WDW cultural changes since 10/01...?

[lc1965]

When I visited WDW last, the country was still reeling wildly from the terrorist attacks. Even WDW was affected -- the slapdash addition of visible security measures (more to calm than to secure, I suspect), the shorter hours & closed attractions, the small # of visitors, the somewhat depressed cast members (who WASN'T depressed back then?) We used to go every year, but haven't been since. It was -- hard to say, but true -- too sad!

How have the changes been made permanent? Or have they? Are the crowds back in full force? Are the visible security measures still so time-consuming? Or (please tell me it's true!!) has WDW found a way to restore all of the magic?

We're going in February -- I can't wait!! It's like planning to visit an old friend you haven't seen in 2 year.

Please & thanks! I have to add that this is the most helpful series of forums and the most supportive group I have ever been involved with! You guys rock.

 

[puffkin]

I don't think that you will notice anything different from Disney in the past. The only noticeable thing is the security tables at each park. They appear pretty makeshift, but I believe they are a permanent fixture. Also, I believe that there is a no fly zone over WDW property now, but that may only be during certain colors of the threat system. Immediately after 9/11, crowds were very lite, but they are slowly picking up as the economy crawls out of recession. In fact, we though 6/02 and 7/03 trips were busier than our 6/01 trip so who knows.

 

[lc1965]

thx for replying. those tables must be permanent. i don't believe they do a single thing to help other than calm people who are calmed by such things. as far as i know, there was always an agreement between wdw & whomever to make wdw a no-fly zone. i remember once seeing a plane & everyone was scandalized!

well, i'm sure we'll have a blast! thx, again.

 

[songbert]

We were there in July, and the crowds were, too!! The bag check is a minor inconvenience and serves its purpose; however, in typical Disney fashion, there are a lot of things going on that we never see and don't realize are in place, which I'm sure is the case with security.

Have a great trip