New Security Measures At The Parks

[ravenclawtrekkie]

CM training I had this morning included the fact that toy swords, toy lightsabers, and toy bows & arrows are all still allowed. They also said the no-adult-costumes rule WILL include MNSSHP but that may be "re-evaluated" prior to the next time that it will be relevant again. Halloween isn't exactly tomorrow.

I've been sitting within visual distance of a metal detector station all day and I have yet to see anyone get patted down. The selection for the metal detector is supposedly random. We were also told that Guest Relations has cast members near the security area to provide guest recovery in the cases of people potentially missing ADRs or FastPass+ reservations due to the screening.

 

[baler31]

Quote from Tampa Bay Times article.

Walt Disney World would not say how long its metal detectors would be in place, theSentinel reported. SeaWorld said it had installed the devices as part of enhanced security for the holidays. Universal Orlando said it was testing using them as guests approach the theme parks, according to the Sentinelrepor

 

[Magpie]

CM training I had this morning included the fact that toy swords, toy lightsabers, and toy bows & arrows are all still allowed. They also said the no-adult-costumes rule WILL include MNSSHP but that may be "re-evaluated" prior to the next time that it will be relevant again. Halloween isn't exactly tomorrow.

I've been sitting within visual distance of a metal detector station all day and I have yet to see anyone get patted down. The selection for the metal detector is supposedly random. We were also told that Guest Relations has cast members near the security area to provide guest recovery in the cases of people potentially missing ADRs or FastPass+ reservations due to the screening.

Thank you for the clarification and update!

 

[GPC0321]

Not being afraid of terrorists has never stopped them from doing something horrific. I'm tired of being told it's not okay to be worried about this kind of thing because "the terrorists win." If some tangible measures could help prevent an event, I'm all for it. And with that, I'm out!

I agree. I think the "terrorists win" when we walk around in an arrogant, untouchable fog pretending nothing bad could happen. That's when we're vulnerable and they manage to kill dozens, hundreds, or thousands of us.
Based on reports of crowd levels, it's obvious people aren't being scared away from Disney by terrorists. If people choose to stay away because they are sulking over not being able to buy a toy gun or wear a costume, and they want to claim that their disappointment in something like that is proof that the "terrorists are winning", then let them. The rest of us who don't care about buying toy guns for our kids and wearing costumes as adults will happily walk through the metal detectors and continue on our merry way no matter what the stupid terrorists are doing.

 

[Glenn]

Here is a good question, what is a costume? If my cousin showed up wearing his stetson along with western atire he wears in Texas will be be bared for having a costume? How about a gal wearing something from the 50s longer skirt, nice blouse 50s hair do? I can understand no masks, makes sense. If they worry about sneaking stuff in you can easily do that wearing puffy jackets in cold weather. How about rain ponchos? Should they only allow clear ones to be worn. Sounds like PC going overboard. Will this hurt halloween party. Probably will in some ways. People watching at that party is a big thing especially for folks going more than once.

 

[Jennasis]

The terrorists don't win when we are cautious. They win when they successfully kill people.

 

[FeralCatRogue]

Anotherthing it brings up is we may have this info cause we are on disboards, but if they truly ban costumes think of howmany people they woud be turnign away at hte gate around mnshhp. Can you imagine refunding all the adults that wouldn't know the change? The more I think the more I can't see a company this large taking a chance at such bad pr.

 

[Jennasis]

Anotherthing it brings up is we may have this info cause we are on disboards, but if they truly ban costumes think of howmany people they woud be turnign away at hte gate around mnshhp. Can you imagine refunding all the adults that wouldn't know the change? The more I think the more I can't see a company this large taking a chance at such bad pr.

Im sure the no costume info will be given out at the time of ticket purchase. Honestly,let's not get carried away.

 

[Cinderella's Slipper 2015]

Has this started yet? If so, can anyone report on how much it delayed you getting into the parks? I'm not against them doing this, but it seems like it will create huge bottlenecks since they are going into the most crowded time of year.

Right now the scanners are being used for people who are entering without bags.

 

[Magpie]

Here is a good question, what is a costume? If my cousin showed up wearing his stetson along with western atire he wears in Texas will be be bared for having a costume? How about a gal wearing something from the 50s longer skirt, nice blouse 50s hair do? I can understand no masks, makes sense. If they worry about sneaking stuff in you can easily do that wearing puffy jackets in cold weather. How about rain ponchos? Should they only allow clear ones to be worn. Sounds like PC going overboard. Will this hurt halloween party. Probably will in some ways. People watching at that party is a big thing especially for folks going more than once.

