Changes in Security Reportedly Headed to Disney Parks 12/17

Can someone clarify things for someone who has never flown...

Are they installing walk-thru metal detectors, or are they installing the full-body x-ray like scanners that look under clothing and are monitored remotely?

Goofy4TheWorld;2475300 wrote: I find this particularly silly. I am not oblivious to the reasons for it all, but somewhere we have to draw a line between common sense adaptations and paranoia, and IMHO this is on the wrong side of that line.

Yeah, considering that they basically only sell Buzz Lightyear and Stormtrooper Blasters nowadays anyway.

Goofy4TheWorld;2475301 wrote: Can someone clarify things for someone who has never flown...

Are they installing walk-thru metal detectors, or are they installing the full-body x-ray like scanners that look under clothing and are monitored remotely?

I would guess simple walk through metal detectors.

DizHawk;2475280 wrote: I'm curious what triggered it. Maybe it was the guy that tried to bring the gun in a week or so ago?

Shortly after the San Bernardino event, the local TV stations did several of their usual alarmist stories about how vulnerable Orlando's theme parks are to something like that. Fortunately, all the parks spokespeople refused to go into details about their security measures, but the TV wonks were carrying on about how easily such a thing could happen here. Way to go, media folks. Why not just send the bad guys an engraved invitation ?

So on one hand I just see massive line back ups and long waits to get in. But on the other hand, I'm really grateful they're taking these steps. I mean the security before was basically laughable and as much as I hate to admit it I'm quite certain Disney World is a prime target on a lot of Islamic terrorist lists out there. I agree with John ... sad commentary on the current state of our world, but an unfortunate necessity nevertheless.

I agree -- I'm glad they're doing this, but I see very long lines to get in to the parks in the morning because of it. My husband has an artificial hip and sets off every metal detector he walks through. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out.

allgiggles;2475312 wrote: I agree -- I'm glad they're doing this, but I see very long lines to get in to the parks in the morning because of it. My husband has an artificial hip and sets off every metal detector he walks through. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out.

Maybe this will be a FP+ option?

Sad that it's necessary, but what can you do? I'm glad they're taking extra measures as well. All of the insane incidents around the country this past year can't really be ignored. It probably will slow things down a bit, at least at first.

It's terribly sad isn't it. But absolutely necessary. I for one am completely comfortable with whatever measures need to be taken to ensure safety. If it means passing through a metal detector,so be it.
It's what our world has become, I hope everyday that nothing destroys the magic at our favorite place.
WDW is a place in these times that you can still escape the **** the outside world is dealing us all.

It is sad this has to happen, but I am not shocked. We arrive this weekend and it will be interesting to see any of the changes.

Disney has to do what they have to do to make the parks safer, but if I'm a terrorist or someone who wants to do mass harm for any reason, there are still plenty of places within "Disney World" where I can do it without having to go through security. It's a scary thought.

Baloo76;2475337 wrote: Disney has to do what they have to do to make the parks safer, but if I'm a terrorist or someone who wants to do mass harm for any reason, there are still plenty of places within "Disney World" where I can do it without having to go through security. It's a scary thought.

This. There were times, especially with the very high crowds of the holiday season, that we were uncomfortable with that very thought in Disney Springs.

I will say, we noticed a much larger uniformed police presence in WDW a couple weeks ago, and I welcome it.

We saw quite a few K9 units, especially at the MK and Epcot monorail stations. Also more uniformed police (some with K9) at the park entrances. Also saw a couple walking past the YC some mornings.

Bag checks were much more thorough, too.

I am very happy that they are checking guests. It makes me feel better that they are at least going through the motions of filtering out those cowards who want to harm civilians !!

Baloo76;2475337 wrote: Disney has to do what they have to do to make the parks safer, but if I'm a terrorist or someone who wants to do mass harm for any reason, there are still plenty of places within "Disney World" where I can do it without having to go through security. It's a scary thought.

Dulcee;2475343 wrote: This. There were times, especially with the very high crowds of the holiday season, that we were uncomfortable with that very thought in Disney Springs.

The fact that there's still a possibility should never result in not doing their best to prevent it. These efforts may prove to be enough of a deterrent. People who plan to cause harm typically like easy targets.

#1donaldfan;2475358 wrote: I am very happy that they are checking guests. It makes me feel better that they are at least going through the motions of filtering out those cowards who want to harm civilians !!

Me too! They'll hopefully also be filtering out the cowards who want to harm their fellow citizens.