Security Checkpoints

[KatieBee14]

Hi everyone! DH, DD (almost 3), and himself have a three day trip planned next week but I have been reading about the new security checkpoints and wanted some advice. We have a DR for the PCH Grill character breakfast at 9am and then will be heading to the park. We are staying offsite. Should we still park in the Mickey and Friends lot and if so, how long should we give ourselves to get through security? My SIL went in January and said the security lines were a nightmare and they missed some of their EMH because of it so just curious what things are like now and what our best bet would be. We are staying at the Staybridge Suites a mile away. Thank you so much!

 

[Mysteryincorp]

I would park in Mickey and Friends and give yourself about 30 minutes to walk and get through security

 

[whoever]

Wish I could help. I can only comment on security coming from the Grand and entering DTD from the DLH. I honestly never saw where they did security for the trams, but I found the security choke points moved back, out, and more of them to be quicker total than previous trips, however individual security examination took probably 3 times as long because they actually look at everything now.

 

[SMD]

The only reason to go through security at M&F is if you're getting on the tram. You should bypass security by going through M&F and Pinocchio lots, and then walk by DLH to PPH. You could go through security at the DTD lot near ESPN, but unless they force you to walk that way, you should just be able to walk by DLH. Depending on what time you have you ADR and what time the park opens, it could still take 30 minutes or more to get to the booth, park and walk the mile to PPH.

 

[ashley0139]

The only reason to go through security at M&F is if you're getting on the tram. You should bypass security by going through M&F and Pinocchio lots, and then walk by DLH to PPH. You could go through security at the DTD lot near ESPN, but unless they force you to walk that way, you should just be able to walk by DLH. Depending on what time you have you ADR and what time the park opens, it could still take 30 minutes or more to get to the booth, park and walk the mile to PPH.

Yes, this is what you should do. No need to go through security at all at that point. Just walk around.

Or park at PPH and then move your car when you're done. You should get some time free with your reservation validation.

 

[RynB11]

I agree with everyone above. If you don't feel like moving your car after eating, park at the M&F lot and cut across the DLH to PPH. You'll be outside of the security zone for this walk. We did this when we wanted a Dole Whip Float with a splash of rum at The Coffee House at DLH before entering the parks

 

[lilmissfoodie]

Just another note that ALL security checkpoints (except maybe from the Grand directly into DCA) are much faster than they were before. There are just so many more checkpoints now that the load is spread out compared to when they started it at the esplanade.

 

[Malcon10t]

You can park and walk thru the DLH to PPH. Then after breakfast go back towards the DLH and enter the security point there. Very easy usually.

 

[SMD]

Just another note that ALL security checkpoints (except maybe from the Grand directly into DCA) are much faster than they were before. There are just so many more checkpoints now that the load is spread out compared to when they started it at the esplanade.

That hasn't been my experience. A couple of times they had 4 or 5 lanes open, but I've encountered so many lines back to the escalator and walking to the DTD parking lot entrance hasn't been much better so I've been going to Toy Story to avoid it. Next weekend with the race I expect it to be pretty bad at M&F.

 

[ashley0139]

That hasn't been my experience. A couple of times they had 4 or 5 lanes open, but I've encountered so many lines back to the escalator and walking to the DTD parking lot entrance hasn't been much better so I've been going to Toy Story to avoid it. Next weekend with the race I expect it to be pretty bad at M&F.

Race weekend will always be bad, but that's interesting. I have had much better luck with security since it's been moved and even more so when I walk to DTD (which I do about 50% of the time). I have never encountered a line there. I'm always wary of going to TS because I've seen some crazy lines on the Harbor side and there's no option to walk anywhere else.

 

[lilmissfoodie]

I also did NOT have a problem on my most recent runDisney event parking at M&Fs.

 

[SMD]

I also did NOT have a problem on my most recent runDisney event parking at M&Fs.

I volunteered Thurs afternoon at the expo, which I think means that I got there around 1pm, and the M&F security line was so long that I could even see the opening to walk to DLH. I had to practically fight through it just to walk around.

 

[pennym]

Do they have lots more screening booths on the Harbour side now? The 3 they had was just getting ridiculous! They need to take a look at Universal setup.

 

[SMD]

Harbor side has the same number, but it depends on how they staff them. When they only staff 4 at M&F, it's not any faster.

 

[Disney Dad ADL]

Last time I parked at M&F in March, security was a breeze, basically no line, though not sure if I was just lucky.

Edit: more specifically Friday March 24 in the morning.