Disney World & Disneyland Security Changes
All Walt Disney World and Disneyland theme parks, along with several other major theme parks (including SeaWorld parks & Universal parks) have added metal detectors to their entrances for enhanced security.
Additionally, there will also be more uniformed and plain-clothes police officers, security guards, and dogs patrolling the parks. Disney has ceased sales of all toy guns (right down to bubble guns) and will be prohibiting anyone over the age of 14 from dressing in costume.
A lot of tweaks to security screenings have occurred since these sweeping changes first went into effect, including Disneyland moving its security checkpoints further back to encompass Downtown Disney, but the biggest change is an ongoing one at Walt Disney World. Here’s some info on what’s happening…
For starters, Walt Disney World security has moved bag check and security screening for guests arriving via monorail or ferry to the Ticket & Transportation Center instead of at Magic Kingdom. Other changes will include security checks at the monorail resorts prior to guests boarding the monorail; for guests arriving to Magic Kingdom via bus, resort boats, or walking from the Contemporary, new security points will be farther from the turnstiles.
With security backups at Magic Kingdom getting pretty bad on busy days (to the point that the congestion itself posed a security/safety hazard), this was a long time coming. Security at Walt Disney World remains a point of contention, and Disney’s handling of security has not always been the most consistent.
This is the big theme park news of the day, and you might have heard this by now. I wanted to add a brief bit of my own commentary as I’ve read some hysterical comments. At the same time, I want to stay on the “theme park” side of an issue that is very much intertwined with hot-button real world issues of the day. I know you come to read this blog either by mistake or because of my theme park views, and not for whatever crazy political beliefs I might have, and I intend to keep it that way.
The fact that this happened overnight, simultaneously at several or all major theme parks suggests to me that this is an issue that goes far beyond Disney, and is a mandate made to parks. This is just speculation on my part, but I think it being mere coincidence that Universal, SeaWorld, and Disney all randomly decided to do the same thing on the same night is unlikely.
While Disney has been understandably vague when it comes to the timing and rationale for the increase in safety protocol and rule changes, recent national events are presumed cause. The unfortunate reality is that theme parks are high profile targets, and one can assume management & security teams at all major parks have open dialogues with the government about security.
When we were in Walt Disney World a couple of weeks ago, there was a precipitous increase in the presence of security officers from one day to the next, and the bag-check screening process also became more thorough overnight, and remained that way for the duration of our trip. Multiple people with whom we were traveling noticed this, and at that point, it seemed like an inevitability that further security screening measures would be taken in the near future.
What we are hearing and seeing today is probably the first change of several in new policies that will be implemented and refined over the coming months. I know many people are concerned about the prohibition of adults wearing costumes, a rule that extends to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.
Keep in mind that those parties are some 10 months away, and that a lot can change between now and then. This is not to say that anything will change–your guess is as good as mine on that. However, given the possibility that these are temporary measures beyond Disney’s control, I would not consider them to be the final policy that will be enforced next September or October.
I have read comments about this that I consider distasteful on social media, some invoking the name of Walt and others about the ugly, cluttered, and uninviting look of the entrances. I can’t personally claim to know how Walt would feel about this, as I never met him and he passed away several decades ago. I can say that this does sadden me, personally, not because of its intrusiveness or due to it being a grim reminder of the real world at the entrance to the Magic Kingdom, but because this is the reality of the world in which we live–the “new normal” as they say.
Regardless of how you feel about all of these changes, I would implore anyone visiting to the parks in the near future as these policies are implemented to not take out anger about any “inconveniences” on the front-of-line Cast Members working at the entrances. These Cast Members have absolutely no say over the policy that they are enforcing, and are working in theme parks during the holiday season so you can make memories and have fun. Be sure to pack your patience and manners.
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Your Thoughts
I welcome discussion on this topic so long as it remains thoughtful, on-topic, and–above all else–civil. What do you think of these security changes? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
On my last trip, I was pulled from the line for the metal detector. I’m a white female in my early seventies. My niece said it was probably because I was talking to the security guard, which might considered a diversion. It’s true I talk to everyone, but I never once thought of it as a diversionary tactic.
