Rising terror threats, Anyone else worried?

[Luv2trav]

We are going to WDW in late March and I am getting a little concerned about terrorist attacks. Generally I am not like this and do not worry about such acts, however I cannot help but think if there were going to be any type of situation or terrorist attack, WDW would be a PRIME target. Is anyone else concerned? Does Disney do anything to help guard against such attacks?

Again, I am not paranoid just concerned. This is not going to stop me from going. With everything going on in the world, possible war and level orange threat I have to keep this in the back of my mind for my family's safety..

 

[grayhawk]

There was a note on CNN.com this morning that talked about a rising concern about "soft targets" like amusement parks. We're arriving on Feb 19th. I don't usually worry about such things either but I am feeling a little uneasy about placing my family at WDW at a risky time. I'd like to get some more info about heightened security at the parks etc. I don't blame you for being a little concerned.

 

[justhat]

We arrive Thursday and I have my concerns as well, like I'm sure many people do right now. We were just in WDW over NYE and also December 2001, and as you probably know they search bags as you enter the parks. This of course would not prevent something like the shoe bomber, which is what scares me because since they are only searching bags how safe can I feel? I guess we can only hope that nothing will happen and that Disney may increase security with the raised terror threat. I know lots of people would get annoyed walking through metal detectors and having their bags searched everytime they enter a park, but I know it would make me feel safer. Also, our Six Flags has metal detectors in place at least on high school Physics Day (not sure about all year though) and the lines are not too bad to get in.

 

[PatriciaH]

Yes, I am worried. I am also going the end of March. We can cancel the hotel easily but air would be non-refundable We are only going for 4 nights too so if planes are not flying that will stink. If they do anything to WDW or Disneyland I will be REALLY ANGRY. I am from NY and the Twin Towers hit too close to home-literaly.

 

[Luvdisney]

We will also be going to WDW at the end of March, but I won't let these these S.O.B.'s win and ruin my trip. Yes, it's a concern but I don't think it could be any worse then where I am now. I live just south of D.C. and I would think this would be a better target then WDW. They want to hit where they can do major damage and have lots of Casulties. WDW is to spread out to enflict the damage these S.O.B.'s want. Yes, WDW holds a lot of symbolism, but the casulties would be low. I think these guys will go to Federal agencies or resturants first. But, if you don't go, then they have already won!

 

[Jen D]

Yeah, I live in NYC so I feel I'm probably at risk no matter what I do.

I'm an optimistic pessimist when it comes to terrorist. I think it is just a matter of time before the next attack; but I can't let that affect how I live my life and the likelihood of my personally being a victim is miniscule.

 

[pintrader]

I know for a long time there was a "no fly zone" over the parks. Have no idea if that would be reinstated or not and if so when. I could just as easily get in a fatal car accident, so personally I am going to go on with life and enjoy what I can of it.

Don't forget if we let them win the psychological war they have won the physical one as well.

 

[urchin]

Don't give in to hysteria !
The media, in their quest for ratings, like to exaggerate the dangers & play to our fears.
I also suspect that the current administration in Washington is not adverse to have our attention on terrorism rather than our poor economy & why they aren't doing anything about it.
Also talking about WDW or anywhere else as terrorist targets is bound to give some nuts ideas, probably not foreign nuts, but a homegrown psycho down the street !
Keep cool !

 

[gonga]

I agree. Its not a matter of a "no fly zone" at this point. With bio terror a small vial of whatever deadly disease they wish. I don't let these things bother me, whatever happens, happens. We do not have any control over this. We have to have faith in the powers that be and pray they make the right decisions. We can only go on with our lives.....I think Disney is a great place to do that

 

[TiggerPiglet]

I also agree not to let terrorist threats keep me from going on vacation. The fact is we have more of a change of getting killed in a car crash, yet we get in our cars every day without giving it a second thought. If we go to war with Iraq, I don't think the terror threat is any higher than if we don't go to war. The fact is these guys want to get us. If they strike while we're at war, it will just be a convenient excuse why they attacked us. We just need to live our lives, as hard as it may be sometimes, otherwise they win.

 

[eeyore0062]

No, I am not going to let the threat of terrorists attacks stop me from going and doing everything and anything that I want to do. Many European countries have been living with these threats for decades, and it hasn't stopped them. If I stop going and doing, I may as well be dead, and then the terrorists have won. Besides, it could happen in your hometown, just as easily... you just don't know!

We are going the end of March, as well!

 

[inaminute]

We leave on Tuesday. Am I worried? No more than I am on any other day.

We'll continue as we normally would have. If something happens, it happens. I have no control over it. I refuse to stop living and enjoying my life simply because of what "might" happen.

Cheryl

WooHoo! Only four more days until Disney and nine more 'till the Daytona 500!!!! I can't wait!!!

 

[Yvonp]

Funny, I was just talking about this at work yesterday...
We were at WDW early Jan for 10 days, and they DO search your bag every time you enter a park. The search is at best token, I could have hidden anything in the backpack and they would never have seen it. I opened a very full backpack every day - snacks, sweaters, etc and they never really looked through anything. If they did a throrough search I am okay with that, but holding us up in line every morning for what they did drove me crazy!

 

[pintrader]

if this helps any Disney security has different levels of security alerts. Believe you me, when the alert is high those searches are excruciatingly long and thorough and so are the lines.

l literally live 1.5 miles from the castle. We have a home in Melbourne and an apartment right behind MK. He asked me if I was sure about this move. All I could do is smile and say " If it's my time, where would I be happiest if I died?" He never said another thing and began packing the moving van with me.

 

[grinningghost]

Oh Kathryn, you are living my dream! I can understand the concern, but honestly, these terrorists will strike anywhere. Eating a burger at McDonald's could get a person blown up these days - so don't let them get to you. Whatever happens, happens. And others are correct in pointing out that the media plays heavily on our minds. They like to overdramatize things for ratings. Go, take a ride on Splash for me. Hope CoP is running for you. Take a plunge on Summit Plummet. And smile every minute of the way.

 

[dahess]

Well, if I am going to get killed by a terrorist, I'd rather be on my way home from Disney than on my way to Disney

 

[DisneyObsessed]

I too, have been worried about our upcoming trip. But you guys are such an inspiration with your comments. I know you're all right, and my husband says the same things you have said, but I can't help feeling concerned. It's a bittersweet feeling for me. Being excited to go, but worrying if something could go wrong. Let's all pray and hope for the best!

 

[Gillian]

We were there this year the week of September 11th. I believe the alert level then was the same as it is now. It was raised while we were in Florida & then eventually lowered again (right?). It was only a problem when we watched the news. The rest of the time we were so busy & happy that we didn't even think about it!

I'd rather be there having fun (& will be soon) than here, in the snow, worrying about it.

 

[DVCPAT]

There is no way I would ever let a terrorist threat change my plans in any way. That is there objective. The only thing I would do differently is be quick to report anything suspicious or out of the ordinary.

 

[DumboFan]

Leaving in 17 hours!!! I'll be at the Happiest Place On Earth ~ why should I worry!!!



DH is concerned, but I refuse to let it bother me!