Disney Springs Lockdown: Security Presence Ramps up at Outdoor Florida Mall
Walt Disney World Resort has intensified its security presence at Disney Springs, the outdoor shopping and dining district, with increased screening measures now affecting guests arriving via Disney Resort buses. This new procedure aligns with the heightened security already present at the four Disney theme parks—Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom—where all guests are required to pass through metal detectors and submit to bag checks before entering.
Before this change, guests arriving at Disney Springs by bus were not required to undergo the same level of screening. While metal detectors were set up at several parking garage entrances, the bus drop-off area was less scrutinized. Security cast members were stationed in these areas with working canines, but rarely conducted thorough checks.
However, reports are now surfacing that this policy has shifted. On Monday, Reddit user u/RStrongfox shared their experience, explaining that guests arriving via Disney Resort buses to Disney Springs were now being directed through metal detectors.
“Disney Springs Resort Drop Off Now Has a Security Check Point,” the user wrote. “The bus drop off spot for Disney hotels now has 1 Metal detector and a security check point. Might want to plan an extra 15 minutes getting into springs from a Disney Resort.”
Many have welcomed the shift in security protocols. For years, Disney Parks fans have expressed concerns about the lack of strict screening at Disney Springs, especially given the events of June 2016, when a tragic shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando took 49 lives. Disney Springs had initially been one of the potential targets of the attack.
The new measures have been met with strong support.
“GOOD!” said u/nephie1990, who works at Disney Springs. “As someone who works at Springs, I was shocked when I first learned they don’t make resort guests go through any additional screenings the way they do with everyone else, especially since it’s so easy to park at many of the resorts.”
Others agreed, noting that this move was a long-overdue adjustment to security.
“Finally they closed the loophole,” u/engineeringlove commented.
Have you noticed increased security anywhere else at Walt Disney World Resort? Share your experience with Disney Dining in the comments!
Nothing is too extreme to ensure guest safety. That should include checking all interiors of all cars the come in.