Nighttime Safety

[daisy37]

DD9 and I are coming in August and staying at HOJO's. Is it safe for us to walk down Harbor Blvd at night but before park closing (when I assume, lots of people are out)?

 

[DisneytheKid]

As long as you use the basic rules of observing your surroundings I would feel pretty safe it were me.

 

[nannyz]

There are always a lot of people on the street. I stay at HoJo and never feel unsafe; I do hold on tightly to my purse and watch who is around me; but I would do this anywhere, not just at Disney.

 

[NiceOneSimba]

No worries at all. Yes, there are always people out and about. And, you will be walking past a number of hotels and businesses--it's a bustling area, even at night.

It's a good opportunity to teach your daughter good pedestrian safety habits! Walk in the light, keep your head up, be aware of your surroundings, and "walk with purpose." (That's what my mom always called looking like you know where you're going--even if you don't--and walking at a somewhat brisk pace.)

I used those tips when I lived by myself in a not-so-great neighborhood in DC for three years. I honestly think that using those tips, you can walk almost anywhere safely.

 

[WestWind]

We have walked that route often and never had an issue or concern. I like walking at night better than the day anyway

 

[BlueBayou]

You will be fine, it is very safe and there are tons of families around. Here are my tips (in case you are not from a larger city - I grew up small town):

1) Don't be the last ones leaving the park. That doesn't mean you can't close down the park - just don't linger the extra 30 minutes shopping on main street. You are wanting to make sure you have a large, safe crowd crossing Harbor.
2) Make sure you are with a large group crossing harbor and the group is filled with families (this will almost always be the case. If you don't like the looks of somebody in that crowd - wait until the next light to cross)
3) Walk a purpose. You do cross in front of a city bus stop and I have been asked for money there once (probably 50+ times walking that way). I will add that where I live it is not uncommon to get asked for $$$ at the mall or grocery store parking lot by panhandlers. The person on harbor was probably a runaway teen. Not threatening at all - but always say no and keep your distance. I get the impression that the area is heavily patrolled to keep away panhandlers. The businesses on harbor and Disney have every reason to want to have a safe feel around the park.

 

[nannyz]

And always be sure to keep your little ones on the inside, away from the street.

 

[Happy 2 B Me]

Some hints when walking late back to room.

Make a nice key ring with some old keys-- longer the better. Carry in your hand as if you were going to unlock your car door. This makes it easier to jab some one should they come into your space.

Walk with head up- looking around for any danger signs. Have your child walk on the side of the road. Place your self between buildings and daughter.

If you feel uneasy there are plenty of motels along that walk -- make a dash to those. Make sure you know your rurroundings. Take a few extra mins on the walk to the park to know where safe place will be.

Now don't laugh -- but no one needs to know you are traveling with just your 9 year old. When I book room I use the name Pat. Can be man or woman. Ask to have your reservation be booked under a "man" name.

One more thing -- If you feel like you are being followed. Turn fast around and call out name of your Dad or whom ever that you can think of and yell at top of voice-- Hey Mom and Dad get a move on you are falling behind. SAy you will wait and let who was ever behind up now walk past you-- They know you have seen them -- eye contact is a plus.

Walk like you own the place stand straight and tall, walk brisk with authority.

You should have a wonderful time

 

[MAH4546]

Some hints when walking late back to room.

Make a nice key ring with some old keys-- longer the better. Carry in your hand as if you were going to unlock your car door. This makes it easier to jab some one should they come into your space.

Walk with head up- looking around for any danger signs. Have your child walk on the side of the road. Place your self between buildings and daughter.

If you feel uneasy there are plenty of motels along that walk -- make a dash to those. Make sure you know your rurroundings. Take a few extra mins on the walk to the park to know where safe place will be.

Now don't laugh -- but no one needs to know you are traveling with just your 9 year old. When I book room I use the name Pat. Can be man or woman. Ask to have your reservation be booked under a "man" name.

One more thing -- If you feel like you are being followed. Turn fast around and call out name of your Dad or whom ever that you can think of and yell at top of voice-- Hey Mom and Dad get a move on you are falling behind. SAy you will wait and let who was ever behind up now walk past you-- They know you have seen them -- eye contact is a plus.

Walk like you own the place stand straight and tall, walk brisk with authority.

You should have a wonderful time

This is absolutely absurd. It's Anaheim, not downtown Detroit.

 

[Donalds_best_pal]

This is absolutely absurd. It's Anaheim, not downtown Detroit.

Lol right. You aren't walking through Compton or skid row in LA.

 

[lalasmama]

This is absolutely absurd. It's Anaheim, not downtown Detroit.

If it makes someone feel more comfortable/safe, I don't see how it could be "absolutely absurd." More than what many of us plan out, maybe, but we're talking about a mom and a child, walking somewhere unfamiliar at night/in the dark. I'll fully admit that I used the keys in my hand (ready to jab) my first night walking from DLR to my hotel (Super 8).

For the OP: I've done a trip to DLR with just my DD (who turned 8 while we were there), and I've done a trip on my own. In both cases, I was walking back to my hotel in the dark. Both with DD, and on my own, I felt basically safe. As others have said, I paid attention to my surroundings and walked "with purpose" (head up, walking like I knew where I was going, etc), but, only when I was alone (and heading back to the hotel after closing down DLR), did I feel a (very minor) little less safe... but it was also like 1am, and I don't feel safe almost anywhere at 1am

Basically, no matter the time, Harbor is a pretty busy street, and there's other people walking around, so you're rarely ever "really" alone.

