Orlando Theme Parks Increases Security

Three major theme parks in Central Florida have decided to increase security measures with the installation of metal detectors at the park’s entrances today. Walt Disney World, SeaWorld and Universal Orlando will now require park guests to adhere to this extra precaution before entering the parks. This also extends outside of Orlando to California where the same measures will be put in place in Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood.

Walt Disney World would not say how long the metal detectors would be in place, having experimented with them in 2004 and ultimately deciding against making them permanent. They have also discontinued the sale of toy guys and are banning anyone 14 and older from wearing costumes – even at Halloween parties. There has also been more deputies, security guards and specially trained dogs patrolling key areas of the resort as of late. The Disney Springs movie theater will have at least one metal detector for tonight’s high profile premiere of the new Star Wars movie.

“We continually review our comprehensive approach to security and are implementing additional security measures, as appropriate,” Disney said in a statement.

Representatives for SeaWorld have said that they would be “enhancing security measures for the busy holiday season, including increased security presence both inside and outside of the parks,” but has made no comment on whether or not the metal detectors would become a permanent fixture.

Universal Orlando spokesman Tom Schroder said the decision to test metal detectors was not driven by a specific threat. He said in an email to the press,

“We want our guests to feel safe when they come here. 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.”

Fans of the all three theme parks have been welcoming the changes and calling them long overdue via social media. Metal detectors have become more common throughout the U.S. for general security reasons, and park guests can now rest easier knowing their trip to the happiest place on Earth will be a safe one.