Metal Detectors and Wait Times

[realrellim]

I'm not sure how random they are because I get "randomly selected" every single time! I have full tattoo sleeves though so it probably comes with the territory, oh well..

If it makes you feel better, I was selected three times to walk through the metal detector during our three days there, and I'm a Midwestern, plain, tiny, not-quite-5' female with no tattoos or multiple piercings or even jewelry beyond my wedding ring and Fitbit. It's likely semi-random though.

Do they mostly just choose adults for the metal detectors? I'm wondering how to prepare my DD who is 16 and has severe anxiety. The problem would be separating from the family and going through it alone. Would they let one of us go with her and go through it also?

My 11-year-old, wearing a princess costume, was selected to go through it after me. Actually, I think they sent all of us through once, except our 6-year-old in the stroller. The 11-year-old is tiny (see my avatar)--she's 48" even and 50 pounds, so it's not like she could be mistaken for an older kid. But it's also very calm and easy. The metal detectors are just off to the side, literally only a few feet away from the regular security check tents and you can walk right over there with her because it's not fenced off or anything. It's exactly like going through the metal detector at the airport--the one that you just walk through, not the body scanner. Super easy, and the DLR security people are so much more friendly. My older child is typically a really anxious kid too--and then she forgot to take off her little purse which had a metal buckle clearly visible on it so she beeped the detector, twice (!) as I was telling her to take off the purse first. At any rate, they just chuckled and said it was a princess detector and off we went. It may have helped that we were heading there for EMH so it was all of 6:45 am with very few people heading to the park.

 

[xlxo]

Here's some tips with metal detectors....

I like to show up early to get the full meal deal!

 

[kyrkea333]

Do they mostly just choose adults for the metal detectors? I'm wondering how to prepare my DD who is 16 and has severe anxiety. The problem would be separating from the family and going through it alone. Would they let one of us go with her and go through it also?

Our son was asked a couple of times how old he was and when he said he was thirteen they just let him go. Other times he was just asked to come over for screening, maybe because he looks sixteen or older. I wonder if you could contact guest services to ask if there was something you could do for your daughter. It would be such a shame if her anxiety would be triggered if it could be avoided in some way. Good luck!

 

[mika911]

I'm trying to decide if we should wear our Apple Watches. Airport security lets you keep on your watch including Apple watch in metal detectors.

Has anyone seen at Disneyland if they let you keep your watch and/or smart watch on? Thanks!!!

 

[bkoyle]

I would have no problem wearing a smart watch. They generally allow you to keep your watch on. If they make you take it off, the watch is always close by, so that you can keep an eye on it. It is not like the airport, where your stuff goes through the xray machine.

bkoyle

 

[lk2500]

I was there 6/29 - 7/3 and I don't recall it being random, I went through each time. Lines were pleasantly extremely short and quick except for one evening for some reason.

You need to remove anything metal, including watches, just like at the airport. Or at least that is what I did.

 

[SMD]

I'm trying to decide if we should wear our Apple Watches. Airport security lets you keep on your watch including Apple watch in metal detectors.

Has anyone seen at Disneyland if they let you keep your watch and/or smart watch on? Thanks!!!

They made me take my Fitbit off my wrist. I usually just put everything in my bag before the bag check, including money, ID, phone and then put it back in my pockets once I'm in the park. But I was there a few weeks ago and just had phone and money in my pockets and of course that was one of the time I got randomly selected.

 

[Winnowill]

When we were there 6/27-7/1, we went through it almost every time, coming from the Harbor side. Coming from the DTD side, it seemed a little more lax. But it was by no means onerous unless there were idiots in front of us.

 

[DahliaRW]

We re-entered DLR from our hotel (harbor side) around 3:30 this afternoon and they were making everyone go through the detector.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

We were in DL last week Wed - Fri. Everybody had to go through metal detectors on the afternoon and both mornings we were there. On Saturday we headed to Downtown Disney and had to go through security. It was around 8:30 AM and they were randomly selecting guests to go through metal detectors. I had to go through on the way back. We did not have to remove any jewelry, watches, visors, etc. We just handed them our bags and they scooted them around to the other side to collect.

I did notice, however, that badged security officers with white shirts are now checking bags and having you open every zipped pouch. They are no longer just front gate CMs.

We also saw 3 people either sent back to their hotel with selfie sticks are they just surrendered it. I'm sure DL has quite a collection.

 

[daneenm]

I'm trying to decide if we should wear our Apple Watches. Airport security lets you keep on your watch including Apple watch in metal detectors.

Has anyone seen at Disneyland if they let you keep your watch and/or smart watch on? Thanks!!!

Wore my AppleWatch every day and went through metal detectors every day...no issues.

 

[DLtorgo]

Went yesterday and arrived at 7:20 for 8:00 opening. Only a few people were going through security and everyone had to go to metal detector. It was super fast and no big deal. Maybe they start randomly selecting for metal detector when it starts getting more crowded.
Also, it was pretty crowded. Come early. Lines were consistent during the day for star tours 45 min, hyperspace 45-80min, 45 peter pan, pirates 20....

 

[tarheelalum]

Its not that big of a deal. It might add 5 minutes or so to get in. At most.