, 04:16 PM

This might be a little off topic, but there are many people concerned about me going solo. Mainly my grandmother, parents, and DBF. How do I convince them I'll be okay?

spiceycat

07-13-2005, 05:42 PM

I don't think you can convience them.

It is a matter of trust.

are you a responsible person?

are you employed?

if you answer yes to both of these. THen WDW solo should be fine.

for some reason parents and grandparents have a BIG problem trusting females - for males it is just the opposite. and it really shouldn't be males definitely get into more trouble than us :rolleyes: :angel: :rolleyes1

MazdaUK

07-14-2005, 08:46 AM

:rotfl: Promise to ring one when you arrive and one half-way through the holiday. Also, if they have internet access you could e-mail them a pic from Epcot. Send postcards as well. Best thing is to get back safely then next time they won't worry so much.

BTW they'd still worry anyway even if you went with a group - its being a parent! We were flying out the same day as my DSis, and my mum was most releived we were going on separate planes so she had less chance of losing both daughters and all 6 grandchildren in one go - talk about looking on the dark side! She wasn't really happy until we were all back in the UK :rotfl:

disneymagic

07-16-2005, 08:26 PM

Okay, I know that this will really sound paranoid, but the FIRST thing I do when I arrive, or get back to my room (when I am traveling alone), is; check the room! Especially if I have a suite that has large or walk-in closets, and I also check the bathroom. (I do not check under the bed - I'm not that paranoid), most beds are too low for anyone to get under them.

This also helps to make sure you have everything you need; once there were no towels, and once the bathroom did not look 'clean' to me. (I AM speaking in general here - I am not referring to any hotels at Disney).

It all comes down to:
1 Using common sense
2 Staying alert
3 Being confident and know where you are going. If you look like you have a mission and are in a hurry to 'get there' most people will (hopefully) not bother you.

luvalldisney

07-16-2005, 10:36 PM

Part of the problem is not trust, but the not knowing if everything is okay and the helplessness one feels when you can't do anything for another person. Both my daughter and I live alone in two different cities, and we mutually decided that by calling each other at night (every night) just to say we are home safely we would both feel better. I like the idea of someone being concerned about me so its not like 'checking in' or having a curfew. Sometimes the conversations may include problems, complaints etc, but most of the time it is simply I'm home and talk to you later. The conversations become especially interesting when one of us is traveling, as the call is usually made upon entering the hotel room and includes pauses as the rooms are being opened and lights go on. Sometimes the calls are made when one or the other is walking out to a dark parking lot after work or when traveling. We also have unlimited nationwide cellular calling which helps. Before cellular we used codes in our beepers to say we were home. Would I have done this with my mom 35 years ago when I moved into my own apt? NO..., but today's times are different than they were years ago. Would I ask the same thing of my son if he were living alone? YES!! Perhaps if you make arrangements to call at a particular time or day it may make your relatives feel better about your being on a trip, or if you have nationwide cellular a simple call will do the trick. Don't think of it as someone checking up on you, think of it as having a loved one who cares about you and your safety. :love:

Taja

07-16-2005, 10:57 PM

This might be a little off topic, but there are many people concerned about me going solo. Mainly my grandmother, parents, and DBF. How do I convince them I'll be okay?

Those who love you always will worry about you! My mother worried about my safety when traveling until she passed on a few years ago--even though I was a mature, responsible adullt!

Here's what we agreed to minimize her concerns:

1. Contact her upon arrival at destination or if more than 2 hour delay.
2. Contact her every other night before midnight her time (she was a night owl) just to let her know I was still breathing.
3. Contact her if arrival home was delayed more than 2 hours.

You just have to follow through with checking in on what ever schedule you develop. And have only one point of contact--that person can notify everyone else. Although a surprise call to grandparents while on holiday can't go wrong! :)