Question about new security screening

[AngiTN]

Doesn't security hold items not allowed in the park. We've seen selfie sticks taken and guests answering questions to be able to retrieve them later?

Yes, but that is when the check was done at the park gates. That won't work when someone is going from resort to resort with it. And there isn't another check at the park for those getting off at the MK monorail stop for security to check for someone who said they weren't getting off at MK but do anyway

 

[GPC0321]

This thread is about guests who are not going to MK, but are riding the resort monorail between resorts.
The problem under consideration is that guests not going to MK may have items with them (that they want to take to the other RESORT, or to TTC)
that would not be allowed in MK.
But, those items would (before this change in screening locations) have been just fine to carry aboard the monorail (but not if those guests were going to MK.)

Yes, I get that. What I'm saying is that rather than prohibiting people getting on the monorail from bringing selfie-sticks or bottles of wine or whatever (because they might be heading to another resort where they are allowed), the security personnel doing the screening can remind people who DO have these items that they are fine to have at the resorts, but if they are planning to enter the Magic Kingdom at some point, they should know those items are prohibited and might be confiscated in the park.
This way, those who are resort hopping can bring selfie-sticks and whatever else, and those who are going to MK have been warned about items that are banned in the park.

 

[Robo]

Yes, I get that. What I'm saying is that rather than prohibiting people getting on the monorail from bringing selfie-sticks or bottles of wine or whatever (because they might be heading to another resort where they are allowed), the security personnel doing the screening can remind people who DO have these items that they are fine to have at the resorts, but if they are planning to enter the Magic Kingdom at some point, they should know those items are prohibited and might be confiscated in the park.
This way, those who are resort hopping can bring selfie-sticks and whatever else, and those who are going to MK have been warned about items that are banned in the park.

That's not how the new security screening works.
The guests who are screened at the resorts before boarding the monorails are NOT screened again at MK.
The point of this change is to break up where the screening takes place, so that some of the screening burden
can be removed from the MK ages area by having it done prior to arrival at the MK gates.

Those items not allowed at MK would (before this change in screening locations) have been just fine to carry aboard the monorail (but not if those guests were going to MK.)
But, once aboard the monorail, guests are free to exit at any stop they choose, including MK...
at which there would be no screening.

That's what this discussion is all about.

 

[AngiTN]

Yes, I get that. What I'm saying is that rather than prohibiting people getting on the monorail from bringing selfie-sticks or bottles of wine or whatever (because they might be heading to another resort where they are allowed), the security personnel doing the screening can remind people who DO have these items that they are fine to have at the resorts, but if they are planning to enter the Magic Kingdom at some point, they should know those items are prohibited and might be confiscated in the park.
This way, those who are resort hopping can bring selfie-sticks and whatever else, and those who are going to MK have been warned about items that are banned in the park.

Yes, but you have 2 types of people. Those who know what is against the rules and believe in following them and those who know the rules but think "oh, I can bring it this one time, it's ok"
Expecting everyone to follow rules is just not going to be successful. Yes, they can confiscate in the park but again, you have CM who don't want to confront guests. This is why you see guests vaping/smoking outside permitted areas or with selfie sticks.

 

[KK1]

I will tell you what scares me about this. In 1955, Walt himself declared that no police would be in the park. Ever since that time, Disney has really tried hard to keep security to a minimum and out of sight. A year or so ago, when they first introduced metal detectors, they were simple and random. Now they are for everyone and at everyplace possible. For the first time, Disney has broken the magic and allowed the real world into their World. I don't think they would do that if there wasn't a REALLY good reason. If they have to move security out to the monorail, that says they are scared - and if they are scared, what business do I have taking my kid there?

