Security

[Debbie H]

I don't know if this has been an issue here before but I would like to bring it up now. When we arrive at OKW, the guard asks us for photo ID and what we are there for, checking in, etc. We comply, that is, after a whole bus load of people in front of us and a bus load behind us go on through. We check in and get a paper for our car, which looks exactly the same going back to day one when they started giving out car passes. Every place you go to on property is different. Some guards wave you through, some ask for photo ID, some ask for a room key, which they look at briefly. Room keys have been the same for years as well so anyone could get in using a two year old plus card. I ran over to SSR to pick up dh from golf, during a rain storm, and got hassled by a security guard because I didn't have a photo ID. I had the car pass, my room key, plus my car license says D-Harden. I told him, due to the storm, I didn't take the time to get into the safe to remove my wallet. He proceeded to give me a lecture about not having my license with me. Please, I'm over 50!!!!

So my point is, if they are going to have security, it should be the same throughout the entire resort. Also, years ago, when DVC first started and before at the resort hotels, to get on a bus, you had to show a current room ID. Apparently that was stopped because people complained about it. Also, I know past members, who have sold off all their points, get in using their membership cards. They come in for the day, use the pools, laundry, etc., and then leave.

I think the whole security thing is to make us think we are safe. Any other thoughts on this??? This mostly started after 9/11, which is fine, but really, how safe is it really when it is not consistent, anyone can come in on a bus or boat, and most are accessible by walking on......

 

[DVCLiz]

I just have a question first - why is being over 50 a reason not to have a license if you are driving a car?? I don't think that would work with the cops where I live...

I'm always unsure about how to respond to security issues because I know I'll never have the full picture. For example, where were the buses coming from? Was there any sort of ID required at another point before they arrived at the resort? Are they just being transported from the parks? I can see that a single car would pose more of a threat (due to a bomb) than a Disney bus, which has presumably been monitored more carefully by Disney mechanics. I can also see giving a single car the eagle eye due to people trying to use the resort parking lots for access to theme parks, etc.

I agree, it does seem random sometimes, but since I don't have the big picture or know why certain things are done a certian way, I'm going to just be cooperative when I'm asked for any sort of security procedure.

 

[Debbie H]

I just have a question first - why is being over 50 a reason not to have a license if you are driving a car?? I don't think that would work with the cops where I live...

Your, right, being over 50 means nothing, just wanted to state I wasn't a tennager,however, where I am from, we have 24 hours to provide a license if you do not have it with you. Also, getting my husband from a Florida lightening and thunderstorm was a little more important than my license.

Also, they were park buses, you DO NOT have to show an ID to get on one.

 

[lisaviolet]

I just wanted to add that we noticed a huge difference in security measures on our last trip in March. It was very different and very random.

It ran the gamut.....sometimes we were waved through going into any resort and then suddenly we were asked for IDand/or room card at our own resort even though we obviously had a valid parking pass. Back and forth....

And then on the other hand we have always been questioned going into the POLY...and I understand why.....once very intensely with a reservation that wasn't on her list. This time waved through on a busy night with a smile and no conversation.

It makes me wonder if they tell the guards to check every (fill in #) cars. Being asked for ID at our own resort makes me think that they've had some issue with fake parking passes or something. Who knows? It was weird at times but I'm sure there is a reason behind it.

I've just noticed a difference.

 

[Debbie H]

I have no problem with them asking for all that, if they are consistent and do it everywhere, and do it to everyone. I am glad they do it, however, if a person can get on a bus and come to a resort without showing ID, that bothers me. I think the mere fact that we had a sticker in our car and get waived through in places is ridiculous. It could have been from years ago. I've been a member of DVC since 92 and seen many changes, some we like, some we don't, it is personal preferences I guess. I guess knowing a suicide bomber could easily get on a bus, when they have all these other measures in place, bothers me as well. There is no consistency and the lack of consistency is what is bothersome. We had 4 planes go down within hours of us on 9/11, 2 less than 100 miles from us, and we will never forget that.

I hate to put a damper on "pixie-dust" but we all should be concerned about this.