A Lesson learned at AKL

[chirurgeon]

I was staying at AKL concierge from Dec 2-5 as a partial stay. Since I was only in the room 2 1/2 days, and being somewhat forgetful, I decided to leave my cash in a pocket of my suitcase. A non see through pocket on the inside of the zipped suitcase. I didn't even unpack my clothes. I put the money in the suitcase late Saturday night, when I was checking out on the 5th very early due to EMH at Epcot, the cash was gone. Travellers Checks are a pain for me to get to so I didn't have them this trip. I immediately went done to the desk and spoke with a manager and security. Mild concern and empathy on their part. They didn't find out anything. My own foolishness was really upsetting me. I have since filed a police report with the Orange County Sheriff's office. I don't expect to see my money again. A lesson learned.



Please don't suffer my fate.

 

[Cass]

Why didn't you use the safe provided in the room?

I just came back from AKL and left valuables all over the room all the time.

We went to Dolphins in Depth and were not allowed to wear jewellry, I left (by mistake) my gold watch in plain view along with my engagement ring/band/bracelets/etc etc... nothing was touched.

 

[chirurgeon]

I didn't use the safe because it isn't in plain site and I was afraid I would forget to check before I left the room. Like I said, I'm a little forgetful.

 

[bytheblood]

I am sorry you experienced that. Forgetful or not, you should not have to worry about your stuff being taken.

I had a CM steal from us (in the amount of $400) while on DCL in 2002. This was clearly theft, but Disney could not do anything about it (according to them).

 

[limabeanmom2003]

That just stinks! I like to think that what goes around comes around. The sad think is that the you are probably not the first, nor will you be the last victim of this person.

We should all learn a lesson from this incident. No matter how many times you have left your valuables in plain sight or hidden in the room without incident, remember: the next time this could be you. Use the safe!

 

[MeLaNie9]

So sorry that this happened. I agree that you shouldn't have to worry about this - especially since it was in a pocket INSIDE your ZIPPED suitcase so that someone had to go through your suitcase to find it. I once had 2 brand new pairs of earrings stolen out of my zipped suitcase by airline workers. I had had an awful trip and our car broke down on the way home from the airport in frigid weather. When I had finally gotten home, I opened the suitcase to get out my new earrings thinking that they might cheer me up - and they were gone! I was so upset. The airline couldn't do anything. I just never considered that people would be rifling through my things! It such an awful, creepy feeling!

 

[WDWBetsy]

I'm sorry this happened to you.

This is one of the reasons I don't carry much cash on me. I only get out a minimum of what I need from the ATM. We use our Amex for all other purchases.

We also use the safe for any valuables (PocketPC, camera, jewelry, etc.) and use a cable lock for our laptop.

 

[ducklite]

How can it be so difficult to buy travlers checks? Most banks sell them, as well as AAA/CAA. You could also use your ATM card to take cash every couple of days as you need it.

While it's certainly a huge problem that money was stolen from you, I can't be entirely sympathetic because you didn't use the safe in the room or even lock your suitcase. Forgetfulness aside, there are ways to make sure you don't leave something behind in the safe. Place a HUGE note on the back of the door that says "CHECK SAFE" for example. The front desk will always be willing to give you a piece of paper and a piece of tape if you ask.

Anne

 

[gayles]

When I go on vacation ******I keep all rings on --and only take Jewerly that would not be a great loss if stolen or I lost them myself--- Also they have so many light weight pouches (water proof and such) to keep all cash in "Your person" Other than showering,-- Meaning if you you leave your room-- Money and Jewerly go with you ...

 

[bytheblood]

How can it be so difficult to buy travlers checks? Most banks sell them, as well as AAA/CAA. You could also use your ATM card to take cash every couple of days as you need it.

While it's certainly a huge problem that money was stolen from you, I can't be entirely sympathetic because you didn't use the safe in the room or even lock your suitcase. Forgetfulness aside, there are ways to make sure you don't leave something behind in the safe. Place a HUGE note on the back of the door that says "CHECK SAFE" for example. The front desk will always be willing to give you a piece of paper and a piece of tape if you ask.

Anne

How can it be so difficult to be nice?

Not everybody wants to use Travelers Cheques, plain and simple. A lot of people don't use ATM cards, credit cards or any other form of plastic. The OP should not have to worry about her stuff being stolen, PERIOD!!

 

[ducklite]

How can it be so difficult to be nice?

Not everybody wants to use Travelers Cheques, plain and simple. A lot of people don't use ATM cards, credit cards or any other form of plastic. The OP should not have to worry about her stuff being stolen, PERIOD!!

I don't think I wasn't nice, just realistic. Like I said, it was unacceptable that her cash was stolen, but she did nothing to mitigate her loss, despite having multiple options for doing so.

