Disneyland is moving the western security check to allow Downtown Disney

[lorijohnhill]

Won't this also impact what the DTD stores can sell? Wouldn't they be limited to only items allowed into the parks?

 

[Nonsuch]

Won't this also impact what the DTD stores can sell? Wouldn't they be limited to only items allowed into the parks?

City Walk (DTD equivalent) at Universal Orlando is inside security, allowing guests to enter parks without additional screening. There will likely not be a noticeable change in DTD.

 

[Darkbeer1]

OK, the wait in the mornings is due to the fact that Disney doesn't keep the Main Entrance Plaza/Esplanade secure 24 hours a day, they basically open it up when the parks officially close, and then people can flow freely between the areas. So each morning, they have to go through the area to check for threats. So that means that they will have to either run security checks 24 hours a day, or every morning do a sweep of the entire DtD and Main Entrance Plaza area. So you just might have to wait near the ESPN Zone until shortly before the Early Morning starting time.

Universal Studios Hollywood designed their new security check area (very well done) to keep CityWalk outside the secure area.

As for what DtD sells, well, I know that currently a guest that wants to access the Picnic area, or a Disney Hotel guest with banned items, say a six pack of beer, that enters from the Eastern check (say using ART), has to be escorted by a CM through the secure area to the west side. It will be a lot harder to do with the expanded zone.

Lots of questions, and not many answers.....

 

[Sagginit]

I have to say what I found odd when I was there last was we stayed at PPH and used GCH every morning. I noticed numberouse guests walking from other hotels in the area through the hotel too. I was thinking if I stayed in GCH I don't know how secure I would feel with it functioning as a walkway between the outside road and DTD or DCA with all the hotel guests in the area using it. The hotel was beautiful but we found this to be a huge turnoff as the lobby seemed like a zoo at times. I would think that the security check in the walkway from the hotel into DTD could only be so big, like the one to DCA, which is an issue they may have to deal with as far as crowds. I wonder if they will just at one point close off those entrances to only those staying at DLR if they can't set up an area big enough to deal with all the people using them.

 

[closetmickey]

I have to say what I found odd when I was there last was we stayed at PPH and used GCH every morning. I noticed numberouse guests walking from other hotels in the area through the hotel too. I was thinking if I stayed in GCH I don't know how secure I would feel with it functioning as a walkway between the outside road and DTD or DCA with all the hotel guests in the area using it. The hotel was beautiful but we found this to be a huge turnoff as the lobby seemed like a zoo at times. I would think that the security check in the walkway from the hotel into DTD could only be so big, like the one to DCA, which is an issue they may have to deal with as far as crowds. I wonder if they will just at one point close off those entrances to only those staying at DLR if they can't set up an area big enough to deal with all the people using them.

This is my worry as well. Hope they are not up in time for my visit in 2 weeks (can't imagine they would be!).

 

[ParkHopper1]

. I wonder if they will just at one point close off those entrances to only those staying at DLR if they can't set up an area big enough to deal with all the people using them.

I could very much see a "Resort Guest Only" policy going from Grand to DTD just like into DCA. The current morning backup into DCA from GCH could be justifiably acceptable as guest currently have the choice to use that OR the main gates...but there is no way they could allow that kinda backup to happen going into DTD as well and expect guests to have good experience of staying on site.

 

[DizMe]

OK, alas, you are looking at a fixed hallway (Between Sephora and Anna's and Elsa's Boutique) like the DCA Entrance, to have a two way path including security, you will be limited to about 2 stations. At least you don't have to deal with tickets, taking photos, placing names on tickets, etc.... But the area next to it (the outdoor patio area) is used by the convention center and for weddings, so you would have to be very careful in designing it.

Would there be any possibility that they might use the gated area next to the secret entrance as a pathway dedicated to security? Or maybe just as an exit?

 

[Darkbeer1]

Would there be any possibility that they might use the gated area next to the secret entrance as a pathway dedicated to security? Or maybe just as an exit?

IMHO, no, since the area is designed for outdoor events like weddings, and that it can be easily "blocked off". Could it happen, well, they are spending a lot of money on the changes to Mickey & Friends structure, so maybe....

 

[gottalovepluto]

I am at DL today...heard from people here on the ground they are also adding a checkpoint in the covered area in the walkway between the Grand and DTD that was not mentioned in the article.

Now that makes sense. Making it harder for conventioners & guests at the premier resort property to visit DtD & DL would have been downright stupid. ESPECIALLY considering that area is a fine size for bag check.

 

[closetmickey]

I am at DL today...heard from people here on the ground they are also adding a checkpoint in the covered area in the walkway between the Grand and DTD that was not mentioned in the article

Is that the area that is sometimes used as an event space that exits at Anna and Elsa's?

 

[ParkHopper1]

Is that the area that is sometimes used as an event space that exits at Anna and Elsa's?

No, just the entrance from GCH to DTD. Everyone was freakin out cuz that checkpoint addition location was not mentioned in the article. Of course they are not gonna seal off GCH from DTD.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Another board had a potential new design, in which the tram route is pushed a bit west, and new tram loading areas would be built to enlarge the center section where the escalators end and the restrooms are located (and those should be outside of the secure area.) to allow a larger area to install the security check. One issue, what to do with those who don't want to use the tram...

So many security checks, if this is the case. I'd think they'd have to put one at the west end of the pathway entrance for those walking to the parks and not going through Downtown Disney. That would address people walking from the trams or anyone else entering from the sidewalk entrance.

 

[lilmissfoodie]

So I'm gathering you won't be able to walk from Mickey and Friends parking structure anymore (you could still walk back I guess). Perhaps that new construction by the structure is to handle the new security but then that would be different than what MaryJo suggested by putting the checks after the cross walk (but they could move the cross walk I guess). This will be interesting.

