weapon detection at WDW

[maxiesmom]

Well, there's also that little thing called our "Constitution" which has what we call the "Bill of Rights", of which weapon ownership is guaranteed under the "Second Amendment of the Bill of Rights"...which is just below the "First Amendment" (Freedom of Speech), and above the "Fourth Amendment" which protects from Search and Seizure....oh, and uh, our Supreme Court which has UPHELD the "Second Amendment"...

Really, this was a question about "detection", not "ownership".

But as Disney World is a private park, they can decide what we can or cannot take in.

 

[DisneyFed]

But as Disney World is a private park, they can decide what we can or cannot take in.

Absolutely, and I DO NOT think ANYONE should carry a weapon in the Parks....I'm a Federal Agent, it never even occurred to me to carry a firearm into the park---heck, I'm on vacation, I turn that part of me off....it's key to being a healthy LEO, knowing when/how to "turn it off".

That's not where I was getting at...the OP, IMHO was turning this from "detection at Disney" to "Americans shouldn't own guns"...Ok, his opinion, he lives in Austrailia, no worries here...

Again, for the Record, I don't think weapons should be allowed---including mine.


Scrappy---Thanks!! My Agency has me deployed here (again) for the final time...84 days until I get home

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The text of the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution is

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

General legal consenus is:

In spite of extensive recent discussion and much legislative action with respect to regulation of the purchase, possession, and transportation of firearms, as well as proposals to substantially curtail ownership of firearms, there is no definitive resolution by the courts of just what right the Second Amendment protects. The opposing theories, perhaps oversimplified, are an ''individual rights'' thesis whereby individuals are protected in ownership, possession, and transportation, and a ''states' rights'' thesis whereby it is said the purpose of the clause is to protect the States in their authority to maintain formal, organized militia units. Whatever the Amendment may mean, it is a bar only to federal action, not extending to state or private restraints. The Supreme Court has given effect to the dependent clause of the Amendment in the only case in which it has tested a congressional enactment against the constitutional prohibition, seeming to affirm individual protection but only in the context of the maintenance of a militia or other such public force.

Note that I am not taking any position on this. I am just quoting the Constitution itself and the most "popular" legal annotation. But I did bold one critical comment.

 

[DisneyFed]

The text of the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution is

General legal consenus is:



Note that I am not taking any position on this. I am just quoting the Constitution itself and the most "popular" legal annotation. But I did bold one critical comment.

Agreed....but the Heller decision in DC pretty much shot down "unreasonable" (I note this language because to me, personally, it's vague) local restriction....Chicago is probably next with the MacDonald v. Chicago ruling expected tomorrow (and further expected to be written by Alito). I'm interested to see what direction they go..

Nevertheless, I think it's safe to say that private gun ownership is a Constitutionally Guaranteed Right....

That being said....I believe in reasonable restriction---my crazy neighbor in no way shape or form needs a machine gun....

 

[princesskayla]

Not taking about robbers or terrorists just you average whacko hot head who could pull a firearm out because someone pushed in front of them. All right everyone might not own a hand gun there but alot do. When I was in Vegas 15 years at a show I was on a table of 8.. yep I asked and they all owned hand guns. On a flight to and from Houston i asked four people ONLY 1 SAID HE DOES NOT OWN ONE Some parts of the country its a law that a house holder own a gun . Lets not talk about the Supreme Crt now allowing folk to buy assault rifles. I can understand a householder owning a gun for protection but not a M 16 or UZI. Must be a nightmare being a cop in the USA.. with the firepower the crooks have!!

Anyway its your country not mine and I love visiting there and love the people.. we Aussies have different views of gun ownership. I have to accept that whilst in WDW some people will be carrying.. I am never rude or anything so I am not worried .. I just thought in this day and age there would be airport style walk thrus at each theme park entrance. Obviously NOT !! (I know there would be convert security)

I have had the full gun debate thing on the skydive forum dropzone.com. We know the USA will never agree with us on gun ownership The NRA has enormus political power any politician that ever dares to introduce gun control laws gets thrown out on their **** or *** as you say.

The NRA has nothing to do with the gun laws. It is everyday Americans that won't let the governement take away our gun rights. That is why NRA is so "powerful".

