An Armed Guard Escort? Really?

[roomthreeseventeen]

No offense taken. Like I said, it's just my opinion formed from having spent quite a bit of time there. That being said, if you think the middle east is safe because Disney says so, I would recommend a bit of research.

I don't think that just because Disney says so. I'm perfectly well educated. But to enforce my education, there's no way Disney would send children to an area where they had any chance of being killed.

 

[paulasillars]

It put me off going back, but those pyramids and tombs call to me and I feel I must see them at some point in my life. Just next time, I go with men not other girls. Especially not girls who thrive on such male attention.

If I do go back, I'm going when I'm old and decreipt. I was travelling with my Mum and they even tried it on with her! So once I'm 80, I'll might go again.

Plus everyone I know who's gone to Egypt (even just to sit on a beach) has ended up getting a stomach bug/ food poisoning. To me, that just doesn't appeal!

I didn't get sick in Egypt. However the food was so awful and it was incredibly hot that I can't say I ate much the entire time I was there.

Of all the places I've been, the only country I have ever been sick was Cambodia - and it was from a cheese sandwich that had mayo in it - it wasn't refridgerated.

For many countries, the WHO has done a bit push to educate the local people about boiling their water so many of the "travel" stomach issues are a thing of the past.

Also keep in mind that a change of diet/water can affect some people who don't travel a lot from their own home city. Many put this down to a "bug" but it can just be adjusting to the changes. Especially so if travelling to a country that uses a lot of spices if you aren't used to it.

I've heard that Japanese people struggle with coming to New Zealand (and other western countries), although we have some of the cleanest water in the world coming out of our taps and very strict health department rules for restaurant foods - the massive diet change, usually to what would be a high fat diet compared with what they are used to, can cause them major stomach issues.

 

[wishspirit]

I didn't get sick in Egypt. However the food was so awful and it was incredibly hot that I can't say I ate much the entire time I was there.

Of all the places I've been, the only country I have ever been sick was Cambodia - and it was from a cheese sandwich that had mayo in it - it wasn't refridgerated.

For many countries, the WHO has done a bit push to educate the local people about boiling their water so many of the "travel" stomach issues are a thing of the past.

Also keep in mind that a change of diet/water can affect some people who don't travel a lot from their own home city. Many put this down to a "bug" but it can just be adjusting to the changes. Especially so if travelling to a country that uses a lot of spices if you aren't used to it.

I've heard that Japanese people struggle with coming to New Zealand (and other western countries), although we have some of the cleanest water in the world coming out of our taps and very strict health department rules for restaurant foods - the massive diet change, usually to what would be a high fat diet compared with what they are used to, can cause them major stomach issues.

Oh I have no doubt that it isn't just due to hygiene! It's more that western stomachs often aren't used to the food/ bacteria around, especially as it is such a warm country. Don't get me wrong, we have our fair share of bacteria here, but we are just used to most of the stuff floating around and our immune systems can cope.

I am glad you didn't get sick, you must be made of stronger stuff than most of my friends! Maybe New Zealanders are just made of sterner stuff than us Brits!

 

[Launchpad11B]

I don't think that just because Disney says so. I'm perfectly well educated. But to enforce my education, there's no way Disney would send children to an area where they had any chance of being killed.

But they are aren't they? Extremist organizations will kill children and whoever else they have to in order to advance there agenda. If Disney goes ahead with the ABD Egypt itinerary then they are indeed sending people where there is a chance of being killed. If you don't think Egypt is dangerous you're kidding yourself. I'm not calling your education into question. I just look at the world in realistic terms. If folks want to go to Egypt I believe they should. All I'm saying is that area of the world is more volatile than most.

 

[pjacobi]

I traveled to Egypt in October, 2001, about six week after September 11th.

I had lots of people trying to scare me from going to Egypt, including my own mother!

I decided to place my trust in the U.S. State department. Since no travel warning were put in place, I decided to continue my trip as planned. I had the experience of a lifetime!

Egypt specific information:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1108.html

Current list of Countries with travel warnings:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html

Make your travel decisions based on FACTS.


-Paul

 

[daneenm]

Egypt specific information:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1108.html

...

Make your travel decisions based on FACTS

Yes, well, the Safety and Security section of the link you posted is enough "FACT" for me! It pretty much corroborates what Paul L has already said. It is a volatile area and, while Americans 'are not believed to have been targeted,' the list of places and things to avoid is a mile long (be vigilant in touristy areas, register with the State Dept upon entering, stay away from public gatherings and demonstrations, don't go anywhere without heavy security, etc, etc, etc). I don't believe for one second that any western visitors can guarantee their safety there and therefore would not go, as much as I would love to see the history.

We all must decide these things for ourselves and our own families.

 

[DisneyKevin]

I traveled to Egypt in October, 2001, about six week after September 11th.

I had lots of people trying to scare me from going to Egypt, including my own mother!

I decided to place my trust in the U.S. State department. Since no travel warning were put in place, I decided to continue my trip as planned. I had the experience of a lifetime!

