For many, a visit to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, evokes dreams of childhood wonder and carefree fun. However, a recent Amber Alert served as a stark reminder that the real world can sometimes intrude upon the meticulously crafted Disney experience.
On June 15, 2024, guests staying within the resort or in the surrounding Orlando area likely experienced a jarring disruption to their meticulously planned vacations. Many received an Amber Alert notification directly on their mobile phones, detailing the disappearance of a 12-year-old child. This alert, while a crucial tool for law enforcement, served as a sobering reminder of the anxieties that can lurk beneath the surface of even the most magical vacations.
While a typical Disney vacation itinerary might involve strategizing for priority access to popular attractions like Flight of Passage at Animal Kingdom or ensuring a prime viewing spot for the Happily Ever After fireworks show at Magic Kingdom, the Amber Alert undoubtedly shifted focus to a more serious concern. This incident highlights the Emergency Alert System’s (EAS) critical role in public safety, even within the seemingly self-contained world of Walt Disney World.
A 12-year-old girl named Makiya Cole had gone missing in Orlando, prompting a Florida Missing Child Alert. She was last seen in the Colyer Street area wearing specific clothing. Authorities describe her as 4 feet 3 inches tall, 100 pounds, with varying hair descriptions, including the possibility of blue-tipped hair. Multiple news sources have reported on the case, highlighting the urgency of finding Makiya Cole.
Now, we have confirmation that Makiya was found safe.
Local10 news shared, “The Florida Department of Law Enforcement canceled a Missing Child Alert Monday for a 12-year-old girl who they said vanished in Orlando. According to authorities, Makiya Cole was found safe, but they did not immediately disclose where she was located or what she had been doing during the time she was reported missing.”
Related: Disney “Refuses Involvement” in Tragic 13-Year-Old Murder Following Evidence Leak
Lost Child Procedures at Walt Disney World: Ensuring Guest Safety and Reunification
Walt Disney World prioritizes the safety and well-being of all guests, particularly children. In the event a child becomes separated from their parents or guardians, a well-defined protocol ensures a swift and efficient response from trained Ccst members.
It’s important to remember that instances of child abduction at Disney World are exceptionally rare. Most cases involve a temporary separation due to the park’s stimulating environment and the natural curiosity of young children. High guest numbers can also contribute to inadvertent separations.
Cast member Training and Response
Disney cast members undergo comprehensive training to effectively manage lost child situations. Regardless of where the separation occurs – Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, or even a Disney resort – cast members are equipped to handle the situation with empathy and professionalism.
Identifying Lost Children: Cast members are trained to identify children who appear lost or separated from their families. This could involve a child wandering alone or approaching a cast member directly for assistance.
Providing Comfort and Security: The primary focus of the cast member is to ensure the child feels safe and secure. They will create a calming atmosphere and reassure the child that help is on the way.
Gathering Information: Once the child is comfortable, the cast member will gather crucial information such as the child’s name, a description of their clothing, and any identifying details about their parents or guardians.
Alerting Security: Disney World utilizes a comprehensive security network. Cast members will immediately notify security to initiate a search and ensure all relevant personnel are aware of the situation.
Reunification Process
Locating Parents/Guardians: While security personnel search for the child’s family, other cast members will likely be assisting the parents or guardians who are reporting the child missing. They will gather a detailed description of the child and their last known location.
Communication and Coordination: Disney utilizes a central communication system to ensure all parties involved, including security, cast members in specific areas, and Guest Relations, are working collaboratively to locate the child.
Reunion: Once the child and their family are identified, a cast member will facilitate a joyful reunion. In most cases, the child will be brought to a designated reunification location, such as a Baby Care Center within the park, where they can be comfortably reunited with their family.
Additional Security Measures
Walt Disney World is committed to guest safety and employs a robust security system that includes extensive camera surveillance throughout the parks and resort properties. This security footage can be invaluable in reconstructing the events leading to a child’s separation and can be used to locate any guest at any point during their visit.
By combining well-trained cast members, a centralized communication system, and advanced security technology, Disney World ensures a swift and effective response to lost child situations. This prioritizes the safety and well-being of all guests, allowing families to focus on creating lasting memories during their visit.
Have you ever noticed a lost child at Walt Disney World Resort?
