Bag search issue

[LaurenT]

I have seen them ask people to remove things....
I guess I keep so little in my bag that there's not much for them to touch....
but at the airport they have specifically told me they are not allowed to go into my bag with their hands...so I'm surprised they do this at Disney...
We had quite the "to do" when they thought Becky's Bolt stuffy was suspicious...turned out it was the penny collection that was lying next to Bolt in her backpack!

 

[juliebug1997]

Personally, the most that they have ever done to our backpacks was maybe look inside or stick one hand in to push one thing aside. We've never had anyone dig in our bags but I guess you can never be too careful!

The last time I went through in March, he opened my wallet. I really didn't understand. I understand the pockets in my purse and on my purse and maybe my little make up bag but my wallet?

I second the idea of putting those things that you have sterilized in a baggie after they've cooled.

 

[n2mm]

Totally agree with this. If people really wanted to sneak stuff into the parks, they'll keep it on their body. I'm sure the bag search helps keep out alcohol, maybe some weapons and other contraband but it's definitely not a foolproof security system and if someone is determined to cause trouble, they'll find a way.

My DH and I have discussed this in the past too. For years my DH wore his cell phone on his side with his tee shirt over it. It was a bigger phone in the past, so it was obvious that there was something on his side. Never has anyone asked him to show what he had tucked under his shirt. The same for hats. I've seen some pretty large hats go through and no one is ever asked to remove them. While I've seen security find beer and wine, esp. at the gateway at EPCOT, I assume that is what they are looking for.

 

[dfmalone]

This seems unusual at least in the experiences I have had. I always carry a back pack into the parks and usually the guard opens and looks in it, occasionally they will stick a flashlight in there but that is really the extent of it. Do I feel comfortable which such a scant search NO, but do I want there hands all over my stuff NO, so its double edge sword. Yes I want them to be and do a thorough search especially this day and age but there’s always the thought of a stranger touching your items. tuff topic but good thread

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

You bring in a Bulky bag to WDW, airport, any venue, seciurity has the right to check it..end of story.

As to the baby things, I agree, put them in a plastic bag.

AKK

 

[ducky_love]

Lately they have been REALLY digging through bags.. no more glance and go. Something must have happened? It has been the same at all four parks. I used to have my AP in my hand and flash a smile and they barely even looked. Now they paw all the way to the bottom of my purse opening EVERY compartment and case inside. Kinda strange? But glad they are keeping us safe!

Of course I have a friend that regularly carries a handgun on an ankle harness through the no bags line. (No flames - he is in law enforcement but it just goes to show maybe digging through my little pink purse isn't the best use of security time.)

 

[Theosus]

it really depends on the guard ive had some tell me to go to the bag lines because my pockets were REALLY stuffed, and other times I was just waved through, some times they check the camera bag, sometimes they dont etc, ....but regarding bringing weapons in the park they only check bags not people....and have no metal detectors etc...I think they are more concerned with glass bottles and alcohol..just my 2 cents on it...

Completely concur. Ive had guards almost turn my bag inside out, but I've had other guards just open the flap and stick a flashlight in. Ive thought, wow, I could have brought a big gun in that time...

 

[dmccarty]

Some guards really search. Other's not so much. I have watched them over the years and often the DW and I are in different lines so we might have two guards search our party. DW carries a mesh backpack to make the search go faster. Some guards will really move stuff around. While I wait for her to clear I watch the other lines. One guard will be very diligent while the guard at the next table is just going through the motions.

Security, at Disney or other places, is never perfect. There is more that is going on than meets the eye. We have seen people pulled off to the side to talk to the deputy.

I carry my cell phone in a case that I hook on a pocket or belt. Some guards have had me lift my shirt, others could tell what it was, and others I do not think noticed at all.

Later,
Dan

 

[skater]

I would have hated that too. One Microbiology class "ruined" me for things like this.

I've been many times and never had a security guard be quite that thorough. Usually, its a quick peek, often they don't even check all the zippered compartments. Sometimes they'll actually look in each compartment and ask me to hold something open, but the've never taken everything out.

I can totally understand why you'd be upset.

 

[MichelleVW]

I think you just picked a bad line. I hate when I get in those.

I'm one of those that didn't freak if the pacifier fell on the ground, and my girls were really healthy. I also now work in the infant room in a daycare and those babies swap spit all day long with toys etc...blech, but once again, they are all pretty much healthy kids.

Keep those things in a clear plastic bag if you don't want anyone to touch them. I used to do that anyway because they would get blanket fuzz on them otherwise.

 

[chartle]

I just don't understand bag search at all. If someone wanted to bring something into the parks, wouldn't they just hide it under their clothing? I think that bag check is just there to make the guests feel more secure. I don't think it's effective at keeping weapons out of parks. On our last trip, we ran into one very thorough bag searcher at AK. She was spending at lot of time on all the bags, so the line was really long.

