Metal Detectors at Parks??

[jaredkari]

Just wanted to get everyones opinion on this. What is your opinion of WDW (and all Disney Parks) adding metal detectors at the entrances along with the bag searches?

With the recent news of the explosive at Disneyland and then someone leaving a loaded gun on a ride today I think this is something that needs to happen. I know it will just add further waiting to getting into the parks but I think everyones safety should come first. I understand metal detectors cannot catch everything but maybe it would deter someone from trying to bring something in. Your thoughts???

[DizneyFreak2002]

Just wanted to get everyones opinion on this. What is your opinion of WDW (and all Disney Parks) adding metal detectors at the entrances along with the bag searches?

With the recent news of the explosive at Disneyland and then someone leaving a loaded gun on a ride today I think this is something that needs to happen. I know it will just add further waiting to getting into the parks but I think everyones safety should come first. I understand metal detectors cannot catch everything but maybe it would deter someone from trying to bring something in. Your thoughts???

Do it... No need for the large walk through detectors at airports... A simple hand held detector passes over your body is sufficient... They do that at my local Six Flags, as well as pat downs and bag checks... Seriously, it doesn't add any time, if anything a few seconds, of entering the gates...

I say do it... Today proved how lax Disney security is... if a nut who wanted to cause major chaos wanted to get a gun into the parks, today proved it can easily be done... In fact, it has been done many times before... You just never hear of it until something like today happens...

[mickeys_princess_mom]

All for it.

[PirateLover]

Haven't been to Six Flags (Great Adventure is my local park) in a while, but last time I went, they had the standard metal detectors, bag checks, and if you set off the detector, you were wanded and then patted down if you set off the wand. My friend went last weekend for a concert and she said it was pretty invasive. Everyone was wanded AND patted down. It stinks, but they have a gang problem and a much different clientele than WDW; the metal detectors serve to make you even more aware of that. I was a season ticket holder at Six Flags for about 4 years. I very much dislike having to do the metal detector thing and make sure everything that could possibly set it off is removed from my person to avoid the further scrutiny/hassle. In the past, people in my party have set off these things with belt buckles, cell phones, steel tipped boots, metal buttons on a jacket, and once even an ankle bracelet.

I would not like going through one every day, sometimes multiple times in a day during a peak time at Disney. I can definitely envision a Looooong back up. We all know how bad the bag checks can get. I doubt they would stop doing those. Imagine that plus the amount of people who will be inadvertently setting off detectors, wasting time and holding people up...The only way it saves time is if they did it in PLACE of a bag check, and your bag only gets checked if you set it off, but as I already said I don't see them going that route. Could be wrong!


Don't get me wrong, I understand the impetus behind them, and If they DO add them, I certainly won't cry about it.

[Goofy4TheWorld]

There have been mass shootings at malls, theaters, and schools, yet practically none of those venues (sans a few schools here and there) have resorted to universal metal detector usage. I hope Disney does not overreact and convince themselves that the sky is falling or let the lawyers convince them they need detectors to help deflect Civil liability if something does happen.

We can't cover every sharp edge in life with a foam protector, and not every incident warrants a change in where we draw the line between reasonableness and paranoia.

[BrerGnat]

No.

The "explosive" at Disneyland was dry ice in a plastic bottle, placed there by a CAST MEMBER whose job was to work the very cart that had dry ice inside it.

The gun incident at AK probably happens more often that we hear about. People with their concealed carry permits who think they need to be armed at all times, but then fail to properly secure their weapon are probably a dime a dozen at WDW.

Metal detectors won't catch MANY explosives. It is quite possible to make an explosive device that has no metal in it. And, it will probably only catch the people who have guns that are NOT the type to go off on a shooting spree in a theme park. I don't see how they would do anything more than what is done now.

[ANG]

I'm not sure metal detectors would help much. Is Disney allowed to say no guns on property (as a guest) even though FL allows? Forgive my ignorance on the law.

Maybe if you don't have a bag you should at least be wanded?

[Goofy4TheWorld]

Is Disney allowed to say no guns on property (as a guest) even though FL allows? Forgive my ignorance on the law.


State concealed carry laws (almost) always allow private property owners to forbid guns (even for permit holders) as long as they prominently post such a prohibition at the entrance(s).

