security concerns

[minnesota kim]

Webmaster Michelle:

Is Disney planning any additional security with the possible onset of war? Our cruise is this Saturday (3/22) likely the beginning of war in Iraq.
Also to anyone recently back, what's your take on security?

Many thanks, Kim

 

[joy_to_the_fishies]

Kim,

I'm also from Minnesota and just returned from the 3/8-3/15 Eastern cruise. We were also very concerned about the possibility of war breaking out before we left. In fact, I did a search on these very boards before our trip to check on others' opinions.

The general consensus that I (and most others) arrived at was this: if Disney foresees a security threat, they will cancel the cruise. If the cruise isn't cancelled, don't let those terrorists ruin your vacation of a lifetime... and I'm not exaggerating. For me and my family (DH, DS8, DS6, plus brother, sister-in law, niece, nephew, grandma and grandpa), it truly was the vacation of a lifetime. Enjoy your cruise and relax. It's probably a good time to get out of the U.S. anyway!

--Joy

 

[Moosysmom]

I also just returned from March 8/15, They ask for id's before you get to the boats. And I found out that when tendering from St. Thomas the US Coast Guard is following the tender boats back and forth. I think all will be fine. They even ask for ID's on Castaway. So go and have a wonderful vacation.

 

[minnesota kim]

Thanks for the feedback... I'm still hoping to hear something from Disney. I believe they will sail, but I do hope they are checking people and luggage as least as vigilantly as the airports are.
Glad to hear you both had a wonderful time. I wish our cruise was last week, too! -kim

 

[WDWLVR]

Kim,
Even before September 11th Disney has been very good about security at the port. The bags you carry on go through an x-ray just like at the security points at the airport. These used to be stationed right as you entered the ship, now you go through them before you even enter the building.

As for checked bags they must get x-rayed too. In October of '99 we did the land/sea package. My FIL bought my BIL a sword in Japan and put it in his checked luggage. All the bags came except that one. He then got a call that he had to go down to the customs area, open the bag, give them the sword and he got a receipt. At the end of the cruise when we picked up our bags he turned in the receipt and it was returned. If they were that careful back in '99 I think they would have only stepped it up.

We also noticed when we were on the DVC Member Cruise in February that a Naval vessel followed us into Nassau.

If Disney thinks the risk is too great they will cancel. If they don't cancel take everyone else's advice and enjoy the cruise.

 

[AnnMorin]

With all the milatary targets Iraq and Osama have to choose from a cruise ship would not be big on the list. Go and enjoy yourself!

 

[markey]

My concern would not be the cruise ship but the plane. I am one who also would not cancel my vacation, but would think twice about flying now. I know we all say we would not cancel our vacations because we do not want them to win - but we also have to be careful and watch our backs - maybe that is why there has been no attacks against us after 9/11. Right now there are enough people in this country who are against the war to try and do something stupid to show that the war is causing attacts - after all it was a white american who acted in Oka.

 

[minnesota kim]

Thanks again for all the replies. Still looking for some word from the webmaster. Any official word from Disney on any change in security procedures? -kim

 

[disneyfreak1]

Here is an article from CNN regarding the heightened security at airports and ports.
http://www.cnn.com/2003/US/03/18/sprj.irq.terror.alert/index.html

Pam