Does anyone worry about a terror threat in the parks?

[JZCubed]

I don't mean to sound paranoid & I certainly don't want to ruin anyone else's trip. I have just been watching the news lately & there are high risk threats against the US. We will be in Disney in a little over a week & I have been so excited! I didn't even realize until recently that we will be there on the 9/11 anniversary. Now, I feel an overwhelming fear that I can't shake. I know we can't live in fear. I want to go & have a good time without worrying. Does anyone else feel concerned? I wonder if the parks have a plan in place for those kind of situations.

Best advice if you decide to go - avoid the crowd on Main Street during fireworks.

Even in the absence of an unexpected event, this can be uncomfortable when the fireworks are over.

Otherwise, no, I am not concerned. The Parks are not like a subway.

 

[pigletto]

These are the quotes that struck me the most & made me concerned:

“The threat is two-fold because ISIS is in war with core Al Qaeda,” former CIA case officer Brian Fairchild said. “ISIS was kicked out of Al Qaeda in February and they’ve been fighting each other internally for leadership. ISIS is winning right now. They have captured the imagination of young Muslims from around the world and depriving Al Qaeda of its own fighters. Al Qaeda is split down the middle and now you have 9/11 [anniversary approaching]. It would be beneficial to both camps that on 9/11, some great attack in the United States takes place. It’s certainly a serious consideration because they are both vying for primacy.”

“A message to the American government and their sheep-like citizens: We have left you alone since your disgraceful defeat in Iraq. We did not interfere in your country or attack your citizens while they were safe in their homes despite our capability to do so,” the letter said. “You do not spare our weak, elderly, women or children so we will NOT spare yours! You and your citizens will pay the price of your bombings.”

Where would they be able to attack the weak, elderly, women & children the most? I know it could be anywhere & we can't dwell on it but if they are saying they will attack, I believe it. May not be on 9/11. If you look up the top terrorist targets. Disney World is #2 under tourist targets, above lots of tourists places I would think are more densely populated.

Well credible source or not, this doesn't exactly surprise me. There aren't any rules of decency being followed here. I imagine (without any real knowledge) that Disney has to have some pretty spectacular behind the scenes security because sadly, if one wanted to make a huge terror inducing attack that brought the West to it's knees, symbolically there is no place like Disney to do that. It would bring bone chilling fear, grief and revulsion to the public. And that is what they want. Now if I, the average citizen can see what a symbolically significant target a place like Disney would be to bring us to our knees, then surely those who live and breathe the nations security have taken this into consideration and put a very elaborate plan in place.
I doubt it's rated as a number two terrorist target and it's been left wide open for an attack.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

I doubt it's rated as a number two terrorist target and it's been left wide open for an attack.

ITA. No plan is foolproof, to be sure, but I don't doubt that a solid one is in place. It's in everyone's best interest -- Disney and the US government.

 

[crazymomof4]

Honestly my concern is more about the flight down as I've not flown in 34 years!! We were in wdw on sept 11th of 2012. I thought about it pre-trip but then the day rolled around and almost passed before I realized what the date was.... Too caught up in the vacation to keep track of dates! Hopefully it will be the same for you!

 

[mguilford1]

This.

If I saw anything suspicious, I'd report it, but I suspect Disney security are paying more attention to other guests than I am... otherwise, I see no point in worrying. When we worry, they win. When we change our plans, they win. They want to create fear, so I'm not prepared to give in to that.

I guess it helps that I have spent a lot of time in London, subject of many, many terrorist attacks over the years, and they don't make much fuss about it. Let security do their jobs, enjoy your trip and try your best not to worry!

I agree with the above. I am now 47 and I remember when I was 11 and going to go on a plane by myself to visit a friend....I was really afraid of the plane crashing and almost didnt go! My mother told me that day that if it is our time to go we will go no matter where we are and what we are doing. I believed her and went on my trip and had lots of fun and now when I get concerned about something I remember what my Mom said many years ago and I go do what I want and have fun!

 

[yankeepenny]

YES, I am concerned. The recent light of the ISIS ^%##%&**%$## individuals does have me concerned. Today Britain announced a heightened terror alert after it figured close to 500 individuals might have gone to Syria.
IN the US, it is closer to about 75.

The very thought of ANY of them, whether 1 or all, going to their country of original citizenship and /or passport issuance and causing harm makes me sick.

That being said, I just hope it does not happen, and we can continue to improve things for those of us of any country who chose to be law abiding and good citizens.

In the park, I understand there is always a chance of something that could happen. But when I realize it is 1 percent of anything, I decide to take the risk and roll the dice.

I read about the WDW company applying for patents for drones for the parks.

Dontcha just know they would be a good security camera as well.
I think if we keep our wits about us, and report suspicious behavior, we are all better off.

 

[Spoiledraf]

I would think any NFL or college football stadium would be a bigger target on any given Saturday or Sunday. 70,000 people crammed in a bowl with limited escape routes. Live Tv cameras to broadcast the carnage to the world. Yea, I would be more concerned at a game than the spread out campus of Disney.

 

[themouseforme]

no

 

[amberpi]

I'm a risk consultant and travel a ton for work. This stuff never even enters my head. Worry about the lines and everything else will be great

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

Nope, not worried about it. At all.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

As already stated.....aware.....yes.........concerned....no!

