How to avoid becoming a victim of crime at Disney

I attended college in the city and every week, the campus crime log listed multiple thefts of students' backpacks from the university's library.  It was often a topic of conversation.  Don't people know not to leave their backpacks unattended in the library?  Or anywhere, for that matter.  But people often feel a false sense of security.

It's so easy to let your guard down when you're in a safe place, but crime happens everywhere.  Obviously, Disney isn't unsafe or a hotbed of criminal activity but thefts and scams do occur.  Every legitimate guest at Disney wants to believe that all other visitors are there for the same reason.  It's so very easy to let your guard down when you're distracted, and if you're visiting Disney with children, you know what I mean.  Disney does such an amazing job creating this magical bubble atmosphere that it's hard to forget you're still in the real world.

What do you need to be aware of when vacationing at Disney?

The Front Desk Scam

It's late at night, a time when it's not convenient for you to visit the front desk, so the front desk calls your room to inform you there's a problem with your method of payment and they would like to verify your credit card number.  Seems like an easy fix.  Except it's a scammer calling you, not the front desk.  This has been noted as a recent issue at Disney World resorts.  Never give any personal information over the phone.  If you do receive a call from someone claiming to be from the front desk, simply go to the front desk.  If it's in the middle of the night, wait until morning.    

The Pizza Delivery Scam

This has mostly died down but it's still worth noting.

Disney does not allow solicitors on its property but solicitors still find ways in.  Guests find flyers that have been slipped under their resort room doors for a pizza delivery service.  Unfortunately, the phone number listed on the flyer is for a scammer, who requests payment up front by credit card.

If you want a pizza delivered, call the front desk/concierge and they can give you recommendations.

Stroller Thieves 

Unfortunately, strollers, especially expensive ones, are targeted by thieves.  The odds of having your stroller stolen are slim, but you should still be aware that it could happen.  The only way to prevent stroller theft is to leave your stroller at home and rent one, or assign a designated person in your party to stay with the stroller at all times.

I've read many online discussions regarding strollers and there seems to be a general consensus that your stroller is less likely to be targeted if it is loaded with personal, identifiable items.  For example, a big, lamented name tag zip tied to the stroller.  Commenters have even suggested tying something gross looking (dirty kids clothing) to the stroller handle.  If a thief wants your stroller, I'm not sure that this would stop him/her but I would think that the more crap there is to dispose of along the way would be a deterrent.

Keep in mind that with so many strollers in the parks, people do accidentally walk off with strollers that do not belong to them.  If anything, having your stroller stand out is helpful when you go to retrieve it from the parking areas.      

Crimes of Opportunity

The theft of unattended inexpensive items is not uncommon.  I label these as crimes of opportunity - other guests who don't have morals and believe it's okay to steal from others.  Oh, look.  There's a Mickey Mouse plush in this unattended stroller.  I'll just take it for Little Bobby so I don't have to buy him one.  Here you go, Little Bobby.  Souvenirs go missing from strollers all the time.  Guests have actually had their refillable mugs stolen from strollers.  How gross is that?  

Don't Leave Valuables Unattended

This seems like common sense but it's incredible to hear how many people toss cameras in stroller baskets while they go on rides or leave phones in bags by their chairs while they swim in the pool.  They're caught up in that Disney bubble.  Don't leave anything of value unattended.  This also goes for bags and backpacks.  Leave a bag hanging off the back of a stroller while you look at merchandise in the gift shop and you may find it gone when you turn back around.

I'm extra cautious with leaving anything in the stroller basket.  I won't keep anything of value there unless an adult is standing in the back of the stroller.  It's too easy for someone to walk by and pluck a bag out of there.  Especially when you're distracted by a parade/fireworks/eating.

A Note on Backpacks/Back Pockets

I would caution anyone using a backpack to make sure nothing of value can be stolen while it's on your back.  You may think you'll feel someone unzipping and searching through your bag but when it's dark and you're in a mad crush of guests all trying to leave the park after you've watched the fireworks, it's not uncommon for someone to push or bump you.  Pickpocketing isn't a known issue (although I'm not sure Disney would publicize it if it was) but use care in what you place in your pockets.