I wonder if Disney may be thinking about potential lawsuits, and instructing security to not pull people who might accuse them of racism or bigotry. I’m also wondering how effective security at Disney (or any major theme park) is if all they’re doing is putting the same group of people through metal detectors.
After 9/11, I realized no matter where we were, we would never be 100% secure. I do think Disney needs to properly implement security measures though, and just pulling older white people out of line will not do it.
I was happy to read about the security update. Whether they’re being forced to make these changes or not doesn’t matter. What matters is that they are effective. And in order to be effective, they need to be implemented across the board, not just for people who look like me.
Bottom line for guests…have patience, and then go have some fun.
My special needs child was picked. We had to walk along the outside of the detector with him to coach him through it. Why would he have been picked? He had no bags and it was obvious he had special needs. I know it burst his bubble of the meaning of the happiest place on earth.
Honestly think about it. Everyone gets checked… in this day and age I do not think people with a desire to do harm are concerned about the kid, old lady or your mom they conned or convinced to blow you up. You do know some people tucked a gun to a 10 year old last year because they did not want to go back to the hotel room? Sorry it seems those with disabilities want to be treated the same but when they become inconvenienced ( or the over zealous care taker is ) they all scream discrimination! This is not the 1980s anymore people.
…look like you!? OMG really? You know people of ALL ages in other countries want to blow you up right?
I must say that considering how things have been going in the world around us, I am certainly OK with the added security. We are planning on a trip at the end of the year and I want my family to have fun and more importantly be safe. If that means an added “inconvenience” with going through security than so be it! Disney should not be treated any differently than any other event or location that you visit. There is security at the airport, stadiums, some schools and even the post office has metal detectors so what is the big deal? It is still the most MAGICAL PLACE in the world as far as I see it and the added security measures don’t scare me.
AP here at WDW. We went to Epcot yesterday and they were making everyone go through the metal detectors. We went into Magic Kingdom today and it was just random. Anyone know what’s going on?
Also, to some of the naysayers about the increased security: I know someone personally who was arrested for trying to bring a gun through security, so apparently it is at least somewhat effective.
My husband and I have both been selected to go through the metal detectors at various times. We’re both former law enforcement. Doesn’t bother us one bit! Screen away, WDW, screen away!
My husband and I just returned from wdw. We were “randomly selected” to go thru the metal detectors each time we entered a park. We were there for six days. We are middle-aged white people with a child. There was nothing random about it. The only people being randomly selected were older white people. They should make everyone go thru the metal detectors. They really need to rethink their security measures.
Well my family had the same experience, white middle aged with a child. We sat back and watched after 3rd time in a row. It who they are targeting period.
Last summer I was there for three days and every day we got the additional screening. We are a white middle class family. There is no way we were “randomly” tarted each day. They are screening guests they think will cause less of a stink about it not guests that are actual potential threats. And random screening does not make anyone safer. They need to hire more security personnel and have everyone go through metal detectors.
Today I fell victim to ” you have been randomly chosen for further screening. “Now the obvious was it was not random. I complied and went directly to Guest Relations requesting to speak to Mangement about the matter. In 10 minutes two gentlemen arrived and we went into the VIP lounge for our discussion. The policy was explained in detail. Once I understood how it is supposed to work , it was clear I was not randomly chosen. I had been Profiled. I made my point to which great efforts of Corporate speak was used to assure me Disney in now way trains or condones Profiling. We were invited by these two gentlemen to take the time to sit and observe the Security team work. So we did. We sat for an hour at the same entrance where we were screened. It was apparent that what we were told about how Security is trained and what they actually do are not the same. We noted that 2 of 12 Security people actually did as trained. The others were clearly Profiling those they selected. Now what became really obvious was the supposed Security being done in no way would stop an person who had made plans to do harm. Now it will confiscate, toys that resemble a weapon, selfie sticks , Alcohol and the likes. We watched Disney start up and transform Orlando but we will no longer support the Corperation. Today was the final straw for us. We have been AP for 15 years and we are done. Disney needs to provide security or stop the current activities called security. As for us we shall spend our entertainment budget elsewhere. Good luck to you all.
