Rising terror threats, Anyone else worried?

[kilee]

This morning we woke up and changed our plans. We were supposed to leave at the end of next week, we are leaving in 7 hours. DH is taking some classes that have been getting high stress and he just wanted to go. Dreamed about it all night and decided let's just do it. Then I go and do something stupid like watch the news, now I am scared. I have read every news article covering the topic of raising the threat level that I could find. I don't want to intentionally put my family in harm's way, but I want to go have fun. To make matters worse I got several phone calls this evening telling us to be careful, and how do we get in touch with you if something happens, and even which park will you be in on which days... these were all because they are afraid something is going to happen at Disney. We were even told "I love you" by people I haven't heard it from in many, many years.
Needless to say I now have a sinking feeling in my stomach and I will be worried the whole time we are there. Letting the terrorist win or not, I am still upset by this whole thing.

 

[Brikate]

We are going in 2 weeks and while I am VERY concerned about what is going on in the world right now, I am most fearful of our drive down I-95 I am quite sure that just like our trip after 9/11, once we get there, we'll kinda forget about everything in the outside world for just a little while (you know how you tend to lose touch with reality?)

On our way to WDW we are "stopping by" Ft. Walton Beach (5hrs out of the way) to spend the weekend with our son who is stationed there. My biggest fear is that when we leave him, it will be the last time we see him before he is deployed overseas (he doesn't know when he's going). That is going to be one difficult good-bye

While my heart is heavy, we are very proud of him and his career choice. We thank God for him and everyone else who is laying their life on the line so that we can feel safe - even if for only a little while.

 

[Luv2Roam]

This reminds me of people always asking runners if they are afraid they will die while running.
Like my sister said, "At least I will die doing something I enjoy!"

Sure, anything is a possibility.
We just go and enjoy. I think there is a bigger risk on getting killed in a car wreck on the way to a nearby grocery store.

 

[eeyore0062]

Kilee, just go and have fun... life is too short to sit around and worry and wait. And STAY AWAY from the MEDIA... they are as much our enemy as anyone, with their propaganda... who knows what is real, and what is fabricated anymore? As for those calling you, just thank them for their concern, leave your hotel or cell phone number, and leave it at that. You have more of a chance getting killed in your car on the road as going to WDW. Those living in Europe have been living with terrorists for decades, and that doesn't stop them from living their lives to the fullest... why should it stop us?

Have a GREAT time, and "Don't Worry, Be Happy!"

 

[doitagain]

Never fool yourself. America is always a target, and what is more American than what Walt Disney created. If we allow our lives to be upheaved, and we change the way we live, then it is already too late and they won on Sept. 11th, 2001. Personally, I don't go down that easily, and I don't think Walt would either.

We were at Disney the Christmas after Sept. 11th, our friends and family expressed very valid concerns. Security was very visible. They did a very thorough search of our bags at that time, prior to entry of all parks. I will never grumble or complain about this, it helped keep my family and fellow Mousers safe. I also thanked each person that examined our bags.

The security alert was as high then as it is now. We will be returning 03/01/03 for another wonderful week, and I anticipate high security. And again I will smile and be thankful that there are those in place to try and protect me and my family. In fact, my entire family is going on this trip, parents, sibs, neices, nephews, as well as my own kids. Literally, my entire life will be in these "targets" during an unsure time. I can only tell you this: I can't think of a better place to be if it is our time. I couldn't die any happier than living the American Dream. I will not go into the night quietly. I go to Disney to be a kid again, and 3/1 through 3/8 that is exactly what I will be. So pull out your sprinklers, and put your gym shorts on and run right through.

Doing IT Again in 21 days!!!!!!


1976 Contemp
1981 Off site
1988 CRB
1999 Off site
2000 Off site
2001 ASM
2003 Off site

 

[MrsPete]

We're going in June, and YES, we are concerned about the possibility of an attack of some sort. Having weighed the concerns carefully, we're going to go on the trip for several reasons:

1) As Americans we're targets wherever we are. We live just outside a major East Coast city, so we're fairly close to a big target. The risk may be higher in Disney, but it certainly is very real here at home.

2) Things are probably going to get worse for America before they get better; once war breaks out, trips like this may be impossible -- we're going now to make the memories.

3) We're close enough to drive, so the likelihood of us being STUCK in Florida is remote. I might think again if we had to fly.

