Safety for Solos

[wdwjunkie2005]

anyone have any safety tips for solos? obviously, don't tell people you're alone, but what else? i know wdw is safer than most cities, but the threat is always there.

 

[scoutsmom99]

I would add know your surroundings (hotel(s), roads, parks, etc) and keep your eyes and ears alert. I would also carry a cell phone and make sure to check in with family/friends each day. Like you said don't tell any one you are alone (try not to draw attention to yourself).

 

[Taja]

Just be sure to take your common sense with you!

It's amazing how many people--solo and groups--completely leave common sense at home when on holiday!

If you aren't comfortable leaving items in your room safe, use the lobby safe deposit box. Don't carry all of your cash, TC, cards, etc. with you (although some people would disagree with that).

The other thing I do is bring a spare house key and car key in case my purse is lost or stolen. I pin them inside my carry-on bag, then shift them to my checked bag after I settle into my room. I keep my checked bag locked, so no one really knows if anything of value is in it!

If I lose my house key or car key, I have to call my cousin who lives 35 miles away from my home--about double that distance from the airport!

 

[MdmMim]

One thing I do, which may seem strange I guess, when I'm leaving a park or DTD at night and feel uncomfortable for whatever reason, I look for a group of people and walk near them--not so close that they'd wonder what I was doing, but close enough so that some weirdo would think I was part of the group. I makes me feel safer.

Also, I agree with the common sense advice previously given. If the situation doesn't feel right, remove yourself.

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

I would say to use all Disney transportation, and stay on Disney property.
Do not go ALONE to DTD or Pleasure Island at night.
Otherwise ... Have a great time !

 

[Simba's Mom]

One thing I do, which may seem strange I guess, when I'm leaving a park or DTD at night and feel uncomfortable for whatever reason, I look for a group of people and walk near them--not so close that they'd wonder what I was doing, but close enough so that some weirdo would think I was part of the group. I makes me feel safer.

Doesn't sound strange to me, I find myself doing that alot of the time too. The other thing I do is always ask for an upper floor room. It probably doesn't really matter, but I just sleep better knowing that someone couldn't run straight to my room from the bushes and rob me.

 

[jenelope]

I leave my basic itinerary with my Mom before I go. In addition to what parks I'm planning to visit each day, it has my flight information, the hotel phone number, and a space for my hotel room number. If I deviate from the plan, I give her a call. I also call when I get back to my room at night. Sometimes I call just to say hi or to gloat over a great meal or something. Some people think it's a little over-the-top, but if I'm not where I'm supposed to be, I want someone to miss me!

Oh, and the one trip where I was arriving in the evening, I called to make a room request. I wasn't comfortable with the idea of walking all the way to the back of ASMu alone at night, so I requested a room close to the main hall. The room was close enough that the desk clerk asked who I was friends with.

 

[spiceycat]

I live alone so many things are a habit for me.

never park your car in a dark place. If you do go ask the security guards to walk you to your car.

be aware of your surrounding if someone is following you (and yes there are even nuts at WDW) - go to the closest CM and start talking. if possible go to the guest service.

some of these people will still approach you - just say very, very loudly 'NO' and I mean scream it. People will turn around and stare and generally these nuts will go away. Or even better a WDW security guard will appear and take the guy away.

don't let anyone buy you a drink at any bar. don't ever leave your drink. If you have to go to the restroom - when you get back go and ask for another drink. better to pay more and be safe.

if you get lonely meet up with a DIs group - don't just agree to meet someone you don't know. (yea I am very strange - I certainly don't know any Diser's either - but somehow they are generally okay. I am generally the strange one)

I don't take my purse anymore - I take my fannypack and back pack. I never put cash, credit cards or keys in the backpack - only fannypack. the backpack gets the camera, food, water,etc.

be aware if someone is closer than what you think they should. put your hands on your fannypack when this happens. I have even been know to step on feet. Sometimes I say I am sorry - othertimes when the person acts like I should apologize I don't. These people want you think you did something wrong - when they are only interested in getting your mind off your wallet.

don't fall for it.

they were rude first.

You are at WDW to have fun - so have fun!!!