Egypt specific information:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1108.html

Current list of Countries with travel warnings:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html

Make your travel decisions based on FACTS.


-Paul

This is very much like saying "there has never been a earthquake when I've visited Disneyland."

This may very well be true....until there is an earthquake.

I believe that everyone that has posted their experiences in Egypt are posting facts and observations. To belittle them by emphasizing the word FACTS and suggesting that their experiences are less than true seems a a bit unnecessary.

Everyone should arm themselves with as much information as possible, but to suggest that everyone will have a similar experience to yours based on reading a government website seems shortsighted.

Each and every traveler should follow their gut reaction.

 

[paulasillars]

I traveled to Egypt in October, 2001, about six week after September 11th.

I had lots of people trying to scare me from going to Egypt, including my own mother!

I decided to place my trust in the U.S. State department. Since no travel warning were put in place, I decided to continue my trip as planned. I had the experience of a lifetime!

Egypt specific information:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1108.html

Current list of Countries with travel warnings:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html

Make your travel decisions based on FACTS.


-Paul

I went to the US 3 weeks after September 11 - everyone I spoke to here in New Zealand said not to go. I went anyway. My justification being that the US economy needed my money more than ever, security would be higher than ever following such an awful event and that crowds would be probably the lowest they'd ever be at Disney World.

I'm not saying don't go to Egypt - just know what you are getting yourself into before you go and don't expect it to be safe, clean or what you see on TV.

 

[challer]

I traveled to Egypt in October, 2001, about six week after September 11th.

I had lots of people trying to scare me from going to Egypt, including my own mother!

I decided to place my trust in the U.S. State department. Since no travel warning were put in place, I decided to continue my trip as planned. I had the experience of a lifetime!

Egypt specific information:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1108.html

Current list of Countries with travel warnings:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html

Make your travel decisions based on FACTS.


-Paul

Yeah, there are no facts here. Just the US recommendations, which, of course, will have some politics involved.

While Jordan is not on the list, almost every person I know who has traveled there has told me that Americans are encouraged to tell people that they are Canadian.

Turkey is not on the list, but right now there is some policial and cultural changes happening that seem to make it unsafe for Americans.

Israel is on the list lumped in with Gaza and the West Bank. Anyone who has visited those places at all (and I am one of them) knows that there is a huge difference between those three places, but it would be politically incorrect for the State Department to not include all three together.

Everyone will have their own comfort zone, and Egypt will either be in it or outside it. There are no "facts" here. No past experience will be a guarantee of future experiences.

Personally, I do not want to go to Egypt even if Disney is bringing me.

(However, I'd be curious to see how Disney would do Israel.)

 

[disneyholic family]

(However, I'd be curious to see how Disney would do Israel.)

and i am very annoyed that ABD doesn't do an israel trip...there are so many great things to do other than the obvious.....e.g. kayaking on the jordan river, the zipline at the manara cliffs, rappeling at the ramon crater and elsewhere, night and day hikes in the desert, the mediterranean, the dead sea, the red sea, the sea of galilee and on and on and on...and of course all the incredible archeological sites that can be so much fun for kids - and a great learning experience - when the guides are good.....including hands on digs (dig at an actual site)...so many things too numerous to mention....but no....no ABD....to say it irritates me is an understatement in the extreme...

(i just noticed your signature......seems you'll be on my side of the planet soon!! )

 

[wishspirit]

Well the British Government are currently saying:

there are currently no travel restrictions in place in Egypt

BUT

There is a high threat from terrorism in Egypt. Security is tight throughout Egypt, especially in resort areas. There remains a risk of indiscriminate attacks including places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers, such as hotels and restaurants. Security authorities may insist on escorting you in some areas. We recommend that you carry photo identification and co-operate fully with officials.

On 6 January 2010, around seven people were killed in a drive-by shooting outside a church in Naj Hammadi in southern Egypt. This was followed by reported clashes between protestors and police on 7 January. In May 2009 an explosion occurred outside St Mary’s Church in Zeitoun, Cairo. No one was injured. In February 2009 there was an explosion in Cairo’s Khan al Khalili market which killed one foreign tourist.

Since 2004 there have been three separate bomb attacks in the Sinai Peninsula. British nationals were killed or injured in each of these attacks. The most recent incident involving British nationals occurred on 24 April 2006 in the resort town of Dahab.

As some of these attacks have taken place over local holiday weekends, Egyptian security forces tend to step up their presence at these times. You are advised to take extra cautioin at these times and respect any advice or instruction from the local security authorities

The crime rate in Egypt is low but you should take precautions. Take care of your passport and valuables, use hotel safes and be aware of pickpockets and bag snatchers. If you are the victim of any crime you must report it to the Tourist Police immediately. Failure to report crimes before you leave Egypt will make it impossible to seek a prosecution at a later date.

We continue to receive a significant number of reports of cases of sexual assault cases against British Nationals. In 2009, we handled 26 cases of sexual assault and three cases of rape. Some assaults were against minors. Many occurred in what were considered to be safe environments e.g. hotel premises.

