At the various theme parks found in the Walt Disney World complex, safety on the rides is the number one concern. While Disney enjoys the distinct reputation of being one of the safest theme parks around, it still needs to keep up with its safety guidelines and regulations.
Ride safety is ensured at Walt Disney World through a "tag" system. Every day, a board that holds multiple tags is used to represent each section of a ride. Employees inspecting a ride would transfer out the tags when the process is complete. When the tag board has been emptied completely onto the "completed" board, then it is time for the ride to open, pending a successful inspection with no concerns.
Since many Disney rides use water, and water can be hard on various mechanisms, these water rides are scrutinized even more closely to ensure safety and a lack of wear and tear.
Since Disney World is host to two full-scale water parks, water safety is also important. Visitors would be hard pressed to turn a corner at either Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach without spotting a lifeguard.
Many Disney employees state that being a lifeguard at a Disney wave pool is one of the most difficult of park jobs, as there are so many people coming in and out, and playing in the water can look identical to a person in distress. Lifeguards receive rigorous training and are very skilled by the time they man the deck.
Safety at Walt Disney World is left up to visitors to a certain extent. Recent history shows that the majority of guest injuries and deaths were a result of inattentiveness or outright refusal to listen to a park employee. When visiting a park, it's imperative for visitors to follow the guidelines provided by a park operator and the automated recordings.
There are a few things that visitors will often hear at Disney World, which can improve their chances at a safe experience.
First and foremost, do not stand or twist around in the seat of a ride. Many injuries have occurred through standing up or wriggling out of safety bars and harnesses.
Keep hold of small children and do not cheat the ride height restrictions.
Read warnings, guidelines and cautionary signs that are found throughout a ride to ensure you are healthy enough to ride and meet the minimum requirements.
Disney has long been known to be concerned with safety outside of attractions found within the park as well. Some Walt Disney World employees are specially trained to help even with car trouble. If visitors reach the parking lot and find they have issue with their car, they simply raise the hood of the car and leave it open to summon park security for assistance.
Disney also has several child safety programs implemented, and there has never been a reported incident of a kidnapped child within the confines of the park or in the parking lots.
