Quantcast new Magic Kingdom security screening
 
INTERCOT: Walt Disney World Vacation Planning Guide Walt Disney World Disney Cruise Line Mousehut Mail WebDisney News INTERCOT: Walt Disney World Vacation Guide
News Discussion Theme Parks Resorts Info Central Shop Interactive Podcast INTERCOT Navigtion
Site Sponsors
  magical journeys travel agency
  INTERCOT shop

INTERCOT Affiliates
  disney magicbands & accessories
  disneystore.com
  disney fathead
  disney check designs
  amazon.com
  priceline.com

News
  site search
  headlines
  past updates
  discussion boards
  email update

INTERCOT Other
  advertising
  sponsors
  link to us
  contact us
     

INTERCOT Ads
 

 
 

Results 1 to 20 of 20
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Location
    Ontario, Canada
    Posts
    8,532
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default new Magic Kingdom security screening

    Hi All,

    After some rumours, Disney has announced some new screening and security plans for Magic Kingdom:

    Walt Disney World announced today that they will be making their biggest change to security checkpoints and metal detectors located at the Magic Kingdom since they introduced them back in 2015. The park will be relocating security checkpoints and metal detectors from just outside the entrance of Magic Kingdom to the Ticket & Transportation Center area.

    A few bag checkpoints and metal detectors will remain at the entrance of the Magic Kingdom for guests arriving via bus or other transportation methods other than the Ticket & Transportation center. This will hopefully allow for smoother flow of traffic once guests arrive at the park, the Magic Kingdom security checkpoints located at the entrance of the park have always been a bottleneck during peak times.

    If you’re staying at a hotel located on the monorail route, such as the Polynesian Resort, the Grand Floridian Resort, or the Contemporary Resort, you will have your bags checked at the hotel before getting to the park.

    All of these changes go into effect on April 3, 2017.
    Heather aka ibelieveindisneymagic
    INTERCOT Staff


    Engaged at the castle!
    My Disney Home is POFQ

  2. Likes magicofdisney liked this post
  3.     Please Support INTERCOT's Sponsors:
  4. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 1999
    Location
    California
    Posts
    12,252
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    It's about time! That bottleneck at the NO entrance was always so annoying. They did something similar at Disneyland and it works really well to spread out the security check so no one area is a choke point.

    Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
    Natalie
    INTERCOT Staff: Disneyland Resort-California, The Water Cooler

  5. Likes ibelieveindisneymagic liked this post
  6. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Location
    Ontario, Canada
    Posts
    8,532
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    I agree - I'm surprised it took this long.

    I have to say though, the best theme park screening must have been Universal. Even though everyone comes to a big screening area, it is so large and so quick that there was only a couple of people in the lines, we flew through - even with Mom in her ECV.
    Heather aka ibelieveindisneymagic
    INTERCOT Staff


    Engaged at the castle!
    My Disney Home is POFQ

  7. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    Lafayette, Louisiana
    Posts
    6,624
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Do you suppose these checkpoints at the resorts will be on the monorail platforms?

    We stayed at the Poly over Mardi Gras break and the platform was backed up almost into the building on several occasions.
    Denise

    Resorts we've stayed at in 20+ trips: ASMo, ASMu, ASSp, PC, CSR, CBR, POR, POFQ, WL, AKL Jambo, AKL Kidani, Poly, Contemporary, BC, YC, BWV, OKW, SSR, Swan, Shades of Green, Vero Beach, Disneyland Resort

    Next Trip: ???

  8. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Central Texas
    Posts
    2,394
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    The only thing that concerns be about this change is...what if you are not going to the park? Guests will still be subject to bag check upon all entry onto the monorail? Is that ok?

    I know that many times we use the monorail to get to dining reservations and to resort hop. I can't imagine having to go through security every time I want to go visit each resort on the monorail loop. So that would mean if I start at MK and want to do the loop visiting each resort, I'd be going though security 3 times, 4 if I arrive at MK on a bus. That's a little excessive - especially since I'm not even entering MK.

    What if I want to go to Ft. Wilderness or wherever, and I bus to the MK to hop on the ferry...even then I will have to go through security to get to the boat launch.

    Just some thoughts. I really want it to be a good thing. I definitely am not a fan of the bottleneck in front of the park.
    Carrie

    CBR: 2/21-2/25/17
    POR: 6/4-6/11/16
    POFQ: 11/15-11/19/15
    8/28-9/1/14 -DL-Dumbo 19.3 C2C
    POR: 1/7-1/14/14 -Dopey 48.6
    POR: 6/11-6/17/13
    ASMu: 1/11-1/15/13 -1st Full 26.2
    ASMu: 9/22-9/28/11
    ASMu: 6/7-6/13/11
    Pop: 1/30-2/6/10
    Pop: 2/1-2/7/09
    Pop: 1/08
    ASMu: 05/06
    Off-site: 12/93

  9. Thanks j2k thanked for this post
  10. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2002
    Posts
    1,849
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    From a security point of view, and the sometimes sad state of the world we live in, I for one appreciate that security is being checked before boarding the monorail and ferries.
    "One little spark of inspiration is at the heart of all creation, right at the start of everything thats new, one little spark lights up for you!"


