Does the bag check going into Parks really help?

[caryrae]

I don't know why I was thinking about this last night but I was thinking does the bag check going into Parks really do much good? I suppose it does help some but if someone really wanted to do something it would be pretty easy to just walk in as long as you didn't have a bag or purse or something.

Like where I live, they check your vehicals before going to the loading dock and construction parking lot of the Mall of America when it would be so easy to just go through the main entrances.

[BamaJenn]

I think the folks doing it are trained to look for very specific things. Things we may think they should consider "suspicious" may be just the opposite to them. The security is by no means as tight as it is at an airport for example but I truly believe the bag checks are helping to keep us safe in some way. I wouldn't be surprised if there have been items people have been told they couldn't bring in and had to either toss or take back to their resort. On the other hand, I'd really love to believe that anyone going to the Happiest Place on Earth wouldn't dare try to sneak in something to harm it's guests... but there are some very sick and evil people out there.

[medic9016]

I'm sure they catch something every once in a while. But for the most part it is a joke and just a show of force. I does not matter if it is Disney or Mall of America, it's a place of opportunity for criminals.

[WDWNut02]

The bag check is obviously looking for weapons, but i believe they are looking for things like drugs and alchohol as well. Just knowing that the checkpoint is there is enough to keep most people from even trying to sneak anything in, but if someone is extremely determined, it would be hard to stop them.

[Pooh Fan]

I was riding a disney bus back to my resort with DW one night after a day at the park when a very comical bus driver who had a whole routine worked out asked us if we knew what they were really looking for at the main gate bag checks. After a few riders blurted out the obvious answers, weapons, drugs etc. the bus driver said "Nope, They're looking for Mouse Traps" :mickey:

[DisneyGlutton]

Based on how (un)thoroughly security has scrutinized my bags and those in line around me, I can't imagine its anything more than glorified PR intended to make guests feel good without much substance.

[vicster]

I think it's a waste of time. If someone wanted to carry in weapons or drugs they can be hidden in their socks or other undergarments. They certainly don't check those so what's the point?

[joonyer]

From the standpoint of actually providing for increased security and safety, the Disney bag checks are worthless. All they accomplish is creating a "feeling" or perception of increased safety for park guests. After all, they don't check pockets, or ankles under long pants (great place to carry a piece). From the perspective of a judge, with an actual security checkpoint at my courthouse entry, you must have a metal detector and x-ray machine to really keep weapons out. And if all you are trying to do is keep drugs and alcohol out, well the bag checks don't do that either, since they don't check pockets, under shirts and dresses, socks, etc.

If someone really wanted to carry a gun or weapon, or any other contraband into a disney park, they'd have to be a complete idiot to put it into a backpack or bag. That's not to say there are no idiot criminals out there, but real security is designed to prevent all of the bad guys from getting bad things into a particular location. The Disney bag checks don't even come close to doing that. I really don't know why they do it, If some bad guy really does take a weapon into a park (simple to do) and hurts or kills a guest, Disney won't be able to hide behind the excuse of "well, we checked his bags". Liability-wise, I think they'd be better off doing no bag checks and just using walk through metal detectors, At least it would be much faster.

The bag checks may make some guests "feel" like they are being protected, but it only makes me feel ANNOYED at the time it takes and the pointlessness of it all. :confused:

[CleveRocks]

Beyond the bag checks, Disney has a world of security that we never see and never will.

A friend of mine is in the military, and his MOS is training cities and states and very large unnamed corporations how to prevent and deal with nuclear, biological and chemical attacks. A few years back, I mentioned to him that I was in NYC's Times Square and noticed teams of 6 cops each about 50 feet apart. I marveled at how much security was present. He told me that for every uniformed officer I saw, there were at least 3 other non-uniformed personnel on the scene, as well. He told me to read between the lines.

Anyone can bring in a weapon if they are motivated to do so. One of the things that bag check accomplishes is preventing "traditional" terrorism. Think about it ... traditional terrorism uses explosives, not bullets and knives. They cause very large explosions. Even 10 people couldn't secret in enough explosive material to later put together to make a device that would cause enough damage. Bag check prevents the smuggling of large, useable amounts of explosives.

