Questions from first time Aussie!!!!!

[aussiedaisy]

Hi, I'm a 25yo nurse who is planning a trip to WDW in Nov. with my twin sister. I have a few questions.

What is the security like at WDW? I'm a bit worried about silly things like terrorism etc. I know it sounds a bit stupid, but it is our first trip ever out of Australia and I wonder whether WDW would be a prime target for terrorists?? Do they have metal detectors at the entrances or anything? Is it a fairly safe destination to travel to?

Also, we are planning to be there for 1st Nov. What are the crowds like at this time? Are any xmas decorations up this early?

Hope someone can give me some feedback. Thanks so much.

 

[civileng68]

Hi there!

I think they put decorations up in November but I dont know when exactly. Someone else may be able to help there.

About security, I think you're fine. Disney security doesn't do much to prevent anything to be honest, they do a small check in your bag. No metal detectors. However, I'm sure there's security in place by plain clothes officers that nobody ever notices. If there's one place in this country that would step up precautions it would be Disney World. I think the "hidden security" is the best security on earth. When people see you and know where you are, they can simply plan to avoid you, but if they do not know where you are, you can't plan anything around them because you dont know where they are.

My point is, you'll be safe. Trust me. Those terrorists are going to hell. When will they learn that when you rattle the cage, eventually the dog's gonna attack.

 

[DoomBuggyBabe]

Welcome to the DIS!
The crowds on the October/November cusp are light to moderate. We've always gone around that time of year and have had few problems with pesky things like lines.
As far as Christmas decorations, DH and I honeymooned there this past Nov. 1-7, and Christmas decorations were slllllowly beginning to trickle out at some resorts. We saw them putting up the big tree outside the Contemporary. Didn't come across anything in the parks. We're actually going against type for '05 and planning a trip for the second week of December so we can see the decorations for real.
And as civileng68 said, the "hidden security" is all around you. We've never felt anything but safe at WDW.
Enjoy your trip!
Cheers,
Q

 

[DeterminedOne]

A terrorist attack COULD happen at Disney World. It's an American icon and certainly a target. There were several news reports about it a few times when the alert levels were raised. With that said ... terrorist attacks can happen anywere. Even shopping malls have been pinned as targets. And how often do you go to one of those? Attacks can happen wherever there are Americans and American interests. Think about how much of the world that includes. Personally, I feel safer in the US than anywhere else.
Our country has changed tremendously since September 11. As a matter of fact, the bag check they do at the parks didn't exist before 9-11. So I'll leave you with this ... As soon as you step foot inside the World your fears will disappear. It's truly magical.

 

[henrylovespooh]

Come on over!

I agree with others that you will be safe. Of course there's no guarantee, but don't let the fear of terrorism deter you from visiting Disneyworld. You will have a great time and once you're there, you will be so happy to see everything you won't have time to worry.

The time you are thinking about should have lower crowds - I would definitely go then.

 

[WillCAD]

Don't worry a bit about terrorism. WDW is too spread out to make a good target. It is no more of a target than your local shopping mall or movie theater.

Even general crime that happens everywhere like muggings and car theft is much more rare in WDW than out in Orlando.

WDW is one of the safest, most secure vacation destinations in the world.

 

[Luv4Disney]

The decorations are TOTALLY up by the day after Thanksgiving. That's when all the festivities start as well. I've gone in early November, and it was practically empty. Great time to go, especially for Jersey people who have the NJEA going on.

 

[Nanabug02]

Don't let worries about terrorism disuade you from your vacation. I've never felt anything but safe there, and as many others have mentioned, I'm sure Disney is well protected. They just don't make it obvious so that they don't ruin the magic for guests.

As all of us have had to learn since 9-11, you can't let fear keep you from enjoying what you want in life. Terrible things can happen anywhere and at anytime, but hiding from them doesn't change it. This is your life and don't let fear stand in your way. You'll be safe and will have the vacation of a lifetime!!! I'm sure all the other Disney obsessed out there like me will agree that its like no other place on earth!!!

Come on over and welcome to the DIS!!!

 

[wendy1974]

I agree that once you start to let terrorist actions keep you from doing things that you would like to do then ultimately you have let the terrorists win. Disney has set up bag checks outside of each of their four theme parks, which began after 9-11. I have not seen bag checks at Pleasure Island and in places like Downtown Disney it would be hard to do becasue there are so many ways to enter. No metal detectors at Disney and I hope that they never put them up-it would feel like a prison and definitely loose ALOT of Disney magic for me

I say that you should come and everything will be fine. Once you step foot on Disney property you will totally forget about any fears that you might have. The Disney Cast Members are everywhere and they are all very friendly As far as decorations for Christmas they do not start going up until the week of Thanksgiving. Crowds will be really light so you should not have any long waits for rides. It can get chilly in November (even in the south we have some cold days) so you may want to check the weather forecast before you leave and definetly bring a light jacket for early morning and night. Oh, and most importantly have lots of fun and welcome to the DIS and America

 

[Abba98]

And welcome to the DIS ........
You will have a great time in November,that's when we're going,and the Xmas decorations should be up in November (maybe not in beginning) when you are there........We went in November before,and loved it......Not so many ,so fewer lineups,etc......Works for us!
Security is ,so no worries there!
Have a wonderful trip!
Kirsten in Canada!

