Any slow down with new security measures?

[yitbos96bb]

We've been to DHS, Epcot, MK, and the AMC theaters since the meta detectors. I haven't seen any slow down at all. And not everyone goes through the metal detector.

Guests without bags can still skip security. But if you have shorts with bulging pockets they will probably make you go through it even if you have no bag. Or they'll pass a wand over your pockets. They have also passed the wand over a scooter in front of me. It really feels like they are looking for weapons and it has made me feel safer.

But I haven't noticed a slow down, in fact they seem less interested in searching. At the AMC theater they don't even search my bag. Just walked through the metal detector and felt the outside of it for anything hard.

Sigh... A famous Ben Franklin quote pops to mind when I read this post.

 

[Jamie77]

I've been to two parks already and didn't even notice any metal detectors. I'm keeping my eyes peeled for them and will report back. I've seen lots of K9 dogs and more uniformed security folks. One guy was dressed in such a way that there was no question what he was there to do.

 

[Disneylover99]

We're at Epcot today. The bag checks were a bit long when we entered at 11am. Bag checkers were thorough. But we were at DW for 18 days in August and we found bag checkers from every park more thorough at that time too. So no difference from August. I didn't see anyone get sent through the metal detectors.

 

[Xennia]

What is the protocol now for people with no bags???

Walk through the no bag area.


They are pulling people over randomly.

I saw people who have jackets on that looked bulky going thru and just random people. No big deal.

I also saw people of all ages working undercover security.

Disney is keeping us safe.

 

[dISNEYlOveer]

Today I was at EP and I entered around 11:45 and the bag lines were long, but the officer that checked my bag barely looked in and I kept going. Overall, the past few days, I've noticed the bag checks are generally more thorough, there are some officers that still check like they used to, barely looking through, while others (most of the officers) are much more thorough, having you open every compartment, I had to take my camera out for one of the checks, etc.

 

[Good Morning Dewdrop]

what about (at DHS and Epcot) those sort of side entrance bag check places....at DHS there is usually a lone (sometimes 2) CM doing the bag check by the bathrooms and at Epcot there is the smaller bag check area on the left (as you are walking in from the parking lot) did they get metal detectors too? Those are our favorite entrances since they're usually not crowded.....shh don't tell people!

 

[scrapquitler]

This makes me think they are sending through the people they want to check and then tossing in some really random folks to make it all look random

I'm okay with that.

 

[BarryCF]

We just left after being there for the 1st 4 days of the new security measures. They are checking bags more carefully than they did the last time we were here. The procedure for those without bags hasn't changed. You walk through like you were doing before. Security was radomly picking people with and without bags to walk through the metal detectors, but the detectors are set up in such a way that it doesn't slow down the whole crowd.

 

[vallerii]

I really have to wonder how *random* it really is. My poor mother got pulled in EVERY flipping time we went to the park. It almost got to be a joke with us...as in what white, harmless looking senior citizen lady were they profiling or looking for? I'm totally fine with extra security, but it was bizarre. My husband never did, I only did once, and my poor mother got pulled in I think 7-9 times. I was wondering if they kept pulling someone who looked like they wouldn't give them a hard time. It was getting ridiculous to the point that I really almost felt like writing a letter. There is no way STATISTICALLY she should have had to go through that every single time. (Seriously, I think there was only ONE time she DIDN'T)

 

[hakepb]

We've been to DHS, Epcot, MK, and the AMC theaters since the meta detectors. I haven't seen any slow down at all. And not everyone goes through the metal detector.

Guests without bags can still skip security. But if you have shorts with bulging pockets they will probably make you go through it even if you have no bag. Or they'll pass a wand over your pockets. They have also passed the wand over a scooter in front of me. It really feels like they are looking for weapons and it has made me feel safer.

But I haven't noticed a slow down, in fact they seem less interested in searching. At the AMC theater they don't even search my bag. Just walked through the metal detector and felt the outside of it for anything hard.

I love auto correct!

I've not had a bag, but I was "selected" twice in one day while wearing a hoodie. (DHS then MK) when going through the no-bag line.

This morning, MK had the side bag-checks open for bus and boat guests...so I think Disney realizes the checks require more stations.

 

[PirateD]

Here now and so far we have not noticed any slow downs but we have only done MK for 7 AM EMH. Bag check did not feel too different to me. They seem to be thorough but efficient. My SIL was chosen to go through the metal detector yesterday but it seemed quick and easy.

 

[Disneylover99]

We have seen bag checkers ask people to empty their pockets several times. I've never seen that on prior trips.

 

[EpcotQueen]

We were there the beginning of December and noticed a more thorough search and significant increase in Orange Co sheriff presence. For that I was glad. The tents for the metal detectors were just up then and no machines. Wonder for the future if it would go off for my artificial knee and how they would handle that? It sets off the detectors in the airports.

 

[yulilin3]

what about (at DHS and Epcot) those sort of side entrance bag check places....at DHS there is usually a lone (sometimes 2) CM doing the bag check by the bathrooms and at Epcot there is the smaller bag check area on the left (as you are walking in from the parking lot) did they get metal detectors too? Those are our favorite entrances since they're usually not crowded.....shh don't tell people!

