Observed a scary situation

[CoachBagFanatic]

Even at Disney- danger lurks...
We stayed at Pop a few years back when my daughters were 10 and 11. We went to the gift shop as a family, but the girls wanted to look in another section together. I figured (like the abover poster) that they were old enough to walk around the same store with us, just in a different section. After about 5 minutes I heard my husband starting a fight with someone. I ran around the corner to see my husband blocking the escape of an 18 year old guy. My 11 YO daughter was crying and she said the 18 YO guy had walked behind her and placed her into a corner by walking very close behind her. He didn't push her in the corner, but his much larger presence moved her there. (My 11 YO DD is EXTREMELY short) My 10 YO daughter went to get my husband and when my husband got there, the 18 YO guy was reaching out to touch under her skirt. She was frozen with fear in the corner.
Security came over to help out and the guy claimed to not understand the language (he was from Canada) and his Grandmother (who brought him on the trip as a graduation gift) had very broken english. After a 2+ hour private meeting between police and the 18YO, they came into another room to tell us that the guy finally admitted that he hadn't yet touched my daughter, but he very much wanted to, so he could "get off". We didn't file charges because of the location (we are in VT and the guy from Canada) and the police stated that he didn't actually touch my daughter before he was caught by my husband.
Disney kicked him and his grandmother off the property and they moved us to POR. My daughter was not physically hurt, but she was emotionally distraught, Disney moved us all and our bags, they had dinner arranged for us at POR, so we could just go to POR and then to bed. We learned that we never leave them alone!!! Just because we are on vacation, doesn't mean the predators aren't either!

I have to say that I am so very sorry to hear that this has happend to your daughter. I have been a victim myself and know what she is going through. You and your DH handled it a lot differently than I would have. I would be in jail right now as this 18YO would not have to worry about "getting off" anymore.

 

[missj1975]

We just got back last week and saw one naked kid running around the epcot fountains. It was towards the end of our trip so by that time I wasn't surprised by anything I saw anymore. I just felt bad for the kid because anyone could have been taking pictures. There were tons of parents just standing around watching.

We also observed a "duh" moment that could have turned ugly. We were at Magic Kingdom waiting for a photopass photographer for a picture in front of the castle. The photographer was taking pictures of a couple with two kids, one in a stroller. After they are done with the photos the couple walks off without the kid in the stroller. The kid in the stroller just looks at us like what the heck. The photopass photographer runs after the parents. They were both very embarressed and started going on about how each thought the other one had grabbed the stroller. The photographer looks at us and just says you won't believe some of the things he has seen.

 

[GovieMom]

I do have a problem with a stranger (man or woman) offering my child their hand AS SOON AS MY BACK TURNS. If there was no ill intent, it doesn't look good that he waited for the mother to be otherwise momentarily preoccupied.

Oh for crying out loud. You completely missed the intent of the OP's post, and keep adding facts that aren't there. You make it seem like he was laying in wait for a chance to grab a toddler, all while standing in line with about 500 other people around. You are taking what was said in the original post and running wild with it. Good Lord!

 

[robandkelly13]

Thanks for posting. It's a good reminder for me as a mom I need to watch DD ( 3 years old) closely. It's scary tothink there are people in the world like that.

 

[Tricia819]

I'm sorry. I guess I misread "A pedophile's paradise ... is still, after all, Walt Disney World." That seems like a pretty clear statement that there are a good number of pedophiles at WDW. Maybe you could explain what nuance I missed?

I still say it's no more or less dangerous from that perspective than any other place where kids congregate. Children don't have to be disrobed or half-naked for a pedophile to strike. (But, just for the record, our local mall does have several fountain areas where kids run around in their diapers and bathing suits.)

Even on the busiest days the mall, Chuck E Cheese, or the local playground, doesn't have nearly the "selection" of children that WDW does. On top of which, it is sooooo crowded that you can take pictures of said children at your leasure and it is unlikely that anyone would even notice. I would dare say that I would notice if someone was trying to take pictures of my kids while they were playing Skee Ball at Chuck E Cheese. Whereas at WDW if we're watching the parade and some guy across Main St is snapping pictures I'm going to assume he's taking pictures of the floats. Add that to the fountain issue and you have a pedophile in a candy store. Yes, WDW has a lot of security specifically to protect their young guests. However, where was security when the OP's daughter was nearly molested in the gift shop? Where was security when William Bishop molested that little girl at the Swan? Does that mean WDW has more kidnap attempts than the average childrens hangout? No. According to the show "Bull" with Penn and Teller stranger abductions are about as common as winning the lottery or being struck by lightening and it is the media that is making all us parents paranoid. But a pedophiles ultimate goal isn't necessarily to kidnap a child, but to gratify themselves and it's a lot easier to do when mom and dad are distracted while reading a park map than sitting on bench watching the kids on the swings.

