From what I understand from posts on Reddit, some time just before Memorial weekend, security/bagcheck was audited and failed miserably. The auditors were able to get through the lines with prohibited items and that forced increases in checks and updated protocols.
I remember this happening just before my trip on Memorial weekend and making sure I got to bag check earlier than usual (was staying across the street on Harbor) so I wasn't standing in long lines. I remember seeing posts on Reddit about that time of people complaining it was taking upwards of 2 hours to get through bag check during that time.
Regarding the wallets, there was someone in front of me and part of a vape pen was found, but he tried to explain that it wasn't functional because of a missing piece (maybe battery or cartridge? I don't vape so don't know how they work). They then asked for his wallet and sure enough, they found the missing piece in there.
You'd be surprised how much people try to sneak stuff in....often trying to hide things in strollers. Another post had shown (there was a pic) of a lady trying to bring a wine bottle in through her stroller.
Don't blame Disney/security on this.....blame the idiot guests who can't follow rules and try to sneak things in and force them to take more time to dig deeper.
I think I would worry a lot more about weapons than vape Pens lol