Disney World Tightens Security in 2025 After Spike in Guest Chaos
Disney World has always prided itself on being the most magical place on earth, but some guests have been testing just how far the rules can bend. From sneaky attempts to bring in restricted items to full-blown altercations, poor behavior has forced Disney to tighten security in ways that impact every visitor.
Nobody expects a theme park vacation to start with a security line, yet Disney is inching closer to that airport-style experience. Here’s how Disney is reshaping its security playbook.
Closing the Disney Springs Loophole
For years, Disney Springs was the easy spot to enter without much hassle. Guests arriving on resort buses could enter the complex without going through detectors. That free pass is now gone.
Today, every bus arrives through the same process as those who come by car or boat. Metal detectors are mandatory; anyone who sets one off faces a bag check. Disney is making it clear: every guest will face the same screening level no matter how they arrive.
The Expanding List of Banned Items
What you can bring into Disney has changed drastically since the early days. Gone are the times when only obvious things like weapons were forbidden. Today, the list is long and specific.
Weapons, illegal drugs, toy replicas of guns, drones, selfie sticks, folding chairs, alcohol, and even balloons at Animal Kingdom are all prohibited. While some bans raise eyebrows, most exist because of guest behavior in the past. Each new line on that list is tied to someone who tried to push limits.
Layers of Protection
Disney doesn’t rely on one single form of security. Instead, it stacks its approach with multiple layers: uniformed and undercover officers, canine units, scanners, and occasional physical checks. Most of it goes unnoticed by guests, which is exactly how Disney wants it.
Behind the scenes, the company works closely with law enforcement to address issues before they become problems. Guests may only notice a friendly security dog or officer nearby, but the network is far larger than that.
Families Face Stricter Stroller Checks
Strollers have always been a lifeline for parents at Disney World. But now, they’re also a security checkpoint. Parents may be asked to remove their children while strollers are inspected, diaper bags are unzipped, and compartments are opened.
It might feel excessive, especially when juggling kids, but Disney insists it’s necessary. Strollers have been used to sneak in restricted items, and the only way to stop it is to double down on inspections.
Evolv Scanners Aim to Ease Entry
The most significant technological upgrade has been using Evolv scanners at park gates. These allow guests to walk straight through while the machine checks people and bags—only those who trigger an alert need to stop for a manual inspection.
While not flawless, the scanners have sped up entry and eliminated the dreaded bag-unzipping for most guests. For families prepared beforehand, it’s a smoother start to the day.
Preparing for a Safer Visit
To avoid being flagged, travelers should know the rules ahead of time: check stroller sizes, hold children during checks, and avoid packing metal-heavy items or banned objects. A little preparation makes security faster for everyone.
Disney’s new rules may seem overkill, but they’re born out of necessity. Guest misbehavior has left the company little choice but to prioritize safety. It may take extra patience, but protecting the magic means protecting the people.
