The Great Metal Detector Debate

[anihilnation]

Skimmed the thread, didn't see it mentioned.

Haven't been since these were implemented, but what happens when an attractions host finds a weapon that otherwise wouldn't have been found. Last time I was there, actual security to get into the park still only consisted of a security guard who quickly went through your bag with a stick. It's clearly a measure to give a false sense of security, when in reality isn't thwarting much of a threat if someone had something in their pants pocket.

So hypothetically, what happens when an attractions operator finds a weapon. Is there security watching over the metal detectors as well? The pictures I've seen don't appear that way. Seems like a bad situation if someone unequipped to handle the situation were to find a weapon. :blank:

Yes, there is always a security agent nearby.

 

[boomerthom]

Love queuing for Dragons with a posted 10 minute wait, getting hung up at the metal detector line for 15+ minutes, and walking for God knows how long through the literally empty interior queue to actually get on the ride.

:l

 

[UNIrd]

The first time, I breezed by with no problem and even though my inhaler did set off the detector, I told them "Sorry. I need it." and they let me pass thru. The second time I go in, the girl is giving me a hard time about the inhaler and telling me I need to put it in a locker. I was like "No, sorry. I might I need it." She was like "Sir, you're going to have to put it in a locker." Again: "Nope. Sorry. I NEED IT ON ME." She kept saying something about not having it on me but then let me through. Really?

 

[craigt]

The first time, I breezed by with no problem and even though my inhaler did set off the detector, I told them "Sorry. I need it." and they let me pass thru. The second time I go in, the girl is giving me a hard time about the inhaler and telling me I need to put it in a locker. I was like "No, sorry. I might I need it." She was like "Sir, you're going to have to put it in a locker." Again: "Nope. Sorry. I NEED IT ON ME." She kept saying something about not having it on me but then let me through. Really?

I can understand you wanting to keep that with you, but surely it just defeats the whole point of their new policy?
It could do as much damage hitting someone as many of the other items people carry.

 

[UNIrd]

I can understand you wanting to keep that with you, but surely it just defeats the whole point of their new policy?
It could do as much damage hitting someone as many of the other items people carry.

So then I shouldn't ride a coaster? lol

 

[Nick]

Skimmed the thread, didn't see it mentioned.

Haven't been since these were implemented, but what happens when an attractions host finds a weapon that otherwise wouldn't have been found. Last time I was there, actual security to get into the park still only consisted of a security guard who quickly went through your bag with a stick. It's clearly a measure to give a false sense of security, when in reality isn't thwarting much of a threat if someone had something in their pants pocket.

So hypothetically, what happens when an attractions operator finds a weapon. Is there security watching over the metal detectors as well? The pictures I've seen don't appear that way. Seems like a bad situation if someone unequipped to handle the situation were to find a weapon. :blank:

Well, it would mean the person caught with said weapon is pretty stupid for one thing seeing as they will knowingly have walked through a metal detector with it.

 

[*Q*]

I would personally enjoy the irony of someone being incapacitated by getting hit in the windpipe by a flying inhaler.

 

[gaperonthego]

Along the lines (no pun intended) of detectors/bag check/security, what the status of the bag check fiasco out by the escalators from the parking garage? I've seen a couple of pics of huge crowds waiting to get on the moving sidewalks into City Walk. I'm heading down for 4 days over the weekend and just want to know how much earlier I need to get over there to be through by Early Entry time. Thanks for all of you regular contributors. Us out-of-staters appreciate it.

 

[darkridelover]

Well first of all this is the worst week to visit Orlando period!!! It's almost a waste of money unless you really enjoy waiting 2 hours for everything and pushing your way through sweaty angry tourists. But to answer your question 30 mins- 1 hour before early entry.

 

[deathcab4cutie]

just go on new-years day i hear its one of the slowest days of the year

 

[WAJAS]

It took them awhile, but nicer, more permanent shelters for the metal detectors have appeared at Rockit. The express queue ones are done, but the single rider and stand-by queue ones aren't yet. Images courtesy Orlandoparksnews.com.

Here's the link to Orlando Theme Park News's original post:
Orlando Theme Park News: Universal Studios Update: Fallon, Fast & Furious, And More

 

[declanrreed]

I can see both sides of it. If the detectors are calibrated well and the process stays quick, they probably add a reasonable security layer without changing the experience much. The bigger issue would be false alarms from everyday metal items and how staff handle those situations, especially during busy periods.

For anyone curious about how phone-based magnetic detection works, Metal Detector - EMF Scanner uses an Android phone’s built-in magnetometer to measure changes in the surrounding magnetic field. It can detect nearby ferromagnetic materials, but it’s not a replacement for the dedicated security detectors used at parks. That distinction is important because a phone app and a purpose-built screening system serve very different purposes.

If the lines at Dragon’s Challenge and Hulk stay moving, I’d personally have no problem with the extra screening.

 

[Mad Dog]

I have a medical titanium implant. At Universal's screening stations, that all look like they're older versions, it sounds off on the system about 50% of the time. And it's a hassle even though I show them my implant card. But it never goes off at the WDW metal detectors, airports, and even the various local Festivals that we attend. Since we're at Universal for long vacations, it really becomes a pain in the butt inconvenience. Their system, or the third party that operates it, really needs to upgrade to a less touchy, or better synchronization that isn't different from day to day or individual location. I even use the same belt all the time so that wouldn't be different with the belt buckle. Lots of the scanner security are personable but some are downright rude and make me take stuff off until the beeping stops. Universal really needs a system like Disney has that isn't intrusive.

 

[TheCodeMan95]

I have no issue with metal detectors being there - but I would like to see them be updated to the new versions that don't require you to place your bags on the conveyor.

And boy, talk about reviving a thread!

 

[Mad Dog]

I have no issue with metal detectors being there - but I would like to see them be updated to the new versions that don't require you to place your bags on the conveyor.

And boy, talk about reviving a thread!

I have no issues with metal detectors in general. But, Universal's need upgraded to a more consistent, less intrusive, type.

 

[DOOMBOT]

Would love to see an improved security system for UOR. It would help in so many ways. Guest flow, accessibility, actual safety, etc. Disney's system is so so quick and painless.