Theme parks: Is tighter security tight enough?

[Monty]

It isn't good enough definately, the bench mark should be the House Of Blues at Downtown on gig nights. Their security is superb, there is no way anyone will get anything into there. We are talking metal detecters ran over people. It makes you feel safe.

How can you not search individuals ? I am always shocked at this. Surely noone minds them doing this ?

I think the problem is two-fold:

- It would be incredibly expensive to hire enough security staff to search every individual entering the parks while keeping a reasonable flow entering.

- If they didn't want to hire more staff, it would either take hours to get in or they'd have to select who they would search.

You would likely mind if you arrived at MK at rope drop but couldn't get into the park until after 11AM because of the security searches. Or if they are 'selecting', how do they decide who to search? Racial profile? Seedy-looking individuals? The rights groups would have a field-day!

At the end of the day, Disney is a business providing a service. If people find getting the service too onerous, they'll just stop coming.

 

[WDW Monorail]

Alyhough security does make things safer, it perfectly complimrnts the goal of terrorism: to instill fear.

That is why we have security, because we are AFRAID that something (not just terrorism) might occur.

 

[Timmay]

Access control comes in three different types.

1. Complete...meaning every single person gets a complete search (strip search even), metal detectors, ID verification, explosive sniffing devices and dogs, etc etc.

2. Nothing...come on in, have a great day.

3. Something in between 1 and 2.

Most will choose number 3, but where to fall between 1 and 2 is the question because that is a rather large gap.

Disney must meet the needs and desires of its customers. I don't think many people would be patient enough to sit for who knows how long to get through a metal detector. Besides, with that addition your security budget just went through the roof, which will be passed on to guess who.

Do I expect Disney to keep me safe from all terrorist or criminal activity? No, that is unreasonable. Do I expect Disney to provide a security force with proper training to help deter the threat of crime or terrorism...of course. I understand there is an inherent risk to getting on an airplane and spending several days in an area where there is large public access. In this day and age, what else can you expect?

 

[coastermaster83]

Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven Florida uses metal detectors at their enterance and I tell you what its a pain in the butt. First they checked my camera bag which I don't mind doing for Disney because they dont make me empty it all out to check it and then they made me take everything metal on me off including my belt and put it in a little bowl. The problem I had with this is A. I always carry a little pocket knife with me everywhere I go and they snapped at me for that, B. The lady was very very rude to me (talked to guest services about her) ,C. It took me about 15-20 mins to go thru the whole process just to get into where the ticket counters are, Yep they do all that before the ticket windows, and D. I dont see it really helping keep people from getting things into the park and personally I'm a little surprised they didnt just ask me to strip naked right there and show them I wasn't carrying anything.

Oh and by everything In the bowl I mean I had to take off my necklaces I wear and my girlfriend had to take her earrings out and all that.

 

[Nemo14]

Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven Florida uses metal detectors at their enterance and I tell you what its a pain in the butt. First they checked my camera bag which I don't mind doing for Disney because they dont make me empty it all out to check it and then they made me take everything metal on me off including my belt and put it in a little bowl. The problem I had with this is A. I always carry a little pocket knife with me everywhere I go and they snapped at me for that, B. The lady was very very rude to me (talked to guest services about her) ,C. It took me about 15-20 mins to go thru the whole process just to get into where the ticket counters are, Yep they do all that before the ticket windows, and D. I dont see it really helping keep people from getting things into the park and personally I'm a little surprised they didnt just ask me to strip naked right there and show them I wasn't carrying anything.

Oh and by everything In the bowl I mean I had to take off my necklaces I wear and my girlfriend had to take her earrings out and all that.

Not that it really matters I suppose, but was that to go to a concert there or just to go to the park?

 

[mkt]

This is what I've been saying for years...

Orlando theme park security is laughable at best.

 

[FAIRIEDUST78]

As a native of So. Cal., I can't imagine the fear that has gripped the eastern part of the states. I do remember my thoughts however of the first time I went to Six Flags Magic Mountain and saw metal detectors. This was pre-9/11. They put them in as a precaution to gang wars. I remember thinking,why on earth would I want to come to a theme park when I have to have a constant reminder of the troubles facing the outside world.So guess what, I stopped going.
I may be naive, but I believe if we give in to the fear factor of terrorism,then terrorists have already won. Give me metal detectors,dogs,and extreme safety in airports,but not at a place where I'm supposed to forget most (if not all) of the realism of everyday life.
I do believe the bags checks are a complete joke, but if it makes the majority of the nation feel safe, then so be it. Disney, at least in my opinion is doing it's part in keeping it's guests safe, while maintaining it's magical appeal.

 

[YankeeMouse]

Security

The security is probably better than we think. We've been there scores of times and the first time I saw a bomb-sniffing dog and handler was our trip a couple of months ago. We were walking down Main Street early for a ressie at Crystal Palace, so it was technically before opening. I caught the dog and his handler out of the corner of my eye, entering backstage at the end of the Emporium. I asked my husband, Did you see that? He missed it. It was that fast.

 

[mkt]

Bomb sniffing dogs don't equate security. Disney had them prior to 9/11, and in the time it would take them to respond, the explosion could have gone off and been on CNN.

 

[the-reason14]

safety first

 

[Lucky]

I share your opinion. The last time I stated it on here I was lightly flamed.

