I've just returned to the UK after spending 21 days at the Boardwalk... To get around I've walked through Epcot on a number of occasions just to get to and use the monorail at the front gate. And on 2 occasions I've been harassed by plain-clothed security...
The first time I was stopped coming back into Epcot after returning from MK. I was asked my intentions and reason for visiting the park on that day. It was mid afternoon and the lines through the bag check area were very small. I explained my situation and was allowed to go on my way. Although, I was surprised by this I thought nothing of it and carried on as normal.
The second occasion was much more intense. Again, I was coming back to Epcot having been in MK for the morning. The bag check lines were much bigger than before and since I didn't have a bag I walked through the appropriate line. Between this checkpoint and the 'Will Call' signs just before the main gate I was stopped again by plain-clothed security and asked what I had in my cargo shorts pockets...
I ignored the man and continued walking, when he ran around me and stood between my direction of travel and me - blocking me from going any further and again he demanded to know what I'd got in my pockets. I refused to answer his question and asked him to step aside and stop harassing me.
I was told that he wouldn't let me proceed until I'd answered his question. By this stage I was getting quite annoyed and was starting to feel very threatened. I admit I told him to move in colorful non Disney language and started to clench my fist but for some reason before I took physical action I asked to see some ID, which he then produced and confirmed he was Disney security. I instantly calmed down and showed him that I only had a phone and a small walkie talkie in my pockets and nothing else.
He then walked off and said nothing else - no apology for his actions or anything.
I entered the park and got as far as Innoventions before I thought the situation through and decided to go back to guest relations and make a complaint.
As expected they guy on the desk was very concerned and after waiting for a few minutes introduced my to the head of security for that day. I spent a further 45mins with him explaining what has happened. Ultimately he promised to look into the incident and call me back - taking my telephone number... He never did!
The following day I went down to the front gate at Epcot and realiszed 2 things.
1. It looks like a prison camp down there with all the security fences
2. Plain-clothed security are stopping a lot of people!
Now, I', 5ft 9 with short dark hair, no tattoos or piercings and have never been stopped by the police or refused entry into anywhere in the UK but something was a problem to Disney security about me - twice!
I wouldn't have minded if the person stopping me had identified themselves but they didn't on either occasion and this sort of security is way over the top. Beware!
The first time I was stopped coming back into Epcot after returning from MK. I was asked my intentions and reason for visiting the park on that day. It was mid afternoon and the lines through the bag check area were very small. I explained my situation and was allowed to go on my way. Although, I was surprised by this I thought nothing of it and carried on as normal.
The second occasion was much more intense. Again, I was coming back to Epcot having been in MK for the morning. The bag check lines were much bigger than before and since I didn't have a bag I walked through the appropriate line. Between this checkpoint and the 'Will Call' signs just before the main gate I was stopped again by plain-clothed security and asked what I had in my cargo shorts pockets...
I ignored the man and continued walking, when he ran around me and stood between my direction of travel and me - blocking me from going any further and again he demanded to know what I'd got in my pockets. I refused to answer his question and asked him to step aside and stop harassing me.
I was told that he wouldn't let me proceed until I'd answered his question. By this stage I was getting quite annoyed and was starting to feel very threatened. I admit I told him to move in colorful non Disney language and started to clench my fist but for some reason before I took physical action I asked to see some ID, which he then produced and confirmed he was Disney security. I instantly calmed down and showed him that I only had a phone and a small walkie talkie in my pockets and nothing else.
He then walked off and said nothing else - no apology for his actions or anything.
I entered the park and got as far as Innoventions before I thought the situation through and decided to go back to guest relations and make a complaint.
As expected they guy on the desk was very concerned and after waiting for a few minutes introduced my to the head of security for that day. I spent a further 45mins with him explaining what has happened. Ultimately he promised to look into the incident and call me back - taking my telephone number... He never did!
The following day I went down to the front gate at Epcot and realiszed 2 things.
1. It looks like a prison camp down there with all the security fences
2. Plain-clothed security are stopping a lot of people!
Now, I', 5ft 9 with short dark hair, no tattoos or piercings and have never been stopped by the police or refused entry into anywhere in the UK but something was a problem to Disney security about me - twice!
I wouldn't have minded if the person stopping me had identified themselves but they didn't on either occasion and this sort of security is way over the top. Beware!
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