Disney has long struggled with balancing the right amount of security measures with maintaining a ‘happy place’ for guests. Discussions at the highest levels have been underway for years, but after recent events in the US and the World have caused the resort to act now.
The parks have always had some combination of costumed and plain clothes security. Originally they were mostly to prevent shop lifting and monitor behavior in the park (you know, like dancing too close or with members of the opposite sex (yes, that happened)).
In the late 90’s, Disney’s parks started implementing bag search to keep glass containers, knifes, and what not out of the parks, but really just as security theater. This procedure really only keeps out items accidentally brought in by people who don’t know the rules. Any determined visitor could still bring in pretty much what they want on their person.
According to sources at the parks, Disney has recently started to kick the security up a few notches.
-According to recently updated park rules, costumes and masks are now prohibited by guests ages 14 and older.
-Starting as soon as today, Disney is pulling all toy guns (including colorful fantasy toys like the Buzz Lightyear laser gun) from shelves.
-Already there has been a heavier presence of uniformed and armed police. Disney will also add more K-9 team patrols.
-Starting today at the AMC Disney Springs 24 theaters, guest’s bags will be subject to search and they may be asked to walk through a scanner similar to what they have at airports. There maybe also be searches with hand-held wands. I’m told this is a temporary change related to increased levels of caution around Star Wars.
-As of this morning, walk-through scanners are at bag check at Disney’s theme and water parks too.
A Disney spokesperson released the following statement, “We continually review our comprehensive approach to security and are implementing additional security measures, as appropriate.”