Well, there's also that little thing called our "Constitution" which has what we call the "Bill of Rights", of which weapon ownership is guaranteed under the "Second Amendment of the Bill of Rights"...which is just below the "First Amendment" (Freedom of Speech), and above the "Fourth Amendment" which protects from Search and Seizure....oh, and uh, our Supreme Court which has UPHELD the "Second Amendment"...

Really, this was a question about "detection", not "ownership".

Very well said!!!

I, in the interest of full disclosure own many guns. My husband is LEO and my daddy is a true cowboy - guns are a part of my life. I do not go shooting up anything (besides targets ), they are for protection and protection only. I would never dream of taking a gun to WDW. I feel 100% safe there. I believe that Disney does their job to keep guests safe. I agree with others who pointed out that a terrorist would find a way to do harm regardless. If we curtail every aspects of our lives - then the terrorist have won.

 

[DisDr.]

+1 to DisneyFed!

US citizens have the right to own/carry firearms.
Private property owners have the right to prohibit anything they want to on their property.
If I choose to go into a Disney park, I have to follow their rules, or they can ask me to leave.

I see it as that simple.

As an aside, I was stopped by a plainclothes disney security officer at DHS this year. He identified himself and asked me about the pocket knife clipped to my back pocket. I showed it to him (less than 3"), he thanked me and told me to have a nice day.
So...they are watching.

 

[Capt. Barbosa]

The bagcheck is alot of show but I think its worthwhile, would it keep a determined nut case from sneaking in something, no but it keeps folks from taking other things into the parks that really shouldn't be there. Disney takes guest safety seriously they are a high profile target and they know it. In 2004 they installed road barriers like the ones that protect the embassies from truck bombs.

Walt Disney World has installed high-security, anti-terrorist barricades similar to those protecting the White House, U.S. embassies and nuclear-waste depots.
The hydraulically powered, steel barricades block the service entrances of the giant resort's four theme parks and were apparently designed to stop a 20,000-pound truck bomb traveling 70 mph.

The dozen or more yellow-and-black barricades are so state-of-the-art that the manufacturer recently shipped the same model to Baghdad, Iraq, to guard the new U.S. Embassy there.

 

[CopperMonkey]

Going to share a little story about a small incident that took place at Universal Studios Years ago. Universal, especially during events takes bag checks seriously and during one year a man attempted to get through the bag check, with a clip and some stray bullets in his bag. Now the thing that bothered Universal security was, where was the rest of the gun? It turned out days prior the man had brought the rest of the gun, put it in a ziploc bag and buried it in the dirt of the floral displays prior to entering the park. Because of Universal Security following proper procedure, the gun was found and the man was removed from the property and legally prosecuted.

What I am trying to say is, does Disney potentially find firearms on people and remove them from Disney Property? They probably do! But remember folks, if someone wants to do something badly enough it will happen some things are just...unavoidable. You say Metal Detectors at the entrance? Whats to prevent a person from approaching the detectors, and just shooting his way in? Pretty sure a shooting at the main gate and a shooting in a ride queue are going to be just as devastating. Some people also carry for protection, what if some whack job does breach the park with a firearm, one of these concealed carriers can easily take advantage of a distraction and remove the threat. It's all perspective people.

 

[CelebratingMagic]

If you're a person who likes to carry a gun when your at home why would you feel the need to bring it into the Disney parks? Do you think Mickey is going to attack you?

No, but I wouldn't put it past Lotso.

 

[mickey&minniealways]

They also do bag checks at security checkpoints in the airport. Are you going to say those are a joke also. I have been going to WDW since 76. In all those years I have seen a number of times people who refused to let their bags be checked. They were escorted off property. If they want to check my bag I have no problem. I am much more worried about the people who don't want their bags checked.

 

[jojomoore]

My question is...why would someone ask this question to begin with?

I was wondering this too?

Oh i just finished reading this thread and read your answer. I believe bag checks are a good thing and would not mind going through a metal detector either. I do believe in the right to bear arms but i don't believe someone should carry a gun on their body in a theme park with so many children, etc. Just my thoughts.

 

[touy_story_man]

awww youll be safe

 

[Scrappy_Tink]

They also do bag checks at security checkpoints in the airport. Are you going to say those are a joke also.

