The Security Tip That Will Save You Time At Disney

We all want to maximize our time and money on a dream Disney vacation.

Guests visiting the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida have an abundance of Disney magic awaiting them. From thrilling rides like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance to famous shows like The Festival of the Lion King, Disney Parks are full of entertainment and attractions for young and old to enjoy.

In the early morning hours of a Disney Park day, entering the theme parks can be crowded and chaotic, but there’s one little security tip to plan ahead that will certainly aid in getting into the Parks faster.

The COVID-19 pandemic saw many changes come to the Guest experience at the Lake Buena Vista Resort, including face masks, plexiglass, and a new security entrance method.

Last year, Walt Disney World introduced a new contactless security system at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs. Theme park Guests no longer have to come into close proximity with Walt Disney World Security Cast Members or go through the standard manual bag checks. Instead, Guests simply walk through a contactless security scanner, with their bags still on them.

This new contactless security system for entering Disney Parks helps maintain health and safety regulations while also boosting the efficiency of security lines. The full-body scanners at Disney World save time and make packing bags and purses easier as Guests don’t have to take everything out for the individual bag check.

But even though the lines move faster, some Guests still encounter an issue when trying to get into a Disney theme park – the dreaded bag alarm.

There are certain items in Guests’ bags that sometimes set off the body scanner, leading to an additional screening process similar to the old manual bag check. This adds extra time and frustration to a busy Disney vacation day.

So, here’s our tip for saving time when entering the Parks, especially during a crowded rope drop morning. All you have to do is remove those big items!

When packing your theme park bag in the morning, place larger, metal items on the top of your bag ready for you to remove yourself before heading through the security scanner. When going through the body scanner, hold them in front of you. That’s it! This should avoid additional screening and get you into Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom sooner.

Here is the list of items that Cast Members at Walt Disney World informed us would set off the security sensors at the theme parks:

• Glasses and sunglasses cases
• Umbrellas
• Cameras
• Laptops and iPad
• Portable battery chargers

We were surprised that our sunglass case would be one of the most sensitive items on the list, but once we held our glasses case out in front of us at security, the alarm finally didn’t go off! This action of holding the items out in front of you allows security officers to see clearly what is setting off the sensor, thus ensuring you move quickly through the line.

Of course, Guests should avoid bringing in prohibited items including firearms, knives, weapons, as well as illegal substances and alcoholic beverages. Large strollers and trailers, skateboards, scooters, folding chairs, and selfie sticks are all also not permitted in Disney Parks, and security Cast Members at each theme park entrance reserve the right to not allow any bag as they consider appropriate.

For a full set of all the rules and regulations at Walt Disney World, visit the Resort’s website.