Just be glad it is only security theater. When Six Flags Over Texas first implemented their metal detectors that everyone had to walk through someone forgot to send out the memo that it was just for show and they had the things set on what can only be called ultra sensitive mode. The lines were insanely long and slow, I remember walking through and setting it off, taking more things off, going again each time it would still be set off.... Belt gone, shoes gone, item after item and in the end it was the metal clasp on my watch band that was setting it off the final time.... So just be thankful the aren't serious about it of you would have 4 hour lines to get in.
-
Welcome to the WDWMAGIC.COM Forums!
Please take a look around, and feel free to sign up and join the community.
Security Theater
- Thread starter beertiki
- Start date
It will sooth worried moms, and it might even cause some spontaneous would be terrorist to pick a different venue... but it isn't going to help much when it comes to mitigating potential liability... Probably would go the other way when comes to liability as once it is shown that the security was just for show and not really intended to provide real security the lawyers would have a field day... liability wise they are probably better off without metal detectors than with ones that don't work or that they choose not to use.... but now that they actually have them their best defense to liability would be to actually use them properly and in working order.
France is slightly smaller than Texas. The events there have been somewhat more... concentrated than here in the 'States.
kap91
Well-Known Member
On a plane a knife can be used to get control of the plane and turn it into a weapon, a bargaining chip, etc. In a park it would be much much much harder to cause nearly the same level of potential casualties and damage. The idea is to reduce risk and minimize damage, not eliminate it.
And obviously the sad truth is that if someone truly wants to specifically carry out an attack there’s always going to be ways to get around whatever Systems are set up. Hence the focus is on making it difficult enough that some other place becomes the target.
Movielover
Well-Known Member
kap91
Well-Known Member
And like I said earlier the bag check and metal detectors are essentially the last line of the defense. The whole strategy isn’t as much to prevent people with weapons getting into the park as preventing people who intend to use weapons from getting in the park.
You also don’t want long lines at security because then security check itself becomes a target.
And also think about all the security you’re not seeing. The database checks and risk assessments that are run when you buy tickets, the barriers in place to prevent vehicles from getting close to the entrance, the gigantic arrays of cameras that are hidden in certain areas that at least in theory can be running sophisticated facial recognition programs like casinos, the cooperation with law enforcement on threats, the specific ways security greets and talks to you to gauge your reaction. And the other measures that aren’t known. Security is an all of the above strategy - not just one thing.
You also don’t want long lines at security because then security check itself becomes a target.
And also think about all the security you’re not seeing. The database checks and risk assessments that are run when you buy tickets, the barriers in place to prevent vehicles from getting close to the entrance, the gigantic arrays of cameras that are hidden in certain areas that at least in theory can be running sophisticated facial recognition programs like casinos, the cooperation with law enforcement on threats, the specific ways security greets and talks to you to gauge your reaction. And the other measures that aren’t known. Security is an all of the above strategy - not just one thing.
Last edited:
WondersOfLife
Blink, blink. Breathe, breathe. Day in, day out.
Orlando is a big popular tourist city. In America, terrorist attacks happen in big popular tourist cities. I'd say that's pretty concentrated.
Goofyernmost
Well-Known Member
Any display of security can be a deterrent. It's not whether or not the metal detectors work because there is far more profiling going on then actual searches. If you have a terrorist with a working brain cell they would not walk casually into the front entrance of a park. That land mass has 43 square miles of parameter and a very small percentage of that is patrolled. However, what the front line security can't get to chances are the Gators will. They are part of the security team.
Last edited:
Ricky Spanish
Well-Known Member
I believe Disney security is using discretion regarding their "weapons" policy.
When we went to WDW in June 2017, I walked in with two pocket knives.
Yes, security stopped me to be scanned.
I emptied my pockets.
Totally forgot about leaving the knives in my hotel room.
One knife was a small Swiss army with a blade and scissors.
The second was a Snap-on knife with a two inch blade.
Security opened the Snap-on knife, checked the blade, and let me go.
Now if I was flying into MCO, I probably would have had a body cavity search!!!!!!
When we went to WDW in June 2017, I walked in with two pocket knives.
Yes, security stopped me to be scanned.
I emptied my pockets.
Totally forgot about leaving the knives in my hotel room.
One knife was a small Swiss army with a blade and scissors.
The second was a Snap-on knife with a two inch blade.
Security opened the Snap-on knife, checked the blade, and let me go.
Now if I was flying into MCO, I probably would have had a body cavity search!!!!!!
DVC4bestvacations
Well-Known Member
Huh?
kap91
Well-Known Member
presence of weapons vs. intent to use them.
DVC4bestvacations
Well-Known Member
So it's ok to bring weapons in the park if security doesn't think you intend to use them?
kap91
Well-Known Member
No, I'm saying that as a matter of priorities overall security is more concerned with preventing nefarious people from getting close to places with lots of people rather than making 100% certain that absolutely all potential weapons are confiscated. In the grand scheme of things what does it matter if the parents trying to manage 3 kids on their once in a lifetime vacation happen to have a pocket knife somewhere in the stroller? They're obviously not a threat, it matters a lot less for them to get as thoroughly searched as the random 30 something man visiting alone that flew in last night with no hotel booked and just bought a ticket two minutes ago.
That doesn't mean that if they happen to find a weapon on the couple with three kids that they'll let them keep it.
POLY LOVER
Well-Known Member
When you have a weapon you are just one argument away from using it.
I don't think the veneer of civilization is quite that thin ... yet.
Pixieish
Well-Known Member
It is for some people. And yes, those people sometimes end up at WDW.
POLY LOVER
Well-Known Member
If I had a dollar for every time I read after a crime how the neighbors would say, he was a nice guy, always said hello, never caused any trouble. I would be rich!
Unfortunately it is thin, the break point between sane and insane is very thin.
Ever wondered how Disney catches banned people trying to get back into the parks, when someone else bought their ticket?
Not sure I follow your line of thinking. I have carried a gun on my hip as an officer in the military, a police officer, a reserve deputy, and a private citizen for almost 30 years. I don't ever recall shooting anyone during or after an argument. Trust me I have had quite a few arguments and even physical confrontations during that time. I am also sure that my grandfather carried a pocket knife that his father gave him, every day from age eight till the day he died (I passed it on to my son). I don't recall him stabbing anyone. I think your statement may be a wee bit overstated.