What Security is in Place?

[MaryAnnDVC]

So it’s changed? In the past on arrival to MK there was security outside. And on arrival to EPCOT via the monorail. Big discussion about this tonight while waiting for Once Upon a Time!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

So it’s changed? In the past on arrival to MK there was security outside. And on arrival to EPCOT via the monorail. Big discussion about this tonight while waiting for Once Upon a Time!

Since April, the MK securty “bubble” has been “pulled back” to the resorts and TTC. If you park at the TTC, you’re screened before entering the main TTC plaza. If you’re at a monorail resort, you’re screened at the resort station before you get on the monorail.

If you took the Epcot monorail from Epcot to the TTC, you were screened when you originally entered Epcot. When you then later took the monorail from Epcot to the TTC then got off to take the ferry to the MK, you never “left” the security bubble so you didnt need to be screened again.

Does that make sense?

 

[KrazeeK120]

So it’s changed? In the past on arrival to MK there was security outside. And on arrival to EPCOT via the monorail. Big discussion about this tonight while waiting for Once Upon a Time!

It changed quite awhile ago. I was there in May and I know the new procedure was in force at that time. If you arrive via bus, boat, or foot, you go through security almost immediately after disembarking from your mode of transport.

If you come from the TTC, you go through security before boarding the monorail or ferry.

If you come from Epcot, you remain in the secure zone the whole time.

 

[KrazeeK120]

Since April, the MK securty “bubble” has been “pulled back” to the resorts and TTC. If you park at the TTC, you’re screened before entering the main TTC plaza. If you’re at a monorail resort, you’re screened at the resort station before you get on the monorail.

If you took the Epcot monorail from Epcot to the TTC, you were screened when you originally entered Epcot. When you then later took the monorail from Epcot to the TTC then got off to take the ferry to the MK, you never “left” the security bubble so you didnt need to be screened again.

Does that make sense?

You explained it better than I did.

The issue I have with the procedure is that it doesn’t take a “sinister” person a whole lot of brains to figure out that they can park at Epcot and then ride the monorail over to MK without going through security. I wish there were a way to close this loophole.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

You explained it better than I did.

The issue I have with the procedure is that it doesn’t take a “sinister” person a whole lot of brains to figure out that they can park at Epcot and then ride the monorail over to MK without going through security. I wish there were a way to close this loophole.

Yeah, but unless I’m just way off here, you can’t get to the Epcot monorail entrance - either coming by bus or car - without going through security at Epcot. The monorail entrance isn’t in an open area that anyone can get to - it’s in the bubble.

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

Since April, the MK securty “bubble” has been “pulled back” to the resorts and TTC. If you park at the TTC, you’re screened before entering the main TTC plaza. If you’re at a monorail resort, you’re screened at the resort station before you get on the monorail.

If you took the Epcot monorail from Epcot to the TTC, you were screened when you originally entered Epcot. When you then later took the monorail from Epcot to the TTC then got off to take the ferry to the MK, you never “left” the security bubble so you didnt need to be screened again.

Does that make sense?

Yes! Thank you. We were last here in March. No one tells me anything.

I’ll have to take note of what’s where. We were at Dolphin and now BWV, so we go through the International Gateway to Epcot. Tonight we went to Epcot, then took the monorail over to TTC. Nothing looked different to me until we got to MK, but I wasn’t really paying attention.

 

[KrazeeK120]

Yeah, but unless I’m just way off here, you can’t get to the Epcot monorail entrance - either coming by bus or car - without going through security at Epcot. The monorail entrance isn’t in an open area that anyone can get to - it’s in the bubble.

Oh, really? That makes me feel better. I didn’t pay that close of attention as to where the monorail entrance was in relation to security. We didn’t take the monorail at all on our last trip.

Now I’m feeling a little dumb for thinking that Disney wouldn’t have thought of that...

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

Now I’m feeling a little dumb for thinking that Disney wouldn’t have thought of that...

You and me both! :O

 

[mamamelody2]

I guess I feel as safe as possible in a large space with many entrances/exits and LOTS of people.
I really don't worry at all.

 

[fla4fun]

Everyone takes a chance when they leave their house.

That’s for sure. Aside from the fact that most car accidents happen within a mile of home or work, you never know what you will come across. I got off work late today, so it was dark when I got home. I stopped to check the mail and realized I got some bills belonging to my neighbors. So I went back out to take their mail over. When I got back to the house, and hit the garage door closer, I saw a coyote walking down the street, right at the end of my driveway! You never know what could happen, but I’m not going to stay in the house because there are a few wild animals around.

I know there is a lot more to Disney’s security than meets the eye. Nothing is perfect, especially if someone is willing to give up their life to take out others. I just keep my wits about me and pay attention to my surroundings like I would anywhere else. That’s all we can do.

 

[srwarden1928]

While they can't stop everything possible at the resort level I do think they have more security in place than is obvious. I've never felt at risk at Disney. Resorts or parks, or in between.

