I'm scared..

[mousecrazy]

I, too, do not think you asked an irrational question. You were asking for information. I'm sorry you didn't get the information you requested and I wish I knew the answer to help you. Disney keeps their security precautions to themselves, as far as I can see. But know that they are very concerned for the safety of their guests (you know, bad PR when crime happens at the Happiest Place on Earth). It's an unfortunate fact of life these days to know that you are, indeed, increasing your risk (as opposed to staying home) when you head into any crowded, public event. I'm heading to Disneyland in a couple weeks too, and will try not to think about anything happening on "the outside". It's a nice escape (especially at Christmas time) from the ugly reality of today. Good luck and hope you have a wonderful experience.

 

[Mividadisney]

I can understand your anxiety about flying and being in a crowded tourist area. I have felt similarly over the past 10+ years whenever we have gone on a trip. My grandfather died in a plane crash many many years ago (in the late 1960s when my dad was only 17, long before I was born), so flying has ALWAYS caused panic in my heart.

BUT, we cannot live in fear, especially when we are not in control. I am flying to Vegas next week for a work conference and then my DH and I will be in Anaheim in less than three weeks. And I am doing my best to be EXCITED that I am blessed in this world and am able to travel. Hugs to you, OP!

ETA - I also work in a private college. We had a deadly shooting on campus a year and a half ago. And I also was a sophomore in college when we had a deadly shooting there as well. So, I like to think that I very much have a greater chance of being hurt in my daily routine than flying/being at Disney.

Thank you for sharing that with me. It helps calm my nerves that I'm not alone and see others deal with it.

 

[Mividadisney]

I, too, do not think you asked an irrational question. You were asking for information. I'm sorry you didn't get the information you requested and I wish I knew the answer to help you. Disney keeps their security precautions to themselves, as far as I can see. But know that they are very concerned for the safety of their guests (you know, bad PR when crime happens at the Happiest Place on Earth). It's an unfortunate fact of life these days to know that you are, indeed, increasing your risk (as opposed to staying home) when you head into any crowded, public event. I'm heading to Disneyland in a couple weeks too, and will try not to think about anything happening on "the outside". It's a nice escape (especially at Christmas time) from the ugly reality of today. Good luck and hope you have a wonderful experience.

thank you! You too

 

[alvernon90]

And as far as the "domestic" mass shootings someone else mentioned, those seem to be limited to schools, usually by a mentally troubled student who has an issue with other students or people they know.

Jared Loughner shot up a group of people meeting their congressional representative at a Safeway. James Holmes shot up a movie theater. Those two alone have killed more people than any terrorist attacks on U.S. soil since 9/11.

It is accurate to say that about half of all mass shootings occur at schools or workplaces, but workplaces outnumber schools about 2-1.

 

[Satchmo128]

Thank you for sharing that with me. It helps calm my nerves that I'm not alone and see others deal with it.

Jared Loughner shot up a group of people meeting their congressional representative at a Safeway. James Holmes shot up a movie theater. Those two alone have killed more people than any terrorist attacks on U.S. soil since 9/11.

It is accurate to say that about half of all mass shootings occur at schools or workplaces, but workplaces outnumber schools about 2-1.

....and when your workplace IS a school.....

Ugh.

 

[Mividadisney]

Thank you everyone for your replies. I'm glad there is a community that share the same love for Disney and are willing to give me advice. This really helped a lot.

 

[arcadiandj]

Educate yourself:


http://indefinitelywild.gizmodo.com/how-to-survive-a-mass-shooting-1726863100

 

[Epek]

I was at DLR on Nov 8, so before the Paris attacks. They had noticeable uniformed security with dogs at the check points and around the esplanade. I was again at DLR yesterday. No uniformed security with their dogs. I'm not sure why they had them out Nov 8, but I've never seen that before. Usually Disney security is pretty invisible. I guess my point is, Disney is not idle. They have security and step it up when they feel they need to.

 

[kculvie]

I was there this last week and noticed that they had numerous detection dogs out in the esplanade. Also noticed more of a law enforcement presence than any of my other trips there. I would not worry about traveling. However be cognizant of your surroundings. If something or some one is making you uncomfortable go with your gut feeling. You will be safe! Take a deep breath, relax and look forward to your trip. Ours was awesome

 

[Mividadisney]

Educate yourself:


http://indefinitelywild.gizmodo.com/how-to-survive-a-mass-shooting-1726863100

That was actually a good read. Thanks for link.

