Have you noticed heavier security measures at the theme parks?

[slo]

This question is for any friends out there that have been to The World within the last couple months and are return visitors.

The last time we went to WDW was in Sept. 2002. DH and I were wondering if there has been any changes in security around the theme parks since then. The last time we went guards were checking bags at the entrance and that was about it. Has the security become heavier since then, and if it has, what does it consist of?

We would appreciate it if all our DIS friends would inform about this - Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[HaleyB]

On our trip to Disneyland last summer we found out that there are many plain clothes security people in the parks. There was a bomb scare and they had the area clear, surronded, and had dogs there (bomb sniffing) within a matter of minutes. I was very impressed.

 

[Shells9]

I don't think it is any heavier, but the bag checks are still in place and can clog things up in the mornings IMO.

Sometimes there are lines for guests without bags. At our last visit at Epcot, though, they eliminated those lines as we were coming in because there were too many people with bags.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

I usually get to the parks when they open and although there is more security now than there was 5 years ago, it's never been an inconvience to me.

It's a bag check now, where they just do a quick check of your bags. Sometimes they will just look, other times, they have this stick thing they use to move things if they need to check something out. I've never had that happen, they always just look at mine for a second or two and then move on.

It helps if you have the bag opened when you are waiting in line to make it quicker going through. Have zippers opened and ready. It speeds things up.

The longest I've ever waited in a line for this was maybe 3 minutes. My mom said she had to wait 5 or 6 minutes once when she went during a peak time on a Saturday. My cousin went on Christmas day and she said the line was longer, but I think Christmas day would likely be an exception because of the crowds and the holiday threat level.

They also usually have no bag lines.

 

[SnackyStacky]

I thought I had read that they will be testing metal detectors at the Magic Kingdom.

 

[Geoff_M]

You are correct. They are testing the random use of magnometers (metal detectors) at MK. BTW, in the photojournalism world they have a great term for the process of having to walk to metal detectors and having your bags inspected at major sporting and news events... It's called being "Mag'ed and bagged'!

 

[GaryWT]

My wife and daughter went through the bag check at each park and thought it was a waste of time. The stood in the line and had there bag open and were just waved through 9 of 10 times. My wifes thought was if I have to be in the line at least take a good look to see if I am carrying anthing. And a note to others, please have your bag ready, I don't know how many people get to the front of the line and just stand there with their bag closed wondering what they should be doing, have it opened and ready to keep the line moving.