Travel Warning

[MrsDuck]

We'll be at Disney for thanksgiving and I hadn't given it any thought until I saw your thread. We are always alert when we travel. I'm guessing that if terrorists are looking to do something, Disney won't be their first target.

 

[LivingforDisney]

We leave 3weeks today, flying in from Australia, have to admit I am a bit anxious.
My anxiety is really the flying part, but hopefully the airports step up the security.
Here in Australia they have stepped up the security, but you are never sure if the government is telling you the whole truth!
You guys probably didn't hear about it, but last month a 15 year (lone wolf) targeted a police station here in Sydney and shot a police accountant as he walked out of the building on a Friday afternoon, the 15 year old was shot dead by police. Quite scary , they have since arrested a few others in connection, he was given the gun at a mosque he attended. Guns are banned here in Australia, only certain people can get a gun license. Still haven't heard how the gun was obtained.
He was running up and down the street, chanting the Allah blah, blah crap, so yes this was a terrorist attack.
And what happened in Paris, none of us are safe really.

 

[MrsDuck]

WDW is one of the targets in the US. What is more American than Disney? Some of the 9/11 hijackers trained as pilots in Florida. You should be alert and aware no matter where you are, not necessarily for a terrorist attack but any kind of danger.

NYC, Washington, DC., Chicago...

And the majority of terrorists who trained in FL were in South Florida - a solid 2.5 hours away from WDW. We live in the town where the stayed and they worked out at my dad's gym. Not saying you don't have a valid point as anything could happen and they clearly don't need any rhyme or reason for their actions, just don't see the sense in fear mongering.

 

[*MomTo2Princesses*]

I am always a little nervous when it comes to close quarters like movie theaters. The monorail and other transportation scares me a little, but the parks themselves really don't. We are leaving Saturday and aren't any more worried than we would've been prior to the alert. Disney is my happy place, and I refuse to let anyone take that from me! So excited!!

 

[bizeemom4]

I'd be more concerned about sitting in a crowded line or walking around a mall on Black Friday.

 

[SparklePixie]

NYC, Washington, DC., Chicago...

And the majority of terrorists who trained in FL were in South Florida - a solid 2.5 hours away from WDW. We live in the town where the stayed and they worked out at my dad's gym. Not saying you don't have a valid point as anything could happen and they clearly don't need any rhyme or reason for their actions, just don't see the sense in fear mongering.

Telling people to be alert and aware no matter where they are isn't fear mongering.

 

[loves to dive]

I live in Athens, GA and there is an alert for Atlanta. Evidently there is a big WWW (or whatever wrestling is) match and they have been targeted. We have the University of Georgia here and our football stadium holds 90,000 so they are always on alert. We just go about our daily lives and pay attention to the alerts when they happen. No use worrying about something you can't do anything about.

 

[MrsDuck]

Telling people to be alert and aware no matter where they are isn't fear mongering.

Respectfully, I was referring to the comment about Disney World. Being alert and aware, terrorists or not, is always solid advice!

 

[SaraJR]

Statistically speaking your much more likely too be killed by a white middle ages male christian than any other demographic , most domestic terrorist groups in the US which have lead far more attacks on american soil then any forgein groups fit this description they just dont get the same news coverage unfortunately. Really though the odds of encountering either type of terrorist group is quite slim i wouldnt worry.

 

[BeerMe]

We're going in 10 days. I'm not even a little concerned.

 

[sunshine1]

Yes we live in scary times but you have to remember that the mass media plays on fear.
What concerns me is that more and more of our freedoms will be away to 'protect' us.
Do you know how many people die of DIY and falling off ladder accidents every year? Alot.
So shall we ban ladders?

Recent Dis podcast said that Homeland Security gets security tips from Disney.

I am due to go to Disneyland Paris in 2 weeks. Gonna chill and enjoy Mickey.

 

[hammie59]

Ever since 9/11 it's always in the back of my mind when I travel, and more so when attacks are current. However, I'm of the mindset that changing my lifestyle is giving in to the terrorists. I try to make decisions that make obvious sense (you won't see me booking any flights to the Middle East anytime soon), but I'm not giving up enjoying my life. And going to Disney is part of enjoying my life! Just be aware of your surroundings and trust your gut.

 

[*MomTo2Princesses*]

I live in Athens, GA and there is an alert for Atlanta. Evidently there is a big WWW (or whatever wrestling is) match and they have been targeted. We have the University of Georgia here and our football stadium holds 90,000 so they are always on alert. We just go about our daily lives and pay attention to the alerts when they happen. No use worrying about something you can't do anything about.

We live in Atlanta (suburbs) and I think this event was this past Sunday? I could be wrong though!

 

[lucas]

We'll be at Disney World for Thanksgiving weekend.

