The first thing that pops into mind is, of course, Disney. It is the biggest theme park of them all, and certainly the most well known. Everyone has been expecting an air attack, but what about ground attacks? Are theme parks doing enough, by checking bags at the front gates to ensure no improper materials be brought in?
In recent months security has been scaled down at parks like Universal Orlando to help move lines quicker. Instead of checking everyone at admission gates, they check certain individuals at the parking center. Are these measures enough?
Many parks say a resounding yes, saying that not only have their own security forces been stepped up, but the hiring of offduty sherriff employees as well.
Will this latest discovery have an effect on the still faltering tourist industry in Florida with the "British Invasion" currently weeks from hitting its peak? Experts say yes. This could cause enough panic, and frustration at the airports to keep many people away from traveling. The good news in this, you may see theme park prices lowering due to falling attendance. And you may see more parks adapting Universals "Kids Stay Free" way of marketing. Either way you look at it, its not good news for the theme park industry.
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BUT, I think a Theme Park attack is too predictable. I don't know, I'm sure it will bother some people, and change their minds, but it isn't changing my views on family vacations, or traveling to Theme Parks.
I think Brian is correct though. They would most likely go for DC, New York, Vegas, or California before a theme park in Florida, or specific others.
Forget Gatorade & toothpaste. They don't do body searches at theme parks so it would be a simple matter for a terrorist to carry explosives on their person. They only check bags and even have a line you can go on if you don't have a bag to search - imagine that.
Believe me, I'm fairly certain that even if theme park execs spring for beefing up security, the terrorists of today could still pull a fast one on security guards if they wanted to, don't you agree? Oh, it would look great in the media, "Disney steps up security promising a safer vacation for you and your family." They'd love to use that to justify the 50% inflated cost of a ticket.
Extreme measures take extreme dollars. I'm not willing to pay an exorbitant rise in ticket prices to see the mouse just to ensure that the family of five riding Space Mountain next to me didn't bring a sports drink and a tube of toothpaste into the park with them while there were no measures taken to ensure that the group of five without any bags to check weren't under even more suspicion than them.
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There is an easy answer but too many folks will complain, Racial Profiling. Check those you look like they need to be checked. Sorry but it works. Simply look at all of the terrorist from 911. The first thing I do when I get on an airplane is look around for one type of person. If I think someone look’s “different” I will watch for anything suspicious. It may sound mean but I am being honest.