Thuy Phan/Nguoi Viet
ANAHEIM, Calif. – The Walt Disney Co. has announced new security measures following the Dec. 2 shooting in San Bernardino, Calif., that left 14 people dead.
Disneyland is implementing stricter security measures at its California theme parks, including the installation of metal
detectors. (Photo by Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland Resort via Getty Images)
Disney said Thursday that some guests will be required to go through metal detectors before entering Disneyland and Disney California Adventures theme parks. In addition, the company has banned the sale of toy guns, as well as masks or costumes for visitors 14 and older.
“We continually review our comprehensive approach to security and are implementing additional security measures, as appropriate,” said Suzi Brown, a Disneyland spokeswoman.
According to Disney, the process to select visitors to go through metal detectors will be random. After Disney employees search a visitor’s bag, they then will ask select visitors to step out of line, empty any metal objects from their pockets and walk through the detectors.
More than 15 metal detectors have been stationed around the entrances, and some also have been installed in front of the monorail station at Downtown Disney and at the AMC Theaters.
The two Anaheim theme parks attract a combined 25 million visitors annually. They now are taking the same level of precautions that many stadiums, airports and theme parks adopted years ago. Sea World and Universal Studios Hollywood also announced their decision to increase security last week by implementing metal detectors as well.
Many Disneyland visitors favored the extra security.
“I’ve been living in Orange County for almost six years, and a place like Disneyland is a destination spot for a lot of people,” said Alex Chan, 23, of Irvine, Calif. “I don’t think it’s ever too late to implement extra precautions to ensure people’s safety.”
Chan said the detectors are just a sign of the world today.
“We’re at a time where we can never know what someone’s intentions are, and where or what can happen to you,” said Chan. “But if that’s what we have to do, then we will. It’s how the world works now.”
“While it’s sad they’re there, I think it’s a good measure to take,” said Brittany Woolsey, 25, of Fountain Valley, Calif., a former holder of an annual pass. “It’s nice to have more measures at Disneyland to make sure you keep the bad people.”
“We are living in different times now,” said Phu Nguyen, a father of three young children. “We need to sacrifice some conveniences for our kids’ safety and security.”
Linda Vo, 36, of Northridge, Calif., is a regular at Disneyland and has taken her two young children to the popular theme parks more than 45 times. She said she supports the increased security.
“Yes, that could mean even longer lines, but Disneyland is such a popular landmark, which could make it a likely target for terrorist attacks,” Vo said in an email.”But, I feel like that doesn’t necessarily solve one of the root problems of our nation when it comes to these shootings. All in all, we need more gun control!”
While many people felt the extra safety measures were good, Francis Bui, 40, who said he works in law enforcement, disagrees.
“From a personal point of view, it’s more of an inconvenience than anything,” said Bui, of Fountain Valley, Calif. “We already stand in line at the park for everything. This will just add on to the time constraints. Every ride already takes forever to get on, and it’s twice as hard waiting with excited kids to get into the park.”
Plus, he added, “The park admission is already ridiculous; this will just give the park more reason to increase the price of admission.”
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