5 Disney World Security Rules That Surprise New Visitors

From scanners and bag checks to cameras, Disney World takes security seriously.

Many first-time visitors to Disney World are actually caught off guard by the in-depth security measures that the resort has. So today, we’re breaking down some of the most notable practices that Disney World has in place.

Scanners and Bag Checks

The first thing you need to know about security in Disney World is that you are REQUIRED to go through security checks to enter the Disney World parks and Disney Springs. Whether you arrive by car, bus, Monorail, Skyliner, boat, or walking path, you’ll be going through a security scanner to enter those parts of the property.

In most cases at the parks, you’ll go through security after you disembark Disney transportation or arrive from the parking lot, but before you reach the ticket purchase windows. The main change is when riding the Monorail — you’ll go through security at your resort or the Transportation and Ticket Center before boarding.

What does security consist of? Basically, you’ll walk through the scanners with all your belongings, and if your bag sets off the alarm, you’ll be pulled to the side for a bag search. Strollers and ECVs are also searched at these security checkpoints.

You Can’t Bring a Selfie Stick

The next thing that surprises many people is the list of banned items in Disney World. Perhaps the most unusual on that list is selfie sticks, which can be a hazard when in use on rides or transportation, as well as in crowded areas.

A group selfie of the AllEars team (sans selfie stick!).

In the more obvious category, weapons, illegal substances, items that look like weapons, drones, glass containers, and skateboards are among other things on the list. Another one that might surprise you, though, is folding chairs — no little stools allowed for popping a squat while in long lines!

There Are Cameras EVERYWHERE

Think you can get away with tomfoolery in Disney World? Probably not, because there are cameras all OVER the place. Disney’s park designers are experts at hiding things they don’t want you to see (think like speakers and electrical boxes), and security cameras definitely fall into that category.

Every shop, ride, restaurant, and open space has countless cameras that are on and being monitored at all times. If you try to break the rules, you’ll likely be spotted within a matter of seconds.

There Are Hotel Room Safety Checks

One place where Disney doesn’t have cameras? Inside your hotel room. In fact, it’s illegal for them to do so. However, they DO conduct mandatory room checks for safety. It’s now a rule that a Cast Member must enter every Disney hotel room at least once in a 24-hour period, even if it’s not a day for housekeeping.

The rule was considered after the 2017 Mandalay Bay hotel shooting in Las Vegas that resulted in 61 deaths and approximately 867 injuries. A “Do Not Disturb” room was left unchecked for several days, which allowed the attacker enough time to develop their plan and carry it out. Since then, Disney has changed its “Do Not Disturb” signs to say “Room Occupied” instead.

Security Guards Are All Over the Place

You may not notice them constantly, but security guards are all over the place in Disney World, and when an emergency happens, they move FAST. In addition to those in uniform, there are many plainclothes security Cast Members in the parks and Disney Springs at all times.

So don’t worry, if something happens, a Cast Member will likely be there very quickly to assess the situation. Disney Springs even has the assistance of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office since it’s a public space with no entry fee.

If you’re planning a trip to Disney World, you can be assured that they take security seriously. But it’s a two-way street, and you and your family need to take it seriously on the property as well!