Does anyone worry about a terror threat in the parks?

[MickeyMinnieMom]

First, there is nothing there that suggests that Disney was one of only two sources that the Federal Government consulted. Just saying that out loud shows how nonsensical it is. Really? The U.S. Government looked to only two sources for assistance on security issues after 9/11? No way.

Second, consulting on biometrics (finger print scanners and facial recognition) is not really the same thing as consulting on how to avoid and react to a terror attack. It certainly feeds into the overall plan. But the original post that cited to this point made it sound as if we are all safer at WDW because WDW has some great anti-terror plan in place that was better than the government's. Reading the fingerprint on your index finger is not exactly the equivalent of warding off a terror threat. It's great to know that Disney has highly sophisticated technology in place. But let's not make it sound as if their technology is unique to the point of being ahead of the NSA, CIA and FBI when it comes to overall terror profiling.

I'm not going to get into some massive debate over this -- silly, IMO. I just shared a link I found after two seconds of Googling the topic.

Take out the "one of two sources" piece, let's say -- I agree there had to be more -- or at least I sure hope so (!!) -- but look at the US government even just YESTERDAY on the issue of the terrorism threat -- who knows how much advice they sought?!?

I don't think PP suggested that WDW was "ahead of the NSA, CIA and FBI" -- what I extracted was that the government had sought Disney's advice after 9/11 on security issues -- which they did -- and that you're likely safer there than many other places on 9/11 or any other day.

I don't think anyone was suggesting that Disney specializes in terror profiling. I mean, how would they make the MASSIVE PROFITS off of that?!?

 

[JimmyV]

Take out the "one of two sources" piece, let's say -- I agree there had to be more -- or at least I sure hope so (!!) --

Not bickering with you at all. In fact, I should have politely thanked you for the link. I agree that taking out the "one of two sources" makes all the difference in the world. Leaving that in has all the earmarks (pardon the pun) of an urban legend.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Not bickering with you at all. In fact, I should have politely thanked you for the link. I agree that taking out the "one of two sources" makes all the difference in the world. Leaving that in has all the earmarks (pardon the pun) of an urban legend.

I'm on my cell now so I can't give the cute little "thumbs up" smiley, but please pretend that I inserted it here:

 

[Disney Frenhines]

Not worried as I know they do have plain clothes security. Several years ago I was at the Osbourne Lights and the battery on my camera went, I crouched down below a street lamp to rummage for the spare battery which had gone to the bottom of my handbag, as I was doing so I was aware I was being watched, although not completely openly, by a young man, he hovered by me as inconspicuously as he could until he saw what I was doing when I got the battery and changed it then he wandered off. I didn't mind being watched as it made me feel safer knowing they are there. I'm more concerned of the gun carrying idiots like the chap who brought his gun in and left it on the Dinosaur ride, ye, it was accidental, but, it could have ended in tragedy if a young child had found it and thought it a toy.

 

[robinb]

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.

I'm sorry that you are fearful {{hugs}}. I wouldn't be concerned one little bit, but then again I am not a worrier. I think that you can rest assured that Disney does have some kind of "terrorism plan" in place as does any other place where thousands of people congregate at once.

Would it make you feel better to plan your own small 9/11 memorial while you are there? Maybe buy a balloon and let it go? Make sure you're at the MK's Flag Retreat? Or at the American Pavilion when the Drum and Fifes Corps comes out? Take back the date from a place of fear to one of reflection .

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

Not to be morbid, but I would be just fine spending my final moments in the happiest place on earth with my family. Just sayin'

Do I ever worry about a threat? Nope! I have better things to do in WDW then worry about hypothetical terrorist plots.

 

[AliceandAriel]

OR
. . . an old lady in a speeding ECV
. . . a five-foot brown Chipmunk with a black nose
. . . a monorail making a right turn without signaling
. . . a Cast Member trying to get you to take a DVC tour

Hey, I ran into one of those in February! Someone needs to stop feeding those guys the Miracle Grow!

 

[Mouse Daddy]

My biggest fear about this trip was what my wife might do to me if I didn't get the fastpasses my daughter wanted. Tragedy averted.