[disney obsessed]

I would not like to see this happen. I also think they should do away with the bag check. What are they really finding anyway? Do you truly believe it is a deterrant to violence? To me, it gives the impresssion of safety. But if someone is premeditating violence, I do not believe it is helpful.

[mydisneygirls]

I'm sorry, but what REASON does someone have to be carrying a loaded gun in Disney in the first place. Some big-headed, big shot who thinks they are special who I (and I hope no one else) could care less who you are!!!!!!!! I know police officers who have been and they DO NOT carry their guns with them.

I think they should have metal detectors. Easy to install at baggage checkpoint.

[PopPhan]

I think putting metal detectors in the park entrances would be a large "knee-jerk reaction" to an isolated, if intolerable, incident.

As others have stated, the 'dry ice bomb' that went off in Disneyland was the childish prank of a worker and would not have been caught with the use of a metal detector as is was a CM working at a cart who placed dry ice from the cart into a plastic soda bottle and threw it in a trash can -- no metal at all and all components were available within the park.

If, by law, Disney can ban all weapons - firearms, knives, etc. - and enforce any incidents with jail time, banishment from all Disney properties, etc., that should be a sufficient deterrent.

Yes, there will always be idiots who purposely try to beat the system (think of the guy taking video in restricted areas of the parks and proudly posting them on his blog) but to make entering a park feel like entering a prison/courthouse/etc. would sap what little magic is left....

JMHO

[#1donaldfan]

I am all for added security and the large walk through metal detectors would be a great way to keep the honest, honest. We all know that if a want to be criminal wants to cause some havoc, it will not matter the security in place as any security can be breached with enough time and will. I never complain about being searched, I never have anything to hide and if they're searching me, they very well may search the guy who "needs" it, and protect my family from evil. It's the way of life now, so we need to get used to it. About the moron with the gun, why ?? I can carry concealed too, but to take it into a park, really ??? Yes, there are crazy people everywhere, but to find myself in a position, in a park, that I feel threatened enough to need to exercise my right to use it is just simply crazy !! I read that he didn't have one chambered, but what if ??? :mickey:

[joonyer]

I posted this in another thread (news & rumors) but it bears repeating here.

I hope it doesn't come to having airport like security procedures at Disney Park entrances, but I think Disney can't just do nothing after this incident. The Boston Marathon bombing shows that there are always crazies out there who have an "agenda", whether political or personal, and no place would get one more news coverage and "fame" (infamy) than a Disney Park. As the Boston incident proves, just having children and families present is no deterrent to people with twisted ideas.

I guess my main concern is whether the publicity from this particular incident, which turned out to cause no harm, will give someone with malicious intent (and the desire to get media coverage) ideas about how easy it is to bring a gun into the parks. For that reason alone, I think Disney has to do something. If they do nothing, and a "nutjob" decides to go out in a "blaze of glory", well you can imagine.

[stephicakes]

I’m all for it but it would have to be implemented in such a way that it doesn’t cause a huge traffic jam getting into the parks. They would need quite a few CMs working the wands to keep the crowds flowing. Not to mention how confusing it would be for little ones. We all know what a bottleneck the bag check can create at busy times! I’m all for visual deterrents and I think that is mainly what the bag checks are used for. I have never seen them confiscate an item or tell someone they can’t go into the park because of what they had in their bag. Just curious… has anyone witnessed this? If so, what was the item? (It’s not like there is a box on the ground next to the guard filled with discarded knives, guns, brass knuckles, etc.) The majority of folks who visit Disney are there to enjoy a day with their families and hopefully it stays that way. The first step to staying safe is always being aware of your surroundings (people, situations) and that shouldn’t change just because you are in “The World”…

[LudwigVonDrake]

I'm surprised they don't have it already. Install them immediately :number1:

[indytraveler]

Not to take the other side, THE FAR OTHER SIDE, I mean.... What if all guests were required to carry a gun? Do you think everyone would be more polite? The Old West mentality.


Actually, pat downs for sporting events, metal detectors at airports have been happening for awhile and we've adjusted to it. I'm sure if they do add the metal detectors we will adjust too.

[IamBelle]

I 100% agree with metal detectors..they should be right before the turnstiles, you wait in the line anyway, so it wouldn't be that much longer. With what happened at AK, I was discussing with someone today that the security checks bags, but they rarely check pockets. Either a pocket check or metal detectors should be in place.

