Security Gates Going Up at Disneyland

[mcbates23]

This doesn't yet deal with WDW but I'm sure it will someday.

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Reality is coming to Disneyland's fantasy world, in the form of permanent security gates. Bowing to terrorism fears, the Walt Disney Co. plans to build the gates at the Disneyland Resort next fall. The company had resisted security gates around Disneyland and the California Adventure theme park next door, believing the sense of fantasy would be spoiled.

Disney already screens purses, backpacks and coolers, but the bag-check tables have been moved away from the main gates to areas near tram drop-off points. Permanent gates will be built where temporary canopies and barricades are now in place.

The new checkpoints are designed to alleviate congestion at the main gates and to make it more convenient for visitors to move from one theme park to the other, officials said.

"This is a way to better serve our guests," Disney spokeswoman Sondra Haley said. "The security is not compromised, and the process will reduce a lot of hassles."

Security measures at Disneyland were reinforced after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the discovery of al-Qaida documents that listed Disneyland as a potential terrorism target.

The 20,000-acre Walt Disney World in Florida also has increased security, but without adding gates, park spokeswoman Jacquee Polak said.
Copyright © 2004, The Associated Press

 

[xfkirsten]

As much as I hate to say it, I'm glad they are. In this day and age, propere bag checks are necessary. Moving the bag check to the edges of the plaza has made park hopping a lot eassier for me, and less of a pain. The temporary structures are quite an eyesore, though, and I'm glad they want to put in something more permanent.

-Kirsten

 

[Bill]

We don't have gates here? Ummm...

Someone got their facts wrong...:lol:

 

[Disney2002]

I think the threat to an attack on Disney is totally overstated as is. And the guards really do profile something horrible. All I ever have to do is smile walking up to them and they wave me through, no bag check!

 

[Timekeeper]

The Color of the Clown

This is rediculous, as are the bag checks.

I could fit more "items" inside my parka than most people could fit into a backpack.

I have been known to wear cargo-style pants with extra pockets for my personal items (cameras, wallet, cell phone, etc.) just to avoid the hassle of bag checks during high park attendance.

Not to mention that "items" could be hidden in those giant plush characters which are often much larger than most guest bags. (Some of those Mickeys and Plutos are the size of small children.)

Tk

 

[xfkirsten]

That's why I said "proper" bag checks in my post. As for hiding things in your jacket, they often have people open up their jackets and/or have then inspected now.

-Kirsten

 

[pan11435]

I think the threat to an attack on Disney is totally overstated as is.

Disney theme parks are an american icon. They are well known all around the world. I beleive Mickey is the 2nd most recognizable corporate icon in the world behind the McDonald's arches. Thousands of people are their everyday. The government has already found disney maps and detailed videos in the possecion of terrorists. I dont think it is hard to see why they should be conserned.