Here Now. New Security Measures Upon Theme Park Arrival?

[AMusicLifeForMe]

I'm currently at WDW. I was at Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom yesterday. Both places had the "random" screening still. When my Dad and I arrived at EPCOT this morning, all of the metal detectors were by each bag check and at the no bag line. Everyone had to go through the metal detector. This caused for extremely long bag check lines. It took my Dad 20 minutes at 8 a.m. (I had no bag and it was very quick for me). I was at WDW in September and there was no park security that had metal detectors at each bag check. I'm personally ok with this. It would make me feel safer inside the park. I'm just wondering if all of the theme parks made the same change overnight? Does anyone know if this is permanent?

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Last month when we were there everyone at MK had to go through the detectors. Epcot and AK were random checks

 

[lovethattink]

A couple weeks ago when I was at dhs, everybody had to go through the detectors.

It does take extra time at bag check.

I like Universal's process for screening everyone. They have it down pat. It moves quickly like an airport.

 

[Disney_traveler]

We were the 12/17-12/23 and extra screening was random selection. I got selected 2 times. First time was easy peasy walk through. Second time they made me take off ALL jewelry: light up bulb necklace, pin lanyard, 3 jingle necklaces, 8 Alex & ani bracelets and Mickey ear Santa hat.

 

[Accident]

First rule of security is don't let anyone know what the full measures are and make it easier for them to find the flaw. second rule of security is keep the people trying to get through it guessing. They change it up all the time, including doing different things at different times during the same day. I have no knowledge of disney security except what everyone else can see (and I wouldn't comment even if I did because it's a safety thing, see first rule of security above). But in my professional career dealing with some aspects of this at large festivals, it works extremely well to constantly change the procedure.

 

[AMusicLifeForMe]

First rule of security is don't let anyone know what the full measures are and make it easier for them to find the flaw. second rule of security is keep the people trying to get through it guessing. They change it up all the time, including doing different things at different times during the same day. I have no knowledge of disney security except what everyone else can see (and I wouldn't comment even if I did because it's a safety thing, see first rule of security above). But in my professional career dealing with some aspects of this at large festivals, it works extremely well to constantly change the procedure.

That makes sense. Just got all of my vacations here this year and last year, I have not seen so many metal detectors at the parks until today. My Dad was in law enforcement, so I understand the need to change things. It was just a very pleasant surprise this morning.

 

[kmb584]

We were in WDW earlier this month and on any given day, and at all times throughout the day, they were either randomly selecting people to go through the metal detectors or sending everyone through them.

 

[ggdvc]

in September, everyone entering Epcot through the International Gateway had to go through the metal detectors after bag check. That space is already crowded (especially when there are 2 bad check tables open (so 4 lines), and only one of the tap-style "pods" open), and this just added to -the bottleneck. Even so, I think the longest it took was maybe 7-8 minutes (but I get very claustrophobic in crowds, so it seemed a lot longer)

 

[gratefulfred]

How does this work for people on scooters? My mil has been falling and will be on one when we go in September, would like to keep her in it as much as possible to reduce the risk of needing a team of people to pick her up.

 

[Disney_traveler]

How does this work for people on scooters? My mil has been falling and will be on one when we go in September, would like to keep her in it as much as possible to reduce the risk of needing a team of people to pick her up.

I think when my mom went they asked if she was able to walk a short distance and she walked through and I had to drive her scooter around.

 

[gratefulfred]

I think when my mom went they asked if she was able to walk a short distance and she walked through and I had to drive her scooter around.

Hmmm she would be able to do that but only with the walker, which will set off the metal detector anyway.

 

[AngelDisney]

This procedure makes the express shuttle service more attractive for park hoppers. I just hope the express shuttle service will be extended to September. Pixie dust!

 

[dreiwhit]

We were in WDW earlier this month and on any given day, and at all times throughout the day, they were either randomly selecting people to go through the metal detectors or sending everyone through them.

When we went to WDW the week after Thanksgiving, everyone at MK was going through the detectors while at Epcot and DHS, it was random.

On 2 of our 3 days at MK, we had to go through the detectors. I had to silently laugh at one security guard, as he was telling EVERYONE that they had been randomly selected to go through the metal detectors. On day 3, there was such a backup that the guard told us and several others to go around them.

 

[Lumiere Lover]

We were at WDW last December and the closer it got to Christmas the tighter the security became. Better safe than sorry.

 

[AGoofykindagirl]

Hmmm she would be able to do that but only with the walker, which will set off the metal detector anyway.

Sounds like my Pop (worried about falling). He could make it through the detector, but would need his cane. At International Gateway in October (we stayed at Beach Club), they would just have him stand and use a wand. Very helpful because he wears suspenders. If he took them off, he wouldn't have been able to walk through the detector holding his britches up and a cane. Bottom line, they'll do what they have to for both themselves and the guest. Don't worry, just focus on enjoying your time when you get in.

 

[wsssup]

All security here has been no issue. Staff are very friendly and most of them laugh at checking my wifes bb8 backpack and my stormtrooper backpack. Its painless and over very quick.

 

[Harambe]

We were the 12/17-12/23 and extra screening was random selection. I got selected 2 times. First time was easy peasy walk through. Second time they made me take off ALL jewelry: light up bulb necklace, pin lanyard, 3 jingle necklaces, 8 Alex & ani bracelets and Mickey ear Santa hat.

LOL! Love this - glad you are so "well dressed" for the parks!

 

[MinnieGi]

During Thanksgiving week - metal detectors at MK were just random checks. I got put over to that line once, DH once, BIL - everytime!!!! We of course got a big laugh about that and haven't let him forget!!

 

[Sparkie]

Hmmm she would be able to do that but only with the walker, which will set off the metal detector anyway.

Once they asked my mom if she could walk and she walked through the metal detector. Then another time they didnt ask but just did the "wand" over and around her and thoroughly checked the scooter.

 

[jenniy122]

How does this work for people on scooters? My mil has been falling and will be on one when we go in September, would like to keep her in it as much as possible to reduce the risk of needing a team of people to pick her up.

Similarly to how it would anywhere else full body "walk" through detecors are used. If she can't walk though unassisted at all, she'll be swiped over with the wand and either be cleared to go through or have to be given more thorough screening in private if they're unable to tell what's setting the wand off.