Local laws and customs
Local laws reflect the fact that Egypt is predominantly an Islamic country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs. This is especially important during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. For more general information see our Travelling During Ramadan page.

The government does not interfere with the practice of Christianity but encouraging conversion to the Christian faith is illegal.

Egypt is also a conservative society. You should dress modestly, especially in rural areas, mosques and souqs (markets). Women's clothes should cover their legs and upper arms. Men should cover their chests. Public displays of affection are frowned upon. What may be acceptable in the tourist resort areas may be frowned upon in other areas.

Visitors and residents should carry photographic ID at all times - a copy of your passport is sufficient. However, your passport must contain a valid visa.

Drinking in the street and anywhere other than a licensed restaurant or bar is not allowed and can lead to arrest.

Possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs is a serious offence and can, even for possession of small amounts, lead to lengthy prison sentences (25 years), life imprisonment or the death penalty. Those convicted to life imprisonment on drugs charges will normally spend the rest of their life in prison with no possibility of parole or pardon.

Photography of or near military official installations is strictly prohibited. Don’t photograph officials without their consent. Plane spotting is not advised in any circumstances. You may be detained or arrested if you use binoculars near an airport.

Although homosexuality is not in itself illegal under Egyptian law, homosexual acts in public are illegal and homosexuals have been convicted for breaching laws on public decency.

Women are advised to take extra caution when travelling alone as there have been cases of harassment and sexual assault, including rape. Egyptian family law is very different from UK law and particular caution is needed when, for example, child custody becomes an issue. Please see our parental child abduction page.

These are not 'facts', but they are best practice and advice from the British Government- found at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website (click here for the page). The most important thing is that you are informed and knowledgeable of the situation.

 

[pjacobi]

Well the British Government are currently saying: BUT

The U.S. State Department has very similar advice on their website:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1108.html

Is it safe to travel to Egypt: YES!

Is it beyond the comfort zone of most Disney travelers? YES!

WDW is a nice place to travel, but it is also important to see the real world, even if it is not a comfortable as WDW.


-Paul

 

[challer]

and i am very annoyed that ABD doesn't do an israel trip...

no ABD....to say it irritates me is an understatement in the extreme...

(i just noticed your signature......seems you'll be on my side of the planet soon!! )

Yeah, unfortunately, there likely won't be one as long as Israel is still on that questionable government list.

 

[wishspirit]

The U.S. State Department has very similar advice on their website:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1108.html

Is it safe to travel to Egypt: YES!

Is it beyond the comfort zone of most Disney travelers? YES!

WDW is a nice place to travel, but it is also important to see the real world, even if it is not a comfortable as WDW.


-Paul

They aren't saying it's safe, they are saying you can go. That is a very important distinction.

Some parts of Egypt are safer than others- for example the area that boarders Gaza is considered extremely dangerous due to the political situation.

In general both America and Britain are saying that terrorism levels are high and to be wary- that in my opinion does not equal safe.

Just because I decline to go to a country that has a high risk of terrorism, does not mean that I need to 'experience the world' more. I live in Europe, I go to other European nations frequently, I also visit America and Canada as often as I can. I do place comfort high on my list of priorities when on holiday, but that is my prerogative. It is nothing to do with it being 'real' or 'unreal'. There is no such thing. Disney is as real and concrete than the rest of the world. Just because it extols certain values which I find convivial to relaxation does not mean I don't see the 'real world'.

Sorry for the rant, but I get so annoyed when people feel they can tell me what I should and should not do with my holiday time. It's my time, no one elses. If I want to spend it shut in a cardboard box, that is up to me. I don't have to see 'the real world' if I don't want to- even though I don't believe such a concept exists.

This discussion isn't about what is real or unreal, but whether Disney should take people to a country which- according to both Britain and the US has high terrorist activity and would involve armed guards at all times.

My opinion: they can do what they like. Would I go? No

 

[G66]

Another realist here. I completely agree with Launchpad11B.

I'll visit the Egypt pavilion when Disney puts a Sphinx in the World Showcase.

 

[disneyholic family]

Yeah, unfortunately, there likely won't be one as long as Israel is still on that questionable government list.

i just looked at that state department list...
it doesn't include russia or south africa - two of THE most dangerous countries in the world right now...
you can't walk on the streets of Johannesburg or Moscow without taking your life into your hands and yet neither is on that list....but israel is...completely ridiculous!!

 

[GenieCat]

Rockets Fired from Egypt Hits Resorts in Israel and Jordan

 

[robind]

One of the reason to go to Egypt is to learn how the "other half" lives. It makes you appreciate your own country much more.


-Paul

I think we often think that the majority of the developed world lives with the same basic tranquility and peace as we do. You tend to appreciate things more once you don't have them any longer.

Having returned from Thailand today after a week long business trip, I couldn't agree more. Also, just because a country isn't listed on the official State Dept travel advisory list, it isn't necessarily safe. There were two bombings in the downtown area of Bangkok in the week I was there.

While I would love to see Egypt, there is no way I am going in this political climate.