Harbor Blvd security

[disfan20001]

Trying to figure out best time to hit security Halloween weekend (8am opening). We typically like to rope drop and dont mind getting there early if necessary, but is it worth it with the busy security lines? Are they still individually checking bags?

 

[djmeredith]

Here now and yes they are thoroughly checking bags. If you want to be at the very front of the pack, I’d arrive at 6:30. By 7:00 crowds really start arriving, but this is a school holiday week. Seems to be two groups: people who arrive to try for 7:00 VQ in line, and those who try VQ at hotel and then rush over.

Security is generally quick though and then you wait at the gates again, then again at the rope inside the park. just make sure you don’t get behind a family with a bunch of bags at the security line. Made that mistake today. Two moms had multiple bags each and didn’t start unzipping until they were asked to do so. Sooo slow it was painful.

 

[GBRforWDW]

When I went 2 months ago, I got in line around 645 each morning and was usually somewhere between bus stop 2 and 3, with security right next to 1. By 7, the lines were already back to Harbor.

The security there would announce boarding group drop close to 7. Don't listen to them, they're not very accurate. Just drown out the noise while you pay attention to your own time.

Security opens at 715 and yes they check individual bags. The day I arrived solo, I had no bags, motioned to the security guard at the scanner and walked past bag check through security, just have your pockets empty before you get up there to make it quicker.

The main gates opened at 730, I was typically near the front of the line, so got through quickly and went straight to a rope and was near the front each time.

If you do want to be there early, I'd shoot for 630-645, sounds like crowds are crazy right now. If not wanting to be there that early, but still rope drop, I'd plan for 730 to 740 to hit the security and hopefully by the time you clear that, the entrance gates will be clear or low and you can still get down main street before rope drop.

Have a great trip!

 

[Starport Seven-Five]

The day I arrived solo, I had no bags, motioned to the security guard at the scanner and walked past bag check through security, just have your pockets empty before you get up there to make it quicker.

Ha, I tried to do this and got yelled at by the bag checker.

Disneyland security checks are probably the most variable thing I've experienced. One person digs through a bag and checks every pocket, the next pokes around with a stick for 3 seconds and sends you on your way. This combined with the lack of a no bag line really makes the process harder than it should be.

 

[GBRforWDW]

Ha, I tried to do this and got yelled at by the bag checker.

Haha that stinks. I had my pockets emptied with the contents in my hands raised above my head and looked straight at the x-ray guy as I was walking. I believe he told me to come forward, but I didn't care, the group ahead of me, everyone had a bag, I wasn't waiting around for that. I was in and out in no time, so didn't feel guilty doing it. But yeah, a no bag line would be nice.

Also, before 8, they funneled everyone back to the center of the esplanade, so you couldn't go far right and hope to have a short walk to the Disneyland gates.

 

[cruisehopeful]

Disneyland security checks are probably the most variable thing I've experienced. One person digs through a bag and checks every pocket, the next pokes around with a stick for 3 seconds and sends you on your way. This combined with the lack of a no bag line really makes the process harder than it should be.

So true! Same bag, same stuff inside my bag. I always unzip all the openings before I get to security. First walkthrough, guy barely looks and says, "that was easy." Next time I went through security, guy looks and handles each individual item, including a kleenex.

 

[disfan20001]

Thanks all for your responses. I have found security to be so challenging sometimes. I think I just get so anxious to get to the gate. We have had a trip where we waited 45 minutes multiple times during the trip. I don't mind it so much when I'm at the front of the line waiting for them to open, so sounds like we just need to get there early if we want to beat the crowd.

 

[serendipityaey]

We got there between 7:10 -7:20 most days and it moves fast when they open. I want to be there early but I don’t need to be first. This worked for us to minimize waiting time at each point but I understand some really like to be at the very front.

 

[Disney0010]

Disney needs to set up “one” lane for express. Meaning those without bags, strollers, etc. can go through without waiting behind those that do. We always have our pockets empty and ready to go before we get to the security team.

