Walt Disney World Resort has taken a significant step in enhancing its security measures, implementing a more comprehensive security screening process for guests arriving at its shopping and dining district, Disney Springs. This change mirrors the tighter security measures already in place at the Central Florida theme parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. While theme park guests have long been subjected to metal detectors and bag checks, the latest update means that Disney Springs will now see similar procedures for those arriving via Disney Resort buses.
Before, security screenings at Disney Springs were somewhat lenient. While metal detectors were stationed at various parking garage entrances, guests arriving by bus were not required to go through the same security checks. Instead, many simply walked by security cast members and their working canines. However, reports from recent Walt Disney World Resort guests suggest this has changed.
On Monday, Reddit user u/RStrongfox shared their experience, noting that guests traveling to Disney Springs from Disney Resort buses were now being required to go through a metal detector before entering the area.
“Disney Springs Resort Drop Off Now Has a Security Check Point,” the user wrote. “The bus drop off spot for Disney hotels now has 1 Metal detector and a security check point. Might want to plan an extra 15 minutes getting into springs from a Disney Resort.”
Disney Parks fans have widely praised this new security checkpoint. Increased security at Disney Springs is something that has long been called for, especially after the tragic events of 2016, when the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando occurred. Reports later revealed that Disney Springs had initially been one of the shooter’s intended targets.
As a result, many Disney Parks fans believe these enhanced protocols are long overdue.
“I really don’t mind it, better safe than sorry,” said u/muppet_ofa.
Others echoed similar sentiments, agreeing that a stronger security presence was necessary to keep all Walt Disney World Resort guests safe.
“It doesn’t surprise me,” u/Mark_Venture added. “No screening was done at the resorts, and Disney Springs already had security coming in from the parking garages and ride share drop points. Someone could have skirted security by potentially parking at a resort, or taking Uber/Lyft to a resort under the pretense of a dining reservation, then taking the bus to Disney Springs without getting checked.”
Have you visited Disney Springs since the new security rules began? Disney Fanatic would love to hear from you in the comments!