I unfortunately purchased an AP and have found the new security measures have marred the experience at Disneyland. Last night I was accused of entering the park via the exit and was corralled into the security check point where I had to empty my pockets and go through the metal detector etc. after already having done that and being in the secured area for hours. I tried to voice my concerns to no avail. It seems to me that the only thing I have to fear is the actual people who are securing us. After I figured that out, I decided Not to return to the park again. I’m done. Finished.
I can personally say that they can screen me, go through my bags and pat me down. I would happily comply since I would want to put the security of myself and those around me in the highest regard. Those who seem to be “bothered” by these measures should really understand that there are risks out there in the world and if going through security lines “profiles” or “bothers you” you should not be going to the parks. I was patted down at the last 3 airports I visited all last week and I have no problem whatsoever….why on Earth would you want to protest more security????
so what training have you had in anti-profiling operations? Other than ego development?
Goodbye have fun at home!
Personally I felt their screening was discrimitating against middle aged white people. My sister, bro in law, wife and I were” randomy “checked at every park. Had to take turns watching the kids as we got screened.. The line was filled with white people. I did not see any line with minorities or foreigners especially those wearing the burka .. it was complete bs. Some old white people were checked but not once did children get checked.. those walking in w/o bags were not checked either.. they didn’t like me questioning why there was only white people on the line.. I think they chose whites since they are less likely to complain or oppose the checks.. everyone should be checked not random white people that look like they don’t pose any threat.. where are the dog’s at the gate too.. I saw 1 the whole week there and he was out by the buses not near people.. he looked like he should have been retired yrs ago… there screening process is just for show and doesn’t protect anyone…
I went to disneyworld with my family and wanted to illustrate how pointless this whole exersise is from the point of view of real security. I was randomly selected. refused to be treated like a criminal and was told I could not enter. walked back to my car, changed tshirts and went right back and in with no issue. second day went through with bag through bag check and it was thoughroly checked the I once again was “randomly” selected and was told to go through detector. As I walked up behind the three others being sent through I removed my wallet and placed it in my bagwhile in line and set the bag on the table where you put metal items then walked through. nobody had any clue wha I had placed in my bag and i went in my merry way. A person who wishes to do harm to us would not be thearted by these ridiculous policies. In fact, if Disney instituded Real security screening, the madmen would just have to walk less and spend less to get to us since Disney will have conveniently packed us all in nice and tight right next to the entrance. Real security is about being intelligent, not about kneejerk reaction by people who either kniw nothing about it or are intentionally negligent.
Considering how long you have to stand in line for everything WDW you would think they already had metal detectors built into each attraction. I only wished I had known about these changes prior to renewing my annual pass. I wouldn’t have done it. This security obsession is becoming a psychosis that only looks like it will escalate into something really ugly. There appears to be some philosophy that won’t be satisfied until everyone is at war with everyone else and will do anything they can do to promote this.
What’s next at Disney, troops in cammo with automatic weapons guarding our “safety”?
the folks that feel relieved that these security measures have been taken are sad, delusional, uninformed individuals. These mesures do nothing to make the parks safer and much to make people feel offended and ripped off for paying the large increases to pay for the harassment. Not all people go through the screening. during a recent visit my wife and I watched a guard let a woman pushing a stroller go through the “No Bag” gate. The stroller was large enough to hide a sniper rifle and lots of ammo or explosives, and what woman doesn’t have a purse? unless all are screened security is worthless.
