Secuirty Lines - tips for not getting in the 'slow' ones?

[starshine514]

So, I seem to be a magnet for the slow-moving lines. I've gotten in ridiculously slow-moving security lines (with different personnel) about 1/3 of the time. I'm talking about the ones that make you take your cross-body bag off your shoulder and then they explore every little nook and cranny (even those smaller than your pockets on your jeans). Their lines move 3 or 4 times slower than all the other ones, but I usually don't realize that I'm in such a line until it's too late.

It's been older or upper-middle-aged women who have been the problematic ones for me. However, avoiding women in general (we're 51% of the population, you know!) may not be the correct strategy. Anyone have any tips they'd like to share?

 

[audrey2580]

My general rule at disney is "Don't follow the herd". People tend to move in packs because they think there is a leader somewhere up there that knows what he/she is doing. I always have my eyes open and I avoid the lines with the strollers that are so filled they look like people are moving into Disneyland.

 

[Disney Dreams]

Get behind people with no bags or strollers. (And be one of those people too, to keep the lines moving!)

- Dreams

 

[Malcon10t]

See the line with strollers with coolers underneath? Get a different line. I've never had the problem with what you are describing, sure they look, but that isn't what causes the tie up. It is the people who don't have their stuff ready. My fav? The lady in the line next to me pushing a stroller with 3 backpacks underneath, who tries to ignore them wanting to look. Then they take even longer.

 

[starshine514]

See the line with strollers with coolers underneath? Get a different line. I've never had the problem with what you are describing, sure they look, but that isn't what causes the tie up. It is the people who don't have their stuff ready. My fav? The lady in the line next to me pushing a stroller with 3 backpacks underneath, who tries to ignore them wanting to look. Then they take even longer.

Yeah, people cause problems, too. But the security folks sometimes are the bigger problem (sometimes, they are exactly what causes the tie up. Just watch, if the security person gets one person through when the lines next to them have gotten 3 through - and it happens over and over again, it's probably the security person that is the problem, not all the people). It's sounding from the suggestions that the best you can do is look at the other people in line before choosing and hope you don't get one of the super-slow security people.

I think I also need to watch (if I arrive after security has opened) and see how fast my chosen line is moving. If the one next to it is moving faster, change lines ASAP - before I'm behind another 20 (or more!) people. It's sometimes difficult to be that observant with kids in tow, but it's probably what needs to happen.

 

[mom4princesses]

We are a family of 8 and usually bring a few bags and a stroller, so yah we are that family. But I do my best to make it quick and not stop the line. I pass out the bags (so each person has only on thing to get checked, stroller or a bag), have all the zippers unzipped ready to go and that helps a lot. October will be our first visit in a long time we don't have to pack diapers, etc. so one less bag for us. Can't wait for the day we can just bring one small bag.

 

[furb & dez]

...I do my best to make it quick and not stop the line. I...have all the zippers unzipped ready to go and that helps a lot.

DING DING DING! We have a winner!

 

[Disney Dreams]

We are a family of 8 and usually bring a few bags and a stroller, so yah we are that family. But I do my best to make it quick and not stop the line. I pass out the bags (so each person has only on thing to get checked, stroller or a bag), have all the zippers unzipped ready to go and that helps a lot. October will be our first visit in a long time we don't have to pack diapers, etc. so one less bag for us. Can't wait for the day we can just bring one small bag.

On behalf of everyone in line, THANK YOU! Can you create an instructional, illustrated brochure and distribute it?

It's not the security CMs. They are doing their jobs.

- Dreams

 

[starshine514]

It's not the security CMs. They are doing their jobs.

And some of them are very thorough at their jobs...much more thorough than the rest of them...thoroughness takes time...lots of time...

 

[Disney Dreams]

And some of them are very thorough at their jobs...much more thorough than the rest of them...thoroughness takes time...lots of time...

When someone is checking bags for a variety of items, including knifes, isn't that a good thing?

I personally have no issue with a security checkpoint being done thoroughly.

JMO,
Dreams

 

[starshine514]

When someone is checking bags for a variety of items, including knifes, isn't that a good thing?

I personally have no issue with a security checkpoint being done thoroughly.

JMO,
Dreams

If they were all that way, but they aren't. So, all the people in the less thorough lines get to the gate ahead of me - and therefore, are in line in front of me on Peter Pan. I don't think there's really any problem to want to be in a faster moving line, do you?

Many knives actually fit in jeans pockets, which they don't even check.

 

[Disney Dreams]

...I don't think there's really any problem to want to be in a faster moving line, do you?....

Nope. None at all. That's why I carry no bags and get behind people without bags or strollers as often as possible.

- Dreams

 

[starshine514]

Nope. None at all. That's why I carry no bags and get behind people without bags or strollers as often as possible.

- Dreams

 

[jdb in AZ]

I carry a credit card and hotel room key in my back pocket, and the security people are surprised that I don't carry a purse and/or other stuff for them to check. That said, you don't want to get in the same line with me because that will guarantee the line will immediately become the slowest in the park.

 

[Haileys Nana]

It was just my hubby and I. I carried a small bag the first day of our trip. At the end of the day I realized I had'nt used a single thing out of it all day! My camera,phone and a comb all fit in my pockets. The rest of the trip, no bags! It is wonderful going through the no bag line. So many people carry so much stuff in that they never use. I don't want to lug it around all day unless I absoultely have too. I know with kids it's necessary to carry some things but there is so much in those bags people can do without! Remember a lot of you go back to the resorts for an afternoon break anyway.

 

[todzwife]

My general rule at disney is "Don't follow the herd". People tend to move in packs because they think there is a leader somewhere up there that knows what he/she is doing. I always have my eyes open and I avoid the lines with the strollers that are so filled they look like people are moving into Disneyland.

I don't know why but this totally made me

It's true though.

 

[PinkBudgie]

When we walk up to security from "walk in" side we usually go to the left security tent because everyone else goes to the one on the right.

DH always has every zipper on the backpack opened and I have my purse open. Why do we even need a backpack? To carry all the water bottles!

 

[the donut]

Look for the line with me in it and avoid. I swear I have a knack for getting in the slowest line, be it DL, the grocery, or whatever.

 

[aristocat65]

Get behind people with no bags or strollers. (And be one of those people too, to keep the lines moving!)

- Dreams

Totally agree. I don't fault the people who need to bring all that "stuff" into DLR, but I'm so glad I'm not them. I love carrying my nice purse at home, but not at the parks. For years I just used to bring my small camera bag with my Parkhopper, room key, ID and a CC in it. If DH was wearing cargo shorts it would even fit in his pocket.
Now, I realize that I never use the camera anymore because I've been so many times and my DS is old enough that like his father, he won't let me take his picture.
This trip I may just put my stuff in my pocket

 

[Leofoenget]

Sometimes they explore everything, sometimes they wave you through so fast it's sad what I have gotten through. Not that I carry a gun or anythign but if I had WANTED to, I could have. What exactly are they looking for anyway?