As was reported a few days ago, the rumors are indeed true and additional security measures have been put in place at Walt Disney World. Some new parks rules are active and metal detectors are stationed at the entrances of all four theme parks.
There are three metal detectors in place at each of the entrances for Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Managers and supervisors were all over the place, and I spoke to a few of them. One manager with a 15-year pin (name withheld) advised me that not all Guests are required to go through metal detectors.
“It’s not everyone. Not all Guests will be going through them. Some are being chosen totally at random and we don’t even know the ratio as to how many people go through before another is chosen.
“It does not matter what your clothes say or your age or who you are. If you’re chosen to go through, that’s all there is to it. There is no system for who is chosen to go through the metal detectors.”
Below are images from the entrance of Disney’s Hollywood Studios where things were running along quite nicely this morning and without any delay.
As you can see, the metal detectors are being run by a third-party, outside company known as CSC or Contemporary Services Corporation.
A number of new park rules have also been put in place and the signs are posted outside of the bag check areas. Not included on the signs though is that Walt Disney World has removed all toy guns from it’s retail locations.
Cast Members did get word this morning via a company email that these rules will apply to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties. Still, five different supervisors advised me this morning that while that is in place at this time, it could end up changing.
“That’s still what…9…10 months away. A lot can change in a little time and even more in a lot of time. As of now, that’s how we were instructed it will be, but again, things may or could change,” said another long-time supervisor.
Some believe the metal detectors may be a hassle, but they were all running smoothly this morning and adding no real delays to park entry. It’s a safety measure that has been deemed necessary in many locations other than Walt Disney World as well.
I watched park entry for a while this morning, and the process was very non-invasive as Guests walked through the metal detectors, some had wands waved over them, and then they just moved on. Bag checks were quite thorough and there was an increased security and police presence at park entrances and in the parking lots as well.
Join the “I’m So Disney…” group on Facebook to discuss this and many other Disney things with anyone and everyone.
I was screened at EPCOT today by the metal deectors today.
It was random, as there was only one machine, and it was smooth.
Mariano
I was searched again after going through bag search. had to empty my pockets take my compact camera off my belt. drop my phone into the bucket and pass through the metal detect for after answering a tirade of questions. My niece asked my wife if i had been arrested. All to go into the “Happiest place on earth” As I redressed the guard told me to have a magical day. What do you think the odds of that were? How are you keeping anyone safe by checking one old, overweight, orthopedic shoe wearing grandpa out of every two thousand guests? Hardly smooth and ticked me off.