Tighter Security

[jtl2411]

Has anyone noticed tighter security at DL? Me and DLGF went yesterday, we had no bags. But they wanted to see our belts, I thought it was kind of strange.

 

[Disney Dreams]

Lots of people have camera cases that hook onto the belt. Maybe that's what they were looking for????

 

[kamikazecat]

We were there a few days ago and thought security was pretty relaxed. I was surprised that they just glanced at us and our bags briefly and moved on.

 

[sonnyjane]

We were there a few days ago and thought security was pretty relaxed. I was surprised that they just glanced at us and our bags briefly and moved on.

I've actually received comments on more than one occasion from the CM checking my bag that I didn't have enough stuff in my purse lol. "What do you need that big purse for, it's practically empty!" Usually I do just get a quick glance and wave though.

I guess they might have upped security because of that terrorist incident on the plane on Christmas, so it may have raised the Dept. of Homeland Security's Threat Level, and maybe Disney's protocol calls for a more thorough inspection in that case? Who knows.

 

[Disneylvrforever]

That happened to my DM yesterday. She was wearing a heavy coat & had it opened so the CM could see that she didn't have anything inside. The CM was an older lady and asked my DM if she was wearing a belt. She was wearing sweat pants! It was really weird.
I never have a lot of stuff in my bag either & the same CM asked me if I could move the things in my bag around so she could see the bottom. The thing was, was that the items in my bag WERE touching the bottom! So I just moved the things around really fast as if I cared & then she let me pass through.
I personally felt she was a strictler when checking bags bc when I went through security today, all they did was take a glance in my bag & that was it.

 

[ukstitch]

Bag checks at Disney parks (and I'm talking both in California and Paris here) is a bit of a joke - in my experience (and at both places), you open your bag, they look at what's on top and then they wave you through.

They did have a single xray machine at Paris at one point, but I think this was more for when you're taking entire suitcases through the checkpoint as one of the hotels is past the bag checkpoint.

With this in mind, I wouldn't be too upset to see security tightened a little - I would imagine Disney parks - especially DLR and WDW - are quite high status targets...

 

[Eeee-va]

The terror alert level is still "yellow" for the nation at general; it's only "orange" for airlines. I would personally think that any increases in security were mandated because Disney wants the guests to feel more protected, and probably not due to any specific intelligence. Either that or a few posters happened to get the more strict bag-checkers...or Disney actually did hire some new ones who take the job more seriously.

Very weird about the belt thing, though. I always wear a belt for my camera case so I'll keep that in mind!

 

[blackjackdelta]

Think about it. There really is no security at DLR. All those things that they brush aside could contain PETN. Having past experience with this explosive, it is virtually undetectable with current scanning methods. Very small amouts are very destructive when contained.
I think it is more about contraband entering the park then catching a bomber?

Jack

 

[prettyprincessbelle]

When we were at the parks December 2nd through the 5th, only one time did this happen to us. We were arriving to the parks that Friday night (the 4th) and the CM asked both DBF and I to lift up our shirts/jackets so they could see our belts/pants. Also I had a bag that goes around my shoulder and normally I just sling it around to my front and open all the zippers and the CMs peek in, this time the CM had me take my bag off my body. But that night was REALLY packed. So I was guessing they do that when they expect a lot of guests.

 

[mybestieismickey]

This happened to DH and I when we went in Oct. I had the backpack and all he had was our little point and shoot camera on his hip. It made a bit of a lump though, so they made him lift up his shirt and open the little camera case. It took him a sec to figure out what they were talking about though because he's law enforcement and always carries his gun right there. He was kind of annoyed because the camera case is too small to fit much of anything in it, but we could see their point since the way it sat under his shirt did look a little like his side arm when he carries off duty.

 

[Flitterific]

We were there this past weekend and one of the security guys made DBF open his jacket to see if he had anything in it which was weird. I had a bigger puffy jacket on and the same guy didn't even bother to check. Another guy wanted me to take my messenger bag completely off to check it while others were content with me showing the contents to them with it on.

 

[californiamomof4grls]

I think that they should work on figuring out better security for the parks. In all it is pretty laid back. When we went last year they barely looked through our stuff. I know that partly it's because we don't fit into a "profile" of who a terriost should be. But the guy who attempted to bomb the plane Christmas day was not of the "typical" race for someone claiming ties to Alkieda (sp?) He was a Nigerian man I believe. Oh and let's not forget that the Oklahoma bomber considered himself very American. I mean maybe there are things in place that I am just not aware but then they have failed to make us feel safer when we are there because I don't know.
I'm not saying that I'm not very grateful that they say nothing as I bring in hordes of snacks, bottled water and juice boxes for my 4 girls. I still would feel better to know that there is something more in place they an elder woman who waves you in. Not that I don't love and adore DL it's just like I tell my girls "Safety First!"

 

[jtl2411]

I don't know if this had anything to do with it but on the day we went, Saturday December 26th. We heard Jennifer Lopez was at the park that day as well.

But I have to agree with most here, their prescreening at the parks is a joke. Its pretty much useless and its scary to say, but I think it would be easy to sneak something in. I think much of it has to do with the crowds and getting people in as soon as they can.

The day they made us show them our belts, the line for the prescreening was pretty non existent.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

When we were there last week it was hit and miss. Some would thoroughly check our bags, while some would barely look. About half way through the trip they started looking in our camera bags. They younger ones checked less while, they "experienced" checkers looked more closely. It just depends who you get.

 

[californiamomof4grls]

When we were there last week it was hit and miss. Some would thoroughly check our bags, while some would barely look. About half way through the trip they started looking in our camera bags. They younger ones checked less while, they "experienced" checkers looked more closely. It just depends who you get.

Sadly that makes sense it reflects most of society some are taking and serious and others not so much.

 

[Tink91]

I hardly got checked as we went through, I didn't have to open my small bag that I was wearing, I tried to and they just ushered me through

 

[Diznygrl]

I wouldn't be all that concerned about the bag checks. I have no doubt that Disney has excellent security, as they have more security guards than the state of Anaheim has police. The REAL security is what you don't see, and what is kept top secret by Disney. The bag check is basically just a formality to make the guests "feel" safer after 9/11.