[Main Street Jim]

What you have to realize, too, is a few things here:

1) Disney has a "security policy" on their official Web site - *somewheres* (according to the story). How many guests - especially just "casual" guests, first-timers, etc. - are going to search all through Disney's Web site to find a "small print" policy on weapons allowed/not allowed on property - not just in the parks, but at the resorts, water parks, Downtown Disney, etc.?

2) Walt Disney World *is* private property. Guests pay for the "privilege" of using their amenities - the parks, pools, resorts, etc. It is *NOT* "public" property. The company can set the rules as they see fit.

3) Although there is no physical signage posted anywheres (that I know of), isn't it "common sense" NOT to bring a *loaded* weapon into theme parks, amusement parks, etc.? Do you really feel *that* threatened at Walt Disney World that you feel the need to bring a *gun* INTO the parks?

4) Metal detectors? I don't think they'd be much of a deterrent. That "explosion" at Disneyland was set off by a Cast Member - with NO metal involved at all. When I worked at the parks, the only "security check" I can recall is Security Cast checking that you had a valid Disney company ID card - no bag check at all, really, when you got on the bus at the Cast Parking lot, or on the return trip after work.


Just curious… has anyone witnessed this? If so, what was the item? (It’s not like there is a box on the ground next to the guard filled with discarded knives, guns, brass knuckles, etc.) The majority of folks who visit Disney are there to enjoy a day with their families and hopefully it stays that way.All the time. Seen Security Cast ask guests to dump out alcohol right there at the bag check; get rid of glass bottles/containers; escort guests up to First Aid with medicines. Stuff like what you mentioned is hand-carried by Security Cast and the guest escorted to the Security office in the parks, and the guest can then check out their items upon leaving the park.

[PirateLover]

After speaking with my DH more about this, I really do think Disney needs to rethink their procedure. We were commenting on how efficient security is at Citizen's Bank Park, where the Phillies play. We have a partial season ticket plan. At each entrance there are as many as 10 (maybe more) people stationed in separate lanes for bag checks and pat downs. You wait in what is usually a short, constantly flowing line, get your bag checked, pat down, and then move right on to the turnstiles. It is very efficient. I would like to see an increase in the number of people actually checking bags, and I definitely think that anyone going through the "no bags" line should be wanded or receive a pat down. You should not be able to stroll in without any kind of security measure.

My DH said something that really got to me- can you imagine if anything truly terrible were to happen in Disney World? I know people who won't go to the movies anymore after the Colorado shooting. I would be heartbroken if something were to happen and people, especially children, could no longer feel "safe" at WDW :(

[BrerGnat]

My DH said something that really got to me- can you imagine if anything truly terrible were to happen in Disney World? I know people who won't go to the movies anymore after the Colorado shooting. I would be heartbroken if something were to happen and people, especially children, could no longer feel "safe" at WDW :(

I trust the security protocol that is in place at Disney parks. It is likely the most thorough one in any public place these days. Their security force is HUGE and very, very well trained. These people know how to spot a suspicious individual from a mile away. They know how to trail people discreetly, watch people, asses and contain threats, etc. It is a very complex and specialized field and they know what is at stake.

I trust that nothing truly terrifying will happen at WDW. Of course, there is always a threat of a crazed gunman just opening fire, but honestly, that threat is pretty much everywhere these days, and I feel more safe at a Disney park than probably anywhere else life might take me day to day. It has happened in supermarkets, banks, parks, movie theaters. Just the other day, there was some violence in a local Costco and one woman ended up shot and killed. Stuff happens, but I like knowing what I know about Disney security, and feel very safe there.

[DisneyEpcotDad]

:mickey: Unfortunately, every "public" place needs to pause and reassess security. But, it's also up to each of us unfortunately again to be on guard against those who want to cause turmoil. We can't let deranged, evil people impose themselves upon us and disrupt every part of our lives. Whatever security exists, must be effective enough to deter anyone from even trying and succeeding to do harm.

[ISLE39]

I'm all for it. I've said for years bag searches at Disney are a waste. First off they don't really search. One of every 10 searches actually open pockets in bags the rest just breeze u by because they know there is a line. The loaded gun on dinosaur is the perfect example of why detectors are needed. I've always worried Disney being so popular would have somebody come in with guns or explosives under their clothing. Metal detectors would be perfect. Go for it disney

[Main Street Jim]

To kinda reassure you guys a bit, too...