 

[Disney Dreamer1]

Thanks to everyone who responded to my bathroom break question. Someone at work suggested giving my DS11 a whistle. In case anything would happen I would certainly hear it while I'm in the bathroom. Thanks again everybody. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

I felt attacked and was appalled by how much of what I said was taken out of context by some of you!
I never said the man was a molester...I did say he very well could have been the nicest man on earth. The child DID NOT approach him HE approached her. How do you figure it becomes the mother's fault for picking up a sip cup? The only thing separating the man and child was a rope. Is mom suppose to set up a steel wall in every line she waits in just in case her daughter drops a sip cup and she has to turn her back? I mean really....he is an adult...talking to a child is one thing but he reached his hand out and asked her to come.....oh but wait I understand that was the 18 month olds fault because she took his had with consent! Shame on her!
Really she is 18 months old. Even if her parents have talked to her she is only is only going to comprehend so much. Also, if he was just a nice guy wanting to chat with the little girl why didn't he do it when mom was holding her or when mom was aware? I know I will likely get bombarded by the same people that attacked me to begin with but I still feel strongly that this man should have thought before he acted. I did not accuse him of anything and I am still not. Just was meant to be a reminder to watch your children.

Oh for crying out loud. You completely missed the intent of the OP's post, and keep adding facts that aren't there. You make it seem like he was laying in wait for a chance to grab a toddler, all while standing in line with about 500 other people around. You are taking what was said in the original post and running wild with it. Good Lord!

I assume the red parts probably pertain to me, but I think the blue parts pertain to you. I didn't add any facts -- please see blue areas.

 

[Interstellar Mickey]

People on this board sure do love to debate, don't they? (myself included )

 

[Bell30012]

I bought my Brickhouse Child Locator in 2007. Not that I don't still keep a good eye on my just turned six daughter but I know that I can take out my belt clipped locator in just a second and find her in seconds. Her tag has a panic button on it and should she be out of my sight (such as in a bathroom) and someone makes her feel uncomfortable, she puts a hand in her pocket and one click later someone will be running from her daddy. This thing costs about $200. (It can be used to track multiple kids) The tag is small and can be worn on a necklace or you can attach it to the belt loop with the little round keyring attached or just put it in your child's pocket. My daughter has hers 24/7 *NOTE* I do not work for the company nor do I give or get anything for referrals. This is just a product that I have purchased and believe in.

 

[Missy1961]

I really hate threads like this. They never end nicely, they usually end up with the thread being locked.

So, should you be careful with your kids when you're at WDW? Of course you should. Especially with the little ones who really have no idea of what a stranger is.

But let's be real here--the majority of people taking pictures at WDW are indeed taking pictures of the floats, the characters, etc. And with today's camera phones, digital cameras, etc., pedophiles can take pictures of kids at the local mall, in the school yard, in the supermarket very easily--and you'd never know. And the kids running in the fountains in their diapers or swimsuits? A pedophile could be taking pictures of kids at the local swimming pool or beach. And let's not forget the statitics that say that the majority of kids are abused by someone they know--mom, dad, uncle, grandpa, coach, scout master, teacher.

So do you stop living? Do you make your kids stay inside at all times? Don't let them go to school? Of course not. You live, you do stuff.

The situation in the OP does not merit gettting a CM involved. What could the charges be? Talking to a child? Offering your hand to a kid? I agree that he shouldn't have done it, but to 'get security' is an overreaction IMO.

But the situation in the gift shop--totally horrifying. I understand why they didn't press charges. I do wish it had been easier to do it, I think that jerk needs help, and maybe some time behind bars. (I wanted to call him a worse name, but I don't want to get points.)

As a childless adult that loves WDW, I hope the next time I'm at the MK taking pictures in Fantasyland that no-one thinks I'm a weirdo/pedophile taking pictures of their kids. I already don't go to kiddie orientated shows--like The Little Mermaid--because I don't feel like having people stare at me.

 

[ryley26]

Folks this thread has come to an end. We all understand the risk where ever we are. I think the meaningful discussion has ended as a team we are closing this thread. Thanks Rich