I'm not sure how to say this without sounding pious, but I'll try. I'm sure that the mouse takes all reasonable steps to prevent a terrorist attack, but as others have said, if someone really wanted to get a bomb or other device into the parks it could be done. We cannot reasonably expect Disney, or anyone else to keep us completely safe from any calamity. Any of us could be in a terrorist attack on a subway, or be hit by a bus, or even struck by lightning tomorrow, with the end result being death. Folks have even passed away after riding some of the rides. If I were to be the victim of an attack tomorrow, at least I know (hope) that I would be in a much better place, while the perpetrator or his leader would be in hiding, s__________g sand in a cave for the rest of his life. And I can just imagine what his afterlife would be like.

At some point we have to accept the risk and enjoy life. I would rather not be subject to metal detectors and dog snot (enough of that at home :lol: ) when visiting WDW, even if it may offer some additional measure of safety. If we allow ourselves to feel its necesssary, then the terrorists have won.

Just my two cents.

I agree. The security efforts you see at theme parks are meant in part as public relations - to make it look as if they're doing something - and in part to reduce the likelihood of gang-related violence or other smaller-scale incidents. It's extremely difficult to prevent an attack by a sophisticated terrorist group. Stronger preventive measures at some high-profile targets (e.g. the Super Bowl, Times Square at New Year's) might divert terrorists to another target, but there's no way to harden every potential target. Sad as it is to say, the main thing keeping you safe is that there are so many targets and so many people. You're more likely to be the victim of a car or airline accident on your way to WDW than to be the victim of a terrorist attack, but people don't ruin their vacations worrying about the possibility of an accident. I'm a lot safer when I'm at WDW than I am sitting here at my desk a block or two from the White House.

 

[metscool]

I don't think that it is tight enough in the parks. I think someone could come into the parks with something that is not in a bag and that is bad.

 

[brucie]

I agree more security would be good, even in at Paramount Canada's Wonderland in Toronto Ontario you now have to go through metal detectors before they check your bags. I think it's better to be safe then sorry and it doesnt slow the lines to get in any more then before!

Brucie

 

[coastermaster83]

Not that it really matters I suppose, but was that to go to a concert there or just to go to the park?

It was just to go into the park for a normal day of fun. Nothing special or anything. It was a total shock to me because Ive never seen a park with such crazy security. Personally I think if a terrorist is going to strike its not going to be a park its going to be someplace big like NY,LA, DC. Yes parks would be a target but they would not be as big as others in the world and I can just see Walt rolling in his grave at strip searches at the gates to Disney Parks. This is Disney folks the place to go to get away from it all and what you all dont know is they have security out the wazoo that you dont see. I know they are there I've seen them snag someone before and pull them aside. There are tons of plain clothed people walking the park that you would never know about that if something went down it would be delt with FAST. So to end my rant NO NO NO A THOUSAND TIMES NO the parks dont need more security they are fine as they are.

 

[Timmay]

Bomb sniffing dogs don't equate security.

Of course they do!

Disney had them prior to 9/11,

You are ignoring several variables here, such as: Do they have more, less or an equal number now?

and in the time it would take them to respond, the explosion could have gone off and been on CNN.

I...wha, uh...huh??:veryconfu

Why would you respond to a bomb with the dog? You would respond to a suspicious package with the dog, but not a confirmed bomb. The thing could go off before the bomb squad got there too...so I am not sure what you are trying to say here.

 

[mkt]

Of course they do!

not when they're kept in a location away from the parks

You are ignoring several variables here, such as: Do they have more, less or an equal number now?

I believe they have the same number... they're just making them more visible to guests

I...wha, uh...huh??:veryconfu

Why would you respond to a bomb with the dog? You would respond to a suspicious package with the dog, but not a confirmed bomb. The thing could go off before the bomb squad got there too...so I am not sure what you are trying to say here.

I should have been more clear with that statement. In the time it would take them to dispatch them to sniff out a suspicious package, it would probably have gone off. But you are right, it could go off before the bomb squad arrives as well.

Disney security is up there with the TSA as what I perceive to be as the biggest security jokes in the US. However, the TSA has the power to be annoying (but still no actual law enforcement authority, just like WDW security).

I would like nothing more than to see every single WDW security guard replaced with an actual police officer paid for by Disney and not my tax dollars. Disney security has no real power, and after my encounters with them (both positive and negative) over the last 10+ years, have served nothing more than to confirm my beliefs.

 

[SteveUK]

That's another good point - WDW security have very little actual authority. Nobody is searched against their will, everybody consents to the level of security at the gate, which frankly is a public reassurance exercise rather than a serious attempt to prevent prohibited items.

 

[Timmay]

That's another good point - WDW security have very little actual authority. Nobody is searched against their will, everybody consents to the level of security at the gate, which frankly is a public reassurance exercise rather than a serious attempt to prevent prohibited items.

I think it would be a safe assumption that Disney Security has the exact same authority as any other security officer in the state of Florida. I am sure it is policy from Disney that limits what it's security force does, not state law. ( There are obvious restrictions as to what a private citizen ,aka security officer, can do per the law. I am just saying that Disney policy is probably much more restritive than the state law.)

 

[SteveUK]

Yeah, I see your point, but I'm still not sure what your argument is. I was pointing out that any private security force is limited in its powers in terms of searching, detention and enforcement. I am including WDW security in this and suggesting that they do not have as much authority and 'power' as people seem to think. They are severely limited in terms of detention and arrest powers. This is the point I am making. I have no comment to make on the other security forces in Florida, and as such would not argue with your assertion about them. I am simply making a comment on the limitations of WDW security and bringing into question their effectiveness in terms of public protection in light of these limitations.

 

[wedway71]

I still to this day wonder why WDW doesnt actually have its own Police Dept.WDW has its own tax laws and Own Fire Dept(Reedy Creek) but yet no Police Dept.I realize they have Orange Cty Sher. Dept but you would think since they went out of their way to make WDW its own city with a governement it would have a Pd.