In addition, there is enough security around to prevent a successful mission of a hundred people congregating or dropping something off at a central site where a device could be built.

There are also two things we don't know: Do the entrance turnstiles have chemical sensors ("sniffers") that could detect explosive residue? Does Disney use facial recognition software to identify known threats?

Facial recognition software is routine stuff in Las Vegas and Atlantic City casinos. They generally use it to ferret out known cheats, but it wouldn't be beyond imagination to think that Disney uses facial recognition with a different, more threatening database of faces.

Just some thoughts ....

[pink]

When they check my bags all they do is peak inside the main pocket and then let me go inside.

I don't see any point to it other than to intimidate someone who makes think or bringing something in they shouldn't. :mickey:

[VWL Mom]

Anyone can bring in a weapon if they are motivated to do so. One of the things that bag check accomplishes is preventing "traditional" terrorism. Think about it ... traditional terrorism uses explosives, not bullets and knives. They cause very large explosions. Even 10 people couldn't secret in enough explosive material to later put together to make a device that would cause enough damage. Bag check prevents the smuggling of large, useable amounts of explosives.

Now I get it! That makes sense to me.
Even thought the bag check does bother me I always wondered why I was standing in line while DH & kids could just walk in with their cargo pockets full of things (ipod, phone, water bottle).

[gerald72]

I make sure never to enter the parks carrying a bag- you know, one less line to wait in.
Unfortunately, I bought something in Epcot and park-hopped to MK, forgetting about the bag.
So I took the item out of the bag and walked through bag check carrying the empty bag in one hand. The guard actually said to me, why are you coming through bag check? The bag is empty.
I was under the impression that all bags had to be checked, even empty ones. So, no, I don't have much confidence in bag check.

[caryrae]

Now I get it! That makes sense to me.
Even thought the bag check does bother me I always wondered why I was standing in line while DH & kids could just walk in with their cargo pockets full of things (ipod, phone, water bottle).

Some of those cargo shorts can hold more then some bags people bring in.

[WDWNut02]

Does anybody know when the bagcheck system began? Did it change after 9/11?

[joonyer]

Beyond the bag checks, Disney has a world of security that we never see and never will.

. . . One of the things that bag check accomplishes is preventing "traditional" terrorism. Think about it ... traditional terrorism uses explosives, not bullets and knives. They cause very large explosions. Even 10 people couldn't secret in enough explosive material to later put together to make a device that would cause enough damage. Bag check prevents the smuggling of large, useable amounts of explosives.

....

Yes, I am sure that Disney has a lot of "unseen" security.

However this statement is simply NOT true:

"Even 10 people couldn't secret in enough explosive material to later put together to make a device that would cause enough damage."

Yes, if you are talking about a bomb like the one that brought down the Federal building in Oklahoma city, you need hundreds (if not thousands) of pounds of explosives.

But it is very easy for one person easy to carry enough high-tech explosives strapped to their body under a jacket or coat to cause massive death and destruction, especially in a packed crowded area.

Although it was in a backpack, the Atlanta Olympics Centennial Park bomb weighed only 40 pounds, explosives, steel pipes and all, and 40 pounds can easily be carried by one man under a large coast or jacket (might look suspicious in July but not in December or January). The bombs that Ted Kaczynski sent through the mail were much smaller and were very lethal at close range. Bombs of that size (amount of explosive) could easily be carried in under clothing.

Yeah, you can't get a truck bomb into a theme park, but you could easily get a lethal explosive device in. It would be even easier if a terrorist didn't care about taking himself out (suicide bomber), since he wouldn't have to walk away after leaving a suspicious looking package laying around.

I don't think a theme park would be a likely terrorist target, but then again by definition, terrorists are crazy or irrational. I know that Disney has a top notch security force inside the gates, but they would be reactive. The gate security (bag checks) is just a pretense, it is nowhere close to real proactive security.