 

[dday2022]

I was at WDW in October of 2011 for a security conference, two of our guest speakers were the heads of WDW Security, for both Parks and Networking. Yes, after 9/11/2001 the government came to Disney to tell them their parks are on the list of potential targets. But let's face it, any place where a large number of people gather is a potential target. Disney has plans in place to prevent and react to a possible terrorist event, actually to almost every event possible.

I've been at WDW or DCL for two events where I've seen them implement emergency action plans. The first was Hurricane Charlie, that plan was so smooth you would almost never see it. Except for all the maintenance and CM's staying at OKW with us. The second was when we were at Port Canaveral in 2005 to go on a cruise. The attendant at the gate had us pull into a gravel parking area instead of the parking lot. Next thing I saw was a bomb truck pulling up to the ship. About 30 minutes later a golf cart with bottles of water pulled up and Crew Members went around handing them out to people parked with us and explaining that there was a "suspicious" package at the terminal. Shortly after that the porta-potty's arrived. It turns out that someone just left a backpack in front of the terminal area. We were able to board the ship about 3 hrs after arriving and all the adults got free Rum Runners.

So am I worried, no, do I keep aware of what is going on, you betcha.

 

[Aurora0427]

There's probably a greater threat of a terror attack at a major shopping mall in a major city than at Disney. I actually think about that when I'm at our giant galleria sometimes. I never worry about it at Disney. I just don't let myself. I just pay attention to my surroundings.

 

[sethschroeder]

Do you smoke? Drink? Drive a Car?

http://www.healthaliciousness.com/blog/The-Most-Preventable-Causes of Death-in-the-United-States.php

In the end if you are a foreign power trying to strike fear in America where do you strike? Disney or more likely Industry, Banking and Government? (the part of America you truely hate)

Also if it were Disney it would make more sense to go after Disneyland than WDW.

Disneyland is the original and has more sentimental value
Two parks close together
Urban setting (collateral damage of the surrounding area)
Larger smuggling operations in western US

I could go on but if you are to be worried its about all the people at Disneyland not those at WDW.

 

[mom2rtk]

Do you smoke? Drink? Drive a Car?

http://www.healthaliciousness.com/blog/The-Most-Preventable-Causes of Death-in-the-United-States.php

In the end if you are a foreign power trying to strike fear in America where do you strike? Disney or more likely Industry, Banking and Government? (the part of America you truely hate)

Also if it were Disney it would make more sense to go after Disneyland than WDW.

Disneyland is the original and has more sentimental value
Two parks close together
Urban setting (collateral damage of the surrounding area)
Larger smuggling operations in western US

I could go on but if you are to be worried its about all the people at Disneyland not those at WDW.

Sleeping Beauty castle is too small. It probably wouldn't even show up on their radar.

 

[Grammy4Lizzy]

I was at WDW on 9/11/2002 and it was a very peaceful place. At the time of the attack there was an announcement over the speakers and then a moment of silence in remembrance of those lost. The rides all stopped, the music shut down and people stopped in their tracks. I thought it was very thoughtful for Disney to commemorate that way.

 

[CattailGal]

It's always on my mind as I go thru security at DIsney. I don't think they often check bags, strollers, etc., very thoroughly.

There's probably always more "risk" where there are a lot of people together in a relatively small area. I also think about terrorism at the Bristol Motor Speedway in my town. It's the 4th largest "stadium" in the US.

 

[k5thbeatle]

You gotta go sometime, might as well be at WDW

 

[ldymcbth]

It's always on my mind as I go thru security at DIsney. I don't think they often check bags, strollers, etc., very thoroughly.

There's probably always more "risk" where there are a lot of people together in a relatively small area. I also think about terrorism at the Bristol Motor Speedway in my town. It's the 4th largest "stadium" in the US.

I agree with that - I don't think the security check is terribly thorough to my eyes - but then again I am no security expert.

Off-topic, I am originally from the tri-cities area (JC) and I had no idea Bristol is the 4th biggest stadium out there. That's nuts!

 

[Aidensmommy22]

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.

 

[Missyrose]

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.

Where are you quoting from?

 

[Aidensmommy22]

Where are you quoting from?

I don't know how credible this site is but this is where I found it. http://www.theblaze.com/stories/201...e-in-jihadi-chatter-ahead-of-911-anniversary/

 

[plumsiren]

I live in the shadow of NYC. On 9/11 we watched the towers burn from our high school. I'd feel safer at Disney than I do at home, tbh.