park bag check

[bigstuff]

Does everyone have wait in line for a bag check or is there an express lane for those without bags?

 

[LSUfan4444]

Only those with bags need to go through the bag check area.

 

[JimS4210]

Yes, if you don't have a bag you can breeze right through without waiting.

Jim

 

[figment_jii]

I can't remember at DHS, but at Epcot, MK, and AK there are "lines" for folks without bags (so I'm guessing there is one for DHS as well). Look for the signs at the entrance to the bag check area. Basically, it's another check point, but only for folks without bags. There are security CMs standing there, but they're just checking to make sure you're really bagless. As long as you don't have a bag, they'll waive you through.

At the International Gateway, there is no line for folks without bags (at least that I recall seeing in October). You still have to wait in line to get past the check point. (I suppose you could try to skip waiting in line, but you'd end up having to squeeze/push past the folks that are already in line.) Once you get to the front of the line, it'll just go faster because you don't have to wait for the security CM to look through your bags.

 

[bigstuff]

Thanks! Do they count a small cross body purse or the dreaded fanny pack as a bag to be checked? Is the check an xray type or do they open your bag?

 

[mesaboy2]

Thanks! Do they count a small cross body purse or the dreaded fanny pack as a bag to be checked? Is the check an xray type or do they open your bag?

Both are considered bags, and will be checked by being opened.

 

[figment_jii]

Thanks! Do they count a small cross body purse or the dreaded fanny pack as a bag to be checked? Is the check an xray type or do they open your bag?

In theory, yes, both of those would count as bags. I've seen some folks get through with very small wristlet and/or cell phone holders, but I've also seen the security CMs tell guests with wristlets that they have to go through bag check.

There is no x-ray. The CMs will ask you to open your bag(s) and they will look inside (often with a flash light). Some CMs only take a cursory look, while others will ask you to open every single pocket, pouch, and container in your bag.

 

[bigstuff]

Great info! Thank you.

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

a tip to make things go faster at bag check for both you and the people behind you is to have your bag open before you get to the CM checking the bags.

 

[Toffeewoffy]

Oh, and you have to take your bag off your body, too. So, even if it's a cross-body bag you'll have to put it on the table. They won't check the bag if you're wearing it.

 

[maxiesmom]

They will look in any and every bag, no matter how small. Even bags from purchases you may have made at another park. Camera bags too.

 

[disnut8]

Also note that if you have a bag inside a bag, like a waist pack inside a backpack, you will need to remove and open that inside bag as well. This includes camera bags inside something too.

 

[Anonny]

My wristlet fit in my pocket, so I didn't need to go through bag check.

 

[maxiesmom]

My wristlet fit in my pocket, so I didn't need to go through bag check.

Depending on the CM, if the bag is noticeable, they can send you back through the bag check line. I've see that happen.

 

[swedie]

I use a cross body bag, my husband carries a small back pack.

Generally there are two lines for each bag checker - one on each side of a table. The checker alternates right side, left side.

To speed things up:

1. I usually take the back pack from my husband - he goes through the "no bag" entry and I take both my bag and his through the bag check, rather than having to wait for the alternating check.

2. Open all zippers, pockets, etc. before you get to the checker.

These two tips will save you time of at least one or two spots in the line.

 

[cgattis]

To speed things up: 1. I usually take the back pack from my husband - he goes through the "no bag" entry and I take both my bag and his through the bag check, rather than having to wait for the alternating check.

DUH!!! Why have I never thought of this??? You're a genius. Thanks SO much for this super idea!!

 

[vdoucet78]

Also remember both sides of the table are open, even if no one is standing in line on one side. I think a lot of ppl don't realize and just get in line behind everyone else instead of going to the other side that's sometimes empty. I take both bags (when we both have a bag) and have them open, and my DH goes thru the no bag entrance and meets me nearer the turnstiles. Does speed things up a bit.

 

[mellyf]

Depending on the CM, if the bag is noticeable, they can send you back through the bag check line. I've see that happen.

That's good to know. I almost always just take a wristlet, and I've always gone through bag check (many times). The last time we went, which was a couple years ago, on our very last day in the parks, the security guy looked at it, rolled his eyes, and said I didn't have to take it through bag check. At the time, I wished they'd told me that before, but apparently someone else might have said I did have to take it through.

 

[strawberrylilacs]

Considering it is a bag check, I'm always surprised how quick the line moves. Also they don't spend much time at all on each bag. I wouldn't go out of my way to avoid these lines.

 

[disnut8]

Also remember both sides of the table are open, even if no one is standing in line on one side.

So true. My husband and I will usually do a "split" so he's on one side and I'm on the other. Most of the things, we are done right after each other.

Unless we have a family of four in front of us and all four decide to be on one side of the table. Then we both go on the other side and get through before the family is done.

Also agree with the poster who said to remove your bags from your person, unzip, unvelcro, unsnap every pocket and have the bag(s) on the table. The security person will usually then do a very quick check and off you go.

One other suggestion - please take your bag(s) as open as they are off the table and move on before you start to close them up. There's plenty of room AFTER the check to do that.