Warning, Don't leave home without it.

[vernon]

Common sense, self preservation and your sceptical nature

While WDW is statistically one of the safest places to visit, there is still crime and dangers for the unwary and occassionally the unlucky. So do take precautions so that you don't become a crime statistic.

The following is a link to the Orlando Sentinel with a story about a car jacking from DownTown Disney. I think it likely that Disney security will be beefed up in the short term and it looks like they know who commited the crime. Just remember bad things happen EVERYWHERE, even at Disney occassionally

http://orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orl-locpleasure13x031302mar13.story?coll=orl-home-headlines

 

[eyoreaud]

WOW! Vernon,
Thanx for the warning, we'll be extra wary when we go back this time, that's the first time in a long while that i've heard anything bad happening in the tourist area.

Just goes to show, you can never get too confident about safety in Orlando.

Luv Audrey
xxxxxxxxx

 

[thefatman]

I think we all forget and get caught up in the Disney magic, that Orlando is just another American city, and as such suffers the same crime problems as any other city.

 

[UKDEB]

I often feel a bit uneasy around the parking lot at Downtown Disney. All those local youngsters hanging out in their souped up cars with the neon lights underneath. Has anyone else seen them?

 

[Hamther]

we always parked in the far end near the market place (the Raiforest Cafe end) as that is the bit where mostly families congregate and there are always bigger family groups going back and forward.

I still think that Orlando is safer than my own home town - every day there is a story in the papers about another mugging, murder, rape in Edinburgh - more and more often involving guns and knives.

Anyone going to Florida though should take the same precautions as you would in this country - don't travel alone if you can avoid it, don't wander alone after dark, keep to well lit areas where there are lots of other tourists, if you sense trouble - get out fast! When you are out and about limit the money and jewellery to what you need to get you through that day.
Keep a note of the number to call if you lose your credit card/have it stolen.

A warning to ladies - keep an eye on your handbag. Opportunist thieves like to take advantage of the fact that women will put handbags on another chair, sling it on the back of the chair or place it on the floor in a restaurant. A friend of mine "lost" her handbag in an Orlando restaurant in just such a scenario.

Above all, if someone does threaten you and demand money - don't be a hero - hand it over!

 

[kazzie]

Thanks for the warning Vernon.

JJ will be disappointed he missed this one