    şoş


    Mom to our little Prince Everett and Princess Adelaide
    August 2020 Caribbean Beach!
    Not all treasure is silver and gold, mate.

  11. Likes Speedy1998 liked this post
  12. #7
    Join Date
    Aug 1999
    Location
    California
    Posts
    12,252
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by buzznwoodysmom View Post
    Do you suppose these checkpoints at the resorts will be on the monorail platforms?

    We stayed at the Poly over Mardi Gras break and the platform was backed up almost into the building on several occasions.
    They will probably set up a checkpoint inside the hotels before going out to the monorail platform.

    Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
    Natalie
    INTERCOT Staff: Disneyland Resort-California, The Water Cooler

  13. #8
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Maryland
    Posts
    996
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by cer View Post
    The only thing that concerns be about this change is...what if you are not going to the park? Guests will still be subject to bag check upon all entry onto the monorail? Is that ok?

    I know that many times we use the monorail to get to dining reservations and to resort hop. I can't imagine having to go through security every time I want to go visit each resort on the monorail loop. So that would mean if I start at MK and want to do the loop visiting each resort, I'd be going though security 3 times, 4 if I arrive at MK on a bus. That's a little excessive - especially since I'm not even entering MK.

    What if I want to go to Ft. Wilderness or wherever, and I bus to the MK to hop on the ferry...even then I will have to go through security to get to the boat launch.

    Just some thoughts. I really want it to be a good thing. I definitely am not a fan of the bottleneck in front of the park.
    I wonder the same. DH likes to carry his Gerber every day at home and most times at Disney except into the parks. If we are just resort hopping or doing DS, will they stop him? I know it's not allowed at parks and has been previously told to lock it up.
    DVC MEMBER since 2009
    CS- Oct.2006 *Honeymoon*
    ASM- Sept. 2009 BLT- Nov. 2010
    WLV- Oct. 2012 SSR- July 2013
    BLT- Jan. 2014 WLV- Nov. 2015
    SSR- Mar. 2016 OKW- Oct. 2017
    SSR- Apr. 2018 BC- May. 2018
    BC- Aug. 2018 BLT Dec. 2018

  14. #9
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Location
    Leavenworth, KS
    Posts
    976
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    I had read somewhere that we would also have to do this before getting on any boats at the TCC and resorts. I can't figure out how this will be any better. If we are getting off of a boat won't we still have to go through security to get into Magic Kingdom?
    1288 very long miles to WDW!
    1958 DL-Off property
    Dec 1998 WDW-Off property-Chaperone HS Band trip
    Sep 2005 WDW-POR-25th Late Anniversary
    Apr 2010 WDW-POR-30th Anniversary!
    Aug 2012 DL-first time in 54 yrs!
    Apr 2014 DL-34th Anniversary!!
    Nov 2016 WDW-Retirement!
    Apr 2018 Disney-DGD's 1st trip!

  15. #10
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Central Texas
    Posts
    2,394
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Genie1953 View Post
    I had read somewhere that we would also have to do this before getting on any boats at the TCC and resorts. I can't figure out how this will be any better. If we are getting off of a boat won't we still have to go through security to get into Magic Kingdom?
    No, you won't. Once you go through security to get on whatever mode of transportation to get to the Magic Kingdom, you will already have been screened.

    It is my understanding that they are trying to push the hassle of the experience (going through security) away from the gates so that by the time you get to the MK, you will have that magical experience of park entry just as it was before.
    Carrie

    CBR: 2/21-2/25/17
    POR: 6/4-6/11/16
    POFQ: 11/15-11/19/15
    8/28-9/1/14 -DL-Dumbo 19.3 C2C
    POR: 1/7-1/14/14 -Dopey 48.6
    POR: 6/11-6/17/13
    ASMu: 1/11-1/15/13 -1st Full 26.2
    ASMu: 9/22-9/28/11
    ASMu: 6/7-6/13/11
    Pop: 1/30-2/6/10
    Pop: 2/1-2/7/09
    Pop: 1/08
    ASMu: 05/06
    Off-site: 12/93

  16. Likes dnickels liked this post
  17. #11
    Join Date
    Apr 2002
    Location
    Atlanta, GA
    Posts
    1,329
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    I think it's a good change -- similar crowd management to letting folks into MK prior to opening and not cramming them all out front for the opening show (I do miss the show, though).