I seriously doubt any of that would be an issue. Dress like a 50's housewife, or like a cowboy, and as long as you aren't carrying a rolling pin or a pair of six shooters or wearing a mask, you aren't in costume. Costumes on adults are already banned during regular park days, yet I saw plenty of "Disney Bounding" on our last trip, as well as Japanese girls dressed up like baby dolls, and there was no problem with any of it.

(Not my photo - I found it here: https://crazypugshappyplace.wordpress.com/2015/05/21/disney-bounding-dress-up-for-adults/)

 

[mummabear]

I remember a thread in the last couple of years discussing security. It was said at the time there would never be metal detectors at the park.

The longer the lines at the security checks, the juicer the target. After all if you can attack at rope drop and have 3,000-5,000 people shoulder to shoulder, why even bother trying to get in the park?

You have 600-800 people packed on the ferry boat, why bother trying to even attack at security check point, let alone in the park?

This is an incredibly good point. I'm not sure what the possible solution is to prevent this though, metal detectors before loading? Can't see that happening. But you are completely correct that there is enough soft targets outside of the parks.

I think the costume thing is a little silly because anyone on any day can wear loose clothing and just hide something underneath. And if you do wear loose clothing and get selected for the metal detector, I can see the discrimination lawsuits now. Especially if women who wear the traditional hijab get pulled aside into the metal detector - can you imagine the public outcries of discrimination?

Its not discrimination if anyone in bulky clothing is being screened. Frankly in a western society where covering your face is usually deemed threatening it should be no surprise that if you choose to do so you will be screened, your religious beliefs whatever they are, should not give you exemptions.

 

[Jennasis]

It's already a target rich environment every day at MK as people gather in front of the train station for the welcome show. The metal detectors won't change that. It's just another layer to Disney's security.

 

[PSUTraveler]

I'm only going to discuss the costume ban for MNSSHP...to say that if they keep this policy they've made my decision about the party very easy. I'll save the money and skip it. The possibility of going to the park in costume was one of the biggest draws for me.

 

[Magpie]

I remember a thread in the last couple of years discussing security. It was said at the time there would never be metal detectors at the park.



This is an incredibly good point. I'm not sure what the possible solution is to prevent this though, metal detectors before loading? Can't see that happening. But you are completely correct that there is enough soft targets outside of the parks.



Its not discrimination if anyone in bulky clothing is being screened. Frankly in a western society where covering your face is usually deemed threatening it should be no surprise that if you choose to do so you will be screened, your religious beliefs whatever they are, should not give you exemptions.

Just to be pedantic - the hijab doesn't cover your face.

Just look at that nice, open smile! (I saw several women in hijab on our last trip, more than usual. Considering the current climate, and recent events, I think it's awesome that they're deciding to be visible, especially as I also saw a few people proclaiming their political affiliations on their t-shirts.)

 

[Toad_Passenger]

Im sure the no costume info will be given out at the time of ticket purchase. Honestly,let's not get carried away.

But...but...but...it's the Dis.

 

[goofyintoronto]

I'm only going to discuss the costume ban for MNSSHP...to say that if they keep this policy they've made my decision about the party very easy. I'll save the money and skip it. The possibility of going to the park in costume was one of the biggest draws for me.

SAME HERE!!! what the heck is the point in going if none of the adults can dress up? Thats a place where we can feel like a kid again.

 

[MomToGandB]

Right now the scanners are being used for people who are entering without bags.

We were at MK this morning and my sister (with a bag) was chosen for screening. It did not delay us more than 30 seconds but this was at 8:30 for an ADR.

 

[mevelandry]

The terrorists don't win when we are cautious. They win when they successfully kill people.

My thoughts exactly.

 

[courtneybeth]

I read earlier that this also pertains to bubble guns. Is this true?

If so - another win! Nothing is more annoying that walking through a crowded area and some kid decides to shoot bubbles right at you!

 

[eeyoreandtink]

Just to be pedantic - the hijab doesn't cover your face.

Just look at that nice, open smile! (I saw several women in hijab on our last trip, more than usual. Considering the current climate, and recent events, I think it's awesome that they're deciding to be visible, especially as I also saw a few people proclaiming their political affiliations on their t-shirts.)

Yes, but many women wear the Niqab, either by choice or because their particular sect dictates it. There are a large group of women who choose to do so in our area, so there are those in the sates who are covering their faces as well. I don't personally have an issue with it, but I do wonder how Disney will choose to deal with it.