[Hull-onian]

Waste of time for me, I am not "Grandma's Gone Wild".:rotfl:

[DryCreek]

Those checkpoints don't prevent you from bringing in a hip flask.
Pure conjecture, of course!

[Nascfan]

Does anybody know when the bagcheck system began? Did it change after 9/11?

Yes, it began after 9/11 and 9/11 is the reason for the checks.

[EpcotFanatic]

It's pointless. Anyone wishing to harm someone, whether it be 1 person, or an entire crowd doesn't have to enter the park to do so.

But after 9/11 things changed. Now it's a PR scapegoat. If something did happen, Disney can't get the finger pointed at them saying "this wouldn't have happened if they checked bags."

Same thing with TSA. Why do something on the plane when you can do it at a clogged up useless security check point.

[Dznygrl79]

I am totally for the bag check, when I was in world in DEC. 2005 they found a woman who "forgot" she had a loaded pistol in her purse. Even if that was the case imagine it going off any place with all the kids around.

Yes it is a pain but I think even that illusion of safety is better.

Also right before Night Of Joy last year they sent the officer dog teams through the stage areas. I think their security is better than alot of places I visit daily. I give it up to Disney for being so concerned with guest safety.

[VWL Mom]

Some of those cargo shorts can hold more then some bags people bring in.
:exactly:

[Mousemates]

To me, at best, the bag check is kind of like a dead-bolt lock on the door of your house...it won't keep anyone out who is really determined to get in, but it might encourage someone who is not highly motivated about their particular "target victim" to go someplace else to do their crime.

As for whatever it is they are trying to keep out I'm not realy sure...it sure isn't firearms because there are no metal detectors and you could pretty much smuggle in an arsenol under a jacket. The same goes for explosives. (With all due respect to a previous poster who said you couldn't bring in a dangerous amount of explosives into the parks...two words "hand grenade." )

My best guess as to what they are attempting to do with their bag check security (beyond a PR move and to say "we're watching") is that they are using the security check to filter out the unmotivated, dumb (of which there are many) or opportunistic criminals and find "accidental" contraband. Another possibility is that they are using the search queues to identify people who might be threats...i.e. folks who get overly nervous during the search process, etc.

Either way, they (the bag checks) aren't that much of a nuisance and if they take some of the nervousness out for some folks and give them a greater sense of security I guess they're okay...who wants to worry about the problems of the world while your at the magic kingdom...getting away from that stuff is why we go to WDW in the first place.

[caryrae]

The problem I see is that it doesn't seem like they do much of a search. I have never brought a bag so I am not sure but don't they just kinda peak inside using a little stick to kinda move the stuff around a little? Like one person said they did a quick look in the main pocket of their bag and that was it but I can see how it helps a little, by catching someone now and again.

[Mickey91]

I think they help keep the appearance of vigilance but going through a metal detector would make me feel safer. You can conceal just about anything in your pockets.

[BamaJenn]

As a note again... while it may seem to us like they just poke inside real quick and send us on our way, I am sure they are trained to look for very specific things of size and shape and they can tell pretty much by looking at a bag, without even going inside, that it's safe. Whether it's an illusion of safety or not, I would never ask that this go away. If anything it at least helps to feed folks into the entrance queues a little better.:D

[Imagineer1981]

The bag checks are meant to be a deterant. The security guards are looking for the basics, but they are more concerned about body language and how you carry yourself. There are Orange county police on site as well and they are trained to look for someone who might be carrying a weapon. The bag check is just a front

[brownie]

I believe the purpose of the bag checks is to look for things that can cause more damage than a handgun and would need to be carried in a bag to be brought in. The checks have caught at least one handgun (there was a news report on it.)

It can also be a time issue; you can't just walk right in to the park. It also gives security a chance to observe behavior. If you were walking to commit an act that would injure a lot of people, your timing and not being identified would be important. The bag checks help to disrupt that.

Yes, there are other ways things could be done. You put controls in where you feasibly can. As a security professional, I don't feel the bag checks are joke. I believe they are a helpful deterrent (if they weren't, would Disney keep doing the checks?)