Not arguing the point, but did they specifically say no costumes for over 14 at MNSSHP? I read the security link and it refers to the no costume for over 14. It’s always been the rule that adults can’t wear costumes at the parks. The Halloween party was the exception. The one difference I saw is if I remember correctly, kids over 9 or 10 couldn’t wear costumes and this has been bumped to 14. I didn’t see where it said no adults wearing costumes at the party. My husband and I went in 2013, and at that time, I said let’s go while we can, just in case they change the rule…. so we went and attended the party 3 times during our stay. We took 3 sets of costumes down. I love costumes. Thinking aloud, I wonder how it’s a security thing. How is being in costume a security issue? To me, it’s clothing. We can’t carry weapons or wear masks anyway, so I can’t imagine how character clothing is different. Anyhow thanks for the update. I’ll try asking them when we’re down there in a few weeks. Husband is considering upgrading our park passes to an AP, and returning more in the next year, but if there’s a rule against costumes, then I’m not going to do the party. That totally made the event for me. It was just about the best time in my life so far.
I was at Disneyland last week (2/25/16) and for the first time since my 2 year old was born was asked to empty the basket beneath my stroller. While my husband removed our daughter from the stroller to do so, I was chatting with the CM and was informed that starting this month (March 2016) everyone will be required to go through the metal detectors and all of the bag/security checks will be done by an outside security company.
Tom, I’m a new reader of your blog and after spending most of my free time the past couple weeks going through all your posts I’m hooked. I love that they are informative as well as entertaining.
This is a great discussion board! I am at WDW this week for marathon weekend. What is odd to me is the seeming random nature of the metal detector screening. We walked into the back entrance of Epcot the first day – nothing. At HS the following day, they pulled only my husband aside (he was not happy but that’s a different story!). The next day at HS they sent the “whole family” through except the kids did not have to do it. I guess my concern is if it’s a safety measure – and I do not object – shouldn’t they be sending everyone through the metal detectors? How does it help if they’re only randomly selecting people? Makes it seem like appearances rather than solid security protocol….
It is most definetly security theatre as opposed to real security. Even if they screened every single person with backscatter machines like that other security theatre production company, The TSA, it would still be just a show. Just ask the TSA’s recent internal study where 95% of all weapons and explosives got through. Disney treating all of us like criminals is just dehumanizing and only decreases security. Now the radicals and madmen of the world know that they have a nice safe target in disney with a mob of people and no guns except theirs. I know it sounds bleak but that is the real security effect this has had.
For some reason, I had not heard that Universal Studios & Sea World also did this on the same day! As much as it will be possibly a bit of a hinderance to the look of the parks & getting into the parks, I’m glad they are doing this. The San Bernardino terrorist attack hit very close to home for me – the police shootout with the terrorists happened just down the street from where I work and I went to school with one of the victims – so it’s nice that they are taking extra measures for our safety, especially since theme parks are such huge tourist attractions. It does make me sad that they have banned adult costumes for the Halloween Parties, but like you said – it’s several months from now and who knows if the policy will change or not.
My husband has a cpl and carries a gun daily, but you would never know. On our last trip to Disney, I found it almost silly that they check your bags, but not your person where a gun is so easy to conceal. I personally am grateful for the metal detectors; it only makes sense.
Inevitably, there will stories like the following – but actually at a Disney park
http://www.pe.com/articles/family-790060-british-guardian.html?page=1
We were at Disneyland when the security increased overnight. In the morning we were surprised to arrive to dogs, metal detectors and increased hired security. I was impressed that this did not appear to increase our time entering the park at all. As we waited for our daughter to get additional screening, (at 4 ft 10 she looks like a child so we found this a bit comical) we stood next to a few cast members who were discussing traffic flow and how things were going. They seemed to have a close eye on any potential delays.
update about the bubbble guns: I’ve seen a new report from a WDW visitor that one was confiscated at the DHS entrance
With all this alleged concern about safety, why aren’t we hearing about the thousands of workers at and around Disney parks being more thoroughly searched and going through metal detectors?
Are they going to take the guns out of buzz lightyear?
Light Sabers will still be sold. Because they are swords and allowed under their Zorro Tolerance Policy.
LOL!
There’s some dispute about the bubble guns. Although they have been reported to have been removed from stores, some visitors allegedy saw some being used in the parks yesterday.