WDW Security vs. Universal

[WDW Kip]

Spent a day at Universal over this past trip, and I noticed how efficient the security check is there. One central check point for the entire park with metal detectors and conveyor belts for bags. I realize that this creates a more hostile message than WDW does, but the whole process of bag checks moves much faster there.

Thoughts on if Disney should implement something like this?

 

[Kingoglow]

Sounds like the TSA. No one likes the TSA.

 

[Hakunamatata]

All part of the show.

 

[wdwfan22]

Having been to Disney and universal i don't find one more efficient than the other. It's just the luck of the draw.

 

[Tom Morrow]

Sounds like the TSA. No one likes the TSA.

Yes, it is like TSA, but I'd rather bite the bullet and get it over with faster, not to mention have a more thorough safety check, than deal with Disney's long security lines. Universal, provided they have multiple security lanes open, can eat through a line of 30 people in only a few minutes. At Disney during a rush, you could be waiting 10, 20 minutes. Disney's procedures are also very inconsistent. Sometimes a cast member is overly thorough, other times they barely look at anything. A few days ago at DAK, I had only one party in front of me, yet I waited as the cast member spent 1-2 minutes searching through one tiny purse, going through every single item in it. I switched to a different lane where another security cast member cleared my camera bag and equipment in mere seconds.

 

[danlb_2000]

Spent a day at Universal over this past trip, and I noticed how efficient the security check is there. One central check point for the entire park with metal detectors and conveyor belts for bags. I realize that this creates a more hostile message than WDW does, but the whole process of bag checks moves much faster there.

Thoughts on if Disney should implement something like this?

There is one main checkpoint entering city walk, but there are also checkpoints at the hotels before entering the boats and on the walking paths from the hotels.

I don't see how it would be possible to have a single checkpoint at WDW.

 

[Astro_Digital]

TSA, so you flash your Global Entry card .... no check required ?

That is actually not a half bad idea, Disney can charge $50 for a precheck

 

[draybook]

A TSA conveyor setup is what I suggested to one of the security CMs I spoke to on this last trip. Disney's current setup is a joke and highly inefficient, especially at the TTC. A conveyor with x-ray tech is way better and more efficient. Not to mention, Universal's check is covered, unlike that sauna they call the TTC. Have I mentioned how ticked off I get at the TTC? The other check points aren't bad but that one really riles me up.

 

[Jon81uk]

I don't see how it would be possible to have a single checkpoint at WDW.

They could make the TTC checkpoint a lot more efficient though by adapting these sort of methods though. But Disney is currently redesigning all the park entrances so they do have the opportunity to add in more efficient security methods.

 

[correcaminos]

Disney's issue is that they have way more space to try to put in a bubble. I do prefer Universal to Disney for bag check. Heck I prefer anyone to Disney. Even our state fair is more streamlined and the crowds are high there too.

 

[General Mayhem]

I prefer Universal's they check every single guest (and team member too) with metal detectors and bag scanners. The whole process is extremely fast and efficient. Universal Orlando was lucky that the way the resort was redesigned in 1999 was so adaptable to this new system. Disney unfortunately doesn't have that luxury and therefore we have their slow and inconsistent system.

 

[Animaniac93-98]

Spent a day at Universal over this past trip, and I noticed how efficient the security check is there. One central check point for the entire park with metal detectors and conveyor belts for bags. I realize that this creates a more hostile message than WDW does, but the whole process of bag checks moves much faster there.

Thoughts on if Disney should implement something like this?

This is what Disney already does in Paris. I wouldn't mind this set up in Florida if it meant the line moved faster.

 

[disneyfireman]

All part of the show.

Yep, If someone really wants to do something....the entrance security certainly isn't going to stop it lol...its part of the "it make some folks feel good to see it" routine.
Honestly, I prefer a free society and not let the idiots out there dictate how we enjoy our daily activities..When that happens we lose.

 

[s8film40]

Yeah Universal is far more efficient and while it's all show really probably far more effective also. All the bags go through the scanners and it's so much faster than a CM rifling through a bag who likely wouldn't find anything even if it were in the bag. Also from a guest/customer service point of view what Disney does is really horrible. The random selection can really come off in a negative almost accusatory way. I can usually get through the Universal line without even stopping, Disney not so much. I really hope Disney has taken notes on how Universal is doing this and plan to implement it in their new entrance designs. Looking at the DHS entrance under construction it seems there could be room planned for a similar setup.

 

[Club Cooloholic]

TSA, so you flash your Global Entry card .... no check required ?

That is actually not a half bad idea, Disney can charge $50 for a precheck

They still check...

 

[Paper straw fan]

They still check...

As well they should. Universal’s system is quick and more through, but also nobody is excluded. Not resort guests, people just going to Citywalk, anyone.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

They still check...

Exactly. Your bag still goes through the scanner and you still have to walk through a metal detector and you are still subject to “random checks.”

 

[Club Cooloholic]

Exactly. Your bag still goes through the scanner and you still have to walk through a metal detector and you are still subject to “random checks.”

Yup you just get to keep your shoes on. Usually.

 

[StarshipDisney]

I love going to Disney, but one of my pet peeves is that Disney has no security beyond the front gate. Just look at how people routinely break in ride lines to see that Disney security in the parks is little more than a joke.

 

[DreamfinderGuy]

Uni's security is much more efficient than Disney's. Disney can't adapt to a centralized system like Uni has for a variety of reasons, but that doesn't mean they can't take cues from it.