Your entry into the theme parks are about to become a bit more time consuming due to new changes that are now in place at Disney World.
Security upgrades
The Evolv Express scanner was introduced in a trial phase at Disney Springs in mid June 2020 and then placed in all four theme parks shortly after. It has made entering security at the theme parks and Disney Springs so much easier. No need to take anything out of your bag (other than metal pins, cups, or umbrellas) because you can simply walk right through now.
The Evolv company promotes this scanner as offering the following features:
Thermal imaging capability to automatically screen visitors for elevated skin temperature as they walk through the screening system.
Real-time detection of guns and other weapons are also scanned. It is able to differentiate between personal items and possible weapons.
It offers fast and efficient scanning. Over 3,600 guests may pass through this scanner per hour. Guests may be able to walk through in groups and even side-by-side.
Despite the fact that Disney World has definitely upgraded security procedures and technology, they are implementing some new changes that may make your time going through security a little less convenient.
Bottles and cans
This morning, May 25, Kenny the Pirate entered the Epcot security line. We have heard some rumblings that there may be some new measures in place, so Kenny spoke with a security Cast Member. The Cast Member confirmed that they are now asking Guests to remove any type of canned item like drinks or bottles like sunscreen from their bags.
We are guessing this may be due to the fact that more and more Guests are attempting to bring alcoholic beverages in their own containers into the park. Cast Members may be inspecting the contents of the bottle or can if opened.
So far, we have only seen this at Epcot, but it may extend to the other parks as well.
“Free clothes hack”
Another change is in regards to the “free clothing hack.” Guests have been posting on social media for years about this “hack” that allows you to receive a free shirt from Disney by wearing clothing that goes against the park rules. Here are those rules:
Attire that is not appropriate for the parks—and which may result in refusal of admittance—includes but is not limited to:
- Costumes may not be worn by Guests 14 years of age or older
- Masks may not be worn by Guests 14 years of age or older (unless they are for medical purposes)
- Clothing with objectionable material, including obscene language or graphics
- Excessively torn clothing
- Clothing which, by nature, exposes excessive portions of the skin that may be viewed as inappropriate for a family environment
- Clothing with multiple layers are subject to search upon entry
- Objectionable tattoos
In the past, Cast Members at the front gate would escort Guests to the nearest gift shop to pick out a free shirt. However, we are now seeing various postings on social media that Cast Members are informing Guests to leave the park or purchase a shirt themselves.
This could be on a case-by-case basis, but please be sure to check that your attire is acceptable for the theme parks before heading out for the day.
What do you think of these changes? Let us know in the comments below and on Facebook.
I’m not why you would be offended by a “gay day” at Disney since every day everywhere is “straight day”! It’s an opportunity for a persecuted and sometimes attacked group of people to feel safe and seen in the parks with their families! If you’re a hater, just don’t go, but know that it’s likely you’ve already been on rides with and even interacted closely with gay people since a large number of cast members and performers are LGBTQ people! LOVE IS LOVE and people different from you are not bad or evil, just different!!!
I have a small child like many others and prefer them not to be subjected to attire that tends to not leave much to the imagination. Since the subject was brought up I also prefer my child not to be exposed to “gay days” (by the way unofficially this will be June 2 to 5, 2022 if anyone prefers to give the parks a pass during that time frame). Speaking of purchasing clothing it would be great if I could actually go on shop disney without being overwhelmed with rainbow colored pride (not exactly sure what the pride is about as it is not like landing that dream job you worked so hard to get but whatever) shirts promoting gender confusion. Getting to the point of where there is a need to purchase elsewhere? It would seem that for most people it is pretty clear what is offensive to others. Just because it is a certain “day” does not mean there should be a free pass given out to individuals because they live an alternative lifestyle-looks to be a little bit of a double standard?
Disney is a family place ,been going for over 20 years! They are inviting problems when they get into anything but family issues. No need for foul mouth , skimpy clothing , impolite behavior, or intoxication. Children and families made Disney and can brake them!
Not sure what to complain about, we haven’t gone into the parks for a couple of years n this past February we went to disney springs. N I didn’t witness anything obnoxious or insulting. Expensive yes but not obnoxious or insulting.
Booo hoooo what is the shirt said I love Mormon girls? Get over yourself love is love
We were just at animal kingdom. My son was overheated and throwing up. We needed to get him cooled but no I got pulled aside for bag check. I had a mini bag with water and some snacks for my son. I was so mad that they were more worried about my little bag than my son who needed help.
It was gay day – the shirt was not offensive for the general crowd the day was aimed at. Disney has had gay day for years! Do your research before you go next time.
Get over your privileged self and deal with it.
Boycott Groomers
Went to EPCOT and Magic Kingdom in the last couple of days both trips resulted in an unnecessary bag check. I was told you’re good but go over and have your bag checked. I had absolutely nothing in that bag that would have triggered anything. I’m 78 years old, exactly what do you think I might have been hiding?? No wonder it will take longer to go through security.
My family was at Disney World about 12 years ago. It happened to be gay day and we were not aware of this. Disney did absolutely nothing about the vulgar, offensive shirts! My 8 year old son was shocked when he read, “I love Mormon boys”. We complained to guest services and they did nothing, just sent US to a different park as if we were in the wrong.
Totally agree! Come dressed and no giving free attire!
It’s about time Disney got tough on clothing , I met Walt Disney in 1966.
They are family parks and people need to dress as family or stay home
Same. I see girls wearing lacey bras and shorts with half their butts sticking out. Frankly it’s getting trashy. I am not impressed. Cover up ppl. I get it’s hot out. But it’s a family park. Not Vegas Strip.
Disney should have “clothing optional” days.
Well these days you can either afford Disney or clothes, but not both.
I wish Disney would get tough on those guests barely wearing any type of clothing. If not, the parks will soon be “clothing optional”. I have seen some people almost nude. No kidding. Everything hanging out. Where have morals and self respect gone?