Is bag check/search still a thing?

[HenDuck]

I have not been to Disneyland since Nov. 2019. What is the current protocol at the security entry point for bags?

 

[coaches24]

Security right now is like this.
First station is temp check. Super fast, you just pause for a split second and then go.

2nd is the K9 station where you just walk through and they have the K9 and the handler there sniffing as people walk through. No delay at all here.

3rd is bag check and metal detector. Yes they check bags and have you take everything out of your pockets. This can take a little bit. Strollers and big bags will slow the process quite a bit.

That’s the last security step. You will be in the esplanade after that and heading for the gates of the park.

 

[HenDuck]

thanks for responding!

 

[WonkaKid]

As an aside, I went to the Shanghai park about three years ago. Their security line was much worse than ours, in part because people were allowed to - and often did - being full-on suitcases to the park. They’d put them through an X-ray machine much like at the airport. We’ve got it (relatively) easy.

 

[StormyCA]

DL doesn't have the WDW-style scanners? It really made security a breeze. Temp check, walk thru the scanner and you're done.

It did 'beep' me twice though so I had to go to a bag check table. Neither time could the checker figure out why I was beeped. It took all of about 3 minutes to do the manual check and there was no line.

I mentioned that I have pins & plates but they said the machine shouldn't pick those up.

 

[MATTERHORN]

DL doesn't have the WDW-style scanners? It really made security a breeze. Temp check, walk thru the scanner and you're done.

It did 'beep' me twice though so I had to go to a bag check table. Neither time could the checker figure out why I was beeped. It took all of about 3 minutes to do the manual check and there was no line.

I mentioned that I have pins & plates but they said the machine shouldn't pick those up.

Do you have an eyeglass case in your bag? My mom's beeps everytime, now she holds it out in front of her as she walks through and never had an issue since!

 

[mommy2allyandaveri]

I honestly don't know why DL and WDW aren't following the same process. They are the SAME company! WDW "bag check" is so simple, you walk right through a detector and they only check you if you beep.

 

[dina444444]

Do you have an eyeglass case in your bag? My mom's beeps everytime, now she holds it out in front of her as she walks through and never had an issue since!

an umbrella can also set it off at WDW.

I wish they installed those here. They did a test run with them back when DTD first reopened, but they removed it no long after.

 

[StormyCA]

Do you have an eyeglass case in your bag? My mom's beeps everytime, now she holds it out in front of her as she walks through and never had an issue since!

OMG, yes I did! I always carry my glasses in my 'locker backpack' in case something goes wacky with my contact lenses. I'll bet that was it.

 

[downinit]

The bag check at DL is markedly better than in the past. It still varies by screener, but it does seem that they are being less comprehensive than before, when they would carefully examine every last square mm of the bag, including a thorough check of pockets too small for a pack of gum (exactly what they were searching in those tiny spaces for eludes me???). It does help when everyone has all the zippers open before handing over the bag. I am not sure if there was an official policy change, or if the screeners are just using more of a hands-off approach in light of the pandemic and an aversion to getting too close to people's junk.

 

[Evita_W]

I don't understand why they haven't upgraded to Disney World's system. It works well and only a handful of people need to be pulled aside for further checking if the system gets set off by something.

It is quick and easy, would reduce the amount of staff needed at the entry points and free them up to be elsewhere.

 

[CO2CA]

At Disneyland Paris, they do an airport style bag x-ray IIRC. I liked that and I'm sure security enjoys not having to rifle through so many items.

 

[MATTERHORN]

OMG, yes I did! I always carry my glasses in my 'locker backpack' in case something goes wacky with my contact lenses. I'll bet that was it.

Yep, my mom got stopped EVERY TIME until one nice security guard told her what to do! Now we have no issues!

 

[Tasmen]

I absolutely LOVED the WDW system when we were there in April. Made getting through security a breeze. I totally was strutting through cellphone & sunglass case first as if I was Bob the Drag Queen going purse first through those metal detectors. Disappointing to hear they aren't following the same procedure at DL. I was really hoping they would be.

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

I absolutely LOVED the WDW system when we were there in April. Made getting through security a breeze. I totally was strutting through cellphone & sunglass case first as if I was Bob the Drag Queen going purse first through those metal detectors. Disappointing to hear they aren't following the same procedure at DL. I was really hoping they would be.

I loved the WDW scanners, too. We went in March and it was *so* much better. Just got back from DLR and bummed to see that they are still doing things manually. It really slows things down at times--especially when you get the person who wants to open everything. I had to open the side change thing on my wallet. So silly and total theater IMO.

 

[Where's Wall-E]

At Disneyland Paris, they do an airport style bag x-ray IIRC. I liked that and I'm sure security enjoys not having to rifle through so many items.

This also works well because if you're coming from the train with luggage you have to pass through Disney Village security check points, and it's quick to scan them (airport style, as you say) and not hold up the line.

The funniest thing was after the inaugural Disneyland Paris half marathon, after a while they just started letting all the runners by-pass the metal detectors as clearly we were going to set it off with our medals.

 

[JohnR5101]

Another vote for the WDW scanners. So fast, its like not even a slow down at all. They keep encouraging you to just keep walking at a fast pace right on through. We did set it off with an umbrella in a back pack and they told us to just hold the umbrella out in front at arm's length. Don't hold the whole bag out because they need to see them separately as it senses the metal.
Please bring this technology to DL.

 

[Evita_W]

Another vote for the WDW scanners. So fast, its like not even a slow down at all. They keep encouraging you to just keep walking at a fast pace right on through. We did set it off with an umbrella in a back pack and they told us to just hold the umbrella out in front at arm's length. Don't hold the whole bag out because they need to see them separately as it senses the metal.
Please bring this technology to DL.

Six Flags parks are reportedly using this system as well, if they can do so, there is no reason Disneyland can't.