Security Threat?

[Maistre Gracey]

Yup... That's extremely odd. They build incredible resorts for untold millions, then don't want guests to take pictures..??

MG

 

[Hazzard101]

Disney security has always been polite and helpful whenever I have dealt with them. Being a security officer in the school system, I have training and knowledge that makes me look at things in a different light. I wasn't there so I do not have knowledge of what the officer saw that made him ask questions.

If you are in Washington and are around the White House taking pictures and an officer sees you do something or take pictures of something they will ask you to move on and may even question you. This is the same in any major city.
I would not advise spending a lot of time photographing the empire state building from every angle unless you want to answer questions.

The officer in this case was being cautious and may seem as if he was hassling the visitors but I am glad that he took the time to question the people. They had every right to ask for a supervisor and ask for clarification.

As for another post that says that security uses the "EXCUSE" of the safety of people to justify over reaction. If they don't act on the side of caution, the one person they don't check out could be the one carrying the suitcase with the Bomb in it. Then it will be too late to complain to anybody.

I use a CPAP machine and am searched and the machine is swabbed at every checkpoint in the airport. I am happy to oblige and I also make it easy for them to do their job. We all need to look at these inconveniences as a way to keep us safe. My mom always said if you aren't doing anything wrong then there shouldn't be a problem with answering a few questions.

 

[smjj]

Yup... That's extremely odd. They build incredible resorts for untold millions, then don't want guests to take pictures..??

MG

That is true, if they do not want pictures taken of their resorts then state that when people checkin. State it on the conformation letter, state it when they book. Have a big sign outfront stating if you take picture of our resort, that we spent millions on to make as nice and pretty as possible, you will be subject to security checks. You can go overboard on anything and sometimes some people do. I feel it is totally unreasonable to not expect guest to want to photograph the resort they are staying in. I have on my many trip and will contine to to so. I know no matter what picture I take from any angle, It has already been taken and posted on the internet by Disney or others dozens if not hundreds of times...smjj

 

[permavac]

The 911 security thing has me a bit out of sorts. Seems like the shipping containers and other obvious possible security threats go unchecked, but documented citizens get hassled...

I have to agree with this. I am not one to easily give up my personal freedoms. Then again, I do understand that you might be expected to if you are agreeing to abide by the policies of a certain business. In this case though, that guy was hassling you since there is CLEARLY no sign saying that taking pictures is forbidden. How the heck would anyone know NOT to take pictures of resort signs or Disney buildings unless advised of such? And, honestly, what's the point of confronting someone taking pictures anyway? Even if you were up to no good, how in the world would he have ascertained that? Would you have 'fessed up "Yeah, I'm doing some reconnaissance on a good place to put a suspicious package" or, if you were really dumb, dropped your camera and run off when confronted screaming, "They caught me!"? That just seems silly to me. Hassling the person taking pictures isn't "keeping us safe". Stopping the guy who drops off the suspicious package or confronting the individual pulling the assault weapon out of their bag. THAT would keep us safe. Just my two cents.

Terri

 

[Coach81]

I have to agree with this. I am not one to easily give up my personal freedoms. Then again, I do understand that you might be expected to if you are agreeing to abide by the policies of a certain business. In this case though, that guy was hassling you since there is CLEARLY no sign saying that taking pictures is forbidden. How the heck would anyone know NOT to take pictures of resort signs or Disney buildings unless advised of such? And, honestly, what's the point of confronting someone taking pictures anyway? Even if you were up to no good, how in the world would he have ascertained that? Would you have 'fessed up "Yeah, I'm doing some reconnaissance on a good place to put a suspicious package" or, if you were really dumb, dropped your camera and run off when confronted screaming, "They caught me!"? That just seems silly to me. Hassling the person taking pictures isn't "keeping us safe". Stopping the guy who drops off the suspicious package or confronting the individual pulling the assault weapon out of their bag. THAT would keep us safe. Just my two cents.