A tad bit different...they don't just spot-check your bag, but also put it through the "x-ray" machine...and then put you through a metal detector without your baggage to make sure you're not carrying anything on your person too. I think the main concern is the ease of concealment on one's body....in that respect, IMO Disney is lacking in security.

 

[jason10mm]

It is not ILLEGAL to carry a concealed firearm at WDW, assuming you have a valid Florida, Florida non-resident, or other state concealed carry permit that has recipriocity with Florida.

HOWEVER, if your concealed firearm is detected, Disney will ask that you leave, and if you do not in a prompt and orderly manner, they can (and probably will) arrest you for tresspass.

That being said, given the overall security level at the park, the high likelihood of (me at least becoming at least mildly intoxicated, and the difficulty of secure storage of a firearm doing all the things you do at the parks, I CHOOSE not to carry. If I was just going to walk around, stay stone cold sober, and had others to protect, then I might reconsider.

I have had their security folks ask that I check my folding knife. Very quick, easy, and relatively painless. Just glad I remembered to pick it back up at the end of the day!

I agree that the bag checks are more about getting other "contraband" like glass bottles, drug paraphenalia, a stashed wedding gown, or counterfeit merchandise. Not a big deal since it is usually an issue only once, maybe twice a day. Heck, if it is raining or chilly, my low profile backpack (especially since the jacket is most of the bulk) can be worn under a jacket and no one is the wiser.

 

[momtobrynncess]

It is not ILLEGAL to carry a concealed firearm at WDW, assuming you have a valid Florida, Florida non-resident, or other state concealed carry permit that has recipriocity with Florida.

HOWEVER, if your concealed firearm is detected, Disney will ask that you leave, and if you do not in a prompt and orderly manner, they can (and probably will) arrest you for tresspass.

That being said, given the overall security level at the park, the high likelihood of (me at least becoming at least mildly intoxicated, and the difficulty of secure storage of a firearm doing all the things you do at the parks, I CHOOSE not to carry. If I was just going to walk around, stay stone cold sober, and had others to protect, then I might reconsider.

I have had their security folks ask that I check my folding knife. Very quick, easy, and relatively painless. Just glad I remembered to pick it back up at the end of the day!

I agree that the bag checks are more about getting other "contraband" like glass bottles, drug paraphenalia, a stashed wedding gown, or counterfeit merchandise. Not a big deal since it is usually an issue only once, maybe twice a day. Heck, if it is raining or chilly, my low profile backpack (especially since the jacket is most of the bulk) can be worn under a jacket and no one is the wiser.

So, does that mean that you feel comfortable violating Disney's no firearm policy? And would it be worth it to you to be banned from all Disney's properties forever? Which is likely what would happen should you be caught carrying. Similar to a shoplifter at a grocery store being banned from all their stores. And don't be so sure you would not be caught. Disney doesn't hire random low level minimum wage security for that type of detection. I'm not saying that it is impossible to wander around Disney parks carrying a firearm and not get caught. I'm saying don't bet the farm that you wouldn't get caught. The risk here is that you might find yourself face down on the pavement with several u/c security agents on top of you. Not my idea of a fun day at Disney.

 

[jason10mm]

I certainly DO comply with most of Disney's requests/demands. I already said I don't CHOOSE to carry.

Disney has an obligation to notify you of the trespass BEFORE you can be in violation. Most states do this with prominent "No FIREARMS" signs or something to that effect. This serves as a warning and allows the business to treat a concealed carry permit holder as a trespasser from the get go. Disney, for whatever reason, does NOT do this, at least I have never seen a sign nor have ever been told to not carry. Regardless, under Florida law, such signage is immaterial for permit holders. Thus they have the duty to notify first, and allow you the opportunity to leave.

And do you REALLY think they would drop an ARMED person to the ground? In front of countless other guests? I think Disney would handle such a situation like the professionals they are. They would take you to the side, calmly inform you of their desire for you to leave the property, and escort you off. IIRC Disney security are NOT sworn law enforcement officers (they hire county sheriffs for those duties, I think) and their abilty to perform a "take-down" is questionable and the liability they would incur doing so would be substantial (unless you were brandishing the weapon, threatening someone, or engaged in some other hostile or dangerous act).

