Vegas: Disney Employee Among the Victims & Disney Vigilence

[mshanson3121]

For starters, a Disney employee has now been identified as one of the victims of the massacre yesterday:

http://www.cnn.com/2017/10/03/us/las-vegas-shooting-investigation/index.html

"Carrie Barnette, a Disney employee, is the latest victim to be identified. "A senseless, horrific, act, and a terrible loss for so many. We mourn a wonderful member of the Disney family: Carrie Barnette," tweeted Disney Chairman and CEO Robert Iger."


But, this has been on my mind since yesterday: when events like this happen, does Disney do anything to increase their vigilance, screening etc...? Quite honestly, my husband and I were talking, and Disney is nothing but a sitting duck in water when it comes to being a target. The huge crushing crowd of people just before the park opens at the main gates, makes people an easy target. I realize they have security measures once you're through the gates, but what about that most vulnerable time - when you're all crowded together, waiting to be let in? Also, are there security measures in place at employee/service entrances as well? Or only the main gates?

 

[melanielll]

I will not believe that Disney is serious about security until they stop letting people leave unmanned strollers sitting around the park. Unfortunately, that isn't going to happen.

 

[mom2rtk]

I will not believe that Disney is serious about security until they stop letting people leave unmanned strollers sitting around the park. Unfortunately, that isn't going to happen.

Well, until they allow strollers on rides, that's not happening.

Besides, aren't those strollers screened before entering?

 

[mom2rtk]

For starters, a Disney employee has now been identified as one of the victims of the massacre yesterday:

http://www.cnn.com/2017/10/03/us/las-vegas-shooting-investigation/index.html

"Carrie Barnette, a Disney employee, is the latest victim to be identified. "A senseless, horrific, act, and a terrible loss for so many. We mourn a wonderful member of the Disney family: Carrie Barnette," tweeted Disney Chairman and CEO Robert Iger."


But, this has been on my mind since yesterday: when events like this happen, does Disney do anything to increase their vigilance, screening etc...? Quite honestly, my husband and I were talking, and Disney is nothing but a sitting duck in water when it comes to being a target. The huge crushing crowd of people just before the park opens at the main gates, makes people an easy target. I realize they have security measures once you're through the gates, but what about that most vulnerable time - when you're all crowded together, waiting to be let in? Also, are there security measures in place at employee/service entrances as well? Or only the main gates?

Disney has already made some adjustments that should help. They decentralized the security screening. Plus, while I'm not a fan of having guests wait on Main Street before park open, I understand that it's the safer alternative and get why they made the change. This all has lessened the degree to which there was maximum backup of people exposed to unscreened people.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I will not believe that Disney is serious about security until they stop letting people leave unmanned strollers sitting around the park. Unfortunately, that isn't going to happen.

Agreed...ever since the post 9/11 security "push"...disney security boils down ultimately to a headfake/minimum level of deterrence...

Bu the question is would they...or we...want anything else?

The answer is NO

 

[jknezek]

Agreed...ever since the post 9/11 security "push"...disney security boils down ultimately to a headfake/minimum level of deterrence...

Bu the question is would they...or we...want anything else?

The answer is NO

I would be ok with walk through metal detectors to go with the bag checks. I know there are some at WDW, but I can't remember ever being asked to go through one. I don't much worry about someone smuggling in a knife, but, sadly, it wouldn't be real hard to smuggle in a handgun. Pretty hard to get anything bigger through security and you can't exactly fire on MK from the Contemporary. Honestly, I don't think it's a huge problem at the parks. A bomb is definitely worst case scenario hidden in a stroller. But I'd say Disney Springs is a big problem. I think it's smart they didn't keep doing the drone shows or fireworks or parades there. Huge unchecked crowds packed together is a prime problem.

 

[rteetz]

I will not believe that Disney is serious about security until they stop letting people leave unmanned strollers sitting around the park. Unfortunately, that isn't going to happen.

So what are you supposed to do with strollers then?

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Also keep in mind that Disney had a ton of security that is in hiding and in plain clothes, etc. that you never notice - so they are extremely vigilant because they know a) how bad an event that happens at Disney could be a b) what that would mean to their earnings going forward

Whether it is at Disney or the Airport, etc. most of the security you see is just for show - the real serious stuff you never see

 

[melanielll]

Same as at airports - leave them home or have someone stay with them. If you are truly trying to be secure - lives come before convenience. I have been at Disney with kids of all ages starting at 1 year olds. I didn't use a stroller. It is a convenience. I know most people don't agree with me - but if you want to be safer - there are costs to be paid.

Walk away from a srtoller at an airport and watch what happens. They are trying harder there.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I’m not understanding the stroller comments above. You’re not getting past security at any of the parks with any sort of bag in a stoller without it being checked. Any large pouches or concealed compartments on a stroller will likely be checked too. Our BOB stroller has a large basket underneath and they routinely check it to make sure nothing is stored under the seat. If we have even the smallest of bags in there, you have to go through the bag check. This has been, with some exceptions, consistent practice in our WDW travels.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

So what are you supposed to do with strollers then?

My friend....your question indicates a tough world isn't it?

...but that's just the thing: empty stroller are a no no.

What can be hidden in a stroller? The answer is "plenty"

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

Same as at airports - leave them home or have someone stay with them. If you are truly trying to be secure - lives come before convenience. I have been at Disney with kids of all ages starting at 1 year olds. I didn't use a stroller. It is a convenience. I know most people don't agree with me - but if you want to be safer - there are costs to be paid.

