Helpful tips for your Disney vacation……
Disney is a magical place and we all want to believe we are safe while on property. However, no place, Disney included, is immune from criminals. If anything, Disney could be considered more of a target because of the large amount of tourists who are unsure of their surroundings. The most important thing while on vacation is to make sure you, your family, and your belongings remain safe. Here are some tips provided by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office to help ensure your safety while in the Orlando area.
Hotel Safety
- Lock your vehicle and take all valuables with you to your room
- Familiarize yourself with the fire and emergency exits
- Always use the deadbolt
- Be careful who you invite to your room
- Don’t open the door unless you know the person
- Be wary of unsolicited business flyers left at your door. It’s best to call the front desk before placing any orders that require your credit card number
- Place all valuables in the room safe – not in your vehicle
- When leaving the room, make sure the door is securely shut and locked
Public Safety
- Do not display large amounts of money. It’s best to place small amounts in different pockets or use credit cards or travelers checks
- Make copies of the front & back of your credit cards and keep them in a secured location (room safe)
- Be wary of solicitors. Use reputable places of business for all of your entertainment transactions
- Travel in pairs or groups if possible
- Always have a meeting place for children to meet you if they get lost
- Small children should have their name and phone number placed on their clothes or the inside flap of a shoe with a permanent marker in case they get lost
- Always use the sidewalk and pedestrian crossings
- If driving, plan your route beforehand
Water Safety
- Learn to swim
- Swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard
- Children or inexperienced swimmers should take precautions, such as wearing a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal floatation device when around the water
- Set water safety rules for the whole family based on swimming abilities
- Don’t run
- Enter the water feet-first
- Do not mix alcohol with swimming, diving, or boating
- Read all posted signs and follow the rules and directions given by the lifeguards
- Pay attention to water depth. Different pools and areas of pools have different depths
General Safety
- When purchasing theme park tickets it’s best to purchase them from a reliable source such as the theme park itself or an authorized vendor. An inexpensive purchase from the internet or from a roadside vendor may leave you with no recourse if the tickets are not valid. BUYER BEWARE! If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is
- Many hotels have a no soliciting policy to ensure the safety of their guests. Many of the fliers that are distributed under hotel room doors are for food products (i.e. pizza delivery) and not all are valid companies
- Always check the return policy on products bought prior to purchasing
Now you have the facts. The best advice is to always be aware of your surroundings and call 911 if you notice any suspicious activity.
Susanne Kain was not born a Disney fan, but after marrying into a family that loves all things Disney, it didn’t take long for them to transform her into a Disney lover too! Since then, she has been to Disney over 10 times and falls in love even more with each visit. A self-proclaimed foodie, she is always looking for the next best dish that Disney has to offer! When Susanne isn’t dreaming of Disney, planning her next trip, or visiting a park, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son who also share her love of Disney.
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