Security!

[diannaneglia]

I just got back from WDW this past Monday and I was wondering what other people thought of the security there. Before you enter the parks...they have security checking thru everyones bags...by hand. This, I am sure, is no easy task and holds up the lines...ALOT!

I was thinking it would be so much better if they had security lines simular to the airport. Just put your belongings on a belt to pass thru the scanner and persons pass thru the metal detector.

I can't imagine how the security can possibly see into everyones bags and belongings with just a glance...not to mention...what if someone were to hide something under their clothes or in their pockets? I know Disney is a pretty safe place but I also can imagine some freak taking advantage of their flimsy security system.

What do you all think???

 

[MidgeD79]

The last time we went to WDW We were at AK for Donald's Breakfast and I didn't know where it was so I asked the Security Guard who was cheking my bag where it was. He said "I don't know, I don't work in there". Wow! I'm not reassured by the fact if there was a security breach inside that the "guards" would know what to do or where to go. The security guards are a blind reassurance to the public and I feel are of no real value.

 

[Harvest02]

I don't think security is very good, really. We just got back also and I agree that looking through bags holds up everything. They don't even look through the bags that well to begin with. I think x-ray machines would be a great idea! I just don't think Disney would ever use that method since it would probably cost more. But, who knows!!!

 

[bicker]

There is a value to blind reassurance to the public. It may not be something you or I value, but there is a value to it. And therefore the costs of its, both financial and otherwise, are part of the cost of doing business for WDW.

 

[BroadwayGirl]

I just got back from WDW this past Monday and I was wondering what other people thought of the security there. Before you enter the parks...they have security checking thru everyones bags...by hand. This, I am sure, is no easy task and holds up the lines...ALOT!

I was thinking it would be so much better if they had security lines simular to the airport. Just put your belongings on a belt to pass thru the scanner and persons pass thru the metal detector.

I can't imagine how the security can possibly see into everyones bags and belongings with just a glance...not to mention...what if someone were to hide something under their clothes or in their pockets? I know Disney is a pretty safe place but I also can imagine some freak taking advantage of their flimsy security system.

What do you all think???

Personally, I think it is kind of foolish to believe that this is the extent of security at WDW. The visible security, including bag checks and costumed security personnel are there for reassurance and a reminder that there is a real security presence at WDW. Bag checks are a great way to slow the flow of people into the parks and get a first look at any potential problems. But I feel pretty confident that there is more going on security-wise than meets the eye.

 

[4chitlins]

I was told that some of the CM's inside the parks are actually security and also some of the people in the crowd too. Maybe the ones checking bags are hired to just do that

 

[Jrabbit910]

I didnt mind the security there at all. I know that they are there to do a job that involves (or should involve) alot of checking and watching but I feel they would have more of a problem on there hands if they did such extensive searches... I never felt unsafe and dont mind waiting 10 minutes on a line for them to go thru my bags. Most of the times you waiting on lines anyway to ride on the rides anyway. I can honestly say I have not heard any bad stories and hope it stays that way with the security.

 

[GSDRescuer]

Did you ever notice how quickly "help" shows up on grounds when something happens? I think there is "invisible" security all around.

 

[DizCaptain]

Oh well of course there is always security. Just sometimes their disquised as tourists just as Push the Trashcan's operator is...

 

[sticker231]

I have never felt unsecure at WDW. The wait isn't so bad, no more than ten minutes is what we have experienced. The check at the gates is more of a visible force. Having traveled internationally, it is kinda scary to police carry automatic weapons around. Seeing that makes me think what is going on around here. I feel more secure with a descreet force. It would take away the "magic" if all you saw was security floating around the park. There are CMs all over the place that you can see and I'm sure plenty we don't see. Just my 2 cents.

 

[sjcmi]

I am a Security Officer at a University, so I would like to think that I have an informed opinion on this. Take comfort not in the Security personel that you see but in the Security personel that you don't see. The previous poster might be correct that the bag check line might just a way to get everyone to slow down so Security can get a good look at them. I am paranoid by nature (paranoid enough?) and Disney World is about the most relaxed I get. I still don't let my kid out of my sight, and keep my wallet pocket buttoned, but I am relaxed there.

 

[CarolA]

Well...maybe it accomplishs more then you think.

