Security search at the parks?

[deany]

We are considering taking a small packpack or shoulder bag with us to the parks to hold our camera, water, tickets, etc. We have not been to WDW since 2000 and we are wondering how long it holds you up in line. My gosh, those lineups could really build up while we are getting our bag searched LOL.
Do most of you just put your cards in your pockets or do you take a bag? I would love to be pack free but I would also like to take my new, small digital camera on some days.

We are going Sept 29 to Oct 12. Do you think we may need a light jacket or sweater in the evenings? We have never travelled at this time before and don't know what to expect as we are coming from Canada.

 

[hockey mom]

The security line for bags goes very fast. I have never been in line for more than 5 minutes.

We went for our Thanksgiving in 2004 and 2003 and there was never a need for sweaters.

 

[MickeynMinnie]

The lines vary depending what time and what park you go to. Longer lines at MK AND Epcot. I reccommend taking the water and backpack! it is a life saver!! water gets to be expensive and you need to drink lots of it down there!! it's alot easier than carying your camera too!!
Have fun!!

 

[clonetothebone]

Lines for the security check are more annoying than anything. The longest I waited was maybe 3 minutes at opening time at Epcot. What is annoying about them is that people know that they should have their bags open so the security people can check them yet just about every time you go through they have to tell someone to please open their bag. Everyone could be through the line in a matter of seconds if they would just use some common sense.

 

[SnwflkCts]

Yes Security Line is fast - I was impressed. Now I get mad that I have to wait for people with backpacks filled with water and cameras when all I have is my little fanny pack ... ... just teasing -- only get mad like "clone" when people are NOT ready - have the darn thing open already!!!

 

[mickyzzzzz05]

The bag check lines move quickly. It is easier if all the flaps and zippers are open - things go quicker. We bought a clear plastic backpack - it is so easy for them to check and easy for us to find things too.

 

[deany]

This sounds pretty good and fast to me. I had visions of being held up for 20 mins or more at the security line. LOL

 

[Coll0610]

We go every year in Sept or Oct and I can't remember ever needing a sweatshirt, except in an overcooled restaurant.

 

[Wendy1953]

We don't mind the security checks...
9/11/01...is still with us, lots of lives would have been saved if they would have done a more thorough search (when a person books a flight..check background) ...we here in NY lost lots of loved ones (not me personally, thank God, but lots of friends did)... check me out, check you out, and please Dear God allow a check of those that mean harm to others, and catch them before they do harm to anyone else.

Please think about 9/11/01 when you get upset about the security checks, it'll make sense and keep you from getting upset and annoyed!

 

[sam-eliza]

We just got back on Saturday and the security check lines weren't bad. They look bad as you're getting off the monorail but they move quickly. They have several large counters and lines form on either side of them. One security guard at each counter, checks the person on the left, then the person on the right. That way, putting all your stuff back and zipping up doesn't hold the security guard up and keeps the lines moving.

We also found that they weren't very thorough in their search either. (Although last week a couple got nabbed taking a stirafoam cooler of Miller Lite into the park! They had no idea you couldn't bring alcohol in. Pretty funny!)

The more time consuming thing is the finger scan when you go to enter the park! I'm still not sure what that is for...

Here's a photo of the lines at 9:15 AM on July 28th. The back two beige shelters are the security checks - the open middle section is for people without any bags. The front two green shelters are for tickets and finger checks.

 

[LiLIrishChick63]

i usually HATE it when they have security checks ANYWHERE! i always get frustrated and annoyed anytime i go to events like hockey games or concerts. and i get even more angry when they feel they have the right to touch or go through my purse!


but at Disney it's really not that bad. just make sure that you have the bag open as soon as you get up there, and it won't be bad at all. the people who hold up the lines are the ones who have backpacks or luggage(yes, i've seen people bring luggage bags into the parks) or sometimes they check diaper bags.

 

[I Love Pluto]

I agree with Wendy. 9/11 is still with all of us in one way or another. I'm happy to cooperate with a bag search. It's for our protection.

 

[disnut8]

The bag search at Disney World in no way compares to an airline security check. Or an NFL one now that a patdown is required. The Falcons have female lines and male lines for the search. Kind of ridiculous for a couple that goes to the games together. Disney World searches are just to make sure no one is bringing in anything potentially harmful. Like others have said, takes about five minutes. The checks at the front of Epcot are the worst. There's just no space between the search area and the ticket area. It gets bogged down there. Otherwise, no problem.

 

[Eljay]

The more time consuming thing is the finger scan when you go to enter the park! I'm still not sure what that is for...

Sorry for the thread drift, just wanted to clarify that finger scans are to prevent ticket usage by other than the original user and to identify AP holders. All tickets are non-transferrable.

Back to the original topic, I always say to the security officer who checks my bag, "Thanks for doing this." I usually get a surprized smile!