Disney can't stop everything possible at the resort level. I believe they do better than pretty much every other motel/hotel I stay in. I have ALWAYS felt safe at Disney. When I was deciding where to go for my first solo trip--which is a little bit uncomfortable for pretty much anybody that has never done it before--Disney seemed the obvious choice. I feel safer there than most places.

 

[bebec22]

I’m a high school teacher and I feel safer at Disney than I do going to work everyday.

 

[wgeo]

I feel like my odds of getting hurt in a car accident are much higher than anything happening to me while I'm at Disney. I really don't worry much about security while I'm there.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I think the parks are very secure.

The resorts, no, Disney Springs no.

The resorts don't surprise me, they are so sprawling. Disney Springs surprises me a bit.

 

[Csaks]

Terrorism is now in the forefront of our lives these days. Authorities can try and stop it but it will never go away. People that are hell bent on killing strangers, will find a way. Whether it's enjoying a concert or riding a bike, down a path on a beautiful autumn day, none of those people or us watching the aftermath could believe it could happen where and when it did but it did.
Could it happen at Disney? Sure why not? All it takes is one determined individual. Imagine a bus out of control at the bus pick up at MK at closing... They do their best at keeping us safe but it will never be perfect. My grandma used to tell me, worry about the things you can control and not the things you can't. Or else you will worry yourself into an early grave. I have a better chance of dying, driving down or flying to my Disney/Universal vacation then because of this topic.

 

[mdurette]

I will confess, the concern is in the back of my mind when heading to WDW. It doesn't stop me from going, but it is something I think about....never did before. I think it would be fascinating to get an inside peek into their security measures.....they have to be incredible. I often wonder if the ticket turnstiles have xray or metal detectors in them.

Last year we arrived at MK. DH took DD through while I went to bag check. My inlaws were watching DH and DD come through and noticed a man watching DH. Within a minute DH had 4 plain clothes guys approach and then 1 Disney security in uniform. DH was wearing baggy cargo shorts and an untucked oversized T-Shirt. They asked him what was in his pockets (phone, keys, wallet...normal stuff) and then asked him to raise his shirt to show his waist band. Nothing there either.

They then asked him for ID - at which point they saw his badge (he's a cop). They looked at his ID, shook his hand and said have a good day.

Whatever it was they thought they saw to check him out, it was done swiftly and with hardly anyone even noticing. Stealth like.

 

[KarenP64]

I will confess, the concern is in the back of my mind when heading to WDW. It doesn't stop me from going, but it is something I think about....never did before. I think it would be fascinating to get an inside peek into their security measures.....they have to be incredible. I often wonder if the ticket turnstiles have xray or metal detectors in them.

Last year we arrived at MK. DH took DD through while I went to bag check. My inlaws were watching DH and DD come through and noticed a man watching DH. Within a minute DH had 4 plain clothes guys approach and then 1 Disney security in uniform. DH was wearing baggy cargo shorts and an untucked oversized T-Shirt. They asked him what was in his pockets (phone, keys, wallet...normal stuff) and then asked him to raise his shirt to show his waist band. Nothing there either.

They then asked him for ID - at which point they saw his badge (he's a cop). They looked at his ID, shook his hand and said have a good day.

Whatever it was they thought they saw to check him out, it was done swiftly and with hardly anyone even noticing. Stealth like.

I love to hear experiences like this to reassure us they're watching carefully! Thank you for sharing. I wonder if just your husband's manner may have made them look closely. I think ones in the military or in law enforcement have a different demeanor (always on the look-out & ready for action).

 

[mathgeek]

Yeah, but unless I’m just way off here, you can’t get to the Epcot monorail entrance - either coming by bus or car - without going through security at Epcot. The monorail entrance isn’t in an open area that anyone can get to - it’s in the bubble.

This is correct. And going from TTC to Epcot you end up going through security twice since the monorail exit is not in the secure zone.

For example, I like to resort hop. One day I walked from MK to CR, had to do bag check at CR to get on the monorail when I was done shopping. Got off at TTC, walked to Poly to shop. Walked back to TTC. Went through security into TTC. Rode the monorail to Epcot. Went through security yet again at Epcot. I really need to reevaluate my monorail resort hopping strategy or start traveling without a bag.

 

[nursejackie]

I really need to reevaluate my monorail resort hopping strategy or start traveling without a bag.

I may have to join you. As we always visit in December we like to spend an adults only evening visiting the monorail resorts, checking out the decorations and christmas goodies on sale but it now sounds like a big hassle to do this. Although I would find it strange to go out without a bag, I guess if it makes life easier I'll have to travel very light

 

[Q-man]

Since April, the MK securty “bubble” has been “pulled back” to the resorts and TTC. If you park at the TTC, you’re screened before entering the main TTC plaza. If you’re at a monorail resort, you’re screened at the resort station before you get on the monorail.

If you took the Epcot monorail from Epcot to the TTC, you were screened when you originally entered Epcot. When you then later took the monorail from Epcot to the TTC then got off to take the ferry to the MK, you never “left” the security bubble so you didnt need to be screened again.

Does that make sense?

This. They realized the monorail and ferry from TTC are soft targets and moved security to scan before you use them.