Terri

Good points, Terri. However.. the probing questions that the officer asked to most of us would just seem trivial, but to someone who is up to no good, perhaps if they can't answer all the questions, or if the answers are not verified, it may lead to perhaps stopping someone from doing something they should not. My 1 penny.

 

[smjj]

Good points, Terri. However.. the probing questions that the officer asked to most of us would just seem trivial, but to someone who is up to no good, perhaps if they can't answer all the questions, or if the answers are not verified, it may lead to perhaps stopping someone from doing something they should not. My 1 penny.

If anyone really wanted to do such a horrible thing, do you really think they would go and stand infront of a resort and start snapping pictures in plain view of people, guards and security cameras? Why when they can go to many many websites and get very detailed photos already. Heck you can even get aerial and satillite photos. I think if security is serious, they would stop hasseling what is clearly a guest taking a vacation photo and better spend their time and resources on the more covert and secretive true dangers. More than likely, Disney has done to their security what they have done to so many other areas. They have outsourced it and the guard probably was poorly trained and underpaid...smjj

 

[Pixieflip]

I still keep wondering if there was more going on that he did not/could not share with the guest. Perhaps there was an actual security threat that in the end did not come to fruition, but at that point, everything needed to be treated as suspicious. We may never know.

 

[Simba's Mom]

From a security standpoint, I can understand it looking odd to be taking photos of resort signage and buildings, especially if there are no people posing in the photos.

I often go solo, so I don't have anyone to take pictures of. What I always wonder about is when I take pictures of children that no one questions me. I love to take pictures of the kids interacting with the characters-grandmother in training, I guess! Yet no one questions this person by themselves taking pictures of strangers. So it seems that whether the photos have people or not can be either good or bad in these times.

 

[Hazzard101]

I still keep wondering if there was more going on that he did not/could not share with the guest. Perhaps there was an actual security threat that in the end did not come to fruition, but at that point, everything needed to be treated as suspicious. We may never know.

That is the reason for my post, There are things that people do that trigger questions about security. Simply taking pictures of the building may not be against the policy. The OP mentioned they had checked out and were taking pictures of the sign out front and then took pictures of the front entrance and then took pictures of the pool. (maybe not in that order)

If they were driving around the area and hopping out and taking pictures and hopping back in the car and taking pictures and so on. The officer may have thought they were in an area where they were not supposed to be. I don't know the specifics (in a car or walking around the parking lot ( it is a long walk from the sign to the front lobby) but there are many things that happen that the public does not know that make it necessary to tighten security.

Remember that when you are on Disney property they have the right to ask questions and deny access to areas when they have a suspicion.

I don't understand the outrage behind this officer asking questions to these people. Did he take their camera? Did he throw them out of the area? He even contacted or told them how to contact the supervisor.

He may have been unclear with the exact policy but the questions he was asking weren't over the top. I would have answered them and headed on down the road to my next resort.

I don't think the picture taking may have not been the only reason the OP was questioned. ( not that they were doing anything wrong but they may have been inadvertently putting up red flags the way they were doing it)

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Remember that when you are on Disney property they have the right to ask questions and deny access to areas when they have a suspicion.

I don't understand the outrage behind this officer asking questions to these people. Did he take their camera? Did he throw them out of the area? He even contacted or told them how to contact the supervisor.

He may have been unclear with the exact policy but the questions he was asking weren't over the top. I would have answered them and headed on down the road to my next resort.

Certainly they do and that is fine. IMO the "problem" is that he quoted that picture taking of buildings is not allowed. That indicates a less than well trained guard who does not know the policies - or one who simply makes them up. They should be corrected on that and hopefully the supervisor did so. Otherwise that guard will be following quite a few people around needlessly enforcing a rule that doesn't even exist with Disney.

 

[thefirebuilds]

you can EASILY get a weapon into the parks but they're hassling you about snapping pics? nuts to that. Good on you for keeping your temper, I wouldn't have. The fake feel-good security at that place irritates the hell out of me, especially considering that's how my money is translated. It is not providing me a real service, only an illusion. Illusions are fine for everything else in that place.

 

[cpdwiz]

You see thats their easy out. Act however you want, go overboard all you want, be as over reactive as you want and if anyone says anything, just claim you are doing it for their safety and security. They use it as their "get out of jail card". Who is going to argue with them when they use this excuse...smjj

Easy out? I would rather over zealous than not. I would rather one irrational guard over-reacting instead of a force not trained enough.

I would guess if you had a problem, you would not call security?

 

[snowbunny]

It is not providing me a real service, only an illusion.

Agree with this, it's the same irritation I feel at a 20-year-old TSA rentacop's high-handed manner when he confiscates a 2-oz. bottle of hand lotion as a dangerous item because it wasn't in a baggie (yes I know, my fault, didn't I know the rules blah blah blah). It would be hilarious if not for the fact that real and serious security problems exist that need to be addressed while we play these ridiculous games, "it's against policy to take pictures of your resort."

To people who say that we are much safer since 9/11, there is no evidence of that. We should have been much safer after Timothy McVeigh, right? And much safer after the first WTC bombing?

 

[cpdwiz]

Its funny how everyone always knows the job of a professional better than they do. Do you know if there was some type of threat to a resort, and the guards were on high alert? And, lets see...Someone posing as a tourist and taking pictures who is really up to no good...Nah, would never happen. I mean, bad people always wear signs saying BAD PERSON..No terrorist would pretend to be a tourist to get pictures of intel.

Some folks need to relax. Simply say, sorry, I did not know there was a policy, as I never did see one when I signed my DVC contracts. Maybe the guy was a little overboard. Then again, dealing with some types of the public can cause someone to go a little overboard.

As for the poster stating about safety being an illusion. There is SO much behind the scenes work at WDW that you do not hear of see. There are UC people in the parks. They watch. You should see the system in place if a bus is taken over. WOW.

Nothing is ever perfect, and not everyone can be happy at the same time. Just be thankful they at least care enough to work to keep you safe. I seem to recall someone ignoring the signs of a bunch of guys taking flying lessons, worried he would look like he was "profiling." Those guys did a lot of damage just acting like normal people wanting to learn to fly.

People have bad days....Maybe Mr Guard had one. So be it...Move on....I am sure we all have had one of those moments....At least he was looking out.

 

[cpdwiz]

Agree with this, it's the same irritation I feel at a 20-year-old TSA rentacop's high-handed manner when he confiscates a 2-oz. bottle of hand lotion as a dangerous item because it wasn't in a baggie (yes I know, my fault, didn't I know the rules blah blah blah). It would be hilarious if not for the fact that real and serious security problems exist that need to be addressed while we play these ridiculous games, "it's against policy to take pictures of your resort."

To people who say that we are much safer since 9/11, there is no evidence of that. We should have been much safer after Timothy McVeigh, right? And much safer after the first WTC bombing?

Has strict standards and supervisors watching all the time. Ever work with them? I have...Know why the 2oz rule is in effect? A shoe bomber caused it....And, we are much safer after 9/11. Before that date, the WTC were attacked and it was not followed up and it happened again.

Again..Its not a perfect world, but, Disney does a very good job at keeping the millions that go there safe.

 

[Hazzard101]

Its funny how everyone always knows the job of a professional better than they do. Do you know if there was some type of threat to a resort, and the guards were on high alert? And, lets see...Someone posing as a tourist and taking pictures who is really up to no good...Nah, would never happen. I mean, bad people always wear signs saying BAD PERSON..No terrorist would pretend to be a tourist to get pictures of intel.

Some folks need to relax. Simply say, sorry, I did not know there was a policy, as I never did see one when I signed my DVC contracts. Maybe the guy was a little overboard. Then again, dealing with some types of the public can cause someone to go a little overboard.

As for the poster stating about safety being an illusion. There is SO much behind the scenes work at WDW that you do not hear of see. There are UC people in the parks. They watch. You should see the system in place if a bus is taken over. WOW.

Nothing is ever perfect, and not everyone can be happy at the same time. Just be thankful they at least care enough to work to keep you safe. I seem to recall someone ignoring the signs of a bunch of guys taking flying lessons, worried he would look like he was "profiling." Those guys did a lot of damage just acting like normal people wanting to learn to fly.

People have bad days....Maybe Mr Guard had one. So be it...Move on....I am sure we all have had one of those moments....At least he was looking out.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

It is when we get complacent and overlook the small stuff and are afraid of asking questions is when 30 plus people get shot, killed or wounded because someone was afraid of acting on the suspicious activity of someone. Does this sound familiar?

What people don't know about when it comes to security and threats would scare the daylights out of them. Things go on all over, including Disney. I would hope people would be grateful to that TSA agent for following the protocol to the letter.

Blah Blah Blah. Oh you didn't know the rules sir? Thats fine just read them next time, you can go ahead thats a stupid rule anyhow.

I can't believe that people are so critical of people trying to do a good job. Do you really think that rules are made just for the fun of making rules? Do you think this over worked and underpaid TSA officer wants to listen to the person tell them off about how stupid the rule is? I am sure they would rather overlook the little bottle of lotion rather than listen to hundreds of people who don't bother to check the rules before embarking on a trip. As stupid as it may seem to you there are reasons beyond your comprehension for every little stupid rule.

People complain about security and cops and are quick to point out mistakes or criticize someone who didn't quite understand policy. But when something is wrong and people are threatened, who is the first person they call? The same security or police officer and thank God they come running to the aid
of the same people who call the supervisors to make sure the officer is reprimanded for his outrageous questioning.

The same way Disney magic is created from behind the scenes, there are untold numbers of "rentacop's" doing thankless jobs to keep the visitors secure every day. Their effort affords you, the guest, a secure feeling when you are at the resorts and the parks.

The next time you are enjoying some Disney Magic and you walk past one of the security professionals you should thank them for standing guard over you and your loved ones.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Has strict standards and supervisors watching all the time. Ever work with them? I have...Know why the 2oz rule is in effect? A shoe bomber caused it....And, we are much safer after 9/11. Before that date, the WTC were attacked and it was not followed up and it happened again.

Again..Its not a perfect world, but, Disney does a very good job at keeping the millions that go there safe.

First, it's a 3oz rule. Second, it may as well be a 1qt rule, seeing as though you can pack multiple bottles of the same liquid into a 1qt bag.

Disney does have a lot of behind the scenes security, but I'm certain much of their success has been pure luck. The bag check is a complete joke.

MG

 

[Hazzard101]

First, it's a 3oz rule. Second, it may as well be a 1qt rule, seeing as though you can pack multiple bottles of the same liquid into a 1qt bag.

Disney does have a lot of behind the scenes security, but I'm certain much of their success has been pure luck. The bag check is a complete joke.

MG

The fact that you make contact with an officer during the check and they get a chance to observe your demeanor while going through the procedure of being searched is the real advantage of the process. If someone wants to sneak something in the parks they would probably not do it in a bag. That is where the Vegas style security inside the park takes over. It is a very large mistake to believe that the lack of major incidents for as long as Disney has been in business with the Millions of visitors each year is pure luck.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

The fact that you make contact with an officer during the check and they get a chance to observe your demeanor while going through the procedure of being searched is the real advantage of the process. If someone wants to sneak something in the parks they would probably not do it in a bag. That is where the Vegas style security inside the park takes over. It is a very large mistake to believe that the lack of major incidents for as long as Disney has been in business with the Millions of visitors each year is pure luck.

Nah.. They don't even pick their head up to look at you. Besides, if they wanted to see your demeanor they wouldn't let guests without bags go without scrutiny.

MG

 

[Chuck S]

A reminder, this thread is getting off the topic of Disney World Security and bordering on political discussion, which is not allowed on the DIS. If it does not return to topic, it will need to be closed.