just wondering...

[hkkatie]

I have never been camping at WDW, but am a little bit fascinated by the idea. I'm just curious about the level of safety/security there is when you are gone from your campsite? I see all the pictures of people with decorations and things at their campsites, do those things never go "missing" when you go out for the day? Or do you pack everything up before you go to the parks? What about if you are tent camping, are there locks on the tents? Or do you just trust that nobody will come in and rifle through your things?

Sorry if this is a naive question. I haven't camped for about 10 years, and am curious as to how it's handled when you are away from your campsite all day.

Thanks.

 

[peg110]

I feel very safe at the fort. That's not to say that things can't happen, but I have not heard of them. This question gets asked a lot on the boards. The basic advice is to just make wise decisions. Don't leave high value items out and easily accessible (Computers, cell phones, etc...) while NOT at the site.

Lock stuff in your car/camper that you want protected. People with tents who are a bit more concerned have been known to put Zip Ties on the tent zippers. It's not perfect, just another level of safety.

@tiggerdad will advise you to watch out for his army of squirrels. Leaving food out will bring them out as well as other possible critters. So as long as you use a common sense approach, I don't think you will have anything to worry about.

 

[North of Mouse]

I have never been camping at WDW, but am a little bit fascinated by the idea. I'm just curious about the level of safety/security there is when you are gone from your campsite? I see all the pictures of people with decorations and things at their campsites, do those things never go "missing" when you go out for the day? Or do you pack everything up before you go to the parks? What about if you are tent camping, are there locks on the tents? Or do you just trust that nobody will come in and rifle through your things?

Sorry if this is a naive question. I haven't camped for about 10 years, and am curious as to how it's handled when you are away from your campsite all day.

Thanks.

What do you do when you camp anywhere else? Would say that the level of security would be as good as anywhere you camp, and more likely better than most.

Have you ever 'locked' your tent? Have never heard of any secure locks on tents! Have never had any issues with things stolen from our campsite at FW, but then we never leave things laying around. Thefts have/can happen, but the odds are in your favor that with proper precautions, you won't become a victim!!

Come and enjoy yourselves, just lock valuables out of sight when you are gone.

 

[snowmedic]

We put most things in our tent. Leave the coolers outside, and more than often my computer, I just throw a towel over it and we take off. Never had anything come up missing.

 

[2goofycampers]

There are also small lock boxes at The Front desk for valuables.

 

[FtW Mike]

I feel very safe at the fort. That's not to say that things can't happen, but I have not heard of them. This question gets asked a lot on the boards. The basic advice is to just make wise decisions. Don't leave high value items out and easily accessible (Computers, cell phones, etc...) while NOT at the site.

Lock stuff in your car/camper that you want protected. People with tents who are a bit more concerned have been known to put Zip Ties on the tent zippers. It's not perfect, just another level of safety.

@tiggerdad will advise you to watch out for his army of squirrels. Leaving food out will bring them out as well as other possible critters. So as long as you use a common sense approach, I don't think you will have anything to worry about.

Have to agree with what PEG has to say. We feel very safe at the fort. In our experience people staying at this resort are very down to earth good people. While a simple zip tie or lock do add some measure of security " How hard is it really to break into a tent for a really determined thief ?" An old axiom comes to mind A lock only reminds an honest man to stay out of where he doesn't belong. Plus what others don't know you have they don't want so keeping what you want to hang onto is better kept away from prying eyes.
Peg also referenced Tiggerdad's bushy tailed friends They and other wildlife are always looking for a free meal so bear that in mind when considering how and what sort of edibles to keep on hand. If Tiggerdad is going to be at The Fort at that time I wold keep my AB's under lock and key as well rumor has it he has a squad of special trained ninja squirrels out there confiscating them for quality control purposes.

 

[Sur]

While belongings have never been gone through, that doesn't mean your site won't, especially if it is a shortcut to a comfort station. I never minded, though, as it gave us a chance to meet our neighbors.

 

[peg110]

A lock only reminds an honest man to stay out of where he doesn't belong.

I always heard it as "Locks keep an honest person honest"
A determined thief won't be deterred by a lock (or zip tie or even more complex security).

I haven't met Tiggerdad's Ninja Squirrel Squad (The NSS) yet, but I am trying to be prepared when I do go to the Fort.

 

[hkkatie]

What do you do when you camp anywhere else?

Well, the last time I camped was about 10 years ago, and that was just one night, so we weren't leaving our things unattended. I was just concerned about having so many people around and being gone from the campsite all day, but I'm very glad to hear that you all have had good experiences are aren't too concerned about theft. Makes me feel more inclined to consider camping when we come to WDW

 

[tiggerdad]

That is the thing about the NSS...you probably won't see them.

You might notice a crumb, perhaps think you only brought one box of crackers instead of two. Most of the time you see one of them being cute and when you return to your lunch suddenly realizing your sandwich, chips, and most of your drink are missing. They are part cute little animal and part pack hunter.

Some people report the chewing of gas lines on their camper. After returning from fixing the gas lines they found themselves minus a loaf of bread and pack of Saltines.

Haven't seen the NSS you say...bet they've seen you.

 

[Corgidad]

We have camped at FW for the last 18 years and for all the trips we have never had a problem or even heard of one.

 

[peg110]

Haven't seen the NSS you say...bet they've seen you.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I have never been camping at WDW, but am a little bit fascinated by the idea. I'm just curious about the level of safety/security there is when you are gone from your campsite? I see all the pictures of people with decorations and things at their campsites, do those things never go "missing" when you go out for the day? Or do you pack everything up before you go to the parks? What about if you are tent camping, are there locks on the tents? Or do you just trust that nobody will come in and rifle through your things?

Sorry if this is a naive question. I haven't camped for about 10 years, and am curious as to how it's handled when you are away from your campsite all day.

Thanks.

Any time I camp (camped several places in Virginia as have my kids with scouting), anything I am super concerned about leaving unattended at the site, I lock in my vehicle. So if we weren't at the site that might be any devices, purses, wallets, etc.

For the most part, my stuff is otherwise as safe as my trust factor. I haven't had my site burglarized, yet. But always best to not assume that something valuable will be safe. So lock those things up. Don't leave a tempting Hope Diamond in your tent.

Though, as above, forgotten unstored food has been noted to be pillaged by nefarious campground critters. So long as you practice good food storage, then you should find your snacks safe upon return.