Florida Innkeepers Laws are very specific, and posted on teh abck of every door in every room. Bottom line, they are not responsible for theft or destruction of unsecured valuables. Those should be locked in teh safe or left at the front desk in a lock box. Leaving valuables in an unlocked suitcase absolves the resort of all liability.

Anne

 

[Lewisc]

Unfortunately there is no way to prove if the cash was taken by another family member. Assume some of the cash is "missing". No way of proving if the guest miscounted, never had as much cash as he thought or spent more than he thought. Worse yet there is no way to prove a guest isn't just making this up, hoping a big company will "make him whole for goodwill" I'd file a complaint, too many complaints and Disney/police will have to consider a dishonest employee.

Honest guests, like the OP, get hurt because of other guests who are dishonest or careless. Hotels provide a safe to accommodate those guests who want to leave valuables, including cash, in their room.

A suggestion, ask if you can give cash to the front desk and have it credited to your room account. You can then charge back to your room.

How can it be so difficult to be nice?

Not everybody wants to use Travelers Cheques, plain and simple. A lot of people don't use ATM cards, credit cards or any other form of plastic. The OP should not have to worry about her stuff being stolen, PERIOD!!

 

[belleandthebeast]

Our AAA offers Visa Travel Money cards that you load and then use just like a credit card. I've used it many times on my trips to Disney. Avoids having cash stolen and so much easier than using travelers checks.

BTW, I'm so sorry you were robbed. Disney needs to start doing something about this. This isn't the 1st, nor the last time we heard from people who were robbed. What should they do? Not sure. But something needs to be done.

 

[XYSRUS]

Having money stolen would make me sick. A few years ago we were staying at POFQ. Minutes before takeoff my FIL gave me some cash for the kids-200 bucks. I stuffed it in front of my backpack, thinking nothing of it. A few days later I remembered it, and got a sick feeling in my stomach b/c I figured it was probably gone. I wasn't about to tell my husband b/c he thinks I'm "not responsible with my money". Anyway, lo and behold, there it was...all of it...not even rifled through. There are still good people in the world. Don't beat yourself up over it. Learn from your mistakes and thank G*D you have job and can make more!

 

[3for Me]

I am so sorry this happened to you! This happened to us on our honeymoon (not in Disney). For a couple of days it really put a damper on the trip. I am always afraid I'll forget to go to the safe as well, so I do write myself a note and stick it in my purse so I don't forget.


Not to get but, Cass...how was your trip? I really enjoyed the trip report you did a couple of years ago. Are you going to do another one?

I just came back from AKL and left valuables all over the room all the time.

 

[chrissyt27]

That totally isn’t cool. We have never had a problem at Disney, or really anywhere. (knock on wood) Instead of leaving a note about the safe, we actually stick our bathroom bag in there. No way we would leave that behind with all our toothbrushes, makeup, and stuff all laying out. It has worked the last few times.
In today’s world it’s sad to say that it’s very hard to find honest people and then one or two give everyone a bad name.

 

[ducklite]

That totally isn’t cool. We have never had a problem at Disney, or really anywhere. (knock on wood) Instead of leaving a note about the safe, we actually stick our bathroom bag in there. No way we would leave that behind with all our toothbrushes, makeup, and stuff all laying out. It has worked the last few times.

Fantastic idea!

Anne

 

[bytheblood]

Unfortunately there is no way to prove if the cash was taken by another family member.

You are assuming that somebody in her family took her money??

Assume some of the cash is "missing". No way of proving if the guest miscounted, never had as much cash as he thought or spent more than he thought. Worse yet there is no way to prove a guest isn't just making this up, hoping a big company will "make him whole for goodwill" I'd file a complaint, too many complaints and Disney/police will have to consider a dishonest employee.

WOW - I think you way over analyze/overthink things sometimes.


Regardless of who took it, it stinks!!!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

I have problems getting my Mousekeeper to take her tip and I always leave it out with a note.

I am so sorry this happened to you though. It is a lesson hard learned.

I never leave valuable things in plain sight so as not to tempt people.

Have you heard of people taking your purse out of your car while you are filling up? I lock my car doors.

It is sad to have to be that cautious. We tend to be a whole lot more trusting while on vacation and in a relaxation mood and especially at DW.

Hope the rest of your trip went well and it was not too much money.

Slightly Goofy

 

[C.Ann]

All cash, traveler's checks, and debit cards are ALWAYS "on my person" - in various places.. However, I carry heavy-duty locks for my luggage wherever I go and once I have purchased anything that I wouldn't want stolen, it goes in the LARGEST suitcase and it gets locked.. I then pile the smaller ones on top of it..

Seems it would be a little harder for a maid or other employee to walk out of a room with a huge suitcase without beng noticed..

Sorry this happened on your trip..