[DisneyFr33k]

We have no problem going through security when it is a deterrant to crime. However, we found the security from park to park within Disney not very consistent. One park barely looks at your bags contents while the other combs through each item. One park ask you to remove your fanny pack while another didn't (actually told me to keep mine on). The worst during our last trip was one security officer flirting with a woman (who I admit was very attractive) across the table from us. He went through our bag and offered her some of our personal items to get her to laugh. Oh well!

[Disney Doll]

I have never been a fan of the bag checks because I do feel like they aren't thorough enough to really bother with, but rules are rules so I happily comply. My diaper bag is loaded with compartments and is usually packed. All they do is a quick peek into the main compartment and I'm on my way.

My DH was stopped on our last trip and asked to empty his pockets by a plain clothes security guard at the non bag entrance. He had some nasal spray and some nicotine mints. The two items together in his pocket made an "L" shaped bulge which looked suspicious. I still think it's probably possible to smuggle something in, but I guess maybe they are paying more attention than we all think.

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . I was thinking does the bag check going into Parks really do much good? . . .

1) Absolutely !!!!!!!!!
2) Since the bag check, people cannot sneak children into the parks.
3) Or diminutive grandmothers.

[joonyer]

1) Absolutely !!!!!!!!!
2) Since the bag check, people cannot sneak children into the parks.
3) Or diminutive grandmothers.

As Inspector Clouseau would say: "Guuud one!"

[KylesMom]

I remember our trip in May of '02 - it was staggering the amount of booze they were confiscating at MK from folks. There were literally huge garbage cans full of beer/wine coolers/etcetera that were being taken away from guests prior to entry being allowed. So from the standpoint of successfully keeping out the banned substances & glass, it's sure helping with that! :D

[javamama]

It's not the greatest thing to deal with, but as a resident living in the good ole USA we've come to live with it. You go to a MLB game they look through your purse, same with other sporting events. The TSA(airports) they do it when you walk thru the checkpoint, and sometimes right after 9/11 started at the gates before boarding the actual airline employees would pull you out of line. So WDW does it also, so yeah we need to stand in this line first, and then that line ok. Do they do the greatest job, honestly I don't know...they're probably trained similar to the TSA to look for certain items, we know Disney does a good job at training there folks. I have had a big diaper bag the last two years now, I take stuff out to make things easier for these folks---would like to dig around in someones purse, fannypac, diaperbag....umm not me:sick: If they find a few things here and there, they're doing a great job...the thing is they try.

[#1donaldfan]

....I suppose it's just a sign of the times, and the world we live in, that necesitates the bag checks. Honestly, I don't ever remember waiting more than mere seconds for a check, and we've been there during some very peak times....eg. NYE..... I totally agree with Disney's stance on checking bags, whether or not they find the atomic bomb or nucissance contraband, it's designed to keep the "honest, honest"....:thumbsup:

[joonyer]

I don't think they should stop doing it, but I think it would be better if they installed walk through metal detectors, and then pulled out people for bag checks if the detectors go off, otherwise let folks proceed on to the turnstiles. Keeping alcohol and glass out of the parks is a good idea, but checking only bags, and not pockets or coats, won't keep that stuff, or guns, knives, and worse out of the parks.

[DisneyTwinsMommy]

I am happy to comply with the bag checks. Every measure in place that is intended to make myself and my family safer is fine with me.

One situation I witnessed at bag check made me applaud the security guard. We were going through bag check and in front of us was a grown man with an empty stroller. The guard asked "Where is the child?" Turns out that the father got separated from the Mom and little boy, like so often happens in WDW. But the guard would not let that man through without seeing the child the stroller was intended for. If a grown man has a stroller and no child, it is conceivable that he could be up to something non-Disney like. And to that I say "well done" to the pointless "bag check." :thumbsup:

[GrumpyFan]

While you may not think the bag checks are actually significant, I promise you they are. Disney trains their security people very well, and part of that training is in looking for the odd guests who don't belong, or might be acting suspicious or nervous. The bag check guards aren't looking for anything specific in bags, but rather they're looking for a specific type of person who clearly isn't coming to the park to ride Dumbo or Space Mountain.