At DHS they are trying to stream everyone through the big, main, bag check entrance, especially in the morning.
In the afternoon and evening you can go to the smaller one, they also have a metal detector. My son got selected to go through it, he wears skinny jeans and t shirts so it's not just people with baggy clothes.
I got selected at MK to go through the metal detector, we very rarely take bags so we can go through the no bags line but they are pulling people from both sides to go through the metal detectors.
Haven't been to Epcot or AK since the metal detectors were put up

 

[Good Morning Dewdrop]

At DHS they are trying to stream everyone through the big, main, bag check entrance, especially in the morning.
In the afternoon and evening you can go to the smaller one, they also have a metal detector. My son got selected to go through it, he wears skinny jeans and t shirts so it's not just people with baggy clothes.
I got selected at MK to go through the metal detector, we very rarely take bags so we can go through the no bags line but they are pulling people from both sides to go through the metal detectors.
Haven't been to Epcot or AK since the metal detectors were put up

good information - normally we park (stay onsite but prefer to drive) and walk over to the small/ less crowded bag check - I wonder how it will be working in January when we go...I love that bag check it's uncrowded, quick and you can usually have a nice time interacting with the CM (since they're not rushed)

 

[lugnut33]

Thanks for all the first hand reports people, you are providing first hand knowledge. I'm so happy it's not a big deal and causing huge delays.

 

[Magpie]

Disagree 100%.

It's taking much longer due to the bags. Metal detectors are spot checks so not really slowing down the lines (just the individual obviously), but the bag checks are taking 1.5 to twice as long in my estimation. They'd be smarter to send guidelines on how to pack, types of bags to use, etc to help speed the search. Strollers are taking a lot longer too.

Sadly, I doubt most guests would follow those guidelines, even if they were published. If folks were that sensible, they'd already be doing their best to reduce clutter, without needing to be told. They'd arrive at the tables with their bags unzippered, open, and ready for inspection. Most guests, however, simply stand in line looking stunned until they shuffle up to the table, at which point they have to be asked, repeatedly, to unzip each individual pocket on the various immense, overstuffed, chaotic cargo holders they've decided to bring. And then look surprised when the guard tries to inspect their stroller.

Heck, even in the airport with multiple signs, published guidelines, and a recorded voice telling you explicitly what you should and should not do (ie, "Remove your shoes. Place them in a tray. Place the tray on a conveyor belt!"), people still stand there looking gobsmacked, asking, "Do I need to take off my shoes?"

 

[Magpie]

Sigh... A famous Ben Franklin quote pops to mind when I read this post.

If you're thinking of this quote: "Those who surrender freedom for security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one," I must strongly disagree.

Metal detectors were not a thing in Ben's day, nor were movie theatres or theme parks, so we really don't know how he would have felt about either. Not to mention, times have changed significantly (Ben had some interesting views on women, too).

However, one thing that both movie theatres and theme parks ARE is private property, owned by private corporations, which make their money by providing entertainment. They are not governments and are not, in any way, essential to anyone's "life, liberty, or pursuit of happiness". If they freely choose to put up additional security screening measures, this in no way violates your freedoms. Any more than me setting up a metal detector at the door of my home and charging admission would violate your freedoms.

You have complete freedom to choose not to give an entertainment corporation your money. Heck, in a free market, you can even start up your own "freedom" movie theatre or theme park with no security whatsoever and issue an open invitation to everyone to come packing heat.

If you were thinking of another quote, then my apologies.

 

[Stefecatzz]

We were there the beginning of December and noticed a more thorough search and significant increase in Orange Co sheriff presence. For that I was glad. The tents for the metal detectors were just up then and no machines. Wonder for the future if it would go off for my artificial knee and how they would handle that? It sets off the detectors in the airports.

I was there the 1st week of December & also saw more security officers as I walked into MK from the resort bus stops. It also made me feel better. And I have the same concern now regarding the metal detectors because I broke my ankle a couple weeks ago & now have a metal plate & screws in it. I actually wrote an email to Disney Guest Services & am curious to see what they say about it. Just to be on the safe side, I am going to get a card from the doctor stating where I have the metal so hopefully that will not delay the line much & prevent potential problems w/security as I enter the parks.

 

[scrapquitler]

Today I was at EP and I entered around 11:45 and the bag lines were long, but the officer that checked my bag barely looked in and I kept going. Overall, the past few days, I've noticed the bag checks are generally more thorough, there are some officers that still check like they used to, barely looking through, while others (most of the officers) are much more thorough, having you open every compartment, I had to take my camera out for one of the checks, etc.

Based on something that I saw during my last park visit in November (a guy with a knife in his pants pocket or waistband under his shirt in the bag check...he got pulled aside and asked to show them what was in his pocket). I think that the bag check people are not the REAL security. I'm pretty sure there are other people somewhere in the crowd, or on cameras looking closely at the crowd and communicating with the CM right in the bag check area when they see a potential problem.