Security Theater

beertiki

beertiki

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Over the holiday weekend, I made it through a metal detector at a MK resort with my pocket knife. It was clipped and visible in the plyers pocket of a pair of fishing shorts. The knife was a CRKT M16 with metal handle. I had no intention of going to the MK when we got to the resort, but dinner plans changed, and next thing I knew I was in the security line, 2 people in front of me and I felt it. Figured I would set the detector off and say oops, I forgot I had it, and it would be taken away forever. Walked through, nothing. Then I had the strangest combination of feelings, relief, disgust, anger, and betrayal. Was the machine off, or is this all one big stupid joke? How many hours have I spent in line at Disney security? Is it all one big waste of time?
 
Bolt

Bolt

Well-Known Member
beertiki said:
Over the holiday weekend, I made it through a metal detector at a MK resort with my pocket knife. It was clipped and visible in the plyers pocket of a pair of fishing shorts. The knife was a CRKT M16 with metal handle. I had no intention of going to the MK when we got to the resort, but dinner plans changed, and next thing I knew I was in the security line, 2 people in front of me and I felt it. Figured I would set the detector off and say oops, I forgot I had it, and it would be taken away forever. Walked through, nothing. Then I had the strangest combination of feelings, relief, disgust, anger, and betrayal. Was the machine off, or is this all one big stupid joke? How many hours have I spent in line at Disney security? Is it all one big waste of time?
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So did you keep the knife on you in the park even though it's against the policy?
 
AndyS2992

AndyS2992

Well-Known Member
Funny because the security checkpoints at Disneyland Paris are very thorough compared to WDW's which amuses me since the DLP CMs have a very 'don't care' attitude compared to their American counterparts. You get your bags x rayed and you have a metal detector waved over you in DLP not only when you enter the parks but every time you enter your Disney hotel too.
 
Goofyernmost

Goofyernmost

Well-Known Member
AndyS2992 said:
Funny because the security checkpoints at Disneyland Paris are very thorough compared to WDW's which amuses me since the DLP CMs have a very 'don't care' attitude compared to their American counterparts. You get your bags x rayed and you have a metal detector waved over you in DLP not only when you enter the parks but every time you enter your Disney hotel too.
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France has also had a lot of high profile terrorist events as well, so perhaps they have more of a mentality to look closer.
 
DAK1928

DAK1928

Well-Known Member
Horizons83 said:
Do you realize the amount of people coming and going through backstage entrances throughout the day?
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Not disagreeing entirely with the premise of this post, but as a former CM I can confirm that even employees entering the park (including backstage areas) have to go through additional security checkpoints each and every day.
 
Daveeeeed

Daveeeeed

Well-Known Member
AndyS2992 said:
Funny because the security checkpoints at Disneyland Paris are very thorough compared to WDW's which amuses me since the DLP CMs have a very 'don't care' attitude compared to their American counterparts. You get your bags x rayed and you have a metal detector waved over you in DLP not only when you enter the parks but every time you enter your Disney hotel too.
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DLP actually does it right.
 
kap91

kap91

Well-Known Member
Having just attended a security presentation specifically geared towards themed entertainment, the current strategy towards security is much more multi-pronged and broad than just checking people’s bags and metal detectors as people have realized, and you have demonstrated, that it’s not an extremely effective and foolproof strategy on its own to find every possible weapon. Then again that’s no longer the goal, the goal is to prevent people with intent to cause harm from getting near guests or having the opportunity. And don’t discount the utility of “security theatre” - not only does it provide some feeling of safety, and a way to cover their butts, but it’s not pure theatre. It’s still a strong deterrent - even if only 20% of pocket knives are found, that’s still a significant risk to people wanting to bring them in. And obviously the priorities of the TSA and Disney are different. A missed pocket knife on a plane is much more of a liability than one in a theme park when you’re talking about relative and potential risk/damages.
 
POLY LOVER

POLY LOVER

Well-Known Member
It's kind of like this ALL security is at best for show, if they did security to the max the economy of this country would come to a halt, airports would not be able to operate an on time schedule. Remember when TSA tried to do it properly and the airlines and public screamed about long lines and wait times, Americans want a show but don't really want to be inconvinced in any way. TSA has been so beat up they now do just enough to keep the airlines happy. It's like mass shootings, we are horrified for a bit but that's about it and we return to normal with no real attempts to solve the problem. This blog is full of wait time complaints for rides imagine the outrage if it took an additional hour + just to get into the parks.
 
O

OsbourneCox

Member
kap91 said:
A missed pocket knife on a plane is much more of a liability than one in a theme park when you’re talking about relative and potential risk/damages.
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How do you conclude that?
I am so very curious to read more from you about this idea that a knife on plane can do more damage than in a theme park. I'm not necessarily disagreeing with you but I am curious as to how you reached that conclusion.
 
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O

OsbourneCox

Member
And yes most of this "security" is theater and posturing. Horizon83 is correct about it being in place primarily to appease the worried moms and mitigate potential liability.

I ridicule my sis in law who insisted on having 3 locks on the front door to make it very hard for someone to break in but yet has windows on both sides of it. I sarcastically told her to put 2 more locks on the front door for additional safety.
 
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beertiki

beertiki

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Before some of you judge me too harshly, the knife never went to the MK. Plans changed on the monorail. I really am disgusted that it did not set off the metal detector. This was not a small pocket knife. I always have joked that my big heavy dive watch never sets it off, but would have never believed a weapon size knife would slip through.
 

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