Security Bag Checks - what a waste

DISNEYman · Post by **DISNEYman** » Jan Thu 25, 2007 1:41 pm

This issue of security can be debated about for hours, and everyone you ask will have a different opinion. I agree with all the sentiments about it being practically useless, as I could easily sneak in a concealed weapon to the park. As a matter of fact, a few months ago, a "dummy" resembling a Guantanamo Bay prisoner was snuck into Disneyland and placed close to Big Thunder Mountain for political protest motives.

Other area parks like Knotts Berry Farm employ the same lax bag checks, while Six Flags Magic Mountain uses metal detectors. Disney can very well get rid of the bag checks, but could be criticized if anything "bad" happens in the parks. However, others could argue that nothing has happened before this point, which is more than valid. We can ultimately look to the creation of fear by governments in this post-9/11 world. However, that's a whole other can of worms. This is a Disney forum after all

Captain Schnemo · Post by **Captain Schnemo** » Jan Fri 26, 2007 5:51 pm

subsonic wrote:I do not understand the point of it. It provides a false sense of security.

Actually, I think you understand it just perfectly!

G2-4T · Post by **G2-4T** » Jan Fri 26, 2007 9:14 pm

Sub - you're right on, just a false sense of security. All I gotta say is cargo pockets. I can fit enough in mine to fill a small backpack it seems. Yet I wander right on by the checkpoints. Baggy pants and a loose jacket? You could hide anything. Are they really concerned? Doubtful. Do they fear the look of being "unprepared" and whatever the press might say on a lack of "security" in this security crazed time? No doubt. So the guards still half-heartedly glance at your bags as you pass by, looking in but really seeing nothing, and know they have another long shift ahead of them of more bags filled with water bottles, diapers, sweatshirts, and the likes...

And with that my soapbox gets handed over a guard for inspection... [They said they didn't find anything and have a nice day]

Sarah Turp · Post by **Sarah Turp** » Jan Sat 27, 2007 6:29 am

A soapbox!?!

Why were you bringing a soapbox to disney?

Post by **js3901** » Jan Sat 27, 2007 7:34 am

Sarah Turp wrote:A soapbox!?!

Why were you bringing a soapbox to disney?

it's a joke. he's getting off his "soapbox" (as is small stage). and since the topis involves handing bags and such over to "security" for an "inspection"...

Sarah Turp · Post by **Sarah Turp** » Jan Sat 27, 2007 11:26 am

Ahhh. One of the irritating things about being English. We may all speak the same language, but the slang words and phrases often dont make it across the water.

I was thinking of a literal soapbox, which as you can imagine, seems rather odd!

jbvenn · Post by **jbvenn** » Jan Sat 27, 2007 2:36 pm

Sarah Turp wrote:Ahhh. One of the irritating things about being English. We may all speak the same language, but the slang words and phrases often dont make it across the water.

I was thinking of a literal soapbox, which as you can imagine, seems rather odd!

I'm a bit surprised that a Brit would not be familiar with the saying "getting on a soapbox" to rant about something. I assumed that the saying was associated with the famous "Speakers' Corner" in Hyde Park.

AKLRULZ · Post by **AKLRULZ** » Jan Sat 27, 2007 4:11 pm

SysFail wrote:It's a new world.

Bingo. It's not foolproof by any stretch, and the scan of the bag is sometimes a joke itself. If someone wants to cause harm they're going to be able - just like on an airline. My oldest son accidentally left a full size gel deoderant in his backpack two months ago when we flew out of Heathrow - the airport where the August attacks were supposed to occur. Security didn't catch it and we only found out after takeoff when he went to pull out his PS2.

ericpabear · Post by **ericpabear** » Jan Sun 28, 2007 12:41 pm

I have managed to get a pocket knife into the Magic Kingdom. I had opened a pack of video tapes with it, without thinking, placed it in my camera bag. I didn't realize it till going thru the security check point. I was in a panic. Thank the good Lord, the security check wasn't what I thought it would be. The next day, different check point, a security gaurd fixated on a pack of dental floss. He thought I had drugs in it. If I would have been carrying the vitamins, I probably would have been taken away by the M.P. (Mikey Police)

G2-4T · Post by **G2-4T** » Jan Sun 28, 2007 9:21 pm

Sarah Turp wrote:I was thinking of a literal soapbox, which as you can imagine, seems rather odd!

Got my laugh for the day there! I can see how that would have seemed crazy. Thanks to js for clearing it up

Post by **subsonic** » Jan Mon 29, 2007 12:16 pm

I remember years ago, I use to talk to people how amazing Disney security was a the parks, they would blend in but kept tabs on everything. If there was ever a problem inside of the parks, it would seem that security would come out of nowhere in an instant.

What happened to that?

Okay, this weekend I'm writing my letter.

Post by **Dr. Ravenscroft** » Jan Mon 29, 2007 2:58 pm

I have only once been asked to open my pouch on my belt witch usually contains a leatherman, Maglight, Pen, keys (when at work), and extra bits for my leatherman. When I was asked by the security guy to open it I did and he asked where is the leatherman, and I quickly said in my suitcase. after a minute or two of explaining he let me go. Then as I was passing through I said "thanks for being thorough". And I also asked him how he knew there was supposed to be a leatherman there and he said he has the same one.

knedeau · Post by **knedeau** » Jan Tue 30, 2007 2:52 pm

Esmeralda wrote:Has anyone seen the cast members remove something from someone's bag? It seems that they are getting very lax, maybe they'll start phasing the system out soon.

My sister had a mini bottle of wine removed from her bag before entering Epcot. The guy said it was because it was a glass bottle. She was really mad, because she had bought it at the Polynesian the night before (paid 12 bucks for it!), and had forgotten to take it out of her bag.

Post by **subsonic** » Jan Wed 31, 2007 11:49 am

She should have chugged it outside.

Halvogirl · Post by **Halvogirl** » Jan Wed 31, 2007 10:55 pm

It might be a pain but i am going to say it is a good thing. Yeah it does take time away from playing in the park, they aren't consistant with thouroughness, and you can obviously get in with things if you really try. But, at least you dont have to show up an hour or two early to make up for extra security, x-ray your belongings, take of your shoes or be randomly selected fot a full out search like you do at airports now. Maybe it is just me but i think that would take some of the magic away.

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Security Bag Checks - what a waste

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