For anyone planning a visit to one Disney park soon, get ready for longer lines and more thorough checks before entering.
Security at Disney parks is a well-oiled machine designed to be thorough and efficient while maintaining the magic of the experience. Before entering, every guest passes through bag checks and metal detectors, and security personnel are trained to spot potential threats quickly.
While Disney has long prioritized security, recent moves to tighten measures at one Disney park have led to increased wait times.
Hong Kong Disneyland’s Enhanced Security Screening
Beginning March 13, 2025, metal detectors were installed at the entrance to the park, marking a significant security upgrade in the park’s history. According to a Disney spokesperson, this decision was part of a broader strategy to ensure safety while maintaining the guest experience at the park.
“The safety of our guests and cast members at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is at the forefront of everything we do,” said the spokesperson (via DMK_blog). “We continually evaluate and will make adjustments as needed. Metal detectors have been implemented at Disney resorts around the world, and we are now introducing them as part of the security screening procedures for guests entering Hong Kong Disneyland Park.”
The installation of metal detectors follows a pattern established at other Disney parks worldwide, with tighter measures increasingly being put in place. But for guests arriving at Hong Kong Disneyland, this means longer wait times, especially during weekends or peak periods.
Visitors are now reporting delays of 30 minutes or more, with HK Emporium claiming that the security line stretches on for up to an hour when the park first opens.
Due to the introduction of metal detectors,
On weekends and during peak periods, waiting times for security checks may be 30 minutes or more.
When the park first opens, you may have to wait up to an hour.#HKDL_now
#HKDL
金属探知機の導入の影響で、
週末や繁忙期では保安検査の待ち時間が30分以上かかる場合があります。
開園しばらくでは1時間待ちの場合もあります。#HKDL_now#HKDL https://t.co/AydNDDIQZ1— Emporium HKDL情報🏰✨ (@hk_emporium) March 22, 2025
What Does This Mean for Guests?
With the new metal detectors in place, visitors will notice additional signage at the entrance.
Yesterday (March 12, 2025), Hong Kong Disneyland Resort installed metal detectors at the main entrance. Starting TODAY (March 13, 2025), enhanced security procedures are in effect, with the main gate featuring thorough screenings and clear signage on prohibited items to help ensure a safe and magical experience for all Guests.
🏰 Reply from Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Spokesperson:
The safety of our guests and cast members at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) is at the forefront of everything we do. We continually evaluate and will make adjustments as needed.
Metal detectors have been implemented at Disney resorts around the world, and we are now introducing them as part of the security screening procedures for guests entering Hong Kong Disneyland Park.
Yesterday (March 12, 2025), Hong Kong Disneyland Resort installed metal detectors at the main entrance. Starting TODAY (March 13, 2025), enhanced security procedures are in effect, with the main gate featuring thorough screenings and clear signage on prohibited items to help… pic.twitter.com/RCQbgUceTE
— Disney Magical Kingdom Blog (@DMK_Blog) March 13, 2025
These signs clearly outline the security process, including a list of prohibited items. The aim is to keep the process as smooth as possible, with instructions provided in multiple languages, including English.
As it stands, the new security measures are creating bottlenecks. For example, on weekends, it now reportedly takes approximately 30 minutes or longer to pass through security. When the park first opens, the wait time can extend to an hour, according to reports from HK Emporium. While these measures may be crucial for safety, the longer wait times certainly add a layer of frustration for those eager to begin their park visit.
These increased wait times aren’t unique to Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. Other Disney parks around the world, including Disneyland Resort in California, have also seen extended lines for security checks, especially during busy seasons.
Hong Kong Disneyland Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary
This new security upgrade arrives just as Hong Kong Disneyland prepares to mark a significant milestone: its 20th anniversary. Opening its doors in 2005, the park will begin celebrating in the summer of 2025 with a series of major events. One of the highlights will be the debut of the “Friendtastic!” Parade, set to be the largest daytime parade in the park’s history, featuring 11 floats and a diverse cast of characters.
The 20th-anniversary festivities will also include a revamped “Momentous” Nighttime Spectacular, which promises to deliver stunning fireworks, new scenes, and cutting-edge drone effects. Guests can also look forward to a brand-new stage show, featuring Disney icons like Mickey and his friends, along with characters beloved in Hong Kong, such as Duffy and his pals.
Additionally, the park will feature anniversary-themed merchandise, exclusive food and drink options, and new decorations across the resort’s three hotels.
However, not all beloved attractions will be making a comeback. The Paint the Night parade, which was once a fan-favorite in Hong Kong, will not return for the anniversary celebrations. While the parade will be featured at Disneyland Resort in California for their 70th anniversary, its absence from Hong Kong Disneyland marks the end of an era—at least for now.
Do you plan on visiting Hong Kong Disneyland in 2025?