Totally agree with this. If people really wanted to sneak stuff into the parks, they'll keep it on their body. I'm sure the bag search helps keep out alcohol, maybe some weapons and other contraband but it's definitely not a foolproof security system and if someone is determined to cause trouble, they'll find a way.

Yes. This.

I usually have a phone, camera, small bottle of water and a few other things in the deep pockets of my cargo shorts... and I can just walk right through the no-bag line. Who knows what other people have in their pockets.

It's pure window dressing.

These posts always pop up when this topic comes up.

Some people have posted that say they work in the security field say its more than just looking for guns or alcohol in your bag or Security theater.

They usually don't go into specifics, but say the bag check breaks up and slows down the people coming into the park and allows the undercover guy in the Goofy hat time to look for things that are out of place.

 

[SDSorority]

My suggestion, anything that goes in the baby's mouth put in a clear zip lock bag. That way the security guard can see it and not touch it. I would rather have them go "nuts" when searching instead of being lax and someone bringing a weapon in the parks.

I was going to say the same thing. We always put our food in clear ziplock bags so there would be no reason for them to open a tupperware container or dig around all crazy.

I also like to put...um... feminine products in my bag... out in clear view. (You all will think I'm nuts ) I have noticed that the security guards see that type of stuff and kinda...move on. I have no idea why, but it seems like any event I know my bag will be searched (concerts, disney, you name it), if I do that, they don't dig much.

Ok that's weird... sorry.... but it's true!

 

[dzorn]

Lately they have been REALLY digging through bags.. no more glance and go. Something must have happened? It has been the same at all four parks. I used to have my AP in my hand and flash a smile and they barely even looked. Now they paw all the way to the bottom of my purse opening EVERY compartment and case inside. Kinda strange? But glad they are keeping us safe!

Of course I have a friend that regularly carries a handgun on an ankle harness through the no bags line. (No flames - he is in law enforcement but it just goes to show maybe digging through my little pink purse isn't the best use of security time.)

Unless he is Disney law enforcement he is breaking the rules. It is private property and gun are not allowed. They will have gun locks for law enforcent.

Denise in MI

 

[ThreeBeans]

I had a cursory glance with a "All set, ma'am" and I had one ambitious officer (are they police officers or security guards ) examine every nook and cranny of my book bag, where she encountered dangerous, criminal water bottles, epi-pens, and sunscreen


Better safe than sorry, I didn't mind.

I did think it was funny, though, that I always got brushed through fairly quickly, and my husband, right behind me got inspected quite thoroughly. I'm a smaller woman, he's a big man. I'm white; he's not. And the difference in how we were treated was fairly consistent.

Joke's on them; of the two of us I'm more likely to be causing trouble

 

[tony609]

My suggestion, anything that goes in the baby's mouth put in a clear zip lock bag. That way the security guard can see it and not touch it.

I was going to suggest the same thing, seems like good common sense. ANYTHING that needs to be kept clean and you know you are going through some type of inspection should be place in see thru baggies.

 

[AndyFL]

Ziploc bags are a good idea for larger items but for smaller items I picked up a clear storage box at Wal-Mart ( http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sterilite-1.2-Qt-Modular-Latch-Box-Lapis-Set-of-6/15442444 ) , they sell them in different sizes AND individually. We keep all those little items...bandaids, extra AA batteries, Tylenol, etc in these. They are clear so the security folks can see easily what's in there. They also have latches on both ends so they won't pop open like most can and will.

We also make it a habit to stand back and observe the guard's behavior. We've found that older men who tend to smile alot and joke with guests tend to be efficient but quick. The one's who have a scowl on their face tend to be slower and more invasive. We've gone about a dozen times the past year and found this to be rock-solid.

 

[Mama Who]

Clear containers, like others have said.

And what a wonderful bit of Magic with the passes. I think it's great that Disney did that for you. Congrats on your little one. My youngest was hard won too and I'm glad you both made it through the complications and are healthy.

 

[kayjaybe]

If someone wanted to bring something into the parks, wouldn't they just hide it under their clothing?

They stopped my dh a couple of weeks ago going through the "no bags" line due to a small bulge under his shirt. It was his cell phone clipped to his side. I was really surprised they noticed him and stopped him, but I'm glad they are keeping an eye out for people in the "no bag" line, too!

 

[dmccarty]

I had a cursory glance with a "All set, ma'am" and I had one ambitious officer (are they police officers or security guards ) examine every nook and cranny of my book bag, where she encountered dangerous, criminal water bottles, epi-pens, and sunscreen ...

Security guards. The law enforcement officers are the deputies in the dark, green polyester sweat suit/uniform.

Later,
Dan

 

[iheartdisney]

If someone wanted to bring something into the parks, wouldn't they just hide it under their clothing?

They stopped my dh a couple of weeks ago going through the "no bags" line due to a small bulge under his shirt. It was his cell phone clipped to his side. I was really surprised they noticed him and stopped him, but I'm glad they are keeping an eye out for people in the "no bag" line, too!

My DH likes to sport the "wifebeater and unbuttoned flannel" look, and security always asks him to show them his beltline.