    My one tiny concern is ensuring that security procedures and enforcement remain absolutely homogeneous between the multiple checkpoints. It's easier to maintain quality at a single checkpoint, so there is some additional risk introduced with multiple instances and increased management overhead.

  18. #12
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Posts
    850
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by cer View Post
    It is my understanding that they are trying to push the hassle of the experience (going through security) away from the gates so that by the time you get to the MK, you will have that magical experience of park entry just as it was before.
    Exactly, this is so the "Look mommy the castle!!!" moment is followed by a smoother entry into the park than 5-10 minutes standing in security lines and opening up bags. I like the change, even though it seems like it will be a bigger hassle for Disney going from one big security checkpoint to 5 smaller ones I guess? (transportation center + three monorail resorts + guests arriving by bus at MK)

    Someone mentioned resort hopping and yes that will take some extra time, but the vast majority of guests in this area of the world are going to and from the MK so it's simply a matter of improving the experience for the many while inconveniencing the few.

  19. #13
    Join Date
    Apr 1999
    Posts
    7,114
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    I went through the new lines on Tuesday of this week. Came off the Ferry Boat, and it was a lot faster. I like the fact that they are now screening everyone. I did notice thought that they are not really screening strollers so that is the one loophole for gun smuggling right now. Strollers were not checked, I could easily strap a gun underneath a stroller - and bam, I am now in the park with one.
    Ali's Mom
    Senior Imagineer

  20. #14
    Join Date
    Apr 2002
    Location
    Too far from WDW!
    Posts
    3,896
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Imalismom View Post
    I went through the new lines on Tuesday of this week. Came off the Ferry Boat, and it was a lot faster. I like the fact that they are now screening everyone. I did notice thought that they are not really screening strollers so that is the one loophole for gun smuggling right now. Strollers were not checked, I could easily strap a gun underneath a stroller - and bam, I am now in the park with one.

    I have often thought that security was kind of lax when it comes to strollers as well.
    Too many trips to count!
    Disneyland!
    DisneyWorld!
    Disneyland Paris!
    Coming soon Tokyo!
    [SIZE=4][/SIZE

    I have stayed at: All Star Movies, All Star Music, Pop Century, Art of Animation, Port Orleans Riverside, Caribbean Beach Resort, Saratoga Springs Resort

  21. #15
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Posts
    2,651
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    So it sounds like guests who park at MK or are returning from EPCOT to go to MK, will have to go through security before boarding a boat or the "express" monorail from TTC directly to MK? Then if everyone on the resort monorail is screened before entering the monorail, there must be a more direct route to the park entrance from the monorail station and boat docks? And then they will set up a security area just past the exit of the MK bus depot to screen guests arriving by bus? Interesting. That should definitely spread out some of the time and effort of screening everyone for the MK. As previously mentioned, the only negative will be an extra wait for guests using the monorail to go from one monorail resort to another.

    I wonder if MK is the only park they'll do the screening like this? In my mind, I'm not sure how they might even set it up for other parks.

  22. #16
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Location
    Leavenworth, KS
    Posts
    976
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by cer View Post
    No, you won't. Once you go through security to get on whatever mode of transportation to get to the Magic Kingdom, you will already have been screened.

    It is my understanding that they are trying to push the hassle of the experience (going through security) away from the gates so that by the time you get to the MK, you will have that magical experience of park entry just as it was before.
    But won't you be cutting through crowds trying to get from the buses to the monorail? We have done that plenty of times....take the bus to Magic Kingdom and then hop on the monorail to the various resorts for meals. I honestly don't remember where you come off the boats but was thinking that you come off and then walk straight across to the gates to get into Magic kingdom.
    1288 very long miles to WDW!
    1958 DL-Off property
    Dec 1998 WDW-Off property-Chaperone HS Band trip
    Sep 2005 WDW-POR-25th Late Anniversary
    Apr 2010 WDW-POR-30th Anniversary!
    Aug 2012 DL-first time in 54 yrs!
    Apr 2014 DL-34th Anniversary!!
    Nov 2016 WDW-Retirement!
    Apr 2018 Disney-DGD's 1st trip!

  23. #17
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Posts
    465
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by WDW-Geek View Post
    My one tiny concern is ensuring that security procedures and enforcement remain absolutely homogeneous between the multiple checkpoints. It's easier to maintain quality at a single checkpoint, so there is some additional risk introduced with multiple instances and increased management overhead.
    I appreciate the steps to improve the gate experience but I also have this concern. Just a couple thoughts and unanswered questions I have:

    1. - For bus riders: are the checks still happening at the front gates OR will it be near the bus stops?
    2. - What about someone who walks to MK from contemporary? Where do they get checked? Or will that no longer be an option?
    3. - How will all this be monitored to ensure nobody is slipping through the cracks?