 

[Happyjenz]

We were there November 15-19, and I believe on the 16th there were uniformed Anaheim officers with dogs at security.

I was at DLR on Nov 8, so before the Paris attacks. They had noticeable uniformed security with dogs at the check points and around the esplanade. I was again at DLR yesterday. No uniformed security with their dogs. I'm not sure why they had them out Nov 8, but I've never seen that before. Usually Disney security is pretty invisible. I guess my point is, Disney is not idle. They have security and step it up when they feel they need to.

 

[Happyjenz]

I was in DL last week with my mom and two kiddos. Thoughts crossed my mind that something could happen and I worried. I think it's ok to worry, and not be naive to your surroundings. Don't let it change your plans or dictate your life, but it's ok to be aware of what's going on in the world. Anytime you go somewhere with that many people it does feel like you could be a target...but Disney's got this. Enjoy your trip!!

Thank you everyone for your replies. I'm glad there is a community that share the same love for Disney and are willing to give me advice. This really helped a lot.

 

[Mividadisney]

I was in DL last week with my mom and two kiddos. Thoughts crossed my mind that something could happen and I worried. I think it's ok to worry, and not be naive to your surroundings. Don't let it change your plans or dictate your life, but it's ok to be aware of what's going on in the world. Anytime you go somewhere with that many people it does feel like you could be a target...but Disney's got this. Enjoy your trip!!

I never planned on canceling our plans. I guess, watching too much news and lots of people putting thoughts in my head had me little scared ,but after hearing everyone's advice it helped settle my nerves. Thank you.

 

[Angel Ariel]

Sorry, to be dramatic but our trip is in less then a week and with everything that is going on in this world I'm a little scared to not only fly but be at crowded Disney :/ does anyone know if Disney is doing extra security checks?


English is not my first language so I apologize if I'm not using the right terms.

I would suggest watching the DIS Unplugged Orlando video podcast from last week (go to disunplugged.com). They said they've gotten this question a lot this week and spent a lot of time talking about the safety measures Disney takes (that they know of...there is more to Disney security than the general public knows).

 

[Angel Ariel]

Does anyone know if there will be more security or am I be irrational for asking?

There was not any more *visible* security in the days immediately after the attacks (we were there when the attack on Paris happened). We had one extra thorough bag check, but that's it. That said, just because there isn't added *visible* security doesn't mean there isn't added security. I would expect the tremendous security Disney has that none of us ever see is on heightened alert right now.

 

[VandVsmama]

There is definitely a lot of concerning terrorist activity going on in the world right now. By the way, I love your name!

I don't think that you should cancel your trip. As with any trip outside your home, you need to practice what is known as Situational Awareness. Be aware of your surroundings. Don't walk down the street on auto pilot. You do not need to be in "fight or flight" mode. Just pay attention in the same way that you would watch for pick pockets (if you happen to live in a part of the world where pick pockets are common).

To be honest, Disney Security is likely far better than security at any American airport. They employ a LOT of undercover security people. Usually they are retired military or retired police officers. They pay close attention to suspicious behavior or behavior that just seems "off" and not quite right. Disney Security is VERY GOOD at blending in.


You will be just fine.

If you follow a particular religious faith, I think that it never hurts to say a prayer and ask for safe travels and protection. I do that every time our family goes on a road trip.

 

[Angel Ariel]

Thank you. I live far away from Disneyland and have only been there once. When the Paris attack happened I saw they closed Disneyland there and was just wondering if they had some new policy on security.

The executives at Disneyland Paris, as I heard on the Dis Unplugged Orlando podcast, attributed the closure of Disneyland PAris to honoring the national period of mourning that France instituted for the victims of the attack. Nothing was publicly stated attributing it to security concerns.

 

[VandVsmama]

By the way, your written English is very good. Bienvenidos a Disneyland!

 

[iKristin]

The dogs are actually in training and not there for security. They've been there a lot over the last few months and so I asked one of the guys with a dog and they said it's a great place for training with big crowds and with huge distractions (kids always want to pet dogs). They actually send a few people into the crowds for the dogs to try and sniff out and stop, saw this too. It's pretty neat

 

[kamik86]

My opinions on this:

I don't worry about things like this. As everyone said the chances of being caught in terrorist activity are so small compared to the chances of other problems. (Your more likely to be in a car crash on your way to the airport then all of the other violent issues mentioned on this thread combined)

If people stop living their life because they are afraid that is when the terrorists have really won.