It’s no secret that Disney World is supposed to be the most magical place on earth, but lately, some guests have been making it harder to keep that magic alive. Over-the-top antics, sneaky behavior, and flat-out rule-breaking have pushed Disney into a corner where change was unavoidable. The result? A tighter, more layered approach to security that millions of guests will now have to adjust to.
While nobody heads to Disney World expecting airport-level screening, that’s beginning to feel like the direction things are moving. The good news is, these changes are designed to make the parks safer. The bad news is, they add a little more hassle to your arrival. Here are five ways Disney is stepping up its game to protect its guests, cast members, and reputation.
1. Disney Springs Tightens Its Entry Rules
Disney Springs has been the relaxed entry point in the Disney World bubble for years. Guests hopping off resort buses could stroll right into the property without so much as a trip through a metal detector. That’s no longer the case.
After multiple incidents involving unruly guest behavior at Disney Springs, Disney decided to require all bus arrivals to undergo the same screening procedures as those arriving by car or boat. Now, resort guests stepping off a bus must pass through metal detectors; if alarms go off, bag checks are also required.
This move closes a glaring loophole in Disney’s system, ensuring that every guest is held to the same standard no matter how they arrive. It’s a minor inconvenience for those who were used to breezing in, but it’s also a clear signal that safety is the new priority.
2. A Multi-Layered Security Strategy
Disney has never relied on just one security method, and that approach is now more apparent than ever. Security on Disney property includes uniformed and undercover officers, canine units trained to detect explosives, bag-scanning technology, and physical checks when necessary.
Guests might not always notice this, but that’s the point. Much of Disney’s safety net is designed to blend into the background while providing protection. When you see dogs at the entrances or officers patrolling the parks, that’s only one part of the bigger picture. Behind the scenes, Disney works closely with local law enforcement and employs technology that isn’t always visible to the average guest.
It’s an extensive, layered approach meant to keep problems from ever reaching the stage where they affect your vacation.
3. A Growing List of Entry Restrictions
When Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, the rules for what you could and couldn’t bring were pretty simple. Fast forward to today, and the list has gotten much longer. Some of the things Disney has banned:
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Weapons of any kind
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Illegal substances
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Toys resembling weapons
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Glass containers
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Horns, whistles, and megaphones
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Remote-control toys or drones
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Suitcases, folding chairs, or large coolers
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Selfie sticks
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Alcoholic beverages
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Balloons and plastic straws (at Animal Kingdom specifically, to protect the animals)
While some of these rules may seem overly cautious—after all, who’s sneaking a folding chair into Magic Kingdom?—they exist for good reason. Many were created in response to past incidents or to prevent situations that could get out of hand.
4. Stroller Checks Get More Intense
One area that has caught some guests by surprise is stroller inspections. Families have long relied on strollers to navigate Disney’s massive parks, but those strollers are now subject to much more thorough screening.
Security often asks parents to remove their children so strollers can be adequately searched. Diaper bags may be opened, and families could be asked to demonstrate how the compartments work. It can feel invasive, especially if you’re juggling little ones, but the changes stem from concerns about guests trying to conceal restricted items inside their baby gear.
It’s one of the more inconvenient rules, but Disney has made it clear that safety takes precedence over speed when it comes to stroller checks.
5. Evolv Scanners at the Park Entrances
Perhaps the most noticeable change for day-to-day park entry is the introduction of Evolv scanners a few years ago. Unlike traditional metal detectors, these advanced scanners allow guests to walk through without stopping. The technology scans both people and their bags simultaneously.
If nothing suspicious is detected, you keep walking. If something does raise a flag, you’ll be pulled aside for a bag check. The goal is to keep most guests moving smoothly through security while still catching the items that shouldn’t be inside.
It’s a big step forward from the old system, where every bag had to be unzipped and inspected. While Evolv scanners aren’t perfect and lines can still form during peak hours, they’re helping speed up what used to be one of the most dreaded parts of the Disney arrival experience.
Tips for a Smoother Security Experience
So how can you avoid being the one pulled aside for additional screening? A little preparation goes a long way.
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Check stroller sizes before your trip, as Disney has specific dimensions to follow.
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Hold your child until after the stroller is checked so the process goes faster.
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Avoid packing metal-handled bags, umbrellas, or large chargers in a way that triggers the scanners. Even specific glasses cases or devices with batteries can make the detectors go off.
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Leave restricted items at home—yes, that includes selfie sticks and alcohol.
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Be patient—security cast members are there to keep everyone safe, not to ruin your vacation.
With some planning, most families can move through security quickly and avoid being flagged.
Safety First, Magic Second
It’s easy to roll your eyes at some of these rules. Balloon bans at Animal Kingdom? Stricter stroller inspections? It might sound like overkill at first glance. However, the reality is that Disney has been forced into these changes because of a growing pattern of bad behavior.
From fights breaking out to guests sneaking in items they shouldn’t, these incidents chip away at the sense of safety Disney works so hard to maintain. Each new rule is essentially a reaction to someone pushing boundaries too far.
The result is a slightly more complicated arrival process for all of us. Yet, if these steps prevent just one dangerous situation, it’s hard to argue they aren’t worth it. The magic of Disney only works when guests feel secure. And in today’s world, that means more rules, checks, and patience from everyone.
The post Disney Forced To Change Multiple Security Rules After Unruly Guests appeared first on Inside the Magic.
