security checkpoint

[idontneedaname]

is it just me or is the security checkpoint at the main entrance an absolute joke???

I mean, what will the CM's do if you have something you should'nt have? :confused:

[Cuzco-topia]

And what IS something you shouldn't have, other than the COMPLETE obvious? I'm always afraid that they're going to take my pack of gum away.

[idontneedaname]

seriously,
they usually have some elderly people working there that when they do check our bags they dont check it in detail. Not to knock the elderly, but what would they do if someone decided to bring in a weapon or drugs???

it's just another line to put up with....

[Cuzco-topia]

True, but everytime I go, the line passes quite quickly. Never have anything more than a small purse, and they hardly even look in that. So, it's not that big of a deal for me, with a small added element of peace of mind. (emphasis on the small)

[Harleydad]

We have been APers for years and have seen many "Attempts" at security. I used to work at a major motion picture studio and security there was much the same. It was there to make people feel as though they were secure.

There is no way they can herd the numbers of people into the park and make sure that every precaution is taken.

Yes, they look in purses, but as a male I can tell you they have never looked in my pockets or patted me down. How could they possibly know if I had something on my person?

[swagdaddy]

It annoys me to no end! I'm not sure which is worse; Waiting 20 minutes for a tram, or the slow elderly folk at the check.

[DznyVan]

They are cursory at best (at least when dealing with us). I would hope that when they come across a "high profile" person, that they would check them a lot closer than they would us (a family with four kids, Disney clothing, AP's, etc). Of course, they can do it without "offending" anyone.

They are trained better than we think, and I'm sure that they know that they are wasting their time on 99% of the folks that enter the area. I just hope that they are alert for the 1% that might actually be up to something or have something that they shouldn't.

[Alchimedes]

Iknow they just check backpacks or large bags, I some people who always have a pocket knife and just walked right through, it really is a joke. I'm all for better safety. But I can see where Disney does not want to discomfort "some" guests by pat down searches or metal detectors. People would be there all day. Why these people had a pocket knife along confuses me anyway.

[sir clinksalot]

Why they don't have a "Guests without bags" line is beyond me. WDW has one. Heck, even Magic Mountain has one.

[NyYankFanKen]

The new Security Checkpoints should be built in time for the May 5th date. I believe the no bags line will come into existance then.

[Wotan]

The first time we went to DCA, my wife had a roll of adhesive padding for her shoes and some scissors to cut it with. They spotted the scissors, denied us entry, and I had to run over to the lockers there and put them in before we could then get all the way back in line to get in. And no amount of arguing would change their mind.

I would think the biggest crime in DCA would have come from the people who came up with the concept, not those who attend it.

[Demigod]

They are cursory at best (at least when dealing with us). I would hope that when they come across a "high profile" person, that they would check them a lot closer than they would us (a family with four kids, Disney clothing, AP's, etc). Of course, they can do it without "offending" anyone.

They are trained better than we think, and I'm sure that they know that they are wasting their time on 99% of the folks that enter the area. I just hope that they are alert for the 1% that might actually be up to something or have something that they shouldn't.

Well, when I was working Security there those people manning the checkpoints were just regular cast members - they were not specially trained for checking bags. They were just told what to look out for, and then put out there.

I don't really think that has changed since then, but it has been two years...

[mamabot]

We had someone bring through a glass jar of salsa for a potluck once. Security escorted her to the picnic area with it. This was before the change in policy for the location of the security line for the picnic area.

[Wendy]

The checkpoints are a joke, but the people manning them are usually pretty sweet. I think of them as greeters, ala Wal-Mart.

[Disguy]

The new Security Checkpoints should be built in time for the May 5th date. I believe the no bags line will come into existance then.

I thought they already had a no bag line? If I don't have bags I just walk right in without a problem. (Unless I have a jacket on)

I think it was our last trip we saw a guy bring a Golf club into the check point. I can't remember if they let him pass or not. Makes you wonder what he would need a Golf club for?

We all know it's not going to stop a terrorist do whatever they plan to do. However, at least it gives some guests a little piece of mind :o

[Jspider]

they should just set up some fake metal detectors or body scanners

seriously what am I going to do with scissors or a knife in the park?

randomly stab people to death and get away with mass muder? (wow I must be rather skilled in which case I wouldn't need the knife)

would I um hijack a Star Tours cabin? yes I'm seriously going to crash that into something :P

checking people for knives is a joke and besides on incendent that involved specific people fighting with each other there is no way anyone is doing anything with a knife

the best thing to do would be to get one of those smell scanners they showed in popular science that can sniff out bomb making materials on clothing, if somebody has bomb smell on em then quietly take them away from the park with security and do a more complete check (heck they could also screen people for drug use this way)

[Cuzco-topia]

The security line is not a big deal. The actual line at the gates is what's annoying. Especially when they only have a few gates open with a line going back to DCA. I would love to see an AP line only.

[BUGLEBOY18]

A little perspective here. I was a former main entrance cast member wearing the taco bell costme and all. Yes there is nothing that anyone could do if somemone really wanted to get in the park with a truly dangerous weapon, there are a myriad of ways to do this and a simple bag check is not going to catch a trained professional. That being said the appearance of security is the goal as well as a diversion from the truly effective security measures that the park has in place. Yes we were and still are regular cast members that man these points, but we were also trained in what to look for. We did not, however, profile anybody, this is foolish, terrorists look like anybody and to discrimnate a certain race or "look" is inviting a surprise should the next Al Queda attack come from someone of non arabic descent. Finally please do not get on the older cast members, they are some of the sweetest and dedicated people that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. If you do have a problem with the cast member please by all means contact city hall or better yet a lead, but, if you have a problem with the policy ie. food, scissors, etc. please don't hold the cast member responsible for it. Bring it to city hall or write a letter.

[Whatever]

We often enter via DTD. usually not much wait except the wait for the monorail

[figment1986]

The security check points at WDW are almost a joke... for a family of three we carry one backpack.. just once we had to open every zipper compartment.... that was christmas time... everyother time I only opened the main compartment.... (my camera, and money.... video camera & their cash..... car keys... everything that is needed for a day... )

I think they just need to build a themed airport check area where they have 10 scannera to scan the baggs.... then make us walk through a "themed" metal detector to get in.... thats a great idea isn't it??