I think it's important to remember that a large part of security measures are psychological. Seeing that you need to pass body scanners or metal detectors would be enough to deter most people from trying to bring a weapon into the parks, but it's the keen eye of a trained security officer that usually identifies even a small weapon, as was the case with the lawyer from Miami. I nearly always leave my bags at home/hotel and stuff my cargo pants pocket to avoid the lines for bag check. I have never been stopped or checked, and I am certain I would have been able to sneak a weapon into a park or DS.
I believe it was Pete that mentioned the officers in body armor with automatic rifles after the Paris attacks and around airports after 9/11. It made everyone feel more secure, but also puts everyone on edge and more alert. The bag checks and local sheriffs deputies on hand did that to a degree, this is the next step. That being said, Disney world is more than 4 theme parks, and no security measure is 100%. Any soft target will have the potential to be a target for violence or terrorist acts, so the key thing is for everyone to stay vigilant and report anything they may see.
The bubble of Disney has grown thinner, but I prefer that to the alternative of constantly looking over my shoulder. Now all I need to focus on is being run over by strollers and scooters or being trapped on Small World for 2 hours.