Disney has many different levels of security, much of it unseen by the guest.
The security guards who we see, and are dressed in security are actually just there to make you feel safe. That's not to say they're not real security guards, but they're trained to be courteous and friendly and to make everyone feel safe and happy. However, the real security is behind the scenes, as well as plain clothes (tourist like). They are well connected via radios and closed circuit video cameras. They watch guests as they are coming thru the gates and up main street looking for anyone who doesn't "belong".

So, while it seems like the bag checks are pointless, think again. There's more going on there than you know. Disney takes the security of their guests, castmembers and property very serious. However, they try to keep it quiet and hidden so it doesn't interfere with the on stage magic. The last thing they want people thinking about is whether or not they're safe. No, they want you to feel safe but not threatened and they take great measures to do so.

How do I know this? I actually talked to a guard at MGM/DHS once and he told me.

[PirateLover]

I remember our trip in May of '02 - it was staggering the amount of booze they were confiscating at MK from folks. There were literally huge garbage cans full of beer/wine coolers/etcetera that were being taken away from guests prior to entry being allowed. So from the standpoint of successfully keeping out the banned substances & glass, it's sure helping with that! :D

I know people who drink in the MK. I won't say how b/c I don't want to give any ideas, plus it's against Intercot TOS, but remember that old saying: Where there's a will there is a way.
I think bag check is practically worthless. I can count the times that I've been thoroughly searched by someone who really seemed to be serious on one hand.

[grwoolf]

The bag check guards aren't looking for anything specific in bags, but rather they're looking for a specific type of person who clearly isn't coming to the park to ride Dumbo or Space Mountain.


GrumpyFan hit it on the nose. This is the biggest reasons for the back check. If there was not a bag check for everyone, Disney would have a hard time pulling a single suspicious person aside and asking to check their bag. People would be up in arms about profiling and racism even if there was none present. Nobody wants be be pulled from the crowd to be checked, even if it's random. The best approach is to create the illusion of checking everyone the same, but obviously they dig deeper in some bags than others if they see something suspicious (which is almost always nothing).

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . This is the biggest reasons for the back check. If there was not a bag check for everyone, Disney would have a hard time pulling a single suspicious person aside and asking to check their bag. . .

1) Good point.
2) I once saw security swarm around a suspicious looking guy.
. . . skinny legs
. . . ears that Dumbo would envy
. . . strange outfit
3) They were frisking him and patting him down thoroughly.
4) They started to put cuffs on him.
5) He kept saying "the name is not Mike, it's Mickey!"

[Daddy Mouse]

I always wanted to put something in a bag to see if the bag checker might blush or have some sort of shocked reaction. I enjoy people and their reactions.

[grumpyguy]

i think if the bag check has saved one person or stopped one unfortunate situation it's worth it.a few moments of inconvience is better than an alternative.

[Donald A]

I honestly believe that it has everything to do with the "illusion" of security over true security. It makes people feel safer but probably doesn't. I bet they are looking for alcohol more than anything. If they were truly worried about guns and the like they would have metal detectors.

I remember the lady with the gun who got caught with it in her purse because she forgot it was there. She got arrested. What they don't tell you in the media is if she had a concealed carry permit (she didn't) honored by the state of Florida the most they could have done was make her take it back to her car. Florida law does not make it a crime for a concealed carry holder to carry on private property. It is just armed trespassing if they find out you are and ask you to leave.

My point is the gate security, in my opinion, is really just an illusion of safety and to protect Disney from losing money with people bringing in alcohol and stuff. As others pointed out, the real security, I image, is high tech stuff behind the scenes that we don't see.

[brownie]

I remember the lady with the gun who got caught with it in her purse because she forgot it was there. She got arrested. What they don't tell you in the media is if she had a concealed carry permit (she didn't) honored by the state of Florida the most they could have done was make her take it back to her car. Florida law does not make it a crime for a concealed carry holder to carry on private property. It is just armed trespassing if they find out you are and ask you to leave.

I believe Florida allows for posting of property where guns aren't allowed, making it a felony even with a valid concealed weapons permit.