Do you think bag checking improves park security?

[tiredmom4]

I don't believe it helps. I feel that Disney also knows that it doesn't do a thing except to make people feel that they are doing something about security. It is a necessary evil.

I resent the bag checks. One more line to wait in. What a waste of time. I accept it, but I resent it.

I always have to pack a lot of stuff for my kids. Once I was at the GF check. After I got there, the monorail arrived. When they got done checking, it had left.

Edit: I propose that the entire Disney Bubble be sealed up. You get searched once when you enter the bubble, that's it. If you leave the bubble, you get searched again when you return. Otherwise you are cleared.

Alternatively, I propose Disney do background checks and have special booths for people with cleared security. Last summer when I went through the airport, I was told that I had some kind of clearance such that I had a easy security check - I didn't have to get my laptop out or take my shoes off or anything. That was very nice!

 

[mousehockey37]

Bag checks would be perfectly fine if everyone in line would have their stuff open and ready to be inspected when they get to the table. I have a camera backpack that holds a couple lenses and some other things for the day, and I know that security appreciates it when I have all my stuff open and ready to go. I've actually passed other guests because of the fact I had my bag open and ready (as in, the security guard sees the other person fumbling around trying to get everything together, turns towards me, checks and gives me the okay and I'm on my way).

As far as making things safer? I mean, if anything, bag check gives the officers you DON'T see time to check you out. The other year I was at the bag check, and as I was cleared with my bag, a gentleman yelled over to me about something in my pocket (I was wearing cargo shorts and had my cell phone in said pocket), I showed him and again cleared and on my way.

The biggest thing with any security or whatnot, we're all human. It's up to every vacationer, even in our Disney bubble, to be vigilant, pay attention and say something should anything seem out of place.

 

[Minniesgal]

I think it would make people think twice before taking something in. Especially now they use the metal detectors.

It would be worse if Disney were doing nothing then they would be an easy target.

 

[slpeters]

I doubt they find a lot but I think the fact that people know they will be checked probably provides a fair amount of deterrent value. I was really impressed with how fast and efficient the whole process was--didn't resent it at all.

 

[ravenclawtrekkie]

I've got friends who work in security and I've heard about the plethora of things they find, so yeah, I believe it's got at least a moderate effect on safety. As others have said, the deterrent effect is nothing to scoff at either.

A set-up like Universal's with bag x-rays and metal detector screening for everyone would be more efficient and effective, but you do the best you can with the space you have.

 

[Nancyg56]

I do think it makes a difference, and while it takes time, it also is a part of entering any venue these days. Frankly, I do wish we were back in the "good old days" when one simply walked into a park, concert, or show, but we are not. WE live in an age where guns, knives and other assorted item are used as common place weapons, so business and peopple need to adjust. It is not the security checks that bother me, it is the need for them.

 

[Mr & Mrs DD]

As "Mousehockey37" mentioned, it slows things down to watch the people who don't have bags. I think those are the ones you really have to pay attention to. I had a similar experience where I very obviously had something in my right pocket. At DH they called me over to check my pockets. I was very glad that they did. It showed me that they were paying attention and are on top of things. Later that day we went to Animal Kingdom. What really bothered me was that at Animal Kingdom an officer greeted me with a nod of his head but didn't call me over to empty my pockets and I very obviously had something of size in my pocket. I fully expected him to call me over but he didn't. I just walked on thru. I agree with "Nancyg56" Unfortunately it has become a need for the world we live in today.

 

[Nancyg56]

As "Mousehockey37" mentioned, it slows things down to watch the people who don't have bags. I think those are the ones you really have to pay attention to. I had a similar experience where I very obviously had something in my right pocket. At DH they called me over to check my pockets. I was very glad that they did. It showed me that they were paying attention and are on top of things. Later that day we went to Animal Kingdom. What really bothered me was that at Animal Kingdom an officer greeted me with a nod of his head but didn't call me over to empty my pockets and I very obviously had something of size in my pocket. I fully expected him to call me over but he didn't. I just walked on thru. I agree with "Nancyg56" Unfortunately it has become a need for the world we live in today.

I had read that the security checks are a part of the whole security plan. They slow everyone down so the folks you do not see can pay attention to the crowds entering as well. I wish the need was not there, however since that ship sailed we are all going to have to adjust to intrusions that were never necessary before.

I also think that if something occurs in a theme park or large entertainment venue we are going to experience a more invasive security check, much like the checks that I have endured at large concerts. The last one had several stops on the way in: ticket check, bags checked, a female security person doing a pat down, and then the last when we had tickets scanned at teh entrance. I want to say I resent the checks, but I actually am resigned to the "new" world we live in. I am more sad than resentful.

 

[Mr & Mrs DD]

I had read that the security checks are a part of the whole security plan. They slow everyone down so the folks you do not see can pay attention to the crowds entering as well. I wish the need was not there, however since that ship sailed we are all going to have to adjust to intrusions that were never necessary before.

