how to get through 'no bags' line at security?

[mrsltg]

what would you do if you were the head of security at WDW

It's too open and accessible to do much of anything. They either need to set security rules and enforce them vigorously - meaning metal detectors, armed security (not the 60-85 y.o. crowd so prevelant at Disney security check points), pat downs on large coats and clothing. No outside food products being brought into the parks, and no backpacks at all.

Who would go if any of the above were the case? No one. The answer instead is to stop wasting peoples time and end the charade. The bag checks do what, exactly? Nothing. As I said, someone could just as easily set off an explosive outside the parks in a large group of people as they could inside the parks. The people that they have checking the bags are generally retirees and people not in good physical condition. My husband is 6'3" and has been a cop for more than 13 years. If he wanted to push past these guards, which one can stop him? The 75 year old, or the one 100 pounds overweight?

Disney needs to maintain a security presence to prevent individual attacks on guests (ie, molestations, rapes, robberies, pick pockets, etc), but they can't do a thing about terrorism. I don't think that it's a good idea to set-up a facade of safety that makes people let their guard down and then not pay attention. People need to understand that there is no "safe" place when it comes to terrorist activity. Go to DisneyWorld, enjoy yourself, but don't think that you're in a protective bubble because someone looks in your backpack.

My job takes me into lower Manhattan at least three times a week. I think about security lapses every time I board the subway, cross over the GWB, jump on a bus or get into the elevator of a high rise.

Kind of like here in DC? Where I drive past the Pentagon everyday, work 2 blocks from the White House, spend time on the Hill, and open mail hoping it isn't laced with Anthrax?

Erin

 

[WDWAurora]

During either the May or August trip, one of the security officers used a "sniffing" device to detect explosives, etc...It had a cover over it that made it look like a stuffed fish, but that fell off while we were in line, and we saw it...I looked up the numbers of the product online...so sometimes they might seem to be doing nothing, but are doing something. Bad sentence, sorry!

 

[CJMZ]

In searching bags, do the security guards say anything about snacks or food coming in?

 

[Safari Steve]

No, don't worry about your snacks (although the security host may jokingly ask you to share.)

A camera by itself is a camera, and you can take that through the "no-bags" line. A camera case is a bag, and must be opened for inspection. The host(ess) stationed at the No Bags entrance is there to make sure that no one with bags goes through, not to inspect "small bags". If you have any bags whatsoever (napsack, fanny-pack, purse, camera case, cooler, small child with handles and a zipper, etc), please go through the bag-check lines.

 

[Sally Bradley]

Part of my job entails security and I am so disheartened when I go thru the "security lines" most places have set up. I don't like being put out of my way any more than anyone else, but if they're going to act like they're trying to enforce security measures, I would just as soon they REALLY do it. Most places do it for show value and not for really looking.

I recently was at Ford Field in Detroit where "security lines" were set up outside. The 15-or-so year old kid who "checked" my bags was likely working for minimum wage and I can assure you, he took a bare glance inside the bag. I decided to make an issue of it (much to DH chagrin) and started asking him questions about whether he would know an explosive device if it came up and bit him. I would bet 99% of the "security checkers" out there don't even know what they're looking for....or what it would look like if they found it.

Bottom line...security checkpoints at most places seem to just give a false sense of security. I'd rather take the "real" check and be just a little inconvenienced...

 

[Lesley]

But an empty stroller can be pushed through the no bags line. We just carried what we had in the stroller basket in our hands (this time it was only a cup of grapes leftover from breakfast....and my camera, which was on a strap on my wrist) though the no bags line. It was the first time we hadn't carried a backpack in a long time! And it was very nice. But we'll be back to carrying a backpack next spring as we'll have a baby with us again....right now we can even manage without a stroller from time to time since our dd is 3yo and doesn't ride in it much!

I do feel the security checks are rather spotty....but then again there are some great security people who do really check everything and that makes me feel better. It would be easy enough for a terrorist to make it through though....I just trust that if its not my time to go I won't be near anything bad that happens...and that if it is my time I could just as easily have a vital organ fail or be hit by a bus. Hopefully the security does act as a deterrent in some ways.

I also tend to think that people are so spread out at WDW that terrorists may not be able to acheive the sheer #'s of deaths that they'd like even if they made an attack....and the chances of being at the particular spot that is attacked is fairly slim. I'll admit I still get nervous on Spaceship Earth though....it would be an easy target for a 9/11 type of attack...even though it would only kill a comparatively small # of people. And bag checks certainly wouldn't make a difference there.

Okay, now someone please help me think happier thoughts!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Well, they might spot a gun and stop some demented idiot from taking out people. It is not just explosive devices that they are checking for. And, let's not just pick on Disney for this, let's get Universal and Sea World and every major sporting event.

 

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by GAIL HAYDEN
Well, they might spot a gun and stop some demented idiot from taking out people. It is not just explosive devices that they are checking for. And, let's not just pick on Disney for this, let's get Universal and Sea World and every major sporting event.

Doesn't US have metal detectors though? I know they did when we were there last October.

 

[Sally Bradley]

Well, they might spot a gun

Might is the operative word here. Believe me, it's not like the movies. Many times weapons are overlooked by people who simply don't have enough training to know what to look for...

 

[eeyore0062]

OK, I think we have established that there are some not happy with the current security issues, and now we are just beating a dead horse. Let's please get back to the regular question, which was how do you carry what you need and still be able to go through the "no bags" line.

Safari Steve clarified everything very nicely, so a big "Thank you!" to him!!!!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by skiwee1
Doesn't US have metal detectors though? I know they did when we were there last October.

That I do not know, I would not go there on a bet.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by Sally Bradley
Well, they might spot a gun

Might is the operative word here. Believe me, it's not like the movies. Many times weapons are overlooked by people who simply don't have enough training to know what to look for...

I cannot imagine someone not knowing what a gun looks like, unless your are implying that Disney hires morons. We also do not know what training the security at Disney has.

And, just as and FYI, I have spoken with at least two security officers at Disney that were retired police officers. HOpefully they have not become senile in their retirement.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by eeyore0062
OK, I think we have established that there are some not happy with the current security issues, and now we are just beating a dead horse. Let's please get back to the regular question, which was how do you carry what you need and still be able to go through the "no bags" line.

Safari Steve clarified everything very nicely, so a big "Thank you!" to him!!!!

You know you are totally correct, thanks for putting this back on track.

 

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by GAIL HAYDEN
That I do not know, I would not go there on a bet.

Oh come on Gail, I double dog dare ya! LOL!