Extra Security

[Skywise]

Make sure to Book the FP+ Reservation for the scanner line as soon as your window opens. (Yes I know it's "random" sample)

Anyone got a betting pool for when they start throwing ads for Disney movies on the sides of these things?

"Mommy, I wanna go through the Good Dinosaur metal detector!"

 

[WEDWDW]

Do you think there have been specific threats against WDW that prompted the unprecedented security?

Just wondering since there have been attacks on the Homeland(Boston,etc.) in the past that didn't prompt this level of response from Disney.

 

[hakepb]

DL has some big backups at bag check already. I'm glad we're not heading back any time soon before they get this worked out.

DL bag check never had a "bagless" line, which slows things down.
What usually got me was the DL turnstyles as most guests had no clue that they needed a valid ticket for the old school ticket DL bar code scanner to validate.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Do you think there have been specific threats against WDW that prompted the unprecedented security?

No I don't think so. If there had been a specific threat they would either close the parks or actually search everybody entering. Or there would be even MORE cops (uniformed and plainclothes) and dogs than there are already.

this is all 3 major parks in Orlando, plus Disneyland and Universal Studios in Hollywood as well.

If anybody REALLY REALLY wanted to get a gun into the park with the new security, they'd plant it on their 12 year old kid in a Jedi robe and hope the kid didn't get picked for random screening. (Of course, only the most determined would go that route). But they want to strike a balance between we don't want you wearing stuff that could hide a firearm bulge and we want kids to be able to wear those costumes their parents bought or made them just for this occasion.

 

[Mom2Kids2003]

I'm surprised that Disney has not had metal detectors prior to now. The Six Flags theme parks have had them for over a decade now and they do not pull in as large of crowds as Disney parks do. I think once everyone gets the new system down it will run smoothly just like bag checks and normal security do. It sounds like for right now, it will be random screenings which shouldn't cause too much backup getting into the park.

 

[MinnieMSue]

I just hope my underwire bra doesn't set the detector off if I have to go through. I was very thoroughly patted down visiting Statue of Liberty last weekend because it set it off. People had to take off jewelry and knee braces etc. it was the tightest security I have gone through. I may need to buy new wireless bras lol

 

[Magpie]

Speaking of security...

Earlier this month, my husband and I were leaving HS just after park close. A kid, looking to be about 14/15, comes tearing back through the exit, running as fast as he can. All around us we hear security shouting, "Hey, hey, HEY!" and one man with a very deep voice bellows, "YOU JUST RAN PAST THREE UNIFORMED SECURITY GUARDS, KID!"

The kid stops, looking panicked, and said, "I forgot my hat!"

At which point one of the many guards who'd just converged on him took him aside, and as we were walking away I could hear, "Then you ask us for help, you don't just go running into the park..."

I hope he got his hat back!

(Something I found interesting - the loud gentleman wasn't in uniform... and didn't seem to be a guest, either.)

 

[mom2rtk]

I'm surprised that Disney has not had metal detectors prior to now. The Six Flags theme parks have had them for over a decade now and they do not pull in as large of crowds as Disney parks do. I think once everyone gets the new system down it will run smoothly just like bag checks and normal security do. It sounds like for right now, it will be random screenings which shouldn't cause too much backup getting into the park.

The bolded might be part of the reason.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Do you think there have been specific threats against WDW that prompted the unprecedented security?

Just wondering since there have been attacks on the Homeland(Boston,etc.) in the past that didn't prompt this level of response from Disney.

I think so. I think the fact that so many major theme parks in the country did this literally overnight is telling. Now how specific? Who knows.

 

[amylevan]

I think so. I think the fact that so many major theme parks in the country did this literally overnight is telling. Now how specific? Who knows.

They might have appeared overnight, but the rumors have been for at least a few days now.

 

[Magpie]

I think so. I think the fact that so many major theme parks in the country did this literally overnight is telling. Now how specific? Who knows.

Actually, my husband and I both noticed an increased security presence at the parks this year (our trip was in late Nov/early Dec). I think it's been in the works for awhile.