I'm not "worried" about it. But, the thought has crossed my mind.

 

[akl2004]

I didn't even know there was a travel warning until I saw this post...

This goes for me too. We are flying into Orlando on 12/5 and I have been paying attention for any travel alerts since the events in Paris and this is the first I have heard of this warning. As it stands right now, I don't think it will really affect our plans. I think, as pp stated, we will be cautiously alert, but unless there is an increase in the warning or if there is more credible evidence of something impending, then we will not change our plans. And even then, I don't know.

I do find it hilarious that I've been watching various news outlets and even listening to talk radio and I hear of this on the DIS.

 

[MrsHull]

I'm concerned. We leave for Disney on Friday. Then, the day after Christmas, my mother is taking my children to NYC. But, I've come to the conclusion that I would much rather face the slight possibility that we die doing something we love than miss out on any fun and excitement because we are afraid to leave our home.

 

[ejdmomma]

I'm more worried about the increasing crime in my own city than terrorist attacks...and I travel extensively for work. I never used to think twice about running to the grocery after dark but with the increasing violence, it makes me nervous to walk across a dark parking lot by myself.

 

[Jestocost]

I live in Athens, GA and there is an alert for Atlanta. Evidently there is a big WWW (or whatever wrestling is) match and they have been targeted. We have the University of Georgia here and our football stadium holds 90,000 so they are always on alert. We just go about our daily lives and pay attention to the alerts when they happen. No use worrying about something you can't do anything about.

The WWE event in question (Survivor Series) was held without incident on Sunday.

This is the fifth global travel alert issued by the State Department since mid 2011, so while such announcements are unusual they are not unheard of in recent years. Country- or region-specific warnings are issued as often as once or twice per month, on the other hand.

 

[ktlm]

You have to live your life. Sure, the warning is something that most people will think about getting on a plane or going to a place that is an American icon like WDW or NYC, but you can't let fear rule your life. Back in 1999, on a spur of the moment decision we booked a WDW day after Christmas through New Years trip 3 weeks ahead of time because we wanted to have something to remember when the calendar rolled from 1999 to 2000. There was 1 room left on property due to a cancellation- which I would bet was someone that was scared off by all the Y2K hype and warnings of terrorist attacks planned at multiple high profile public places for that New Year. I had friends that were shocked that we were getting on a plane and going out of town for Y2K, and my mother was not exactly pleased. WDW even put flashlights in everyone's room on New Year's Eve in case the entire power grid went down and all electricity was gone as some predictors said could happen at Y2K. Well, absolutely nothing happened and we had an absolutely fantastic trip, including a fabulous New Years Eve at WDW's then Pleasure Island extra ticket party. It was a terrific way to end the 1900s!

20 years ago when I saw all the news reports of that kind of thing, I thought that nothing like that could ever happen in my little low profile area of the country and that we were totally safe from anything like that at home. Well, I lived in the OKC area and was about 4 blocks away from the 1995 explosion when it happened. I didn't see the building, or the area, or some of the injured people for the first time on the news, I saw them with my own eyes. I learned then that bad people can do bad things anywhere, so there is no point in letting fear of that kind of thing stop you from living your life. Actually, that is probably one of the reasons why we didn't hesitate about booking the WDW trip on Y2K.

Sure, you would think that WDW would be a target, but if you look at the Paris attacks- they were not the big target places that you would think about. Instead, they went for places that would not be considered big targets and which would have much less security. It certainly makes sense to think about it and have some concern, but I wouldn't let it spoil my fun!

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[BarbieGal457]

Am I a bit nervous? Sure...but that's not going to stop me at all. That is what people who do these evil acts want - to change our lives for the worse, to keep us in constant fear of everything. I will not let that happen. Am I aware of surroundings and keep alert as best I can? Of course I am, especially places like Times Sq and yes even Disney, but I refuse to let these people scare me into missing out on life. In fact in August we went to NYC for the day and I have to admit I was definitely anxious. I live in Philadelphia so I would assume we are reasonably high on US targets due to the historical significance of the city. I think about it a lot since I work near historical sites but I try to keep that nagging feeling at bay.

This is not at all to say people who are very worried and anxious are wrong, they aren't! It is a very valid concern and I totally understand it. I just won't let it stop me and keep me in fear. I agree with @edjmomma that I too worry more about crime in my big city than I worry about terrorist events happening while I travel. My best friend is Greek and visits every summer and invites me, but skipped this year. Would I go to Greece right now? No, but I feel okay to go to Disney. I was young but of an age of understanding when 9/11 happened so I almost feel I grew up in a state of always being alert and "see something, say something" so maybe that's why it just feels second nature to me.

Keep your eyes and ears open especially during travel but try to find some relaxation and calm. I hope you have a wonderful trip! As always, safe travels!