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Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, Universal begin using metal detectors at theme parks
In a sign of how jittery the nation has become about terrorism and gun violence, Orlando's major theme parks on Thursday added metal detectors as a security precaution.
Walt Disney World placed walk-through metal detectors in front of all four of its theme parks. Universal Orlando began using wand-style metal detectors in an area leading into its parks and nightlife district. SeaWorld Orlando also began using wand-style detectors.
The safety measures extend outside Orlando. Disneyland and Universal Studios in Hollywood, Calif., are also using the devices.
Security in general has been a major concern following recent deadly attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, Calif. On Wednesday, the federal Department of Homeland Security issued a bulletin saying it was "especially concerned that terrorist-inspired individuals and homegrown violent extremists might be encouraged or inspired to target public events or places." It warned people to expect more police and more stringent security at large gathering places.
The apparently coordinated decision at theme parks seems to be "really kind of a destination statement of, 'Look, we're ensuring all our guests traveling to Orlando experiencing the parks, we're going to try to provide the safest environment possible,'" said Scott Smith, an assistant hospitality professor at the University of South Carolina.
Disney World — where a man was arrested last week after trying to enter the Magic Kingdom with a handgun — also said Thursday that it would discontinue the sale of toy guns. New rules also include a ban on costumes for visitors 14 and older, even at Halloween parties. It is unclear whether people can still wear them at Disney races. . .
The movie theater at Disney Springs where Thursday's premiere of the new "Star Wars" movie was taking place also was using metal detection. . .
Universal spokesman Tom Schroder said the decision to try metal detection was not driven by a specific threat. "We want our guests to feel safe when they come here," he said in an email. "We've long used metal detection for special events, such as Halloween Horror Nights. This test is a natural progression for us as we study best practices for security in today's world...."
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metal detectors for park security
In a sign of how jittery the nation has become about terrorism and gun violence, Orlando's major theme parks on Thursday added metal detectors as a security precaution.
Walt Disney World placed walk-through metal detectors in front of all four of its theme parks. Universal Orlando began using wand-style metal detectors in an area leading into its parks and nightlife district. SeaWorld Orlando also began using wand-style detectors.
The safety measures extend outside Orlando. Disneyland and Universal Studios in Hollywood, Calif., are also using the devices.
Security in general has been a major concern following recent deadly attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, Calif. On Wednesday, the federal Department of Homeland Security issued a bulletin saying it was "especially concerned that terrorist-inspired individuals and homegrown violent extremists might be encouraged or inspired to target public events or places." It warned people to expect more police and more stringent security at large gathering places.
The apparently coordinated decision at theme parks seems to be "really kind of a destination statement of, 'Look, we're ensuring all our guests traveling to Orlando experiencing the parks, we're going to try to provide the safest environment possible,'" said Scott Smith, an assistant hospitality professor at the University of South Carolina.
Disney World — where a man was arrested last week after trying to enter the Magic Kingdom with a handgun — also said Thursday that it would discontinue the sale of toy guns. New rules also include a ban on costumes for visitors 14 and older, even at Halloween parties. It is unclear whether people can still wear them at Disney races. . .
The movie theater at Disney Springs where Thursday's premiere of the new "Star Wars" movie was taking place also was using metal detection. . .
Universal spokesman Tom Schroder said the decision to try metal detection was not driven by a specific threat. "We want our guests to feel safe when they come here," he said in an email. "We've long used metal detection for special events, such as Halloween Horror Nights. This test is a natural progression for us as we study best practices for security in today's world...."
More:
metal detectors for park security