 

[KateP85]

I guess I don't understand the uproar with this. If a bunch of men strolled into Disney with guns in their pockets and starting shooting, everyone would be crying "but why didn't Disney have measures to prevent this?!" Granted, the metal detectors aren't for everyone, but it's better than nothing.

I also love the people making wild assumptions about who made these decisions and why. We don't know who made these calls, if it was security or corporate or law enforcement, or someone else entirely. We don't know why they chose to do this. Disney doesn't have to share every little detail of their decisions with us, it just is what it is. I would guess that we really know very little about what security measures that Disney has in place, because they're not going to broadcast it to everyone.

 

[soniam]

I just hope my underwire bra doesn't set the detector off if I have to go through. I was very thoroughly patted down visiting Statue of Liberty last weekend because it set it off. People had to take off jewelry and knee braces etc. it was the tightest security I have gone through. I may need to buy new wireless bras lol

I got patted down under my shirt right after 9/11 because my bra or something kept setting off the wand. That was a horrifyingly bad experience The screener looked more disturbed than I was, so that was some conciliation I guess.

 

[DVCPAT]

Do you think there have been specific threats against WDW that prompted the unprecedented security?

Just wondering since there have been attacks on the Homeland(Boston,etc.) in the past that didn't prompt this level of response from Disney.

Yes, they are portable and subcontractors appear to be operating them.

 

[Angel Ariel]

Granted, the metal detectors aren't for everyone, but it's better than nothing.

It isn't like disney has no security. There is way more to their security than the bag checks. Some visible, a LOT that isn't visible. Personally, I prefer it that way. I think it's more effective.

I don't like this because how they are doing it comes across as security theater more than something that's actually going to enhance security.

 

[Satchmo128]

I was in Disneyland this past weekend and I noticed a lot more uniformed officers at the parks and downtown disney.

 

[Magpie]

I got patted down under my shirt right after 9/11 because my bra or something kept setting off the wand. That was a horrifyingly bad experience The screener looked more disturbed than I was, so that was some conciliation I guess.

For some reason, my daughter keeps getting flagged for pat downs/ extra screening in airports. Fingers round the top of her pants, back of hands up under the bra, etc. But I'm a bad mum... I actually laughed when the woman doing the super-speedy pat down ran her two hands up the inside of my daughter's legs and my kid went, "Eeep!" and hopped straight up. As I told her after, she got goosed by the TSA! (FWIW, I've never got the impression screeners enjoy doing this, either.)

 

[DizzneyDi]

These days everyone assumes increased security is a response to terrorism, and for the most part I'm sure they're right. But if you're Disney and you feel it's necessary to add more security to the parks, wouldn't you find that a good time to address issues that aren't terror-related as well? My DS and I were talking about this earlier in respect to the banning of costumes on those 14 and older. We went to our first MNSSHP in October and it seemed like every third adult we saw was either a superhero or a pirate. Put yourself in the position of a MK security team called to investigate a purse snatching. It's a lot easier to find a tall blond guy in a Packers jersey and tan cargo shorts than it is to find the one who looks like an Avenger or Jack Sparrow!

I also don't think it's a coincidence that the no costume rule went into effect immediately. I wonder how many adult storm troopers are going to be turned back at the gate at DHS tomorrow!?

P.S. Apologies in advance to any Packer fans who may be reading this--I didn't mean YOU! REALLY!!

 

[DLgal]

Rumors say it's going to be happening at DLR, but I haven't seen any pics/confirmations.

EDIT: Forgot to say "Darn lawyers". How come there's no emoji of an old guy shaking his fist

There are numerous scanners at Disneyland, to include the monorail station and the AMC Theater. Also at Universal Hollywood.

 

[dISNEYlOveer]

The part about the metal detectors being random, it may be random now until they get certain parts worked out and after the holidays when it quiets down implement a full roll out of metal detectors for everyone entering.
As for the people saying "why now? Is there a threat?" I don't think there is a credible threat. The parks, especially Disney World has been a threat since 9/11, they did it now after recent events and the fact we are 1 week from Christmas, and this week is one of, if not the busiest week here.