Several months ago I was going into Epcot. As I get there I see two police cruisers with several cops, Lots of "suits", lots of security etc.

I then notice THREE folks sitting near a closed security checkpoint. They had been seated WELL apart from each other and thier bags were piled in the middle of the area which had been closed off...

I asked and was told that either they had something they shouldn't have or had jokingly made a "threat" ...

It didn't look to me like they were having fun. It was HOT and Disney had them sitting in the sun far enough apart that they could not even speak to each other.

I don't know what happened, but I figure the "security" may not be as loose as you think!

 

[Chuck S]

Well, the airport type machines are EXTREMELY expensive, and they really don't seem to be any faster than the manual bag checks...you have to wait in line for them, too, and then when a person beeps in the detectors they have to search the person.

There are more things that would pose a hazard to air travel than at a theme park. For instance, a sharp object can, as we saw in the 9-11 attacks, bring down a plane. In a theme park a knife attack would be very limited in scope. People have places they can go and be secure. There is a lot more security per person inside the parks, most of it "undercover", than there is on a plane.

And the bottom line is this, if some nut case really wants to do harm to a public venue, they will find a way to accomplish that goal, whether there is any security checks or not.

The bag checks are basically, as bicker suggests, to help the public with a "fear factor." Really, Mom & I walked across the border to Mexico yesterday, day tourists are down there, too, because of "terrorism concerns". No bag checks, nothing, and I felt as safe there in the daytime as I do in WDW. But I would not stay across the border after dark.

 

[pezheadmeg]

I was told that some of the CM's inside the parks are actually security and also some of the people in the crowd too. Maybe the ones checking bags are hired to just do that

I was on my way to a Department Store security job, when NY State went and changed their licensing stores on me. You would never know looking at me that I was store security; as you would never guess most store security managers are security. You really have to watch for the ones you don't know are security, that's where the actual work is. The goal is to have those calling the shots blend in as much as possible.

 

[bluejasmine]

It is a hassel but I am grateful that WDW is taking some measures to insure our safety and the safety of our children when we are within their parks.. I dont know that those x ray machines wouldnt hold thing up even worse really.. I know at the airport it can take quite awhile too..

 

[BlindTyldak]

Hand-checking can accomplish a lot of things that x-rays can't . . . the x-rays can't detect odors, powders, or grease/oils, which a nose or a brush of the hand can, and are much more likely to have large-scale effects on the park if utilized. I know some larger airports have machines that can check for these two, but I think I've seen only one (Minneapolis?) at one gate so I'm sure they're insanely expensive and probably set off a lot of false positives.

 

[TSR6]

The last time we went to WDW We were at AK for Donald's Breakfast and I didn't know where it was so I asked the Security Guard who was cheking my bag where it was. He said "I don't know, I don't work in there". Wow! I'm not reassured by the fact if there was a security breach inside that the "guards" would know what to do or where to go.

It's very possible he picked up an "Extra Hours" shift at AK, and it's probably not his normal park. I assure you, all security cast members have nextel walkie talkies. You might be able to outrun the person, but you can't outrun a motorola - as the old saying goes.

 

[TSR6]

I was told that some of the CM's inside the parks are actually security and also some of the people in the crowd too. Maybe the ones checking bags are hired to just do that

Yep. Undercover.

 

[dmk1021]

I've spoken to some very nice wdw security "bag" people. In particular, a very nice lady at Epcot, who told my mom and I some amazing stories of what people try to bring in - ie. guns, knives, pepper spray. They find lots of stuff. Also, for extra protection, during the Food and Wine Festival, they have Orange County (I think it was Orange County) "real" police officers at the entrance/exit to handle unruly folks who enjoyed too much.

I feel extremely comfortable with the nice folks outside the parks and the invisible ones inside. My brother used to be a CM, and when we spent Christmas 2001 at WDW, I noticed a particularly high quanitity of janitorial CMs sweeping at MGM. I mentioned that they must be security people, considering what had happened two months previous. My brother then told me about the different ways (highly trained) security are disguised in the parks. It makes me feel extremely safe to know this.

 

[#1 Pocahontas]

Most large retail stores have security that walk around and look like shoppers. I would imagine that Disney World would have similar people.

I don't think the bag checks are going to stop someone who wants to cause some major trouble. I however do think it might stop some problems that could enter the park.