How safe is DTD these days?

[Pats Dragon]

Concerned that safety has been compromised by cost cuts. Will we be mugged at bus stop, ecv's stolen, purses snatched etc. The recent assault of a woman makes me concerned. I have always assumed Disney is watching what is going on and security is pro actively preventing crime. True or not?

 

[DarkPaw]

Disney is as safe as any city

 

[whitney250]

We were there last week and felt safe. There wasn't a time I felt uneasy, and for me it doesn't take a whole lot to be nervous. I would just follow everyday common sense rules for those kinds of places; don't go off alone in secluded places, avoid dark empty areas, etc. I think what happened to that girl was horrific and scary, but there are ways to stay safe.

 

[Alesia]

It's fine.

Keep in mind that the woman who was allegedly assaulted had had enough alcohol to sedate a horse. That makes people considerably more vulnerable than the average person.

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

I have literally never had a problem. Obviously, be smart about how you carry yourself and don't leave your purse somewhere, but you won't be mugged and assaulted as soon as you step off the bus, no. I have also never heard of an ECV being stolen.

 

[Dan Murphy]

It is safer than a city, but not 100% safe. As with any venue anywhere, be aware of your surroundings and situations you put yourself into.

 

[Kalliope]

Concerned that safety has been compromised by cost cuts. Will we be mugged at bus stop, ecv's stolen, purses snatched etc. The recent assault of a woman makes me concerned. I have always assumed Disney is watching what is going on and security is pro actively preventing crime. True or not?

The woman that was recently in the news was drunk as a skunk before she arrived at DTD. Keep your wits about you and you'll be fine.

 

[goofyintoronto]

The woman that was recently in the news was drunk as a skunk before she arrived at DTD. Keep your wits about you and you'll be fine.

Yes, she drank an obscene amount of alcohol prior to arriving at DTD. Apparently she remembers drinking two bottles of ale and seven or eight shots of vodka. That was a direct quote from the article. The man was found and arrested btw. Just be careful/aware and you should be fine.

 

[Fizban]

It's as safe as any beach you would go to (for comparison). Like a beach you shouldn't hide your phone or wallet or purse or just bought treasures in the most obvious place (in your shoes, under the beach towel, or as in DTD in your stroller).That said yes people will still steal your purse if left unattended, take advantage of you if you are gullible, break into your car in the parking lot. You simply cant leave your wits at home just because you are now in the most desired vacation place. There are bad people. Be alert, have a good time, but don't be paranoid.

 

[goofy4tink]

I was there a week ago. It was my last night. I was with a bunch of people that had driven to DTD, I was at SSR. It was about 11:15 when we parted ways. I headed, alone, to the boat area (said our goodbyes by the Lego store area). I thought I was going to be able to get the last boat..nope, it was just pulling away. So, took the boat to the Marketplace, got off and walked back to my room...took about 20 mins, all alone at SSR.
If you aren't drunk, aren't making silly choices, then you should be fine. I've been in DTD by myself, many times, and have yet to feel unsafe. You just have to be aware of your surroundings. Too many people at WDW, in the parks, resorts and DTD, tend to think they are in this big happy bubble, where there is no crime. Wrong.

 

[BadPinkTink]

Too many people at WDW, in the parks, resorts and DTD, tend to think they are in this big happy bubble, where there is no crime. Wrong.

exactly, people think its Disney, its all cute and fluffy and they forget common sense and their usual level of awareness and personal safety. Things they would never do at home , they suddenly do at Disney and then wonder why something gets stoeln or a person gets attacked.

For example, on another Disney forum there was a thread about strollers being stolen outside a restaurant in DTD, a place where general public and locals frequent without needing a park ticket. Therefore it is just the same as any street in any city. People would never leave valuables in a stroller or a stroller unattended outside a restaurant on a busy city street, yet at Disney they do and then wonder why the stroller is stolen!!

 

[crostorfer]

I don't care how much that young woman had to drink, it was NOT her fault that she was assaulted, and it's asinine and ignorant to imply, in any way, that she had any hand in her attack. That is all I have to say about that.

 

[HulkBuster]

dont think anyone said otherwise

 

[Capang]

I don't care how much that young woman had to drink, it was NOT her fault that she was assaulted, and it's asinine and ignorant to imply, in any way, that she had any hand in her attack. That is all I have to say about that.

No one said she was at fault. The point being made is that being impaired/drunk makes one more vulnerable to become a victim, not that she was at fault because she was drunk.

 

[Capang]

And I have also walked DTD alone at night. Never felt unsafe. As always, be aware of your surroundings.

 

[JacknSally]

Will we be mugged at bus stop, ecv's stolen, purses snatched etc.

100% yes, beyond a shadow of a doubt. It's a hotbed of moral turpentine.

Downtown Disney is no more or less safe than it's always been. Should you walk around talking candidly about how much money you have on you, or how much the jewelry you're wearing costs? Of course not. Should you set your purse down on the ground and turn your back on it while you have a conversation or go to the restroom? Probably not the best idea. Should you go to every restaurant/bar and get so drunk that you black out and don't remember your name, much less what you're doing? No.

But if you use common sense and are aware of your surroundings, you should be fine. I say "should" because no amount of security cameras or police presence will vanquish all crime, so it is possible something could happen. But that doesn't mean that Disney has thrown up their hands and said "Well, can't keep that area safe, so everyone just has to fend for themselves from now on." Unfortunately, bad things happen, even at Disney. But that doesn't mean it's an unsafe place to be.

 

[jerseygal]

To "add insult" to injury, wasn't the accused an employee of Disney?Young women shouldnt drink themselves crazy and have no sense of where they are or who they are leaving with or who is possibly following them out of a bar. Additionally, it "makes me crazy" to witness any young children at ANY hotel including Disney resorts or cruises roaming halls without adult supervision. Only takes a second to grab a child God Forbid. Disney properties are not immune from any crime just like any resort anywhere.

 

[cdnjason]

Some facts and/or comments about the recent assault at DTD:

1. Both parties were Disney employees;
2. It was their industry night (night off to party);
3. Many of the people at the House of Blues on the night of the incident were Disney employees;
4. The victim was beyond inebriated (I'm not saying it's her fault);
5. By many accounts, this doesn't appear to be an encounter were the suspect preyed on the victim - he was just an idiot for having "relations" with her when, clearly, she was in no condition to give her consent (I can go into further detail, but it's not relevant to this topic);
6. The incident has minimal effect, if any, on the safety of DTD for tourists who visit any time of day or night.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

WDW is about a safe as it gets. However no place is 100% , use common sense and keep your eyes open and you will be fine.

AKK

 

[Jadyreen1282]

If "crowds" aren't safe then stay home. That's all you're going to experience negativity wise. Disney is safe. If you're worried then I'm wondering how you pump gas or get groceries. You'll get mugged and beat up there with much more frequency.