Oh, and if you are scared of carrying keys and being able to jab someone with them... my dad made me swear to carry an aerosol bottle of hairspray. Haven't had to use it yet!

 

[NiceOneSimba]

I think the above advice from Happy2BeMe is a little over-the-top. However, after travelling with high school students and walking with them in cities all over the country, I have learned that my comfort level is very different than lots of other people's comfort levels. While I think the walk along Harbor is no big deal at all, there are lots of people who don't have much city experience, and find the unknowns of the area somewhat intimidating. I suspect that the OP is one of those folks.

While those of us with lots of big-city experience may think the area around DLR is the one of the safest possible places, I don't think it's fair to dismiss the concerns of people for whom Anaheim is bigger and more bustling than what they are used to, even if they may seem kind of silly to some of us.

I posted the hints I did above because I think they are good general-purpose walking tips for anywhere in the world. I think there are neighborhoods where the other tips are also good ones to know. Heck, I walked through some of them on a regular basis when I lived in DC! But do I think they're necessary for the area around DLR? Not at all!!

I just want to reassure the OP and anyone else reading this thread who would be nervous walking in the area that fear is not necessary in the least. The area is very safe. The walk back to pretty much any hotel you would stay at is well lit, and there are lots of people around at almost any time of day or night.

The only scenario that I can imagine at DLR that might freak some people out would be being approached by a panhandler. There are definitely homeless folks who hang out at the public bus stops, but I have never encountered what I would consider an aggressive panhandler on Harbor. There are plenty of folks who come to DLR with no experience with panhandlers or homeless people, and if you have never been solicited by a panhandler before, it can be a bit distressing. But, I honestly don't think it's anything to fear. As with almost everything in life, it's best to be prepared for the situaation in case it presents itself. When I take school groups on a trip, I always make a point to tell my students to just say, "I'm sorry, no" and to keep walking. My own philsophy is that it doesn't hurt to be polite, but it's also good to be firm and confident. Also, be aware that if you are approached by a homeless person, your DD may be confused, and/or may have all sorts of questions (why do they need money, where do they live, what happened to them...that sort of thing.) Taking a couple of seconds to think about how you want to address those questions before you get to DLR might be a good idea, so you don't get flustered if the situation presents itself.

So, my advice boils down to this: be prepared, and be aware. But, please, don't be afraid. The area is safe. Many, many of us on this board have done that walk before, and will do it again without a moment's hesitation...me included! You and your daughter will have a great time!

 

[Happy 2 B Me]

This is absolutely absurd. It's Anaheim, not downtown Detroit.

That is great to know. I will feel much safer walking on an unfamilar sidewalk late in the evening. Now I know New York is safe but Detroit may be an issue.

Oh ya and Anaheim is safe. Don't flame me -- I was just sharing some rules I learned when traveling alone. I have had a couple of strange happenings when traveling alone at night. I have used the mentioned tatics. I must also say being prepared never hurts.

Yes, there is usually a crowd when walking at night to the motels along Harbour. Do I think she will have any problems --NO.

 

[LisainCalifornia]

This is absolutely absurd. It's Anaheim, not downtown Detroit.

No need to be rude. If someone takes the time to write out a long, thoughtful reply--then please at least make an effort to be polite.

I lived in San Francisco for 15 years (and in some not so great neighborhoods!) and there have been times when I have walked down Harbor and felt a little concerned for my safety. Safety tips are always welcome.

Also, my neighbor was indeed mugged walking back to a motel on Harbor a few years ago. Anaheim does have a problem with muggings and other random crimes, so it isn't unheard of.

 

[DisneytheKid]

I agree. If it helps you to feel safe, go to town

If it makes someone feel more comfortable/safe, I don't see how it could be "absolutely absurd." More than what many of us plan out, maybe, but we're talking about a mom and a child, walking somewhere unfamiliar at night/in the dark. I'll fully admit that I used the keys in my hand (ready to jab) my first night walking from DLR to my hotel (Super 8).

For the OP: I've done a trip to DLR with just my DD (who turned 8 while we were there), and I've done a trip on my own. In both cases, I was walking back to my hotel in the dark. Both with DD, and on my own, I felt basically safe. As others have said, I paid attention to my surroundings and walked "with purpose" (head up, walking like I knew where I was going, etc), but, only when I was alone (and heading back to the hotel after closing down DLR), did I feel a (very minor) little less safe... but it was also like 1am, and I don't feel safe almost anywhere at 1am

Basically, no matter the time, Harbor is a pretty busy street, and there's other people walking around, so you're rarely ever "really" alone.

Oh, and if you are scared of carrying keys and being able to jab someone with them... my dad made me swear to carry an aerosol bottle of hairspray. Haven't had to use it yet!

 

[AZwldcats]

Have done the DL to HoJo walk many. many times at night with Wifey and DD from 3-5.

Never felt unsafe once..

And many times after DL has closed and it was pretty quiet out.

 

[Pesky]

If it makes someone feel more comfortable/safe, I don't see how it could be "absolutely absurd." More than what many of us plan out, maybe, but we're talking about a mom and a child, walking somewhere unfamiliar at night/in the dark. I'll fully admit that I used the keys in my hand (ready to jab) my first night walking from DLR to my hotel (Super 8).

I totally agree. Do what makes you feel safe and you go some great tips here. What may be needed for a single woman with a minor is different than other situations so you know what works best for you.

 

[Bungle]

Even when we left the park at closing we never felt unsafe on the walk back to hojo. Chances are you will be with plenty of others staying at hojo walking along with you. Have fun!

 

[cobbler]

For those that have never been to Detroit, downtown isn't bad. It's the outskirts you need to be wary of.