    I don't expect all of you to have the answers it just opens up questions in my mind.

  24. #18
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Ontario, Canada
    Posts
    3,770
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by j2k View Post
    I appreciate the steps to improve the gate experience but I also have this concern. Just a couple thoughts and unanswered questions I have:

    1. - For bus riders: are the checks still happening at the front gates OR will it be near the bus stops?
    2. - What about someone who walks to MK from contemporary? Where do they get checked? Or will that no longer be an option?
    3. - How will all this be monitored to ensure nobody is slipping through the cracks?

    I don't expect all of you to have the answers it just opens up questions in my mind.
    For numbers 1 and 2 new temporary security structures have been built on the waterside of the monorail track. People from the buses and walking will have to go through there and have no choice. Still temporary in case changes are needed.

    As for 3, the walkways are constructed with barriers so you can't avoid security and basically with cameras and security CMs you are being observed from the time you entere WDW property.
    26 years staying at the Polynesian
    There's a great big beautiful tomorrow, shining at the end of everyday...
    Twenty six straight years staying at the Polynesian
    Next trip: October 2018

  25. Thanks j2k thanked for this post
  26. #19
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Central Texas
    Posts
    2,394
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Genie1953 View Post
    But won't you be cutting through crowds trying to get from the buses to the monorail? We have done that plenty of times....take the bus to Magic Kingdom and then hop on the monorail to the various resorts for meals. I honestly don't remember where you come off the boats but was thinking that you come off and then walk straight across to the gates to get into Magic kingdom.
    The idea is that everyone will be screened at the monorail resorts before they enter whatever mode of transportation. Not sure about the boats coming from those resorts, they have only mentioned the monorail security screening.

    The guests that arrive via bus will be screened closer to where they are dropped off, and like another poster said, the guests walking from the Contemporary will be screened right at the end of the walkway before stepping on the the MK area.

    So you mentioned going from the bus to hop a monorail. In that case, you will exit your bus, go through security and walk to the monorail to go on to the resort. You are not going to MK, but will still be required to go through security.
    Carrie

    CBR: 2/21-2/25/17
    POR: 6/4-6/11/16
    POFQ: 11/15-11/19/15
    8/28-9/1/14 -DL-Dumbo 19.3 C2C
    POR: 1/7-1/14/14 -Dopey 48.6
    POR: 6/11-6/17/13
    ASMu: 1/11-1/15/13 -1st Full 26.2
    ASMu: 9/22-9/28/11
    ASMu: 6/7-6/13/11
    Pop: 1/30-2/6/10
    Pop: 2/1-2/7/09
    Pop: 1/08
    ASMu: 05/06
    Off-site: 12/93

  27. #20
    Join Date
    May 2002
    Location
    Brantford Ontario Canada
    Posts
    2,212
    Post Thanks / Like

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Imalismom View Post
    I went through the new lines on Tuesday of this week. Came off the Ferry Boat, and it was a lot faster. I like the fact that they are now screening everyone. I did notice thought that they are not really screening strollers so that is the one loophole for gun smuggling right now. Strollers were not checked, I could easily strap a gun underneath a stroller - and bam, I am now in the park with one.
    For a while they were pretty lax about it. But on my last trip (just a few weeks ago) I noticed that they were making people with strollers go through the bag check lines, and they definitely were checking strollers - looking in the baskets underneath and little compartments by the handlebars. Granted, if you really wanted to bring something evil into the parks, you could stick it under the baby. But they were definitely checking out strollers every day I went to the parks.
    ~ Carolyn ~ aka "CANADA!"
    Every year since 1979! Annual Passholder in CANADA!

    * Old Key West
    * Saratoga Springs
    * Boardwalk
    * Coronado Springs
    * Contemporary & Bay Lake Tower
    * Caribbean Beach
    * Port Orleans Riverside
    * Fort Wilderness
    * Pop Century
    * All Star Music Movies & Sports

Share This Thread On Social Media:

Share This Thread On Social Media:

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

 
Company
Advertising
Guest Relations
Community
Discussion Boards
Podcast
Newsletter
Shop
Social
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
Pinterest
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Enter your email address below to receive our newsletter:
INTERCOT Logo PRIVACY STATEMENT / DISCLAIMER | DISCUSSION BOARD RULES
© Since 1997 INTERCOT - a Levelbest Communications Website. This is not an official Disney website.
> Levelbest Network Site