Safety Tips

Originally Posted By ImTinkerbellsfan

Hey All

I have a friend who is traveling with a teenager and is totally freaking out. What are some safety tips to ease her mind? She won't listen to just me, I could really use your help.

Thanks!!

 

Originally Posted By trekkeruss

What exactly is she worried about?

 

Originally Posted By ImTinkerbellsfan

You name it she worries about it. She's a single parent with an only child and is overprotective. She has lightened up, but not to much.

 

Originally Posted By berol

Sounds like only good experiences will ease her nerves.

 

Originally Posted By Megara

Well you only have to tell her that Disneyland is the Happiest Place on Earth.

 

Originally Posted By trekkeruss

You can tell her that Disneyland has a lot more security than she might realize. Maybe it's not quite like Las Vegas, but they're there. It's also nothing like visiting a lot of other theme/amusement parks where they have problems with unruly guests.

 

Originally Posted By ImTinkerbellsfan

I've already told her that. She wants ideas from other parents on how they keep their kids safe while on vacation.

 

Originally Posted By Megara

How old is her child ?

Is she worried about someone kidnapping the kid?

If they are small, they can be seated in a pram and strapped in.

If they are toddler, she can get one of those wrist straps / leashes so the kid can be tied to her.

If the child is a teenager… sometimes you just have to let go.

 

Originally Posted By ImTinkerbellsfan

The child is a teenager. She has to let go, but she is having a hard time.

 

Originally Posted By trekkeruss

<a href="http://tinyurl.com/2rejxc" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/2rejxc</a>

 

Originally Posted By trekkeruss

Maybe they could do a trial-run trip? Visit a museum or something in town? Take the bus, etc.?

 

Originally Posted By ImTinkerbellsfan

trekkeruss

I don't think it will fit a 14 year old. But thanks for the link. I know of other parents that want the harnessess for their kids.

 

Originally Posted By Megara

Oh my… I was just kidding about the teenager part.

I thought for sure it was a toddler.

What exactly do you mean by keeping the kid safe ? What kinds of tips are you looking for?

Is the child a problem child? or is it a problem parent?

If it's a problem parent, then its a lost cause.

 

Originally Posted By ImTinkerbellsfan

Well, The child can be a problem. She likes to wander. I think the mom is really concerned about abductions. She is freaking out because of all the abductions that are happening in Chandler, Mesa, and Phoenix. She is also worried about being seperated while at the park. She can't afford another cell phone. I mentioned the walkie talkies, but the child tends to loose things. The mom is also worried about the stranger thing. You know, doesn't want her kid talking to anybody. Plus the kid is pretty intraverted herself because mom doesn't let her "hang" with friends outside of school. I think she is socially "retarded" because of that. The kid doesn't know a lot about stuff about the real world. It's pretty sad. But they want to go to Disneyland. Niether one has been before so it should be a great experience but mom is being parranoid and the kid is intraverted. HELP!!

 

Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains

Well they should have a meeting place in case they get separated, we usually say meet under the draw bridge of the castle - since it is the most center of the park. In DCA we usually meet in front of the grizzly peek (you know where they always have a picture guy). As long as they hold hands they should really have no problems.
Also make sure she knows what a CM's badge looks like so she knows who she can talk to if she needs help. If anyone is causing any discomfort to her she should just make a scene until security or her mother shows up!!
These are all things I have taught my daughter and sons to do and I take them one at a time or all together without my hubby (the anti-disney). My daughter and I have made quite a few trips alone and she is 8 and I have always brought her home in one piece.

 

Originally Posted By Megara

Can u go with them.. for support?

Sounds like they need a friend to help out then.

 

Originally Posted By SuzieQ

Well, there's never been an abduction from DL. There are lots of urban legends, but they are just that. Urban Legends. I don't think I've ever heard of any vacationing children being abducted in the area at all, come to think of it.

It's really not hard for two people to keep track of each other as they move through the park. Especially when they are an adult and teenager. If they get separated, the best thing to do is go to a CM and ask for help. She can ask to be taken to Lost Children, and her mother told if they get separated that is the meeting place. I'm assuming "Lost Children" will accept someone that old. I'm not sure.

Otherwise, I'd say go with the advice of pre-selecting a central meeting point. If they are unfamiliar with the park, they need to pick a place that is easily seen from anywhere. Or again, feel comfortable ask a CM for directions to the meeting point.

 

Originally Posted By ImTinkerbellsfan

I'm already going in December. Maybe they can go when I'm going. I know it's all about common sense, but what can you do with a person who freaks out about everything?

 

Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains

And how much fun will you have "babysitting" these two??

 

Originally Posted By ImTinkerbellsfan

No kidding. Maybe I can work with mom and daughter to lighten up a bit. I don't know what to do.