Disney Security .... It's not really that bad

[Easto]

I have seen a bunch of threads on here with people complaining about that bag check and secondary screening at WDW. I've read people being upset their wallet was opened, people upset to walk through a metal detector, etc

I was selected twice for secondary and it added 8 seconds to my park entry.

It doesn't appear random, they pick whoever is coming through bag check at the exact time the metal detector is open. There was never a line of people waiting for the metal detector.

As far as bag check, look at every pocket, zipper, pouch,etc. I have my family and take the safety serious. Obviously Disney does as well. I'd rather they search everyone well and find something opposed to a half assed search and something getting through the line.

It's not that bad

Some guards are more thorough than others

I am glad they have it the way they do

 

[Disneylover99]

It's not bad at all. Security is good.

 

[Majordis]

Agree with OP that the secondary doesn't take long. However DH has been selected every time at every park this week while DD and I have only been selected once at Epcot and once at AK. DS is 13 (looks older) and has been asked his age a few times. Under 14 doesn't go through the scanner so he is waived on. There was K9 at AK one morning. I'm ok with the extra security.

 

[BudgieMama]

Secondary was only a bother the first time, as I had plasters in my pocket but didn't realise they were in foil pouches (doh!) I set of the metal detector, we figured out what it was when they wanded me, had a good chuckle that my blister plasters had caused the problem and didn't do it again- made sure they went in the dish. We found the whole process very efficient and politely done.

 

[vicwishes]

I've been selected a few times for secondary security. Everyone was very nice and it was quick and painless. I finally learned to open every single zipper and my sunglasses case at the bag check line though to streamline the initial search process. I don't question the why of it as I realize that security checks are the way of the world and I'd rather have some sort of security than none at all. I do wonder though if we're being profiled by camera as we all walk in - I assume we are.

 

[craedaisy12]

I've been selected a few times for secondary security. Everyone was very nice and it was quick and painless. I finally learned to open every single zipper and my sunglasses case at the bag check line though to streamline the initial search process. I don't question the why of it as I realize that security checks are the way of the world and I'd rather have some sort of security than none at all. I do wonder though if we're being profiled by camera as we all walk in - I assume we are.

they do have cameras all around.. my husband installs them for a living so anywhere we go he is curious about how they did it and where they are. he was impressed with the ones at the Epcot entrance. I think he's funny for looking but I do the same with the landscapes and such since I work at a garden center!

 

[dixiegirl]

I don't mind any of it either - just a complete non issue for me. They have a job to do - I let them do it and I don't critique or criticize them for it. I always thank them and wish them a good day. It's not a fun job.

 

[Easto]

My wife was selected every day, every time we went in.

I was selected 2 or 3 times and we did about 9 entries (I think).

Empty your pockets into a bowl. Walk through a scanner. Fill your pockets back up. Pretty simple.

I did find 1 flaw which I think they should fix. There was a reason why I was checked a lot less than my wife

 

[MadHookUp]

I am going beyond "don't mind" and say that I am happy they do this. When the Orlando shooter was reported to have scouted Disney Springs, I told my wife that this was good news. Ok, clearly it's not good news... But what I mean is that this guy put some thought into targeting Disney, and realized that the parks weren't a viable option. Its these security checks that made it possible. I am not sure if Disney would ever put the same security into Disney Springs, but I am happy to at least feel safe at the parks.

 

[rajak73]

It's not that bad

What!! They didn't dump your wallet and rummage through all your money and cards and then let them just float along on the breeze down main street? Security checks are everywhere now, we go to college basketball games, DW has to have purse UNZIPPED AND OPEN, also we have to unzip our coats and open them up. Not a really big deal.

 

[hammie59]

OP- I completely agree. We're here now and have experienced exactly what you described. The only difference is when we entered EPCOT at night, they had everyone going thru the metal detector until the line got too long. Then they just started sending people past it.

 

[tony67]

I am going beyond "don't mind" and say that I am happy they do this. When the Orlando shooter was reported to have scouted Disney Springs, I told my wife that this was good news. Ok, clearly it's not good news... But what I mean is that this guy put some thought into targeting Disney, and realized that the parks weren't a viable option. Its these security checks that made it possible. I am not sure if Disney would ever put the same security into Disney Springs, but I am happy to at least feel safe at the parks.

On top of that - Disney security was aware of him - so not only did he "not see it as a viable option" (not sure about that but there is no way to know) but they recognized something was amiss with this guy.

So even if the checks are more for show - someone is doing something right overall IMO

 

[MadHookUp]

True, I did assume he didn't think it was a viable option. But I would imagine that hitting a Disney Park would be seen as a much more celebrated attack than a night club or Disney Springs. I just think if he considered Disney Springs, he must have also considered the parks at some point.

 

[loves to dive]

It is what it is now, so people need to just get used to is. Just about every public place now has bag checks and metal detectors. I do wish there would be someone sort of patrolling up and down the bag check lines making sure people have taken their backpacks off their back and unzipped and opened up all their bags. Nothing more frustrating then having your stuff all ready to go and you get behind the person who is carrying their entire life in a backpack and another bag and haven't even removed them yet, much less unzipped them. I'm that person at the airport that is taking my jewelry off while standing in the line waiting to get to the place where they check your ticket and ID, I've already unzipped my laptop case most of the way around and I store my little baggy with my liquids right at the top of my zipper compartment so I can just real quick unzip it and grab it out. I've usually got my shoes off by the time I've actually reached the place I need to put them in the little bin.

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

Same here, doesn't bother me and if it can prevent anything I am all for it. I just think that even if there was an added inconvenience, it was because they are keeping us safe.

 

[RLGNC]

It doesn't appear random, they pick whoever is coming through bag check at the exact time the metal detector is open. There was never a line of people waiting for the metal detector.

I agree with this. It seems as though if you're done with bag check and a security officer is right there and the detector is open, you are often "chosen." This still can be seen as kind of random, though.

 

[miamimi]

i don't think it's bad. I just think it's ineffective. If they were really concerned about security, everyone would be going through the metal detectors.

 

[Patricksp]

I am more nervous at the security entrance, because if something is going to happen it's going to be here, just like Brussels they hit people before security.

 

[BrownHP800]

I have no problem with the security check at all. The problem I have is the people who get to the guard and are not prepared with their bags. Just have your bags open and ready to inspect.

 

[smiths02]

i don't think it's bad. I just think it's ineffective. If they were really concerned about security, everyone would be going through the metal detectors.

I am more nervous at the security entrance, because if something is going to happen it's going to be here, just like Brussels they hit people before security.

Going through the security doesn't bother me. I am, however, more afraid at park entrances because there is a congestion.