 

[AngiTN]

I will tell you what scares me about this. In 1955, Walt himself declared that no police would be in the park. Ever since that time, Disney has really tried hard to keep security to a minimum and out of sight. A year or so ago, when they first introduced metal detectors, they were simple and random. Now they are for everyone and at everyplace possible. For the first time, Disney has broken the magic and allowed the real world into their World. I don't think they would do that if there wasn't a REALLY good reason. If they have to move security out to the monorail, that says they are scared - and if they are scared, what business do I have taking my kid there?

Wow, I can't follow that leap. They did not move the security because they are scared. But, luckily, if you feel it's not safe you are not required to take your children there.

 

[HMANSION LOVER]

Not to be an *** but if I were subjected to that person with the selfie stick at the character breakfast, I think that because someone tripped me I would have accidentally fallen and completely disabled his selfie stick. At which point I would have apologized and offered to pay him to replace it. Hoping I don't get in trouble with the moderators. just saying!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[KK1]

They SAY they didn't move it for that reason. But would they ever say that? Of course not. The fact that Disney has slowly, but completely, turned WDW into this locked-down camp and is willing to remind the guests of the world's dangers, speaks volumes to me. And yes - I probably won't. I can only hope that if this is just an overreaction, that Disney wakes up and sees it will lose guests over this, and get back to something reasonable.

 

[AngiTN]

They SAY they didn't move it for that reason. But would they ever say that? Of course not. The fact that Disney has slowly, but completely, turned WDW into this locked-down camp and is willing to remind the guests of the world's dangers, speaks volumes to me. And yes - I probably won't. I can only hope that if this is just an overreaction, that Disney wakes up and sees it will lose guests over this, and get back to something reasonable.

Have you been to see the procedures? It's nothing like a locked down camp. We go through more security going to football games on the weekends. They will not be removing the security they've added.

 

[Jennasis]

They SAY they didn't move it for that reason. But would they ever say that? Of course not. The fact that Disney has slowly, but completely, turned WDW into this locked-down camp and is willing to remind the guests of the world's dangers, speaks volumes to me. And yes - I probably won't. I can only hope that if this is just an overreaction, that Disney wakes up and sees it will lose guests over this, and get back to something reasonable.

They ain't losing enough guests over the change in security to amount to any concern for the company.

 

[KK1]

I have seen it. And it looks and feels just like an airport. Just over a year ago, none of this was there. Now it is all over the World. Disney doesn't do things like this unless they have a really good reason. That scares me.

 

[knicksak2]

I have seen it. And it looks and feels just like an airport. Just over a year ago, none of this was there. Now it is all over the World. Disney doesn't do things like this unless they have a really good reason. That scares me.

thats just the world we live in. are you not going to go to a sporting event? or the airport? or anywhere where there are large amounts of people? its not disney being scared and you will find way more people who are happy about the extra security knowing they are safe.

 

[Minerva Mouse]

I will tell you what scares me about this. In 1955, Walt himself declared that no police would be in the park. Ever since that time, Disney has really tried hard to keep security to a minimum and out of sight. A year or so ago, when they first introduced metal detectors, they were simple and random. Now they are for everyone and at everyplace possible. For the first time, Disney has broken the magic and allowed the real world into their World. I don't think they would do that if there wasn't a REALLY good reason. If they have to move security out to the monorail, that says they are scared - and if they are scared, what business do I have taking my kid there?

Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on your view) this isn't 1955 anymore. This is 2017, and bad people do exist. Personally I feel more "scared" just going to the mall, than I do going to Disney. Bad things can happen anywhere and that doesn't mean Disney should ignore it just to protect the magic. I'm glad to see them being proactive, and doing what they can to ensure guest safety.

 

[KK1]

Maybe so. But the thing is, this is absolutely the opposite of how Disney operates. They never act like everyone else. They do things better, smoother, calmer. Its kind of like a Vegas casino. Have you ever seen a problem there? When they happen, security is on them in seconds and the problem disappears. Disney was always the same way. If there was a problem, it was gone in an instant. Security was always there, but always invisible. Walt himself said that he didn't want people feeling like the real world could ever intrude inside his park. The things security like this is intended to deal with have been a fact of life for a long time - at least since the 80's. Even if we only count since 2001, that's still 16 years. Yet Disney never took it this far. Their security was better than that. I still think it is better than that, but the fact they feel like they have to bring it out in the open like this, that the threat has grown so far that they can no longer be so smooth as they were, is frightening.

