Recently, one of our agents needed to get some information to a guest that was already on property at the Walt Disney World Resort.  When she called the front desk and asked to be transferred to the guests room, the front desk agent asked myriad questions regarding the guest, including last name, check-in date, check-out date, and so on.  This incident clearly indicated that something is going on at Walt Disney World with regard to contacting guests on property.  In the past, a simple request to be transferred to a guests room would be followed by, "One moment, please," and nothing more.

So, on our recent visit to Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, we found a card next to the phone with a kind warning from Disney not to give out your credit card information to anyone over the phone.  Apparently, the Disney resorts have had some identity theft issues with their guests and people calling the rooms.  This is not surprising with identity theft becoming the fastest growing white-collar crime.

One way Disney tries to avert this problem is with their Key To The World card.  This card unlocks your room, holds all your ticket information, and pays for anything on property.  You never have to take your wallet/purse with you or give out that information over the phone.  Disney will never call your room and ask for your credit card number.  Never give anyone that calls your room a credit card number, unless you are expecting the call from someone you know or have done business with on a previous occasion.

As an additional measure, we use LifeLock, a very well-known identity theft protection company where the CEO gives out his social security number in their commercials. :)  There are many other identity theft protection services, including some from the credit card companies themselves.

Either way, it's obvious these thieves have found their way to the Walt Disney World Resort and we need to be very aware of whom we give our financial and personal information to while visiting the parks and resorts in Orlando.  Stay safe, be smart, and have a Magical vacation!