Before you enter the Disney theme parks, you have to go through security. Here are 10 tips for Disney security to help you get through the lines as quickly as possible.
1. Check out all of the security lines before choosing one. The crowds tend to follow each other and a few lines will be very long while other lines are clearly open. Take a moment to look at all of the lines before you pick yours.
2. Go to both sides of the table. Security checks a bag from each side of the table. If one side of his table is empty and the other side has multiple Guests in it, don’t be afraid to go to the empty side. You are following the rules!
3. Open all zippers. Security is going to look in all pockets of your bag. Go ahead and open up the zippers before it is your turn to cut down on your wait time.
4. Remove items off the stroller. The security guard is going to check the pockets and basket of your stroller. Go ahead and remove the items for him to check to make the process quicker and easier.
5. Avoid guards that are earning their ears. If they are new, they have to be trained. You can tell a new recruit from a seasoned veteran based on if they have a red ribbon hanging from their name tag. I’ve found that new security guards go 3-5 times as slow as a seasoned guard.
6. Skip security if you don’t have bags. If you are coming to the park empty handed, you can skip security completely and go through the area marked “Guests Without Bags.” If possible, send as many family members as possible through this gate so that only 1-2 people have to go through security. You can have them wait for you on the other side of the tables.
7. Get out of the line. Once the guard has checked your items, scurry out of the line before you attempt to put zip your pockets or place your items back on the stroller. This is a kindness that you can show to the Guests behind you.
8. Go through the metal detectors. Some guests are randomly selected to go through the metal detectors. If you are chosen, have your party wait for you off to the side. It won’t take more than a minute.
9. Don’t pack the stroller. You have to go through security. Don’t spend too much time packing the stroller for the day. Keep everything in bags that are easy to get to. Once you are through security, you can poke and cram the items in the basket, organizer, cup holder and other areas of the stroller.
10. Use the secret guard station. If you drive to Hollywood Studios, there is a ‘secret’ guard station. It is actually there to check Cast Member’s bags as they enter the park. When you are walking to the entrance from the parking lot, you need to hang to the far left and take the sidewalk that runs along the bushes. Do not walk towards the bus stops or you are going the wrong way. I’ve found this guard to very rarely have other guests waiting at his station.
11. Take your bags off your body. They will not check a bag that is connected to your body.
Learn more about the Walt Disney World Parks including attractions, secrets, tips and more. Plus my friends at Destinations in Florida can help you plan your perfect Walt Disney World vacation.
I use a mesh backpack… guards love it as nothing could be hidded in them!
I would love to add my favorite tip which is, I pack my snacks in a gallon size Ziploc and non food items in another gallon size Ziploc- and all Ziploc bags come out at security and back in my backpack very easily, I have gotten many compliments from security in regards to how easy I make their job.