WDW security is pretty good and consists of various types and levels, using human in uniform and undercover, as well as various electronic systems.

AKK

 

[Nayan]

I don't mean to sound paranoid & I certainly don't want to ruin anyone else's trip. I have just been watching the news lately & there are high risk threats against the US. We will be in Disney in a little over a week & I have been so excited! I didn't even realize until recently that we will be there on the 9/11 anniversary. Now, I feel an overwhelming fear that I can't shake. I know we can't live in fear. I want to go & have a good time without worrying. Does anyone else feel concerned? I wonder if the parks have a plan in place for those kind of situations.

Nope. When you get to your room, go in the bathroom, give a big two-fingered salute and silently say 'screw you terrorists!'. If you have fears, they've won. If you're scared, they've won. I'm sorry, but I do not allow terrorists or fear to rent space in my head. Be observant, yes. Fearful? Nope. Have an awesome time

 

[Luvchefmic]

Nope. When you get to your room, go in the bathroom, give a big two-fingered salute and silently say 'screw you terrorists!'. If you have fears, they've won. If you're scared, they've won. I'm sorry, but I do not allow terrorists or fear to rent space in my head. Be observant, yes. Fearful? Nope. Have an awesome time

The BEST !!

 

[aribelle]

I would think any NFL or college football stadium would be a bigger target on any given Saturday or Sunday. 70,000 people crammed in a bowl with limited escape routes. Live Tv cameras to broadcast the carnage to the world. Yea, I would be more concerned at a game than the spread out campus of Disney.

How about the Super Bowl....yeah, that's practically in my yard next year. Yee ha.

Seriously, I think these people are smart enough to know that Disney, the ballparks, airports, etc etc are all on heightened alert, every day of the year, and if they are planning to do something, they'll have to be more clever this time. The reason they succeeded so nicely in 2001 was that America was smug enough to think "it can't happen HERE".

I also live near where several of the 2001 attackers trained on flying an airplane....they lived around here for at least a year.....so if I want to be paranoid, I'd worry about my state because they had plenty of time for recon and reporting back on other potential places.

Honestly, I think I'd worry more about getting hurt on a Disney ride than on a terrorist attack happening while I was there.

Think of it this way, since an attack can happen anywhere at any moment, you're not even safe in your own home....cause they could choose your neighborhood for their bomb/plane/whatever. So...go to Disney and have fun like it was the last week of your life...if I gotta leave this earth, I wanna do it from Disney!

 

[cattywampus]

Some may consider this odd advice, but stop watching the news and quasi news shows/websites.

Go back 20-30 years ago and check a credible written source of news ONCE per day.

The amount of sensationalism and manipulation in "news" programs/websites is amazing and designed to glue you to the TV/computer/device. Staying informed does not require 24 hour bombardment which messes with your perception. Get outside into the world for perspective.

I am consistently aware of my surroundings but don't consider terrorism more of a threat to me or my family than I do other crimes. I am just as aware of a person walking behind me on a city street as I am an unattended bag in a Disney park. But I am not about to stop walking down city streets or stop going to Disney parks. I am just consistently smart about it.

Live your life.

 

[SDSorority]

Aware, yes.
Concerned, no.

Logically, there's a much better chance of getting injured in the parking lot by an errant motorist.

 

[crazymomof4]

my 72 yr old mom called me tonight telling me she's been feeling "generally unwell" since Wed. Dizzy, nauseous, weak, just not herself. She has high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetic. Calling Dr Monday morning but.... We fly to WDW a week from this morning. THIS will be on my mind during the trip, for sure!
So, I guess these worries, closer to home and much more threatening, fill my "worry bank" leaving no room for more remote possibilities such as terrorist attacks.

 

[robinb]

my 72 yr old mom called me tonight telling me she's been feeling "generally unwell" since Wed. Dizzy, nauseous, weak, just not herself. She has high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetic. Calling Dr Monday morning but.... We fly to WDW a week from this morning. THIS will be on my mind during the trip, for sure!
So, I guess these worries, closer to home and much more threatening, fill my "worry bank" leaving no room for more remote possibilities such as terrorist attacks.

Oh no! I hope your mom will be OK .

 

[tabby1881]

Enjoy your trip. I think WDW is on top of things re: security.

things can happen anywhere. (I was near the Boston Marathon finish line area in 2013)

 

[LadyLuck24]

Aidensmommy, I just wanted to thank you for bringing up this topic. I live in the Boston area and was in DW 3 weeks after the marathon bombings. While watching Wishes one night along with a packed Main Street, someone next to me put down a backpack and then stepped away a few steps to talk to a family member. I became so paranoid that I almost had to leave (& certainly did not enjoy Wishes that night). Afterwards, I searched the Dis for a discussion of the topic of terrorism in DW and never found one.

For those of you replying simply "no" or "nope, the thought never entered my mind"---well, those aren't really helpful comments to someone who has said she HAS thought/worried about this issue. But I have appreciated reading other people's thoughts about WHY they don't worry about this, and just the general comments regarding safety at DW. Thanks again for bringing this up OP.