Walk away from a srtoller at an airport and watch what happens. They are trying harder there.

There are people here that take a stroller in to hold their lunch. They walk it in, and PARK it all day. They only come back to it for lunch.

Yes, there is a glance in a stroller "called security," but as I watch them go through, I can count the number of places on every single stroller that could hide something dangerous. Same with my scooter.

Edit: That sentence made no sense.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

There are people here that take a stroller in to hold their lunch. They walk it in, and PARK it all day. They only come back to it for lunch.

Yes, there is a glance in a stroller call security, but as I watch them go through, I can count the number of places on every single stroller that could hide something dangerous. Same with my scooter.

Indeed...

I know the concept Here is " who would ever do anything when they have BABY?!?!"

But 1. They would and 2. The danger is the amount of "clutter" it creates...

In the US, we do only the bare minimum - if that...do you think they really want to have security sweeping airports clearing bags 24/7? Hell no...but it's a verified threat that they can't get around.

Look at vegas: hundreds if not thousands of security guarding the chips in that casino...and this kook got an arsenal sent or taken to his room.

The real thing - disney related - on this issue is what wdw/Disneyland/euro are: very unsecured, mass markets where access points are difficult to monitor and an incident would inflict tremendous psychological damage on the public on so many levels...
...this is the world you live in.

 

[melanielll]

I’m not understanding the stroller comments above. You’re not getting past security at any of the parks with any sort of bag in a stoller without it being checked. Any large pouches or concealed compartments on a stroller will likely be checked too. Our BOB stroller has a large basket underneath and they routinely check it to make sure nothing is stored under the seat. If we have even the smallest of bags in there, you have to go through the bag check. This has been, with some exceptions, consistent practice in our WDW travels.

So - get a group together. They each bring in parts of a device. They they assemble it and place it in a stroller. That's how it can happen.

Plus - I have seen them checking strollers and am not impressed. Do you pay attention to how much undefined liquid people bring into the parks? It is staggering. Plus - things like refillable popcorn buckets... I have never seen one of those looked into. It's too much stuff to even pretend that it can be safely checked. And that is what they are doing - pretending to be safely checking.

 

[jknezek]

Most strollers are also hollow in the structural pieces. While a small umbrella stroller doesn't have much room, I could have hidden a lot of things, with easy access in my kids City Stroller. Let alone just building a bomb inside of the structural pieces and setting it off when you were well away from it. The strollers are a security issue. I just don't think there is a solution. Again though, that is worst case stuff. I just think a metal detector for everyone would be a good start. I really don't want some nut with a hidden holster handgun opening fire in the entrance room to Haunted Mansion. Fish trapped in a barrel...

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I’m not understanding the stroller comments above. You’re not getting past security at any of the parks with any sort of bag in a stoller without it being checked. Any large pouches or concealed compartments on a stroller will likely be checked too. Our BOB stroller has a large basket underneath and they routinely check it to make sure nothing is stored under the seat. If we have even the smallest of bags in there, you have to go through the bag check. This has been, with some exceptions, consistent practice in our WDW travels.

You're giving the disney cop sercurity checkers (paul blart) WAAAYYYYY to much credit for those Check lines.

It's a headfake...those people are not FBI agents or trained in military intelligence...

You think nothing can be taken in a park in a stroller?

That might "preserve the magic" for you...but it sure doesnt reflect reality.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Most strollers are also hollow in the structural pieces. While a small umbrella stroller doesn't have much room, I could have hidden a lot of things, with easy access in my kids City Stroller. Let alone just building a bomb inside of the structural pieces and setting it off when you were well away from it. The strollers are a security issue. I just don't think there is a solution. Again though, that is worst case stuff. I just think a metal detector for everyone would be a good start. I really don't want some nut with a hidden holster handgun opening fire in the entrance room to Haunted Mansion. Fish trapped in a barrel...

This brings up a good point:

What IS the official disney policy on handguns? Because you can get a conceal permit in Florida (i'm exaggerating but it isn't difficult) with a check and a smile...and I wouldn't trust the Orange or Osceola county sheriffs to batt an eye or even attempt to prevent a concealed from entering UNLESS they have strict guidelines from the company that pays their salary: ultimately the Walt disney company.

 

[jknezek]

This brings up a good point:

What IS the official disney policy on handguns? Because you can get a conceal permit in Florida (i'm exaggerating but it isn't difficult) with a check and a smile...and I wouldn't trust the Orange or Osceola county sheriffs to batt an eye or even attempt to prevent a concealed from entering UNLESS they have strict guidelines from the company that pays their salary: ultimately the Walt disney company.

Guns are banned from the parks and resorts. The gun rights folks went nuts in 2015 when the metal detectors and wands went in, and then went even more nuts when Disney prosecuted a few people for trying to bring guns into the parks.

https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/disney-worlds-concealed-carry-guidelines/

 

[mshanson3121]

Disney has already made some adjustments that should help. They decentralized the security screening. Plus, while I'm not a fan of having guests wait on Main Street before park open, I understand that it's the safer alternative and get why they made the change. This all has lessened the degree to which there was maximum backup of people exposed to unscreened people.

That's true, I forgot about that change. I definitely thing that's a better move. It would nice if the other parks could/would follow suit. Or have they already?

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Guns are banned from the parks and resorts. The gun rights folks went nuts in 2015 when the metal detectors and wands went in, and then went even more nuts when Disney prosecuted a few people for trying to bring guns into the parks.

https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/disney-worlds-concealed-carry-guidelines/

I had almost entirely forgot that...thanks