Searching backpacks at the park entry

[deany]

On our last visit, they were not checking backpacks. We thought we might bring a small pack with our camera and a couple of water bottles but will it really slow us down getting into the parks if we do this? What if I just have my camera on my shoulder - do you go through security with that also? How does everyone else carry their money/passes - just in your pocket? I am kind of spoiled because DH has always carried our backpack but he is opting to stay home this trip.

 

[disneyfan6301]

I always carry the backpack/bag with all the "stuff". They were checking bags last time we were there (Dec). I just always had my bag open so they did not have to fool with it. The only time it slowed us waaaaaay down was at EPCOT. For some reason it was packed that day and the line was longer than normal. Just remember, even with this "ride", go to the left....

 

[Laurajean1014]

You didn't mention the last time you were there. When?

They check everything except wallets. As they should.

 

[timandlesley]

Basically if you are carrying anything in you have to go through the bag check line. They will have you open up the camera case. Some of them are very thorough, others just glance in the bag (which I think is crazy). They still have the line for others without bags to go through. I didn't wait longer than 5 minutes at bag check at any park during our trip this June. I still can't believe they don't have metal detectors, our local theme park does. Do you think Disney will get on board?? They need to!

Lesley

 

[minnie61650]

The bag checks and the finger scanning slows down the crowds entering the parks.

There are many undercover security people watching us as we enter the parks. If you know where to look you would see all kinds of "hidden" security cameras.
I have seen more of those cameras in the parks then i anywhere I have vacation except maybe with the exception of Vegas.

Since 911 WDW is a no fly zone.
Disney has spent mega bucks on security since 9/11 and it would not surprise me at all if along with those Bioscans Disney has or will have in near future.security devices such as Bomb-sniffing technology (there are polymer devices already in use that can pick up on tiny trace amounts of explosive vapors from over 20 feet away).Or the full body backscatter X-ray (which has already been tested at the Orlando airport).
Maybe if they get that in soon they could just do random bag checks!
That would be a plus!

Have fun at Disney!

 

[DrmWvr1299]

We were there in Dec and the MK was the worst/best, ever how you look at the situation , for checking bags. One morning it was raining so we had worn our ponchos. My bag was opened and I always took my camera case out and held the bag open for them to look into. It was not enough to satisfy one of the security guards, not only did I have to empty my bag completely on the table but he told me I needed to take my poncho and sweatshirt off also. I had layered that morning because it was cold so I did have another shirt on underneath. I was the only one in our group that had to take the poncho off but he had all of us empty our bags completely. I looked over at the other guards and they were just looking into the bags and passing them through. I was sort of ticked off but then again he was doing his job...and very thoroughly I might add.

 

[beccasmom]

We were there last month. I carried a small "wallet bag" due to recent hand surgery (it doesn't hold much more than a cell phone, tissues and a credit card/park ticket). They did "inspect" it, but the line moved quickly.

 

[PrincessPaczki]

Hi!
I am not complaining about the search but very happy. We usually carry a fanny pack with our small things and it has one big top zipper , and one small in the front ( or so we thought!) After we opened our fanny pack and little zipper , he asks us to open the other zipper. We were confused and said that was it. It showed us another one tucked away in the back. To our surprise there was my sons good watch from a few years earlier that we thought was long gone! I could not believe it. I don't think he could believe our excitement!

Keep up the good work!!!!

 

[eeyoreiscool]

We always have all our bags checked no matter how big or small they are. Most of the time it is fairly quick and easy but occasionally we will get a guard that looks everywhere and wants everything taken out.

 

[Nite0wl71]

Our bags were always checked, even the cameras. I have never had to take everything out though. Usually I open it, they glance in or poke around with a long stick. Sometimes they wanted to take my M&M's

 

[Letsbgoofy]

We always had our backpack or fanny pack checked last August. The tables are set up before the entrance. We got to the parks before opening, and were through the lines before the gates opened.

I carried my camera in a plastic ziplock to keep it dry. It helped with the check, and I will do it again this year. I never had more than a poke through with a stick because everything was easy to see.

 

[The Sweetness]

Has anyone ever went through the bag check line with the family's things (dd15s small backpack, our large back pack and a waist-pauch thingy. This could save time if the fam was ahead of me lining up for whatever was first, and I could catch up...Or get a stroller

 

[Mickey Fanatic]

We have never found that there was much of a delay at the bag check. WE have been in Oct (just after 9/11), Dec. and May. We always have every section of our backpack and/or fanny pack open before we get to the table and the camera out. That way it is faster.

 

[Robo]

Has anyone ever went through the bag check line with the family's things (dd15s small backpack, our large back pack and a waist-pauch thingy. This could save time if the fam was ahead of me lining up for whatever was first, and I could catch up...Or get a stroller

Yes. People have been known to use that strategy.

But don't try to "join" your family if they are already deep into a ride queue with a line of others behind them.

That's liable to cause a DISCUSSION here on the boards.

 

[Schmeck]

Has anyone ever went through the bag check line with the family's things (dd15s small backpack, our large back pack and a waist-pauch thingy. This could save time if the fam was ahead of me lining up for whatever was first, and I could catch up...Or get a stroller

They won't get too far ahead - security checks bags before the finger scan, so they'll be waiting for you there - and strollers are purchased after your tickets are scanned. Separating so one person does all the bags will save you about 30 seconds...

 

[justplaingoofy]

Security is definitely a way of life now... as well it should be. I am not complaining, just a comment. I would love to see an express line or something!