4) Not to be morbid, but the whole family will be together there. If it were going to be just my husband and I, I might think twice -- I'd be concerned about the possibility of leaving my children without both parents.

 

[ptrbryant]

Okay, we just got back from WDW on Tuesday, Feb. 4, and I wanted to make two comments:
1. While we were there, which was before the elevated terror alert level, I was very impressed by how thoroughly they were checking bags at the gates...in some cases, it seemed more thoroughly than at the airport. I had my backpack with me and was always asked to move the items until the security guard could see the bottom of each section...made me feel very secure. I can only imagine they'll be--if anything--more careful now.
2. My worst fears for WDW related to terrorist threats wouldn't be about explosives, etc., but about infectious diseases. Nearly everyone there is from "somewhere else", so a tourist destination would be an obvious choice for that kind of terrorism. That said, I still believe the main targets would be military or government related. I don't believe any threat to WDW would be strong enough to make me change travel plans. As a matter of fact, my sister and her family are leaving tomorrow for WDW and I truly am not worried about her!
Just adding to the conversation!
Karla B.

 

[vincent]

If we don't go to war. There's almost nil possibility of any kind of retaliation. If we do go to war, they will want to retaliate but will be hard pressed to act. It will be people living in America that would do any type of attack. I think that possiblity of that is a whole lot less than it was before 9-11. The media hypes things up to get the ratings and so does Washington to justify their actions. It would be sad if something were to happen at WDW, but it would be war that we started or at least it will seem that way, and it would serve as justification for the enemy. But, it's not going to happen unless people keep saying it's going to happen.

 

[piepie31]

While I am concerned about this threat, I agree with the others that I will not live in fear because these pieces of garbarge. If we live in fear, then they have won!

 

[C.Ann]

Originally posted by vincent
If we don't go to war. There's almost nil possibility of any kind of retaliation. If we do go to war, they will want to retaliate but will be hard pressed to act. It will be people living in America that would do any type of attack. I think that possiblity of that is a whole lot less than it was before 9-11. The media hypes things up to get the ratings and so does Washington to justify their actions. It would be sad if something were to happen at WDW, but it would be war that we started or at least it will seem that way, and it would serve as justification for the enemy. But, it's not going to happen unless people keep saying it's going to happen.

-------------------------------------

While going to war will certainly increase the risk of some kind of retaliation from someone, I don't believe that not going to war will eliminate the possibility of another terrorist attack here in the United States..

Although both Saddam Hussein and Osama BinLaden hate the U.S. with a passion, their actions towards us aren't necessarily a joint effort.. If anything, I would think that Osama BinLaden and his evil followers would consider this "prime time" to strike - while our military and government is so highly focused on the situations in Iraq and North Korea..

Would I cancel my trip to Disney World if I were traveling alone? Probably not.. Would I postpone my trip (if I were going within the next two weeks) and was bringing my small granddaughter along as well? Probably.. If something were to happen to her - and I somehow survived - I couldn't live with that.. It's only a vacation and vacations can be rescheduled.. When it comes to being responsible for someone other than myself, I would prefer to err on the side of caution.. I don't consider that "living in fear".. It's simply the way I choose to live my life.. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.."

 

[richiebaseball]

I once heard someone say we didn't become the land of the free and brave by being brave after we were free. We only became free after we were brave.

Anyway, Brikate please give you son a "Thanks for serving" from us. We appreciate the sacrifices that he and his family make every day.

Richard

 

[Mamu]

We are living in an age of constant terrorism. We are not safe even in our own homes.

We can not cower or hide from the facts that we as a country are hated because of our freedom. The freedom our forefathers fought so gallantly for.

Yes the highten warnings, are a constant reminder to be alert.

DH and I were in Italy during 9/11, scheduled to return on the 12th. We did not return until the 17th. Like so many abroad we were stranded knowing very little.

We cannot allow terrorism to win. We leave for Disney on 2/12. We are looking forward to this trip, these are stressful times and a trip to Disney is just what the doctor would order to relieve stress. We also are planning a return trip to Italy in September. We have discussed this trip and have decided we are going.

 

[cindala]

I am concerned as well, especially since we live very close to NYC which seems to always have an orange alert anyway.

Our trip to WDW isn't for another 5 months, so I have time to worry about when we go there.

Let's just hope publicizing the increased possibility of an attack can negate the opportunity for it to happen.