There *are* security cameras just about *everywhere* except *inside* restrooms. EVERY entrance, exit, door, window, walkway, gate, etc. is constantly watched 24/7. I've been to Security Central (at least at Magic Kingdom). You'd be *surprised* to know where cameras *aren't*....LOL

[PETE FROM NYC]

Too much paranoia in the thread.
IMHO, bag checks, pat downs, and metal detectors are making everyone guilty until proven innocent. That just ain't AMERICAN.

[The Dad]

While I realize that I am swimming against the tide, kindly allow me to make a few observations.....first of all, the crazies will always be among us and NOTHING can ever be done about it. Pat downs, bag searches and now metal detectors? Do you really believe that any of this nonsense could actually stop a "dead ender" from reeking havoc? This line of thinking is simply delusional, "feel good" reasoning. Never, ever, allow yourself to succumb to a "bunker mentality".....there are no guarantees in life so don't expect anyone to produce one! Shortly following the tragedy of 9/11, I took my family (wife, son and daughter) to the World, flying out of St. Louis....the parks were virtually empty....we had a truly magical vacation. Live life to the fullest my friends and enjoy the time you have been blessed with..... "Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid".

[PirateLover]

Believe me, I am one who typically believes in the Ben Franklin quote "Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."

I do have faith in Disney security but the latest incident has made me think a little bit harder when I weigh the positives and negatives of increased visible security. Disney is lucky that everything worked out in the best possible scenario with the gun incident. Security didn't stop that irresponsible gun owner from bringing it into the parks, nor could they ever have any control over who would find it. What if another kid had picked it up thinking it was a toy? That is a pretty realistic "what if" to speculate on in this case, and I don't think it's paranoid to consider at least adding some kind of security like a pat down or wand to the "no bags" entry.

I agree with all of you who are saying the crazies will always find a way, but I think we can do a little bit more to deter them.

[MNNHFLTX]

Seen Security Cast ask guests to dump out alcohol right there at the bag check; get rid of glass bottles/containers; escort guests up to First Aid with medicines. Stuff like what you mentioned is hand-carried by Security Cast and the guest escorted to the Security office in the parks, and the guest can then check out their items upon leaving the park.This phrase jumped out at me when I read your post. Under what circumstances would Disney escort a guest and their medications to First Aid?? Unless it's an illegal substance, guests should be able to have possession of their meds while on park property, if strictly from a liability standpoint. Even (or especially) injectable meds, like Epipens and insulin.

As far as metal detectors, I think they might be somewhat effective as a deterrent, but certainly they would hold up the security lines. I have never understood the logic behind Disney's security policies at their park entrances. The current bag "search" is useless for the most part. However, if it holds up the line enough for plain clothes security to scan the crowds for potential risks, it has some merit. A curious thing--at Disneyland Paris, they had X-ray machines (like those you see at airport security checkpoints) at the entrances to Disneyland Park, but not at the Walt Disney Studios Park. Only one per entrance and not always in use; I thought perhaps they might be to scan suitcases (which are allowed past the security checkpoints due to the number of active travelers who visit the parks). Otherwise the suitcases have to be opened up and looked at by security. I did see it being utilized for this purpose, but again, they were not in use all the time, nor did the security CM's do more than a cursory search of luggage when they were not in use. The point is, it all seems very hit or miss with the security checkpoints.

[Main Street Jim]

This phrase jumped out at me when I read your post. Under what circumstances would Disney escort a guest and their medications to First Aid?? Stuff in containers that need to be refrigerated, and don't need to be taken very often (like once or twice a day). Injected stuff (like what you mentioned), they can keep with them.

[MNNHFLTX]

Stuff in containers that need to be refrigerated, and don't need to be taken very often (like once or twice a day). Injected stuff (like what you mentioned), they can keep with them.
But surely guests with meds that needed refrigeration are directed that they can bring their meds to the First Aid station and would not be escorted there by security like they were some kind of risk?

With all the over-the-counter and prescription meds out there today, I am sure that least 9 out of 10 guests are bringing meds of one form or another into the parks. I have never heard of security getting involved in this. :shrug: