Trying to prepare for the worst

[Alice28]

I am in no way trying to be depressing here, but I am wondering if anyone knows if WDW has an increased security plan when we declare war on Iraq. I'm not a paranoid person by nature, but my DH is in the OR Nat'l Guard, so he's always thinking ahead to these kinds of things. He thinks the war will begin right around the time of our trip and he keeps wondering things like "I wonder if they will close the parks for a day or two when war starts," etc. I told him I seriously doubted it, unless there was a specific mention of WDW in threats, etc. I just wonder, esp. since the threat level has been raised to Orange. Does anyone else wonder? I'm not worried per se, I just hope our trip and everyone's upcoming trips run as smoothly as possible.

 

[Luv2trav]

That is strange, I just posted the same thing.... I am concerned.

 

[Alice28]

I just read your post...funny we were on the same wavelength at the same time. It is not going to stop us from going either, and a part of me thinks, "I don't want Disney to share all it's plans because then the terrorists would know" but I just want to be told, "yes, there is a lot of heavy security at this time, and the parks will be open, etc." Maybe the flip side is that we will have nothing to worry about, everything will be fine, and the parks will be very uncrowded. Since we live in a relatively safe area of the country, it kinda worries me to be throwing my entire family into what could be a prime target on the East coast.

 

[Lorix2]

I think it's only natural for us to be concerned.

I always wonder about WDW because it seems that it WOULD be a target, that scares me, but I will not let my trip upcoming trip be ruined by fear.

When are you all going? We'll there April 19-26th.

 

[Lorix2]

Alice - whoops, just noticed 19 days for you. Please try not to worry and have a wonderful and safe trip.

 

[WDSearcher]

Look at it this way ....

September 11, 2001. The week following that day was the week of the highest possible level of security awareness this country can have. Were the parks open? Yes. Were people visiting? Yes. Did people feel safe when they were there? Presumably, since they still showed up.

Now go back to the Gulf War. Were the parks open? Yes. Did people feel safe? Yes.

Disney has security plans in place for all levels of alert just as does any public place in the country. They are well aware of their responsibility in keeping their guests safe. That said, however, it is no more safe or less safe than anywhere else in the country. But if you're worried about WDW without thinking twice about the mall, the movies, the fair, or other places people congregate, then you're just putting too much stock on the Disney part of the equation. IMO

 

[justhat]

I think there is a slight difference though between attendance during the Gulf War and a possible war with Iraq now because of September 11th. Sure, we knew things could happen during the Gulf War, but September 11th made us see that yes, bad things can happen in our own country too, which many people didn't think about before then. Also, after September 11th WDW attendance did drop significantly. Sure, there were still lots of people there, but many others cancelled their plans too, so I think that may be the case, on a smaller scale, if there is a war.

 

[gonga]

My family and I were on a WDW vacation 3 weeks after 9/11. We are from NY and we bacame accoustomed to hearing fighter jets over our homes at all hours. I became very aware of every plane overhead in WDW, when I never even noticed them before! At this time there was the crop dusting alert. The parks were eerily empty and slow. There we no popcorn in the machines, lots of ice cream and souviniers closed. For the first time I saw CM hanging out and chatting with one another. At one point my husband and I were in Epcot walking from France to Germany there was no one in front of us and no one behind us. (This was during the week, on the weekend it filled up). I do have to say that at that time the security was lame at best. Before entering the parks, you had to open any packages or bags for the security guards. The problem was that the security guards were these little old men in a blue uniform! I was hysterical laughing.....OK Pops, I have a bomb and what are you gonna do about it.......Really, what was Disney thinking????? Do I feel safe having Grampy on the front lines? Uh...no! I hope this has been changed..After seeing the Nat'l Guard at Penn Station and the Airports, you would think that they could hire people under the age of 65. Oh yeah and I did see some younger guys even scarier.....80lbs, pimples, braces - you get the picture. As far as Disney being a target for bio-terror, I have to say yes it is , along with NYC, nuclear power plants, Hoover dam, Las Vegas, Golden Gate Bridge, The Space Needle etc.... Any location that can attracts a large groups of people Sporting events, concerts, theme parks. However, I for one refuse to give up my freedoms and my life. We refuse to live in fear. We are going to WDW in 3 months and we are counting every day till we get there. We travel every chance we get(not just to Disney) There are threats everyday, sitting at home and worrying about it will not change anything.

 

[buzz2400]

I was thinking about if I should book this year because of the threat of war. I decided to and then we decided we were going to MK the 4th of July. We went in October right after 9/11 and yes it is a little scary if you keep thinking about what could happen but I am not going to let anyone control me (especially with fear). When it is my time, it is my time. I might as well go doing what I like best, visiting Tigger. In other words, don't worry about it. Just go and enjoy yourself. (and when you are down there try not to read the papers or watch the news).

 

[poohbear2]

Lorix2,

We are leaving on April 19th also and returning on April 28th.
Are you leaving from Manchester? We are and flying Delta.

 

[capegirl]

I'm glad this topic was raised. My husband's National Guard unit
was activated a couple of weeks ago. We were told that he could be gone for a year. Rather than dissapoint the children
I decided not to cancel our Easter Disney trip, however I am very concerned about flying etc. I wish we never had to think about such scary issues.