I never said carrying a firearm in the parks was particularly SMART, or even necessary, but it is hardly ILLEGAL if you have the proper permit, right up until Disney notifies you of trespass (which they can do for any number of reasons, including carrying), OR you go into the bar area of a place selling alcohol (which just so happen to be my favorite places in WDW!) at which point you do ILLEGALLY carry.

Understand that conceal carry permit holders are just about the most law abiding and safety oriented people in the country. They will follow the law and Disney will as well. So, if you decide to conceal carry at Disney, make sure you have a valid permit, secure your weapon, conduct yourself appropriately, and avoid the areas you are not allowed to go. Disney will ask you to leave if they detect you and will probably ban you for life, whatever that means. But getting tackled or arrested? Unlikely.

 

[Bell30012]

I have a friend who is a federal officer and is always armed. After better than 20 years of carrying a firearm it is akin to slipping your wallet into your pocket. You just don't think about it. He also probably didn't know it was against Disney policy for a commissioned officer to carry a weapon into the park.

Since he didn't have a bag, he walked right into the Magic Kingdom unchallenged. While we were eating over by Dumbo sitting at the tables two very professional Disney cast members asked him if he was armed. He identified himself displaying his credentials and confirmed that he did have a firearm.

They took him to the front gate where a Deputy Sheriff was waiting. The deputy ran his credentials and gave him a warning about criminal trespass. He was allowed to return to the park albeit without the weapon. I believe he was able to lock it up somewhere either his car or a lock box.

 

[DisneyFed]

Disney property is designated an "Exclusionary Zone", just like banks, schools, government buildings, etc....due to them storing "explosives" (Read: Fireworks) on property.

Therefore, it is a violation of State Code to carry a firearm on Disney Property...much like it would be a violation to carry into a bank or courtroom...Try carrying a weapon into Federal Court--even if you're the Agent whose case is being tried--ain't happening.

Federal (and in-jurisdicition) law enforcement officers are **USUALLY** exempt from these restrictions---however, Disney being on Private Property they can generally restrict--well, rather deny entry to--armed **off duty officers**...on duty officers responding to calls for service are a different animal..

OCSO (Orange County Sheriff's Office) Deputies are the primary jurisdiction for Reedy Creek Development, and from time to time you may see them up front (very very very rarely in the parks, unless they're called for a reason)...

Federal Officers on duty and called---well, that would really be a bad day for everyone...

A few years ago, I went to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal....the first thing I saw going in was the Platoon of Uniformed Orlando PD officers at the front. I work the Central Florida area and saw a Lt I knew...I sort of joked and asked "expecting trouble?", his response was "You have no idea.."

Quite Frankly, I'm very glad you DON'T see this at Disney....

18 years of Law Enforcement...numerous trips to Disney...never dreamed of carrying a firearm in there...I'm on Vacation!!!

 

[bweagle]

I was behind a man with a larger pocket knife hooked to his back pocket last week. The guy screening us missed it, but the guy next to him saw it and stopped him. He asked to see it, and then asked the man to leave it in his pocket so it was not visible to other guests and let him through.

 

[momtobrynncess]

.

Heck, if it is raining or chilly, my low profile backpack (especially since the jacket is most of the bulk) can be worn under a jacket and no one is the wiser.

Understand that conceal carry permit holders are just about the most law abiding and safety oriented people in the country. They will follow the law and Disney will as well. So, if you decide to conceal carry at Disney, make sure you have a valid permit, secure your weapon, conduct yourself appropriately, and avoid the areas you are not allowed to go. Disney will ask you to leave if they detect you and will probably ban you for life, whatever that means. But getting tackled or arrested? Unlikely.

I do have a license to carry a firearm, so I do understand that "we" are the most law abiding and safety oriented people in the country. So if "you" are one as well, I simply question what I quoted above, which sounds like you are describing a way to avoid the no carry policy at Disney World. I'm sure I'm not the only one that took your comment thay way.

As far as whether or not Disney security will "tackle" someone or use force on someone, watch this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAqZd22UHuU

It's not in the theme park, but they are certainly not in uniform.