 

[DVCconvert]

I hate to sound so sexist -- but it seems (my apologies if I'm wrong) that all the posters here are female -- but is it this common for so many women to be worried about their personal safety in 'real life' ??

Honestly, (yes I'm an imposing male figure) I find it hard to believe that so many are worried about this issue. (I'm not belittleing it) especially at Disney. Sure 'things' can happen...and do -- but statisically, I expect personal safety at WDW is perhaps in the top .05% of all resort/vacation destinations world wide.

This is a sincere question; what's causing this concern??

 

[Stacy's a freak]

I can understand the concern, but I'm also a woman. I, too, live alone and I'm used to taking care of myself and I rarely feel threatened or ill at ease. I'm not an imposing figure at 5 feet tall but I feel comfortable in my surroundings since it's home (or work or my hometown). And because I feel comfortable, I know that I appear comfortable and in control, which probably dissuades anyone from making me a target. But going to WDW as a solo, even though I know it to be safe, I want to prepare myself with some safety tips in advance because you just never know. And the more comfortable I feel with my surroundings and my "plan", the less likely I am to be taken advantage of

 

[scoutsmom99]

I hate to sound so sexist -- but it seems (my apologies if I'm wrong) that all the posters here are female -- but is it this common for so many women to be worried about their personal safety in 'real life' ??

Honestly, (yes I'm an imposing male figure) I find it hard to believe that so many are worried about this issue. (I'm not belittleing it) especially at Disney. Sure 'things' can happen...and do -- but statisically, I expect personal safety at WDW is perhaps in the top .05% of all resort/vacation destinations world wide.

This is a sincere question; what's causing this concern??

I'm not as concerned when I'm at home, but anytime I travel solo or to an unknown place I take precautions(I think anyone male or female should). My best friend is in Phoenix at the moment interviewing for a job with the Phoenix PD and she is down there solo. Well after being at her hotel for only one night a man called her room and started asking questions(he had seen her at the pool that day he told her (she didn't even go to the pool!). Needless to say she is at a new hotel now. I think of WDW as being very safe and that is one of the reasons I have traveled there solo twice.

 

[MazdaUK]

I don't worry much about my normal routine, but if something is different (much earlier/later train than usual or on holiday) then I do try to be aware.

I've done some t'ai chi, which is very good for helping you to walk firmly (so people can't knock you over) and flexibly (so you can twist away without overbalancing!) - that's not what I learnt it for but it was a useful extra

And I think women do need to be aware more now. When my mother was young no-one would have worried about her walking home from the Elephant & Castle (a dodgy bit of south London) after the last bus - I wouldn't get out of my car there in daylight!

 

[KittyKitty]

Women in general have to be more aware of safety when alone. Unfortunately this real concern has to be addressed whenever women travel on their own.

Yes, this is sadly part of our lives. . Which is a real bummer.

 

[spiceycat]

Women generally are the victims of rape, robbery, etc - sometimes by other women but mostly by men.

Yes, women have to aware of their area at all times. I don't care how familiar you are or how safe you feel. Crime happens all the time. and sometimes in the best communities.

the best way not to be a victim of crime is to constantly be aware.

If someone comes to close to - look them in the face - be sure you can identity them later - they generally then won't then bother you.

WDW has pick pockets, thiefs that go in the resort rooms when you are away, so don't leave valueables.

WDW has pretty good security. but they can't be everywhere. It is up to you to protect yourself.

 

[MdmMim]

I hate to sound so sexist -- but it seems (my apologies if I'm wrong) that all the posters here are female -- but is it this common for so many women to be worried about their personal safety in 'real life' ??

Honestly, (yes I'm an imposing male figure) I find it hard to believe that so many are worried about this issue. (I'm not belittleing it) especially at Disney. Sure 'things' can happen...and do -- but statisically, I expect personal safety at WDW is perhaps in the top .05% of all resort/vacation destinations world wide.

This is a sincere question; what's causing this concern??

IMHO, when women are alone, they have to be more concerned than men are about personal safety. Like KittyKitty posted, it IS a part of our lives, whether at home or at Disney, like it or not.

I have taken many solo trips, and I do feel safe most of the time at WDW, but a crime can happen anywhere. I choose not to be a stastistic and am always aware of my surroundings.