 

[WDSearcher]

Originally posted by justhat
I think there is a slight difference though between attendance during the Gulf War and a possible war with Iraq now because of September 11th. Sure, we knew things could happen during the Gulf War, but September 11th made us see that yes, bad things can happen in our own country too, which many people didn't think about before then. Also, after September 11th WDW attendance did drop significantly. Sure, there were still lots of people there, but many others cancelled their plans too, so I think that may be the case, on a smaller scale, if there is a war.

Yes, people cancelled their plans. But more people cancelled because they didn't want to fly than because they felt theme parks were unsafe or targets. Of course fewer people will travel if there is a war. That stands to reason. But they'll still go shopping and to sporting events and other things close to home. That was my point. That if you're not worried about going to the local fair or the mall, but you ARE worried about going to WDW, then you're just letting the media get to you.

 

[gonga]

Here is a snip from an article in the latest Conde Nast traveler (Feb 2003 issue)

Reality Check:
How do Travel risks stack up against life's other dangers?

Fatality Statistics:

Heart Disease 1 in 300 - people who reported taking no vacation for 5 yrs are at a much higher risk of heart disease.
cancer 1 in 509
gunshot wound 1 in 9450
car accident 1 in 18,800 (car 72.2% on foor 11%)
HIV/Aids 1 in 19,400
a fall 1 in 20,700
Skin cancer 1 in 37,900
Pedestrian accident 1 in 45,200
Injury at work 1 in 47,600
Motorcycle accisent 1 in 118,000
influenza 1 in 159,000
Drowning 1 in 225,000
Bicycle accident 1 in 341,000
Boating accident 1 in 402,000
Samllpox Vaccination 1 in 750,000
Lightning 1 in 4,260,000
Bus accident 1 in 4,400,000
Train Accident 1 in 5,050,000
Earthquake 1 in 5,930,000
Skiing or Snobrd 1 in 6,330,000
Avalanche 1 in 8,150,000
AIRLINE ACCIDENT 1 in 845,000
TERRORIST ATTACK 1 in 9,270,000
Dog Attack 1 in 10,900,000
Flood 1 in 18,200,000
Amusement Park Ride 1 in 70,000,000
Maleria 1 in 93,800,000
Shark Attack 1 in 94,900,000

The worlds most dangerous places: 1- the hwy 2- your home

Statistically a traveler would have to fly every day for more than 8,200 years to be in an accident where there are more than multiple fatallities

There were 348 terrorist attacks on 2001; more than half were bombings of an oil pipeline in Columbia

Odds of winning a powerball lottery are 1 in 80,100,000

The most dangerous nonhuman predator: the Mosquito

So Smile, wear your sunscreen with insect repellent and FLY to Disney and have a great time. Live your life and enjoy. Hope this article makes you feel better

 

[Kallison]

We flew two weeks after 9/11 with lots of encouragement from DISers on this board. I think we were the only family with children along flying to Orlando, it was eerie. Once we got there it was a fabulous trip, one of our best. We got upgrades, the towncar service sent a limo, the kids got picked to do everything. It was also bittersweet, but DH was adamant about us going. I didn't think about the news and glanced at the papers only briefly. I think you should relax and try to have a great trip. I just got back from Las Vegas with dH and my Mom didn't want us to travel, but I just feel like life is too short. What would happen to our economy if everyone cancelled their travel plans and sat at home?

 

[dansyr]

I'll admit I'm a bit worried too, especially with being high alert for terrorist acts again. I have been planning this trip for so long. I guess I just have to have the attitude that what is meant to be will be. I'm leaving it in God's hands.

 

[grinningghost]

Kallison, you've just brought up a great point. It will be nice to go to WDW and not read any newspapers for a week. I, for one, can't wait to get there and turn off the world for a while.

 

[safetymom]

I am sure that Disney has many plans in case of any problems. WDW probably has thought this out very carefully but doesn't want to publicize what measures they have prepared for.

 

[eeyoresmom]

Everybody, we are forgetting that we ARE NOT HELPLESS! Let's look at it this way,we are aware of the threat to our lives.WE can be our own best security.There will be 20,000 of us against 1 or 2 crazies!I am the mother of 4 kids and I AM PISSED! Let's remember what the brave passengers on the flight that crashed into the field in PA did.I'm going to the parks.I'll be watching my surroundings,and i'll be the first to defend my family.We have always been free of this fear in the US so 9/11 took everyone by complete surprise.Let's show them how quickly we've learned.One advantage we have is that we are NOT used to
being victimized,and WE WILL NOT TAKE THIS LYING DOWN! These are sick brainwashed individuals who will use horrible weapons against innocent children.What's your response?

 

[allicat]

I agree with you, eeyoresmom. However, I dont think theres any way to protect ourselves or our families from a nut that could be walking around.We just have to hope that this wont be the case.
Yes, they do inspect your bags at Disney but its very easy to put something inside your coat or a pocket.
Im not trying to be a pessimist. I am truly concerned- we are going at the end of March and although I know Disney makes an effort with checking the bags, I wish somehow more could be done.

 

[eeyore0062]

We don't know who is reading these boards... lets not give them any ideas! That is the trouble with the media... they leak stuff that shouldn't be discussed, giving those "crazies" ideas.

If something is going to happen, it is as likely to happen in our hometowns as on vacation. We your number is up, there is little you can do.

I am going to Disney, and I am going to LOVE it!