Metal Detectors at Horror Nights

[mkt]

Metal Detectors at Horror Nights

ORLANDO (Orlando Sentinel) -- Universal Orlando is using walk-through metal detectors as a security measure this year at Halloween Horror Nights at Islands of Adventure. The detectors, with their door-frame appearance similar to the ones at Orlando International Airport, are another step in the improved security implemented last year after Sept. 11. Universal began using hand-held metal detectors — the so-called “wands” — to check guests at Horror Nights in 2001. But those individual checks for knives, guns and other weapons were so slow that long lines developed at the turnstiles. Horror Nights are Universal’s best-attended events of the year. Crowds often exceed 30,000 each night. The Horror Nights lines move faster now that guests can use the walk-through detectors. But you won’t see the new devices during regular theme-park hours, when they’re moved to a storage area out of sight. Spokeswoman Susan Lomax said they aren’t needed during the day because non-Horror Nights crowds aren’t heavy this time of year.

 

[woofboy111]

when did they start using these? When I went 2 weeks ago they still had the handheld kind.

 

[rocketman23]

They must have took a que from Howl-O-Scream. The handhelds must've caused too big of a back-up. Although I was in the annual pass area, I did not get to see the process, but the Howl-O-Scream process moved everyone through fast and efficient.

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

I can understand the logic of park and guest safety by scanning for knives and guns etc.
But surely there is as great a possibility of someone entering the park with these objects on a "normal" day as there is at Halloween :veryconfu

 

[RogueHabit]

Originally posted by CAPTAIN HOOK
I can understand the logic of park and guest safety by scanning for knives and guns etc.
But surely there is as great a possibility of someone entering the park with these objects on a "normal" day as there is at Halloween :veryconfu

I think the demographic for HHN is somewhat different. More 15-25 year olds, less family orientated groups.

 

[tenchu]

Originally posted by Catch 22
I think the demographic for HHN is somewhat different. More 15-25 year olds, less family orientated groups.

woofboy said they were using the handheld two weeks ago.

Maybe this means they are using them day to day?

If they are though, they weren't doing this when i was there.

 

[Timekeeper]

Metal detectors were being used only during HHN. Walk-through detectors were the primary check, and if that detector alarmed, then a wand would be used to pinpoint the metallic source. Neither or these are in use during the day.

It's obvious that security personnel are focusing on the wrong areas. If I wanted to bring a large metallic object into the park, I would place it at the bottom of my large camera bag. While guests pass through metal detectors, the personal property of the guests do not. (It's obvious that if they did, every single purse/backpack/camera bag would set off the alarm.)

I have yet to hear of a valid situation in which Universal's security was threatened by guests bringing contraband into the park.

I have yet to hear of a valid situation in which Universal's security prevented a would-be serious situation.


:brick:

Tk

 

[woofboy111]

when I went, like I said before, they were only using the handhelds.

 

[MrPromey]

Originally posted by Timekeeper
Metal detectors were being used only during HHN. Walk-through detectors were the primary check, and if that detector alarmed, then a wand would be used to pinpoint the metallic source. Neither or these are in use during the day.

It's obvious that security personnel are focusing on the wrong areas. If I wanted to bring a large metallic object into the park, I would place it at the bottom of my large camera bag. While guests pass through metal detectors, the personal property of the guests do not. (It's obvious that if they did, every single purse/backpack/camera bag would set off the alarm.)

I have yet to hear of a valid situation in which Universal's security was threatened by guests bringing contraband into the park.

I have yet to hear of a valid situation in which Universal's security prevented a would-be serious situation.


:brick:

Tk

I think it is more of a deterrent thing, you know, like security at Disney checking your stuff. I don’t think they expect to find anything. It seems to me that they are hoping that the threat of getting caught will keep people from trying it. Really, if you think about it, that is the best possible outcome. They don’t want people getting in with weapons and they don’t really want the whole world finding out that they caught people trying to get in with weapons either.