Metal detectors. And they're not just coming to Disney World. Universal Orlando and SeaWorld have installed the security devices at the entrances to their resorts, and the major California theme parks are expected to have them in place soon.
Metal detectors at theme parks are nothing new. Some Six Flags theme parks installed the devices decades ago, and Disneyland Paris features detectors not just for people, but separate airport-style units to scan bags, as well.
Universal Orlando recently installed metal detectors in the queues of several major roller coasters, however those were designed to keep people from bringing in all material in their pockets — not just prohibited items, such as weapons. For that reason, it is expected that those metal detectors will remain in place, even as Universal installs another set at the entrance to CityWalk. Universal has used metal detectors at its entrance for Halloween Horror Nights and other hard-ticket events in the past, as well.
The change comes after a couple of widely-publicized shooting attacks, in Paris and in San Bernardino, Calif. Earlier this month, a Disney World visitor was caught by the resort's traditional screening process and prevented from bringing a gun into the parks. In April at Universal Studios Hollywood, a man brought a gun into the park (despite the security check), then committed suicide near the Super Silly Fun Land play area.
Disney is taking the additional steps of stopping the sale of all toy guns in its theme parks, and is formally banning the wearing of costumes by adults at all theme park events, including its Halloween parties.
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Disney's theme parks are on private property and they have the right to set the rules. If Disney doesn't want guns on their private property then their rules should be respected.
I'm a pro-gun advocate, but I'm also realistic. Carrying a gun into a theme park, even if concealed, is reckless and ridiculous!
I watched one guy slip his large folding knife down the back of his babies coat to get past security. This guy obviously knew he wasn't suppose to have it in the park and worked hard to get it in anyway.
In Southern California, with Disneyland/California Adventure and Universal Studios adding metal detectors for guests to walk through, and Six Flags Magic Mountain already having them, does this mean that other parks like Knott's Berry Farm, Legoland, and Sea World will also be adding them eventually?
There are just too many crazies in the world and unfortunately, public places like that would make a great target that would get tons of news coverage.
The fact is gun violence in the United States has been on the decline for the past decade or more. The issue here is the recent events and possibly intelligence we are not privilege too.
However, metal detectors won't prevent a determined individual from carrying out an attack. If you feel safer because of them then you should have your head examined.
I guess this proves that invading Iraq was a huge mistake. Hurrah!
And, yes, metal detectors won't eliminate every single problem. But I'm just saying...ever since airports have started using metal detectors we haven't had another 9/11. Coincidence? I think not.
It was just a matter of time before such measures were implemented at theme parks.
Now one wonders why hasn't cedar fair has not followed suit yet?
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I mean, first off, one of my favorite parts of riding POTC is getting off and partaking in plastic sword fights with my family in the gift shop. And the little guns have always played a crucial role in those. Are we actually trying to kill each other? No! (Though it can be tempting sometimes). And I know we still have the swords, but if we're gonna ban the guns, why not ban them as well? They're also modeled after real-life weapons! I mean, wasn't there one guy who tried to attack a California University using a knife?
And if you're gonna ban the toy guns, why not ban attractions that feature guns?! Like Buzz Lightyear, the Tom Sawyer Island fort, or Midway Mania? Y'know, that super-popular attraction you promised you were gonna expand?
And banning costumes?! Does that mean that the hundreds of people I saw at Comic Con are all Islamic terrorists? Does that mean that the little kids that were trick-or-treating in my neighborhood on Halloween are all threats to America?
And, Disney, does this mean you're gonna stop doing meet-and-greet characters? Does this mean you're gonna take away what's been a huge staple of the parks since Disneyland first opened? Does that mean you're gonna take away that special moment when kids brighten up at the sight of their favorite a Disney characters and rush into their arms? I hope not...