Is It Just Me?

[CaseyJr]

With the release of the latest al-Qaida threats....well....If I was a terrorist (which I'm NOT!), WDW would be a prime target.

I don't want to "sensationalize" the issue, since these guys thrive on [our] fear. Our trip is a week away [YES!] and yes, I'm concerned, but I refuse to let it interfere with our CHOICE to have a fun vacation!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MICKEY MOUSE MAGIC IS EVERYWHERE,
THERE'S PIXIE DUST IN THE AIR.
OUR FLAG STANDS TALL, OUR PEOPLE CARE.
DON'T BOTHER OUR COUNTRY,
DON'T YOU DARE!

 

[Geoff_M]

...as would 100's of other attractions, large buildings, stadiums, commercial hubs, etc., etc., etc.

 

[CamColt]

This issue of course entered my mind when we went to WDW 2 weeks after 9/11. After lots of going back and forth on what to do, my final attitude was, if its my time its my time, and what better way to go than in the happiest place on earth with my family with me.

Go and dont worry! Thats what we did and we had the best trip ever that time.

 

[MelanieC]

Your not the only one that had that thought run through your head.

We leave in 12 days, and as I was driving to work this morning, that thought ran through my mind.

The good thing is disney is pretty spread out. It covers a lot of miles.

I agree, that we can't let them make us so afraid that we don't go on vacations and spend time with our families. That's what they want. If we do this, they win.

 

[Eeyore2U]

Casey,

I see you're fairly new to the DIS. This has been discussed extensively. We went last year on 9/30. We went with no trepidations. If yo are going to "get it" from the bad guys it could be anywhere. I worry more about my wife working in Boston.

Right after 9/11 there was a lot being printed about WDW being a target based on things that were found and nothing happened. There was a recent threat to hospitals or how about ther one about blowing up the Golden Gate Bridge.

If I have to go WDW would be the I'd choose.

 

[Pete's Mom]

All I have to say is God help the terrorist who tries to spoil my Disney vacation...

 

[m&m's mom]

I hear what you are saying. We leave in 2 weeks from tomorrow. We went ot WDW for 2 weeks last Oct. and right before we left they came out w/WDW was a considered target. We were slightly hesistant but thought the same as a lot of us, which is if it's your time- that's it. No point living in fear. The only thing we did do differently last year is that all 6 of us (Me, DH, DD's, DM, and my MIL) were flying. 2 days before we left my Hisband was worried about being so far from home for 2 weeks w/out a car so he and my MIL and our youngest DD drove down and the rest flew.

First thing this morning I had a conversation w/ my co-workers about WDW meeting all of the criteria "Spectacular attack... produce mass casualities, do severe damage to the American economy, and produce the maximum psychological damage", but so do a LOT of other places.
I am going and not going to be overly concerned - Just observant.

 

[smjj]

Believe me, I do not intend to flame anyone but post like this just fuel the fire. I refuse to let these nuts spoil my vacation or change any more than needed my life. These nuts are getting what they want when they see us changing our way of life and discussing it like this. Maybe this post would be better suited on the debate board?? Sorry and as I said no flaming intended, just my opinion..smjj

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

The way I look at it.....I am employed in the capital of New York State; THAT could be a target. I live within walking distance to an atomic power lab; THAT could be a target. I am walking through a Mall at least 4 times a week; THAT could be a target.
I NEED to be in WDW at least one week per year. I think that WDW is much less of a target because it is so spread out.
I'm still going to WDW, and I'm still flying. I am much more afraid of my ears hurting on the plane, than I am afraid of any terrorist.

 

[goofy4tink]

I also have had these thoughts. ANd we also went down last fall, after 9/11. Was it hard? Yes. Would I do it again? You bet your sweet bippy(did I just date myself??). If it's my time, it's my time. Go, and have a great time. We must not allow these people stop our lives. That is exactly what they want...us hiding under our beds, quaking at the thought of a terrorist attack. The fear is almost as bad as the actual event. It's like waiting for the other shoe to fall. And those 'people' know it!!! Now, on to my more immediate concern....which resort am I gonna stay in??? wahhhh.