 

[PrincessWithABlaster]

They SAY they didn't move it for that reason. But would they ever say that? Of course not. The fact that Disney has slowly, but completely, turned WDW into this locked-down camp and is willing to remind the guests of the world's dangers, speaks volumes to me. And yes - I probably won't. I can only hope that if this is just an overreaction, that Disney wakes up and sees it will lose guests over this, and get back to something reasonable.

As much as we might like to think it's a bubble, Disney is part of the real world. They need to constantly re-evaluate their security protocols. They would be irresponsible not to. I don't think of it as fear but as corporate responsibility (giving them the benefit of the doubt) or listen to their liability lawyers (acknowledging my own cynicism). Like it or not, the people who do despicable things are going to be attracted to places with lots of people and bonus for lots of kids. That description is not limited to Disney. People can argue about whether or not specific types of security are effective or necessary or overkill but saying that because a company is thinking about and assessing their security plans and risks is your reason to feel you shouldn't go there seems backwards to me. I'm worried about places that don't do that, personally.

 

[Jennasis]

Maybe so. But the thing is, this is absolutely the opposite of how Disney operates. They never act like everyone else. They do things better, smoother, calmer. Its kind of like a Vegas casino. Have you ever seen a problem there? When they happen, security is on them in seconds and the problem disappears. Disney was always the same way. If there was a problem, it was gone in an instant. Security was always there, but always invisible. Walt himself said that he didn't want people feeling like the real world could ever intrude inside his park. The things security like this is intended to deal with have been a fact of life for a long time - at least since the 80's. Even if we only count since 2001, that's still 16 years. Yet Disney never took it this far. Their security was better than that. I still think it is better than that, but the fact they feel like they have to bring it out in the open like this, that the threat has grown so far that they can no longer be so smooth as they were, is frightening.

To YOU.


Now, maybe there is an actual credible threat this is in response to. Well darn it I'm glad they're making a change to address short-comings then! Or maybe it's just to make the crush of humanity at security in the mornings less awful...and I'm all for that too.

To your point about "frightening"....I REFUSE to live my life afraid. I'm going to the mall. I'm going to that big sporting event. I'm going on vacation. I'm vigilant but NOT AFRAID. If you are afraid, I understand and sympathize but I won't live that way.

 

[AngiTN]

I have seen it. And it looks and feels just like an airport. Just over a year ago, none of this was there. Now it is all over the World. Disney doesn't do things like this unless they have a really good reason. That scares me.

Yeah, all over the world, not just at Disney. They did it because their lawyers told them they had to. Or risk analysis specialists. More than likely a little of both. There is nothing to be afraid of going to Disney. Or outside the doors of my house. To live any differently is no life in my view. At least no life I want to live.

They changes they started today are an improvement to the procedures before. Less waiting for their guests. It's not because they are scared of something happening. They had complaints about the delays, they made changes to address that. The fact that it added an additional layer of security for the monorails and boats is a bonus

 

[Glam]

I don't understand the angst over security. I think it's a good thing and just the norm for our world. And it's not like we're being randomly stopped or detained once in the parks. I would rather we have consistent entry security than not- of course, i have to go through security 5 days a week just to go work.

 

[knicksak2]

back to the original point though i think someone needs to go test out what happens with the items not allowed in magic kingdom and the resort monorail

 

[AngiTN]

I just had another thought about the new changes, And maybe it will not be affected because you have Plaids with you, but what about the Highway Dine in the Sky folks? They going to have to go through security/bag check every time they get on the monorail over the course of the evening?