Disney fans, brace yourselves: Security lines at the parks are getting more intense, with many guests now reporting being asked to remove everything from their bags — yes, even wallets — during screening. This new level of scrutiny has sparked plenty of chatter online, with visitors sharing firsthand accounts of the increasingly strict procedures.
Empty Your Bag, Even Your Wallet
A Reddit user’s recent post sums up the frustration perfectly:
“So I had this happen twice so far during our trip and wanted to see if anyone else is experiencing this. I got dinged going though security, waited in line, and pulled out my wallet and phone to put in the bin. After I put them in the bin they wand me and then I unzip my bag. To my shock and dismay I am asked to remove every single item from my backpack. They physically would not touch the backpack till every single time item was removed. I have never experienced this before. So with everything out and him looking through the bag I go to grab my wallet and phone he tells me to stop and that he has to look through my wallet. I was like what?!? My wallet? In 20 years of going to the parks they have never had me empty my bag or go through my wallet. Isn’t it their job to go through the bag with at least some of the items in it and remove what they need? You guys ever experienced this?”
This isn’t an isolated incident — it’s apparently becoming the new norm for some visitors. The idea of security personnel rifling through wallets might feel invasive, but Disney is clearly stepping up its vigilance. Why? Let’s dig into what guests are saying and what this means for your next trip.
Tips from the Trenches: How to Breeze Through
Some seasoned visitors have cracked the code to avoid the dreaded “empty your bag” routine. One user shared insider advice they received directly from security:
“On our last trip, security advised us to take our sunglasses cases, phones, and something else— I can’t remember— hold them in our hands with our arms outstretched, ‘like Mary Poppins,’ and walk through the scanner, and we likely wouldn’t get stopped again. And we didn’t.”
This strategy involves holding all loose metal and electronics in plain sight, reducing the chances the scanner will pick up suspicious clumps of metal.
Another guest, an annual passholder, offered their own pro tip:
“I’m an annual passholder who hates getting pulled over by security. Based on a couple conversations with security personnel, it’s based on the quantity of metal clumped together. Now I take everything metal and electronic out of my bag— cell phone, sunglasses, keys, water bottle, Altoids mint tin, umbrella coin purse, etc.— and hold them in my hands with my arms stretched out straight in front of me like a zombie. I haven’t gotten stopped once since I started doing that.”
The consensus? Minimize the metal and electronic items inside your bags and carry them openly to speed things along. While it may feel awkward, it clearly pays off.
Is It Enough to Keep Disney Safe?
Though the tighter checks might make guests groan, many understand the safety rationale behind them. One user recalled the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting, where Disney Springs was a target:
“Remember, the original target of the Pulse shooter was Disney Springs and the reason they didn’t go through with it was bc of the increased security. It’s annoying but it’s worth the safety of you and all the families at Disney.”
Still, some remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these new measures:
“That may be, but it’s not actually stopping armed guests from coming in (source: I have been witness to multiple events where weapons have made it thru the parks only for other cast to find them and kick them out) HOB security is better than the parks for just the concert hall. I don’t really have a solution, just wanted to throw in that they do all of this stuff but people still get thru with prohibited items.”
Security is a complicated dance — no system is foolproof, but increased vigilance sends a clear message.
What’s Behind Wallet Inspections?
Wallet searches are new enough to surprise long-time visitors, but one Redditor suspects the recent crackdown on drug smuggling may be the cause:
“I read a story that someone got busted trying to sneak in a bunch of cocaine in their wallet. I wonder if they’re trying a new policy.”
It’s a reminder that security isn’t just about weapons anymore, but about preventing all kinds of contraband.
Family Struggles and Security Inconsistencies
Visitors juggling kids and multiple bags often face the brunt of these thorough checks. One user dubbed “the family pack mule” described frequent backpack searches — usually triggered by umbrellas — but noted wallets were generally spared:
“Being the family pack mule I get pulled for a search of my backpack about 50% of the time. I’ve kinda learned it was usually from umbrellas. Sometimes they take everything out and sometimes they just rummage. They have never even touched my wallet.”
Yet, not everyone is so lucky:
“Last visit to HS earlier this month I got through clean and my 9 yo son got dinged. When I started back to get in the line with him he tried to stop me. I responded politely that I was just going to stand with my son and he still refused. One more polite and two more stern objections and he still tried to refuse. Only after I told him to summon a supervisor and a uniformed law enforcement officer did he finally back off.”
This anecdote highlights the inconsistencies in how different security staff approach the checks, and how guests must sometimes advocate for themselves.
Disability Accommodations Under Scrutiny Too
Not even guests with mobility devices are exempt from the new scrutiny. One wheelchair user reported being asked to remove all attachments from their chair for inspection — an unusual step:
“I had this happen to me today, but with my wheelchair! I thought it was so strange. I have a wheelchair pouch attached to my seat back and it holds my footrests, cup holder, and air tire pump. I’ve never been asked to remove those things until today at Epcot. It’s good they’re being cautious.”
While the process may slow things down, it shows Disney’s commitment to consistent security enforcement for all.
Frustration Mounts Over Slow Lines and Random Scans
Perhaps the biggest complaint is how inconsistent and slow the process can be:
“Happened to me just this week. Can’t remember which park as we did all 4 with day breaks at each so went through security a bunch. The first park we went to the security guard directing people to the lines told everyone to take out their umbrellas and hold in front of them to avoid setting off the machine. It was super helpful and it was the only time this was being done the 10 times we went through security. I went through fine doing that. The next time, I forgot about the umbrellas and then had to take every single thing out and it was A LOT of stuff that I had packed strategically, so it was annoying. Subsequent parks it seemed to randomly go off no matter what I did and the guards don’t know why it did. I showed up every time with the exact same things in my bag. Magic Kingdom seemed to be really sensitive and it flagged like 10 of us right in a row and the line to get checked thoroughly was quite large. I don’t mind being subjected to security but do get pretty annoyed when it makes me late for stuff because they don’t have 4 guards working the 4 inspection stations and they are being slow. If your machines are being ultra sensitive and flagging a lot of people, get the manpower in there to get us through in reasonable amount of time.”
Guests are asking Disney to improve staffing and efficiency to keep wait times reasonable without sacrificing security.
What Does This Mean for Your Next Trip?
Disney’s security team is clearly cracking down on thoroughness — but it’s a balancing act between safety and guest convenience. The key takeaway: pack light on metal and electronics, keep those items in hand, and expect detailed bag searches, possibly even wallet checks.
While many visitors find it annoying, most agree the enhanced security is a small price for peace of mind while enjoying the magic. And if you do get pulled aside, remember: stay calm, cooperate, and try not to let it ruin your day.
Planning a visit soon? Start preparing now to avoid the dreaded “empty your bag” drill, and pack patience along with your Mickey ears.
The post Disney World Security Measures Under Examination, Higher Check Protocols Enforced appeared first on Inside the Magic.
