I'm OK with security searches...

[Jaklackus]

Hi,
Just got back from a week at Disney..the weather was beautiful...sunshiny and warm..what a difference from the last two washed out trips in June 2002 and December 2002...anyway we were going through security at the MK and they had my 12 year old stepson flip through every single page of his pin bag...as well as my husband...in the past is was only a quick look when the case was opened..we didn't say anything because we don't mind the security checks at all...but the security guard volunteered that she had a guest come through and give her grief about searching his pin bag...only to find a gun in the very back pouch when he finally gave in when additional security showed up. hmmm a little scary... It looks as though they are building permanent structures in the AK, MK and Epcot for bag searches..didn't notice anything at MGM ...but I was well into Disney-mode by then. I did see alot of green uniformed officers (per my mother these are some sort of sheriffs or deputies) outside the ticket gates of each park and DTD and I noticed security on bicycles it DTD, I have never seen those at Disney before. I was a bit nervous about making this past trip due to higher terror alerts...but I quickly forgot about the outside world once I saw the castle! Enjoy your upcoming trips ..can't wait for July 2003...except for the heat and humidity...


Stacy

 

[Kim&Chris]

I agree!

During my most recent visit, we had to stand in the rain, in line, and wait to get up to the security check. I didn't mind a bit.

I'd rather wait a little longer, because that obviously means they're being thorough in their bag checks.

It made me feel safe in knowing that they were taking the park's security seriously. Based on your post, they're doing a great job!

 

[Safari Steve]

Bag checks have gotten more thorough, in addition to other security measures. MGM will get permanent structures eventually, but I think there is other construction near the tram loop that is necessary first.

 

[MinnieGi]

I noticed security checks being more thourough too on our February trip as opposed to our two previous November trips. That's fine with us!

Steve - Love your dedication to Mr. Roger's in your sig. He will be sorely missed. I loved watching him as a child and still watch with my 2yo DD.

 

[Terk-1]

They can search away in my opinion. The people who give security grief are either hiding something or are just grumpy. I feel much better going through the security points knowing that it is being done. Same for airport security. I saw a woman at MCO a few years ago about 3 weeks after 9/11 giving the airline a huge amount of static because she was randomly chosen. Look, I was chosen too and because I did not have anything to hide, I was patient and chatted nicely to the woman searching my bags. So I'm ok with security searches too!

 

[DebbieB]

I don't have a problem with the bag searches but what concerns me is if someone does not have a bag, they are let right through. So someone could have a gun or bomb under their jacket and walk right through. They should make them take off their jackets and examine them. You have to take your coat or jacket off at the airport now and put them through the scanner.

 

[bcvprincesses]

I guess I wouldn't mind if it wasn't such a joke. We went at the end of Jan and security didn't even bother to look in half of my bag. They barely looked and sent me through. My dh has a fanny pack and they only looked in one section of it. He is a police officer and the back half of the pack is designed to carry a gun and no one ever bothered to check it. Security is such a joke and a complete waste of my time the way it is being done now. If you really wanted to you could bring almost anything illegal into the parks.

 

[kilee]

Any chance in Disney installing metal detectors? This way each person entering the park would need to pass through. So many other tourist attractions have them, especially in the DC area. I know Disney isn't the capital, but more people visit Disney in a given day.
I think the bag checks are a good stepping stone. I think to help alleviate some of the issues here possibly installing xray equipment would be helpful. I know it's a bit extreme, but it is the world we now have to live in.

We were at Disney 2 weeks ago. I did notice more security guards and sherriff's present this time. This is our second trip since 9/11. It was reassuring and un-nerving at the same time.

 

[Safari Steve]

Princess, the searches have been changed since your visit.

 

[Uncleromulus]

I wonder tho if the additional security at DTD is merely to help with the control of drunks, pickpockets, carjackers, etc, and not a terrorism thing--.

 

[kdibattista]

I don't mind going through any security points.... whereever they are but I agree with princess. When we were there the week of Sept 11th 2001 and again October 2002, it was a joke. We waited 1/2 hour or more to go through security and they just peeked in my backpack. I will wait however long necessary but only if it is a thorough search. If the checkpoints have been changed since then, I have no problem with it.

 

[judi]

We were at WDW in Dec. and again in Feb. There was a big change regarding bag searches. In Dec. they did a quick look. In Feb. they would ask you to remove things, they would dig around and they seemed to be doing a very good job of it. We noticed a change in more security walking around and also more suits in the parks. The higher alert had been issued while we were there in Feb. and we really didn't worry about it, we felt comfortable with what Disney was doing.

 

[Gary M]

DebbieB, you said you have a problem with people with no bags being let into the WDW parks without being examined and taking their jacket off.. You said they may have a weapon or bomb under their jacket. Why couldn't a person with a bag, also have a bomb or weapon under their jacket? As far as I know, they don't do a body search of anyone or make them take any clothing off.

 

[Luv2Roam]

I don't mind the security look over. But they either need to do away with it or look closer.
They really needed to beef it up, if they were going to bother at all.
And it has never seemed to matter what anyone has had on their person. Only their carry through items. Anyone could conceal anything in a pocket.
We were there mid January and it was the same then as it had been in the past. Nothing comforting, but a nuisance.

 

[DebbieB]

I didn't mean a body search, but a search of the pockets of the jackets. Everyone, bags or not. My point is I think it's just to make people feel more secure, rather than serious security. Under the current setup, it would be very easy for someone to sneak something in. My local park (Kennywood) has metal dectectors. You go through them as you exit the turnstile. If it goes off, you are directed over to a security table. Doesn't create any extra lines for those who don't have a problem.

 

[kilee]

I think that everyone who has been there since 9/11 and then again since the heightened alert a few weeks ago would agree they have changed. On our last trip I seen them even check out diapers folded up in a plastic bag. They checked camera cases, which I had never had them do. Also, at Epcot and MK everyone had to go through the security checks. When we were there in April, this wasn't so.