Ha, I tried to do this and got yelled at by the bag checker.

Disneyland security checks are probably the most variable thing I've experienced. One person digs through a bag and checks every pocket, the next pokes around with a stick for 3 seconds and sends you on your way. This combined with the lack of a no bag line really makes the process harder than it should be.

 

[MillauFr]

Disney needs to set up “one” lane for express. Meaning those without bags, strollers, etc. can go through without waiting behind those that do. We always have our pockets empty and ready to go before we get to the security team.

Yes but that line will slow down with endless arguments about if it is a purse or a bag

 

[dieumeye]

Yes but that line will slow down with endless arguments about if it is a purse or a bag

When they do have a “no bag” line at security, practically every time I use it I hear people say things like, “I don’t have a bag, just my purse” or “ I don’t have a bag, just this shopping bag.”

You can hear the weariness in the security CMs as they repeatedly call out, “This line is for people with no bags. Purses, sacks, backpacks, are bags. Anything that is like a bag is a bag.”

 

[MillauFr]

You can hear the weariness in the security CMs as they repeatedly call out, “This line is for people with no bags. Purses, sacks, backpacks, are bags. Anything that is like a bag is a bag.”

My wife had a "purse" that wasn't much bigger than a credit card and had a zipper on it. Security said it was a bag and she couldn't come through the no bags line. Actually the woman behind us in line blasted security and said "are you serious? Let her through". He did.

 

[Disney0010]

Purses and bags would need to go through the regular lines. This is for people with no bags or purses of any kind thus the meaning of express.

Yes but that line will slow down with endless arguments about if it is a purse or a bag

 

[Disney0010]

Unfortunately there are some that just don’t get it or choose to play stupid.

When they do have a “no bag” line at security, practically every time I use it I hear people say things like, “I don’t have a bag, just my purse” or “ I don’t have a bag, just this shopping bag.”

You can hear the weariness in the security CMs as they repeatedly call out, “This line is for people with no bags. Purses, sacks, backpacks, are bags. Anything that is like a bag is a bag.”

 

[MillauFr]

Purses and bags would need to go through the regular lines. This is for people with no bags or purses of any kind thus the meaning of express.

What is the difference between a purse and a wallet? Is it the size, zipper, or added strap that would make it classify as a purse or a wallet? I really don't know. Disney doesn't either and doesn't want to be bothered with the arguments.

 

[Malcon10t]

My favorite? "I'm with him, and he doesn't have a bag..."

Or people with strollers or scooters... But I don't have a bag. Sorry folks, both require a second glance, we will get thru in a few.

BTW - I *NEVER* have a bag. But I always have a scooter. Because it has a basket (which usually does have a bottle of water) and the pouch on the back (with operating instructions in it) I wait in the regular line. I don't fight with the poor security dude trying to do his/her job. I always hate it when there isn't a "No Bag Line" open, and you get the guys (it is usually guys) walking up thru the middle and security has to stop looking at bags to tell them they have to wait, then they have to have an argument because "We don't have a bag, so we shouldn't have to wait..." If there isn't a no bag line, join the regular line.

 

[lalasmama]

What is the difference between a purse and a wallet? Is it the size, zipper, or added strap that would make it classify as a purse or a wallet? I really don't know. Disney doesn't either and doesn't want to be bothered with the arguments.

"Zipper or strap = bag" is what they told me.

 

[MonocularVision]

If it’s the size of a wallet, maybe jam it in your pocket?

 

[Malcon10t]

If it’s the size of a wallet, maybe jam it in your pocket?

If it has a zipper, then quite often it will set off the alarm. Then you pull it out, they need you to open the zipper, etc.... and you are holding everyone without a bag up.

 

[GBRforWDW]

If it’s the size of a wallet, maybe jam it in your pocket?

Pockets have to be empty when going through x-ray scanner