I Heard That Disney World Is Increasing Security. What Impact Will This Have On My Upcoming Vacation?

April 3, 2017

Q: I’m heading to Walt Disney World soon and heard about the new security measures. What can I expect?

A: This is a very timely question as Disney World has just today implemented new changes to the way guests go through security at the Magic Kingdom. The reasons for this are twofold: to speed up the screening process by stopping the crowds from building up at the main gate and also to keep visitors to the park safe.

For returning guests, you’ll know that Magic Kingdom previous had one large security checkpoint near the Main Gate that all guests were filtered through before entering the park. As a result, gridlock (especially during peak times) was a bit of a constant.

Effective today (April 3, 2017) there are now several different security checkpoint and which one you go through depends on how you arrive at the Magic Kingdom. Here’s a rundown of the options.

Resort guests arriving by monorail: If you’ll be staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort or Disney’s Contemporary Resort you will encounter your security checkpoint at the resorts themselves.

Resort Guests arriving by boat or bus: New security checkpoints have been constructed nearer the bus ranks and ferry boat docks. Resort guests will check in here rather than at the main gates. Reportedly this checkpoint is quite large with more staff members which means on-site guests are being accommodated more easily especially during busy periods.

Guests arriving via the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) – Off-site guests or those driving to the Magic Kingdom will be screened directly at the Transportation and Ticket Center before boarding the ferry or monorail to the Magic Kingdom.

Are the changes only happening at the Magic Kingdom? Yes. The security changes implemented today will only be happening at the Magic Kingdom. There is no news yet on whether similar steps will be taken at the rest of Disney’s theme parks. Readers are encouraged to watch this space for the latest updates.

What impact will this have on my family during our visit to the Magic Kingdom? Guests should remember that these strategies have been implemented to keep guests entering the Magic Kingdom safe and also to streamline the screening process. However, if you’re travelling within the next couple of weeks, don’t take a chance. Allow yourself some extra time if you have a dining reservation, tour or an early morning FastPass as initial hiccups should be expected.

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I Heard That Disney World Is Increasing Security. What Impact Will This Have On My Upcoming Vacation? 1

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