 

[civileng68]

Just remember one thing about these terrorists...........they are very weak individuals. They dont come out and just fight, they want to hide and creep around and just be sneaky (sort of like a snake or satan or something), and harp on innocent people. I will never let someone like that scare me or intimidate me from doing something I love. This country is too strong to let weak people like that determine what I am going to do. They will never keep me from doing something I love on the soil that I was born on.
All I can say is, if there was one around, that son of a gun sure better get me before I get him, because these days I think it would be a nasty nasty scene if I got my hands on one of those fools before they got me. It'd be like a corvette coming to an 80 mph brick wall party.

God Bless America!

 

[aussiemouse]

Attacks can happen wherever there are Americans and American interests. Think about how much of the world that includes.

It's not just Americans being targeted. Think about the Australian embassies and the Bali bombings (not that they get much coverage here). They were definately targeting Ausssies and Europeans. But like most people have said ... these cowards can be anywhere. Don't let fear stop you from travelling and seeing this wonderful world we live in!

A fellow Aussie!!!! (Living in US)

 

[Timbo]

We were there the 1st week in November 04 and it was Jersey Week but I didn't think it was that crowded. Jersey Week will be the 2nd week of Nov this year so crowds will be OK. The Xmas decorations strated to go up on Nov 3. We stayed at the POFQ. The trees were up in the lobby, garland and wreaths everywhere. You will also be there for the Food Festival, you will have the greatest time.

The most danger you will be in will be the ride from the airport to WDW. The security is very good at WDW. You and your sister don't worry about a thing.

 

[aussiedaisy]

thanks everyone for replying, I feel a bit better about it now. Why will the most danger be in the ride from the airport to WDW? Are the roads very bad? I am booking the trip tomorrow, I'm so excited an a bit nervous!!! I'd appreciate any tips anyone has about WDW. Cheers!

 

[mtdevine615]

First let me say welcome!!! I wouldn't worry to much about the security, WDW has a bigger securit force than most cities. As for the most dangerous part being the ride from the airport to the hotel, well all I can say is Orlando is a big city with a lot of drivers. Now to answer your tips question. There are thousands of tips to be learned. One of the best ways is keep reading these posts, you'll learn all kinds of things. Have a great time in Nov. the weather should be goods and the crowds low.

 

[WEDWDW]

Hello!Welcome in advance to the U.S.A. and WDW! WDW is completely AMAZING!IMHO,it is the most incredible vacation destination anywhere.The first trip is so wonderful.How long are you staying and are you staying on-property?If you are staying at a Disney resort,take advantage of EMH when possible.Also,use FastPass whenever you can.DO NOT miss any of the AWESOME night-time parades and shows;they are:Spectromagic and Wishes at Magic Kingdom,Fantasmic! at Disney-MGM Studios and my FAVORITE,IllumiNations-Reflections Of Earth at Epcot.See as much as you can,but take a break and rest when necessary.You WILL NOT be able to see everything in one trip.Make a list of things you really want to see and go from there.WDW is HUGE-it encompasses four MAJOR theme parks,two incredible water parks,two entertainment districts,two miniature golf courses,several regular golf courses and twenty-something resorts!Please feel free to ask any questions big or small!HAVE FUN!

 

[aussiedaisy]

Thanks everyone for the tips. Just a few questions....What is the weather like in Nov? I have no idea what clothes to pack!!! Also, we are staying onsite at the contemporary in a tower room, do the airport buses deliver and pick you up from the hotels??? I am really unsure about the transfers as we have never ever travelled before, not even in Australia!!! Is Orlando airport easy to navigate? I am worried about not being able to find which bus to get onto! Sorry if these seem like silly questions, I'm sure I'll get my head around it all soon! I still cant belive that we are going, it seems unreal at the moment! Closer to the time I will be so nervous about the flight etc but I think we'll have a great time!

 

[WEDWDW]

I have never been in early November,but I am sure someone who has will have some information for you about the weather.It should be some great,moderate temperatures.Beginning May 5,Disney is offering COMPLIMENTARY transportation from MCO(Orlando International Airport) to the Disney resorts.This is part of the fifty years of Disney theme parks celebration that begins on 05-05-05 and continues for 18 months.When you book your room,just tell them you would like to use this service.They will give you all the info.I can relate to your nervousness about the airport,etc.The first time I went to WDW-I KNEW NOTHING-about the airport,etc.You will be fine. The airport is easy to navigate-it even has monorails!The Contemporary Resort is one of the original WDW resorts and is VERY nice.You can either request a view of Magic Kingdom or Bay Lake.You can either walk or take a monorail to Magic Kingdom.You are staying in a PRIME spot for your first trip!