People Mag source on WDW

[Gary M]

It appears the terrorist in Orlando maybe scouted WDW. The good news is the security checks at the parks may have discouraged him.

http://www.people.com/article/omar-mateen-disney-world-scouted-attacks

 

[arlinar]

Stuff like this is scary to think about. Hopefully Disney springs starts having security checking bags for awhile.

 

[Iowamomof4]

How could DS implement park-type security when there are no specific entry points? Or am I forgetting something? We only went once and rode the bus, so maybe entry to DS is more controlled than I recall.

 

[manning]

While the fact that DS doesn't have tight security is true, this article is a blatant fearmongering attention grab. The fact that he went to DS with his ex-wife does not mean that he was 'scouting' the area for his crime.

I am holding off on visiting for now to see what the plan for security there is myself, but not because of this article.

Is that the only time he has been there? We don't know. according to this article http://www.cosmopolitan.com/lifesty...uted-disney-before-attacking-pulse-nightclub/

"According to the source, Mateen and his wife Noor Zahi Salman visited Disney in April, but Salman told authorities more recently than that, Mateen was "scouting" Downtown Disney and Pulse specifically as targets. PEOPLE notes that unlike the other four Disney theme parks, Downtown Disney doesn't have metal detectors, a bag check, or security upon arrival."

 

[scrapquitler]

It appears the terrorist in Orlando maybe scouted WDW. The good news is the security checks at the parks may have discouraged him.

http://www.people.com/article/omar-mateen-disney-world-scouted-attacks

I'm sure that lots of people with evil intentions have scouted a lot of places. I choose to live my life without worrying about the what ifs. Sure, he could have scouted WDW, but terrorists have also scouted out and used movie theaters, courthouses, malls, social services offices, restaurants, subways, marathons, etc. Not going to worry about what I can't predict. Sure, always use basic precautions, stay alert, report something odd, but I'm not going to panic.

 

[DLgal]

It's essentially an outdoor mall. Security screenings are impractical in that environment.

 

[Jennasis]

I predict changes coming...potentially screening of some kind at resort bus stops to get ON a bus, maybe even at offloading points too... and I am sure they're kicking themselves that the massive overhaul to DTD did not include plans to build in a way to add security screening at entry points (of which there are MANY).

One thing I feel secure in is that Disney is taking this seriously and has excellent security and will step up.

 

[CaptJacksWench]

I was think about Disney Springs today and how easy it would be for someone to go there and just get onto Disney Bus Transportation to a Resort. They will really have to start cracking down on security in the Downtown area where a lot of locals come and go in that area as well as start beefing up the security to make sure only Disney Resort Guests get onto the buses.

 

[SgtTibbs]

What terrible journalism. OK, so he went to the parks. A lot of people do. The idea that a person willing to die for their cause would be discouraged by a bag check line lacks credibility.

 

[Confederate Scott]

Boy did we dodge the bullet. Just heard on the news this terrorist was casing out Disney!!

I would not say we dodged a bullet. Many innocent people lost their life as a result of this horrific act of terrorism. Had he carried this act out at Disney or anywhere else the loss of life would be equally tragic.

 

[ChrisFL]

I disagree. I think Disney is doing everything they can to allow massive casualties.

1 suicide bomber can kill hundreds at the MK without going through security. The security checkpoints are a perfect kill zone. Just imagine a bomb going off at the bag check about 8 people back from the security officer.

Disney and the rest of the world needs to find a way to keep people from congregating at security checkpoints.

My thought as well, they don't have to ENTER the park to be "in Disney"....the entire 44 sq miles are "Disney" and even things that happen outside of Disney can be called the Disney area by news media which happens frequently.

That would send WDW and Orlando tourism in general into a tailspin if it happened.

 

[frisbeego]

I was think about Disney Springs today and how easy it would be for someone to go there and just get onto Disney Bus Transportation to a Resort. They will really have to start cracking down on security in the Downtown area where a lot of locals come and go in that area as well as start beefing up the security to make sure only Disney Resort Guests get onto the buses.

What situation are you trying to avoid? There are numerous, easy ways to legitimately access a resort, e.g., room reservation or restaurant reservation. Personally, I don't want to scan my magic band to get on a bus.

As others have expressed, there are countless places where hundreds or thousands of people gather that could make easy targets, e.g. municipal parades, public parks, street fairs, etc. I support reasonable diligence to protect against dangers, but I recognize that all dangers can't be avoided and that, if someone truly wanted to, they could harm many people in a single moment despite reasonable precautions.

 

[anniemae]

Disney would be a very appealing target I would think. The bag check is great, but I also don't think it would stop someone truly intent on doing harm. I have always thought DTD was a prime target. Lots of people, no security, tourists etc.

I have faith that Disney is on top of this and a lot goes on behind the scenes to keep us safe that we don't see.

 

[CaptJacksWench]

What situation are you trying to avoid? There are numerous, easy ways to legitimately access a resort, e.g., room reservation or restaurant reservation. Personally, I don't want to scan my magic band to get on a bus.

As others have expressed, there are countless places where hundreds or thousands of people gather that could make easy targets, e.g. municipal parades, public parks, street fairs, etc. I support reasonable diligence to protect against dangers, but I recognize that all dangers can't be avoided and that, if someone truly wanted to, they could harm many people in a single moment despite reasonable precautions.

I agree with you and especially with these sort of people who have no care in the world for human life. Heck they don't even have a care for their own life. Sadly you can't avoid these types of mass killings if someone wants to blow themselves up in the process. Now having to take a few extra minutes to have a magic band to board a bus for security measures I say give it a try if that could be at least one outlet taken away from a nut job killer to reach the resorts.

 

[chigirl]

What terrible journalism. OK, so he went to the parks. A lot of people do. The idea that a person willing to die for their cause would be discouraged by a bag check line lacks credibility.

I believe the article states his wife told federal authorities Sunday that he had scouted Disney Springs and Pulse prior to the attacks. He was in Orlando for 4 days prior to the attack, not just his April visit...of course, her statement means she is an accessory to the crime, if she knew he was scouting venues and didnt alert authorities.If terrorists attack, it comes down to where you are in relation to
their weapons. Those closest to the backpacks in Boston died. An AK 15 in an enclosed space is bad. But the whole point is these radicals (of any nature: political, religious, mentally ill) can strike wherever. Just live your life, be alert. Dont give into fear.

 

[chigirl]

Not you of course, everyone is who I meant

 

[jknc]

Has there been any official response from Disney to this story?

 

[mshanson3121]

Not surprising given how popular Gay Days are at Disney. It's known as the worlds #1 "gay" celebration. I imagine the security at the parks is the only reason he didn't choose Disney.

 

[TeamH5]

Are you allowed to conceal carry at Disney? if not, they need to allow it.. More protection for everyone. We all know Security and police just aren't enough.

 

[ravenclawtrekkie]

Are you allowed to conceal carry at Disney?

No. And as someone who's here almost every day, I'm glad of that.