I also think that if something occurs in a theme park or large entertainment venue we are going to experience a more invasive security check, much like the checks that I have endured at large concerts. The last one had several stops on the way in: ticket check, bags checked, a female security person doing a pat down, and then the last when we had tickets scanned at teh entrance. I want to say I resent the checks, but I actually am resigned to the "new" world we live in. I am more sad than resentful.

Sad but true.

 

[Nancyg56]

Sad but true.

Yes it is. I know that this post is not directly related to the room checks, however I believe that it is all intertwined into a larger resort wide security process that is constantly being "tweaked" and that is both proactive and reactive to the events of the day.

I cannot pretend to know the basis of the room checks, and have no idea what is and is not gained by the enhanced security checks at park entrances, but I do believe that privacy as we know it will be drastically diminished as time passes. I am at an age where I rememebr simply walking into our airport terminal to watch the aircraft take off and land. The first time a metal detector was used, the outrage was tremendous. Today, metal detectors are normal and now we are all walking through contraptions that make them look like tinker toys.

So times change and we all adjust.

 

[North of Mouse]

I don't mind the bag checks, but they're for honest people!!

Bag checks along with having to walk through the detectors - effective!

Not being consistent, or minimally checking large bags, no!
Have seen this a lot! Checking the tiniest of zip/velcro pockets on my small bag - totally useless and frustrating, but some do.

Determined people can find a way!

 

[maxiesmom]

I don't mind the bag checks, but they're for honest people!!

Bag checks along with having to walk through the detectors - effective!

Not being consistent, or minimally checking large bags, no!
Have seen this a lot! Checking the tiniest of zip/velcro pockets on my small bag - totally useless and frustrating, but some do.

Determined people can find a way!

Having security that is not the same every time makes it harder for anyone to figure out how to defeat that security.

I think the main reason for the security check is to slow everyone down so the real security can do some profiling and decide who they want to watch.

 

[DWillowBay]

I suppose that, for me, even if they only ever find / intervene on one possibly compromising situation, it is 'worth it' . Do i resent that I live in a world where by there are those who would try to hurt innocent people merely trying to enjoy a day away from life's realities...yes...I resent that. Do I appreciate that there are those who would do their best to keep me and my loved ones safe from such an event. ....I appreciate that more than any words could relate. Thank you, Disney.

 

[Shanti]

I have never had bag check take a long time, and I'm glad they check.

 

[SaintsManiac]

What do you propose? That they just don't do it at all?

Of course it helps. That's a whole ton of money spent on having eyes and ears and hands on what comes in those parks.

I do agree with PP who said Universal's system is better.

 

[OKW Lover]

I believe that bag check is only one part of the overall security layers around the parks.

 

[tiredmom4]

I believe that bag check is only one part of the overall security layers around the parks.

The only reason I don't like bag checks is that I have to wait in line. There is enough waiting in Disney already. I don't mind room checks near as much because at least I don't have to wait. I don't care if Disney wants to know my life history or X-ray my stuff or whatever, just as long as I don't have to wait in line.

I can't explain why I think bag checks don't work because that may violate Disboards policy of discussing how to disobey Disney rules. But as long as the people think they serve a purpose, then they do.

Having security that is not the same every time makes it harder for anyone to figure out how to defeat that security.

I think the main reason for the security check is to slow everyone down so the real security can do some profiling and decide who they want to watch.

That's just it. I don't want to be slowed down. I want to hit that park as quickly as possible!

What do you propose? That they just don't do it at all?

Of course it helps. That's a whole ton of money spent on having eyes and ears and hands on what comes in those parks.

I do agree with PP who said Universal's system is better.

I've never been to Universal, but if they have X-ray so that I don't have to open my bags, that's a big improvement.

What do I propose? I propose that the entire Disney Bubble be sealed up. You get searched once when you enter the bubble, that's it. If you leave the bubble, you get searched again. Otherwise you are cleared. The last I heard, people in the monorail resorts have to be searched twice to get into Epcot. Ugh.

 

[marcyleecorgan]

Personally I am glad that they take the efforts to stop people from bringing weapons, glass containers, and selfie sticks into the Parks and I don't mind that part of Security at all.

I agree, my biggest pet peeve about Bag Check/Security are the masses with the attitude of, "do I HAVE to?" and they don't have their bag ready and out, then they get all pissy at the Security who have to open all the zippers and pouches. And the no-bag line should never be used for strollers... they are a bag on wheels! Meanwhile this process takes forever and wastes valuable Park time as the CM's have to give directions to guests. Geez people, most of you flew here on an airplane, so after the manhandling of TSA, you should be fully aware and ready for the security check at Disney.

Don't want to participate in the Security Check? Go stand over there, where you are free to look at the pretty lake all day. No, you won't be getting INTO the Parks, but clearly you wanted to stand somewhere and make a stink about your individual rights in a public, group setting...

 

[Micca]

I think the security checks are of some benefit, as others have mentioned I'd bet it's just part of a more comprehensive plan. I'd love it if there were some kind of a "TSA Pre-Approved" status frequent park visitors could apply for. You'd still go through security but the lines would be much shorter. Disney loves to turn a buck with add-ons, how 'bout it Mr. Iger?

 

[AngiTN]

No. Because I don't believe there is any danger to being with.