 

[The_Disney_God]

I think they'd go for the White House and the Capitol before WDW.

The Twin Towers and Pentagon stood for something. Money and power (army). What does WDW stand for?

 

[susy]

Pete's mom- I am with you!!!!

 

[goofy4tink]

Not trying to be inflamatory here, but....maybe the question was asked here due to the possibility of the Parks being a good target??!! If it doesn't fit the definition for you then I suggest you all just pass it by. Or maybe a moderator has a suggestion as to a 'better' place for it. I, for one, can't think of another board where it would fit, except maybe on the off-topic board over on AOLs theme parks board. Yeah. Let's take it over there. We could use a good discussion going on.

 

[goofy4tink]

Not trying to be inflamatory here, but....maybe the question was asked here due to the possibility of the Parks being a good target??!! If it doesn't fit the definition for you then I suggest you all just pass it by. Or maybe a moderator has a suggestion as to a 'better' place for it. I, for one, can't think of another board where it would fit, except maybe on the off-topic board over on AOLs theme parks board. Yeah. Let's take it over there. We could use a good discussion going on.

 

[Kallison]

I live in a beautiful small town America (heard those were going to be targeted, so we don't get so complacent out in the boonies), next to a major oil pipeline (oh yes, heard on the news they were thinking of going in that direction) within a 50 mile radius of a nuclear power plant. I think you get the picture, I can't worry about every place that could potentially be a target otherwise I would stay in bed with a blanket over my head.

 

[soccer mom]

We are leaving in 12 days and I have decided I am not listening to the news again before we go. We went in November of last year without hesitation and I plan on doing the same this year. When I do listen to the news it does make me anxious. I wish they would stop talking so much about something that we, the listeners, cannot control.

See everyone one on Thanksgiving!

 

[jiminyfan]

I live within 10 miles of Three Mile Island, a few hours away from DC, NYC and Philadelphia. Two military depotsare close by as is a training ground. So, do I feel safer here at home or at Disney.

You choose? I personally will not change my life for anyone. I am at as large of a risk here than at WDW or anywhere else for that matter.

As for the safety of travel, remmber this less than 300 of those killed int he 9/11 attacks were on the planes and travelling. The remainder were at their jobs. I read this in an article and came to the realization that the author was correct - travel was and still is pretty darn safe.

Cannot wait for the next WDW trip!!! It will be the 3rd anniversary of my son's first trip. Nothing will keep me away! It is his eigth trip and I just love seeing his eyes light up when he sees the majot structures for the first time each trip.

 

[nativetxn]

I worry more about my family near the oil refineries in Texas than WDW.

 

[plutosmyfav]

Originally posted by Pete's Mom
All I have to say is God help the terrorist who tries to spoil my Disney vacation...

Excellent response!

And yes the thought has crossed my mind.

And I believe this is a very appropriate thread for this board. Discussing obvious fears does not add fuel to for the terrorists. If we were all posting "i'm cancelling my trip because I'm scared" then I'd say the terrorists where getting what they want. We are all saying "I'm going and I'm going to have fun, but my head's not burried in the sand." JMHO

PlutosMyFav

 

[mivvers]

Hi everyone,
I'm glad this thread was started, because the same thought is obviously going through many people's minds -- mine included. We leave on December 4, and I was certainly not happy to hear this news today (I'm prone to panic attacks as it is! ).

I was in NYC, staying at the Millennium Hilton, across the street from the WTC, two weeks before the 9/11. I can't help but wonder if this time I won't be as lucky ... will happen during the time I'll be travelling? Is it such a stretch to imagine Disney World on some terrorist's target list?

However, this just goes to show that it's so easy to let these kind of thoughts take over. Reading through these posts has made me feel so much better. I'm not alone in feeling like this, but like everyone else, I'm not going to let it get to me or dampen my enthusiasm in the least.

I'm with you Pete's Mom! And I think I'll be with you at MVMCP December 5 as well ... is that when you posted you'll be there?? Let's just focus on all the FUN we're going to have and the big smiles on our kids's faces which will make everything else seem a million miles away!!