 

[Darkbeer1]

So I'm gathering you won't be able to walk from Mickey and Friends parking structure anymore (you could still walk back I guess). Perhaps that new construction by the structure is to handle the new security but then that would be different than what MaryJo suggested by putting the checks after the cross walk (but they could move the cross walk I guess). This will be interesting.

There will be a walking option, that is pretty much assured. The question is how it will work and if you will use the current pathway that uses Disneyland Drive, and then under the Monorail tracks to the east side of DtD, next to the Tram area next to World of Disney. Or will it be through the current DtD parking lot area to the east side of DtD next to the ESPN Zone. (And if Disney chooses that one, what will happen when the new 4th Hotel starts construction in the area.)

Alas, we have very few "facts", and a lot of speculation (What If's), and with the OC Register article saying that the new checkpoints will start before the end of the year, well, time will tell.

 

[ParkHopper1]

There will be a walking option, that is pretty much assured. The question is how it will work and if you will use the current pathway that uses Disneyland Drive, and then under the Monorail tracks to the east side of DtD, next to the Tram area next to World of Disney. Or will it be through the current DtD parking lot area to the east side of DtD next to the ESPN Zone. (And if Disney chooses that one, what will happen when the new 4th Hotel starts construction in the area.)

Alas, we have very few "facts", and a lot of speculation (What If's), and with the OC Register article saying that the new checkpoints will start before the end of the year, well, time will tell.

Speculation...but my take is that the walkway under the Monorail will be going away especially with the addition of the new hotel and rumored expansion of DTD into that area right up to M&F...why let people bypass that? In the sort term be willing to bet with the new security procedures coming that your only walking option from M&F will be to the ESPN Zone entrance into DTD. With the reconfiguration of the tram route, a better defined walkway that direction will be more feasible and practical. The will WANT people to go through the security checkpoints at M&F and then take the tram rather walk in, so why add another checkpoint for the few that do walk under the Monorail?

 

[Darkbeer1]

OK, first off, I need to be VERY careful, as I do have some insights from the Security department, and to make sure those measures work, I can't talk about them.

What I can say is that EGRESS in case of emergency is not only important, but required by law.

So the pathway north of DtD HAS to remain. Now will it become an emergency exit only pathway, and not open for regular use? There are issues in just converting it to exit only, due to the gates that would be required for one way access.

And Disney has so many different agencies to deal with in this issue, you can start locally with the Anaheim Fire Department and Police Department, but also now Federal Agencies through Homeland Security.

So Disney does need to balance the increased need for Security, but also deal with park logistics such as guest traffic flow and keeping them happy.

I am surprised, I think the OC Register got some scoop and jumped on the story earlier than Disney expected. Many of the questions brought up in this thread have been looked at, and have been fought over from different divisions of the parks and resort execs and staff. But as I understand it, details are still be addressed and not totally finalized.

And as with many things, Disney will start with one system, but then adjust based on traffic flows and guests comments/complaints. Also you have the DtD tenants (non-Disney owned) who will be watching the financial info,and then ask Disney to make changes based on that info. But the tenants were pitched that this will help them get more park guests to eat and shop DtD. But only time will tell... (and the parks, especially food are worried about a drop in sales to DtD. But there are clauses in the leases, for example a long term one is keeping prices the same fo alcoholic beverages the same as in the parks (well, DCA) and the Hotels.

So things are being rushed, and no chance for a "test and adjust" period, so you will get what you get this Christmas Season, which can be different that what you will find at Spring Break.

But at the end, Safety will hopefully win out, even if there are some guests complaining.

 

[Angrose]

Wouldn't Disney be losing money by encouraging guests to go eat and drink in DTD instead of in the parks? This doesn't make sense to me. Unless, DTD tenants are already hurting and have asked Disney to throw them a bone?

 

[ParkHopper1]

even if there are some guests complaining.

You will have guests complaining if you change the color of the metal detectors let alone pedestrian traffic flow...but hopefully it will overall improve the experience for a majority of the guests.

 

[ParkHopper1]

Wouldn't Disney be losing money by encouraging guests to go eat and drink in DTD instead of in the parks? This doesn't make sense to me. Unless, DTD tenants are already hurting and have asked Disney to throw them a bone?

So the initial concept of DTD was to be more like Universal Citywalk where it is a destination in and of itself where people would go for night time entertainment and dining exclusive of a park visit. While there certainly are some that do drop by, in reality most of the DTD guests are park visitors and not unique visitors. Currently the security checkpoint is a blockade to DTD both physical and mental that prevent people from going to DTD. They have a vested interest in making DTD as successful as possible. Higher top dollar premium lease payments outweigh a few meals a Pizza Port...but you can only command those premiums for rent if it is a successful retail location which is measured by volume of visitors that are willing to spend money.

 

[Darkbeer1]

You will have guests complaining if you change the color of the metal detectors let alone pedestrian traffic flow...but hopefully it will overall improve the experience for a majority of the guests.

And this is why we have internal issues with the Disney "suits", but ParkHopper1 said it pretty well, Disney owns ESPN Zone and many shops in DtD and their numbers haven't been great. And of course, most mall leases have a percentage clause, where the landlord (Disney) makes more money if the tenant does well.

As for the complaints, it is more the "micro" issues, where their is one gate that is not working, for example, the not announced but more than likely security check next to Sephora for GCH.

They can start with it open to all, then due to backups, Disney Hotel guests only, and if still bad, GCH guests only. Trying to find the right mix of wait times and and keeping guests happy.