Improve Security

[Lisa F]

I'm with the "we don't need to beef up security into the resorts" camp. In fact, it would make me feel distinctly UNcomfortable to be hassled everywhere I go on resort property. Some of the best restaurants on property are at the resorts and we frequent many of them. I don't want to be made to feel like a criminal or an outsider or like I don't belong there when I visit these resorts.

I have never felt overcrowding in any of the public spaces or restaurants in any of the resorts I have stayed at due to people visiting or using the restaurants. The pool issue is a different one and if it REALLY is a problem of non-resort guests using the pool, it should be addressed at the level of the pool and not the entire resort.

I think this whole notion of wanting to keep all of those "florida locals" out of resorts is a silly one (though keeping them out of pools is ok). Disney ENCOURAGES florida residents to visit the resorts and eat at their restaurants by allowing them to enroll in the "disney dining experience" program which gets 20% off all food and beverage (including alcoholic) at all of the sit down restaurants at WDW.

Just my $.02, but I like security the way it is... present and available if needed but otherwise low key. I bought into DVC to visit WDW, not to visit a maximum security stockade in the middle of florida!

Lisa

 

[prisoner]

Yes, security at the gates can probably be a little stronger, but lets understand why it isn't in many cases:

• Checking everyone for everything can slow the entry down. We've tried to enter OKW when there was a line of cars trying to get in, and it quickly backed into the road causing traffic tie-ups. Bad traffic is something I go to WDW to avoid.
• Spot checks can often be just as effective. If regulars "know" they might get stopped, many won't bother. The appearance of security meets many of the needs of security.
• As noted, there are many reasons why non-guests might want to be there. BW is advertised as being a place for people to visit, for example.

So, lets consider what some good solutions are besides improving gate security.

Clearly, if we are concerned about specific resources (the pool, being a prime example) being incorrectly used - then put the security there. If we are concerned about general safety - lets make sure there are patrols that are visible. Over the past 2 years, we've noticed more and more Disney Security around the resorts and parks - clearly Disney takes this seriously.

Unfortunately, I think they take it so seriously that its beginning to affect how I feel when I see security itself. A few years ago, security used to wear brightly colored jackets saying "Disney Security" or with the D police badge. Bright, colorfull, and very much in the Disney theme. Nowadays, I mostly see them wearing badly tailored police uniforms and hats. Yes, they look more like police, but this is so far out of whack from what I expect that it rubs me the wrong way. I feel more intimidated than reassured.

 

[mamalu]

I stayed at BWV from March 11-16th, 2001. During that time, I heard on the local televised news that a young girl was molested at either the Swan or Dolphin. I believe she was staying in a first floor room and you could see into the room that she was alone. The perpretator went to her door, pretending to be room service or maintenance. So before you think that there should only be security at the swimming pools, remember that there are bigger problems out there. Because of the friendly atmosphere, you feel your children are safe everywhere at WDW, but they still need to be looked after.

 

[Ralph&Pam]

I agree that there is little more security can do at the entrance to the BW. The suggestion to do more to restrict access to the pool is a good one, since this seems to be one problem area. Also, for those not using valet parking, it might help to restrict access to the guest parking area. At VB, you cannot get into the parking areas by the villas (actually under the villas) without using your room key. Pool access also requires use of the room key. A similar room-key activated gate into a parking area reserved for guests staying at the BW would enhance the opportunity to actually find a parking place when not using the valet.

Ralph