Disney Guests Receive High-Risk Travel Warning

When a lot of people think of Disney theme parks, they think of Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California. That makes sense, considering they are the two most popular Disney Resorts. However, Disney has four other theme parks around the world. Guests can also visit Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disneyland, Shanghai Disneyland, and Hong Kong Disney.

It is the dream of so many Disney fans to be able to visit all of Disney’s incredible theme parks. Unfortunately, the United States State Department is warning Americans who are planning to travel out of the country to reconsider their plans. The State Department advises the President and is the main body in charge of foreign policy issues.

Due to the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel, as well as the ongoing fighting and rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine, the State Department has issued a “High Risk” travel warning. The warning reads:

Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution.  U.S. citizens should:

• Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive information and alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency overseas.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.

Related: Ron DeSantis Visits War-Torn Israel, Slams Disney

How You Can Stay Safe on Your Disney Vacation

Although Americans are being warned against foreign travel, there are those who are still going to venture out and enjoy their vacations. If you are in that group, then there are several things that you can do to keep yourself safe while overseas.

Travel Insurance

Things may seem safe now, but there is always a chance that things could change, and change quickly. With things around the world being so uncertain, it may be best to consider purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance is the perfect way to give you and your party peace of mind in case things have to be canceled and changed at the last minute.

Related: Here’s Where Disney Fans Can Still Experience Splash Mountain

Research Your Destination

Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort are considered very safe places to travel. Overseas Disney Resorts can be just as safe, but it is always important to research the area you will be staying and traveling in. As with every place in the world, there are places that are safer to stay than others. It may be in your best interest to stay on Disney property, regardless of which Resort you are at. But if you are not staying on property, then researching the surrounding area is key.

Make a Communication Plan

It’s hard to think of a time when we didn’t have cell phones readily available day and night. If you are traveling overseas, make sure that all of your electronics are charged at all times. Make sure you have also contacted your phone company to ensure that you will be able to use your cell phone while you are out of the States.

Then, make a plan with not only the people you are traveling with, but also the people who are staying in the States. Tell them when you will be contacting them, even if it is just a text message letting them know you are safe.

Verify Your Travel Documents

Traveling outside the United States is a lot more complicated than domestic travel. Travelers are required to have passports and certain documentation if they wish to enter foreign countries. Not only that, some Disney Parks also require guests to have certain documentation to prove that they have tested negative for COVID-19 and that they have received their vaccinations.

Before you head to the airport to travel outside the country, make sure that you have all of your paperwork in order, in a safe place, and easily accessible.

Update Your Medical Information

While we don’t think that anything bad can happen while we are at Disney, that is simply not the case. Things can happen when you least expect them, and sometimes you can’t reach out to the people who care about you. Many cell phones have a system that will allow someone like a paramedic or hospital employee to access your emergency contact information if you are incapacitated. Make sure your medical information and emergency contacts are up-to-date.

Respect Cultural Norms

The State Department is warning American citizens that they may be targeted if they travel overseas. The best way to blend in with the crowd is to learn and respect cultural norms. Guests visiting Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort are going viral for the incredibly inappropriate and sexual outfits they are wearing to the parks. Overseas Disney parks are much stricter about their dress codes.

If you are traveling to a foreign Disney park, learn about the cultural norms of the area you are traveling to. Dress appropriately, learn key phrases, and respect the societal norms and dress code.

Again, if you are traveling to an overseas Disney park, you may want to reconsider your travel plans. If you do still plan on heading to a foreign country, please do your research, be alert, and be careful. But don’t forget the most important part — enjoy the magic and have fun!