Disney Adds New Layer to Entering Theme Park, Guest Inspection Now Required for Some

Is security at Disney World making a change?

A recent Reddit thread has sparked widespread conversation about Disney’s increasingly strict security protocols at their theme parks. Longtime visitors are noticing a marked change in how security screenings are handled — with some guests reporting that their bags are emptied completely and even wallets are being inspected.

The original poster, who has been visiting Disney parks for over 20 years, shared their surprise:

“So I had this happen twice so far during our trip and wanted to see if anyone else is experiencing this. I got dinged going though security, waited in line, and pulled out my wallet and phone to put in the bin. After I put them in the bin they wand me and then I unzip my bag. To my shock and dismay I am asked to remove every single item from my backpack. They physically would not touch the backpack till every single time item was removed. I have never experienced this before. So with everything out and him looking through the bag I go to grab my wallet and phone he tells me to stop and that he has to look through my wallet. I was like what?!? My wallet? In 20 years of going to the parks they have never had me empty my bag or go through my wallet. Isn’t it their job to go through the bag with at least some of the items in it and remove what they need? You guys ever experienced this?”

This post ignited a flurry of comments from other park visitors sharing their own encounters and frustrations — but also understanding the need for heightened security.

One guest explained a helpful tip shared by security personnel:

“On our last trip, security advised us to take our sunglasses cases, phones, and something else— I can’t remember— hold them in our hands with our arms outstretched, ‘like Mary Poppins,’ and walk through the scanner, and we likely wouldn’t get stopped again. And we didn’t.”

An annual passholder echoed this strategy to avoid additional searches:

“I’m an annual passholder who hates getting pulled over by security. Based on a couple conversations with security personnel, it’s based on the quantity of metal clumped together. Now I take everything metal and electronic out of my bag—cell phone, sunglasses, keys, water bottle, Altoids mint tin, umbrella coin purse, etc.—and hold them in my hands with my arms stretched out straight in front of me like a zombie. I haven’t gotten stopped once since I started doing that.”

Others acknowledged the increased security presence as a necessary precaution:

“Remember, the original target of the Pulse shooter was Disney Springs and the reason they didn’t go through with it was because of the increased security. It’s annoying but it’s worth the safety of you and all the families at Disney.”

However, some commenters expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of these measures:

“That may be, but it’s not actually stopping armed guests from coming in (source: I have been witness to multiple events where weapons have made it through the parks only for other cast to find them and kick them out). HOB security is better than the parks for just the concert hall. I don’t really have a solution, just wanted to throw in that they do all of this stuff but people still get through with prohibited items.”

Others speculated that recent policy changes might be in response to new security threats:

“I read a story that someone got busted trying to sneak in a bunch of cocaine in their wallet. I wonder if they’re trying a new policy.”

Families navigating security shared their own trials:

“Being the family pack mule I get pulled for a search of my backpack about 50% of the time. I’ve kinda learned it was usually from umbrellas. Sometimes they take everything out and sometimes they just rummage. They have never even touched my wallet.”

One guest described an intense experience with a security officer:

“Last visit to HS earlier this month I got through clean and my 9-year-old son got dinged. When I started back to get in the line with him he tried to stop me. I responded politely that I was just going to stand with my son and he still refused. One more polite and two more stern objections and he still tried to refuse. Only after I told him to summon a supervisor and a uniformed law enforcement officer did he finally back off.”

Despite the inconsistencies in screening, many visitors appreciate the precautions:

“I’m sure Disney is privy to some security concerns that maybe the public isn’t aware of and they are being extra cautious. I am very appreciative of their efforts and know I can relax once inside. Or at least until I have to schedule my next ride time.”

Even guests with accessibility needs are feeling the impact:

“I had this happen to me today, but with my wheelchair! I thought it was so strange. I have a wheelchair pouch attached to my seat back and it holds my footrests, cup holder, and air tire pump. I’ve never been asked to remove those things until today at Epcot. It’s good they’re being cautious.”

Frequent visitors described the unpredictability of the screenings:

“Happened to me just this week. Can’t remember which park as we did all 4 with day breaks at each so went through security a bunch. The first park we went to the security guard directing people to the lines told everyone to take out their umbrellas and hold in front of them to avoid setting off the machine. It was super helpful and it was the only time this was being done the 10 times we went through security. I went through fine doing that. The next time, I forgot about the umbrellas and then had to take every single thing out and it was A LOT of stuff that I had packed strategically, so it was annoying. Subsequent parks it seemed to randomly go off no matter what I did and the guards don’t know why it did. I showed up every time with the exact same things in my bag. Magic Kingdom seemed to be really sensitive and it flagged like 10 of us right in a row and the line to get checked thoroughly was quite large. I don’t mind being subjected to security but do get pretty annoyed when it makes me late for stuff because they don’t have 4 guards working the 4 inspection stations and they are being slow. If your machines are being ultra sensitive and flagging a lot of people, get the manpower in there to get us through in reasonable amount of time.”

As security measures ramp up, Disney guests are learning to adapt their packing and screening approach while balancing the frustration of longer lines with the understanding that safety comes first. Whether these stricter protocols will continue or evolve remains to be seen — but for now, visitors are advised to follow the “Mary Poppins” technique and hold all metal and electronics in their hands to breeze through security faster.