 

[wdwr]

I have travelled a few times alone and yes I'm a woman.

If at a resort, I try not to leave the grounds or only during the day and then on some type of Tourist trap (sightseeing bus). When I was in Rome, I was too far away from all the tourist stuff, so I followed behind some locals and kept my bag tucked in front of me & under an arm. But I still felt safe, except for the old beggar.

Never a purse. Fanny pack and a small bag to carry my camera and water too. And just a little cash if I want to buy stuff.

Now at WDW, I was there in December and didn't worry the entire time. You might call it naive...but I never left the Resort. I don't drive, so I was on bus transportation or the monorail.

Having said that, I would NEVER go to Pleasure Island at night. It's just a big bar and I have heard that it's not all tourists so that makes me more cautious since I am alone. However, I did go to Downtown Disney to get a pretzel, check out the shops and buy a pearl. Tops an hour and then I was gone. Plus at DTD you can take in a Movie and that always kills a couple of hours if something's out and you are 'parked out' for the day.

I guess it is all your level of comfort and security...plus lots of common sense!

wdwr

 

[katypop]

Okay, you guys are freaking me out a bit I have had a few solo trips now and consider myself as being very careful and aware of my surroundings. I always ask for a room not facing a parking lot as I do not want to enter my room from there, I also feel safer being closer to where you check-in and have never had a problem. BUT I HAVE gone solo to PI I didn't go my first couple of solo trips because I was too self-conscious but finally decided I really wanted to go...so did! I left by midnight, only had one drink and took a disney bus back to my resort. There were many people around so I felt I was pretty safe???

On two occasions I have taken a taxi back from Jellyrolls to my resort. The last time, this past May, was the only time I really felt a little scared. The cab driver freaked me out a little...and I wondered how long it would be before someone noticed if I didn't make it back to my resort Silly I know but sometimes it is a little unnerving going solo.

So...how do the rest of you feel...should I definately not do PI solo? Would you take a taxi ride at night alone?

Kathe

 

[lonegungirl]

I went to PI just to look around. I found it unpleasantly crowded. I plan on going someday, as I want to see the comedy club and the Adventurer's Club, but I don't drink or dance (nerd) so I have little interest in the rest of it. I didn't feel threatened in the slightest--there were so many people it would have taken some sort of alien hive mentality to turn them all against you.

I go most places alone, and I am careful and aware of my surroundings, but I refuse to live a fearful life where I can't even wear a purse when I want to. I have never had any problems and I go where I wish to, for the most part.

However, and with whomever you go, travel safely and have fun!

 

[wdwr]

Kathe:

So...how do the rest of you feel...should I definately not do PI solo? Would you take a taxi ride at night alone?

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

Sorry, didn't mean to freak you out. There is nothing wrong with PI, really. It is busy and you should be safe if you don't go off with any strangers...duh.

But being a single woman, in a BIG bar...has a habit of getting the attention of drunk men. And I just don't have the patience I used to. Being hit on or harassed. Too old for that stuff now. If I did want to go to a bar and do some people watching and hear some music for a little while...it's a good place to go. (the Adventurerer's Club is great)

As for the taxi. I always end up in a taxi alone and at night. So that doesn't bother me. But I would get the hotel staff at the Boardwalk (If coming from Jellyrolls) to order me one. They normally always use the same company.

And if you want someone to watch out for your return. Just drop a message at the front desk and tell them you would like to make sure someone knows where you are and that you will contact them when you get back.

I would think any Disney CM at the front desk would be happy to make that note. But hey, I could be wrong.

WDWR

 

[katypop]

The only reason I go to PI is for Adventurer's Club and Comedy Warehouse, so I have never really felt that I am in a big bar...maybe I'm being naive

Good idea about telling the cm's at my resort about my whereabouts, wdwr, but I'm afraid I don't have too much faith in them noticing if I didn't return My last trip my df lost her luggage and every manager we spoke to at the 2 resorts we stayed at promised to tell the next manager at the end of their shift...well this only happened once over a week long period. Don't get me wrong, I have had very good service from the cm's at the resorts...but I would not count on them too much , they are pretty busy with all the guests they encounter, and not sure if I want everyone to know I'm alone.

Kathe