Theme parks have long been considered some of the safest entertainment destinations in the world, thanks to their robust security protocols. At major parks like Universal Studios and Disney, these measures go far beyond what guests may notice on the surface, ensuring that millions of visitors stay safe each year.
This week, Universal Studios Japan has taken its security to the next level with a major upgrade, adding a new baggage screening area to help streamline the guest entry process while keeping the park safe.
#USJ New baggage inspection Grand opening on February 3rd. Live broadcast 14
★ Summary
① Baggage inspection was at 5:30 and the park opened at 7, so there was no confusion.
② Many Japanese customers knew about the attractions at USJ from prior information on the Internet and went to the new baggage inspection area without getting lost, but many foreign customers were unfamiliar with the area and asked the crew questions.
#USJファン
#USJ 新手荷物検査 2月3日グランドオープン。実況中継14
★総括
①手荷物検査5時30分、パークオープン7時と早めたので混乱は無かった
②日本客はUSJのツボのネットでの事前情報で知っている人が多く迷わず新手荷物検査場に行ったが、外国人客はわからずクルーに質問する人が多かった
#USJファン pic.twitter.com/QTVlE1mzBC— ＵＳＪのツボ (@usj1) February 3, 2025
Universal Studios Japan Expands Security with New Baggage Screening Area
Universal Studios Japan, renowned for attracting large crowds, especially to popular areas like SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, has gradually developed a new baggage screening area, which officially opened on February 3 according to USJ 1.
This addition consists of 43 lanes, allowing guests to have their bags scanned and pass through metal detectors before entering the park. In an effort to keep the process organized, the park has rolled out new uniforms for its security staff, complete with the word “SECURITY” displayed on the back for easy identification.
New uniforms for baggage inspection and security crew. The word “SECURITY” on the back. A cool uniform from both the front and the back.
★ USJ’s stylish uniform ranking
1st place: Haridori
2nd place: Security crew
#USJファン
速報) #USJ エントランス 新手荷物検査
■新手荷物検査、2月3日グランドオープン。実況中継13手荷物検査、セキュリティクルーの制服が新調
後ろの『SECURITY』文字
前から見ても後ろから見てもカッコいい制服
★USJおしゃれな制服ランキング
1位 ハリドリ
2位 セキュリティクルー
#USJファン pic.twitter.com/PAgdhm8OxB— ＵＳＪのツボ (@usj1) February 3, 2025
Guests now have the opportunity to pass through this security checkpoint up to 30 minutes before the park officially opens, ensuring that the entry process is smooth and efficient. This improvement is expected to enhance both safety and the overall guest experience, as Universal Studios Japan continues to welcome large numbers of visitors each day.
The Need for Tightened Security Measures at Theme Parks
While most theme park guests don’t pose a security threat, various incidents over the years have proven that strict security measures are essential. One of the most notable events occurred in 2022 when a woman was caught attempting to bring a loaded gun into Walt Disney World Resort after triggering a metal detector.
Another incident occurred at Disney’s Animal Kingdom when a guest was stopped at bag check for carrying a gun in his backpack. Such events highlight the critical importance of bag checks, metal detectors, and uniformed security personnel, which are common in major theme parks worldwide.
In Japan, where the law is stricter about firearms and weapons, the chances of a guest attempting to bring such items into the park are much lower than in places like Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando Resort. Japan’s weapons law explicitly states that no one shall possess firearms or swords.
Just last year, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo inadvertently sold prop swords that were sharp enough to be classified as weapons, reminding theme parks everywhere of the importance of maintaining tight security standards.
Efforts to Manage Crowds and Improve Attractions
Universal Studios Japan is known for its heavy crowds, which often become viral sensations on social media due to the large numbers of visitors filling attractions like SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. Managing such large crowds while ensuring security is no small feat. The addition of the new baggage screening area is just one of many steps the park has taken to enhance the guest experience.
In addition to the new security measures, Universal Studios Japan has been making upgrades to its attractions. Recently, the park refreshed Jurassic Park: The Ride (which had initially sparked concerns that it might be replaced by Jurassic World: The Ride).
Furthermore, the park unveiled the first expansion of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD in late 2024 with the highly anticipated debut of Donkey Kong Country. This expansion will also feature in Universal’s upcoming Epic Universe theme park, scheduled to open in May.
As Universal Studios Japan continues to innovate and grow, it remains committed to both providing world-class entertainment and maintaining a high standard of safety. With the new security measures now in place, the park is better equipped than ever to handle large crowds and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for all guests.
Do you think theme parks do enough to ensure the safety of their guests?
