Disney World appears to have a strict no gun policy. No law-abiding citizen, including an off-duty police officer, is allowed to carry a firearm, concealed or otherwise, to protect their family from violent predators while at Disney World.
I searched Disney’s web site looking for clarification on this policy, but was unable to locate anything. On non-Disney websites, I have seen reports that off-duty police officers were asked to either lock up their weapon, or to leave the property. I did have one of their security guards confirm that even cops aren’t allowed to carry off-duty at Disney World.
I requested information from Disney World about police officers carrying firearms, but so far my request has been ignored.
Disney World is a huge, juicy target for terrorists and nut-jobs alike. When thousands of people are gathered in one spot, one crazed individual can kill, wound, and maim a lot of innocents by detonating a bomb, or by firing a gun randomly. Islamic terrorists have stated the intention to kill as many of our children as they can. Killing children at Disney World would shake Americans to the core. So, if Disney World is telling me I can’t discreetly carry the means to defend my family, they better have that place on lock down.
During a recent trip to Disney World, I made several observations about their security measures. First, I observed a lot of security guards near the entrances to the different parks. The guards were not armed, and did not appear to be any higher a caliber than what we have come to expect out of contract security companies: many were old, out of shape, or both. I observed very few guards beyond the gate areas.
Second, I observed very few undercover, or plain clothed, security or police officers. No doubt I would not see all of them, but I still spotted very few.
Lastly, at the gates to the parks, the guards check your bags. Depending on who was doing the checking, my bag was either not searched or only a cursory check was done. Every day I walked in, I could have toted several pounds of C-4 in the bag that was “checked.” At no point was I ever checked, nor was any stroller or wheelchair that came through the lines with me. Anyone could carry multiple handguns on themselves, and bombs or long guns in their baggage or strollers.
I can only assume that Disney World uses state-of-the-art electronic surveillance equipment, and they have deputies and/or armed security hidden behind the doors labeled “Cast Members Only.” However, based on my observations, anyone can carry firearms and bombs into the Magic Kingdom.
I suggest that anytime you are off-duty, you need to be armed. I also suggest that Disney World is no exception. I carried every day I was there, and at no point did they ever detect it.
Stay Safe!
Marty says
If by Disney world you mean the theme parks, yes there is security at the gates, however that does not preclude any terrorist or other nefarious character from attacking one of the resorts, because they do not check every piece of baggage of every guest at every resort, And they do not check the employees, who do not as a rule enter the parks through the front gates, but through the employee entrance in the back of the parks.
drizd says
One has to wonder what old Walt would think of this. He was a fellow who got around during WW1 . I would think he would have more the pragmatic / practical view on todays Muslim escapades that the corporate clones of today. Unfortunately in today’s world the truth matters little while image is of utmost importance. After all bad things always happen to , well somebody else and he probably did something to deserve it. So the sad fable goes.
Aaron says
Sadly, I think his experiences soured him to firearms. These policies are likely traced back to when Walt was at the helm. Remember, the movie Bambi is not very favorable towards hunters and firearms at all.
Aaron E says
Disney may have served his country in WWI, but his later work showed a flare for anti-gun motives. Remember the big bad hunters in Bambi?
PETE says
Walt Disney was know to be RABID anti hunter…not sure about guns…
PLEASE ANNOUNCE YOUR GUNS TO SECURITY AT THE GATE BEFORE THEY ASK!!!!!!!
Those that had a gun discovered..LEFT IN HANDCUFFS!!!!
Aaron says
Pete, do you know why the visitors carrying firearms were arrested? I would imagine if the possess a valid Florida (or compact agreement State’s) Concealed Carry Permit they would not be in violation of a weapons offense. However, there may be a trespass charge if Florida law allows posted signs telling visitors no firearms upon vehicle entrance, parking lot, and approaching the gates to be sufficient to warn of trespassing if armed.
In my State, the most a business can do, even when they have posted No Firearms, is request a person leave. Only if the person refuses can they be charged with trespassing. It does not rise to a weapons offense either.
Hal Jolikakik says
there is more security than you think. Disney Europe recently caught a pair of yam bags with weapons via electronic detection measures which I am sure are employed here as well.
Aaron E says
To be fair the two were caught at the Disney Europe hotel, and it was because their bags were run through an X-ray machine (at least as media reports it). I’m not sure about Disney Europe, but Disney World in Orlando does not use X-ray machines.
Hal Jolikakik says
just came back from Disney Orlando was there 3/25 through 4/1 they had “explosive sniffer” pads you walked across and Body Scan machines in use at every Disney park as well as armed county sheriffs at the entrances in support of Disney Security.
Aaron E says
Thanks for the update Hal. It definitely sounds like Disney is recognizing their threat potential and making steps to keep the park and guests safer. These new measures will no doubt improve their security, and I’m very glad to hear they’re doing so.
However, these measures do not account for a group of terrorists entering the park from other entry points – whether cutting or scaling fences, or somehow using a vehicle to make entry. In addition, a bold “Mumbai” style attack (much like the recent Paris terrorist attack) could result in devastating casualties, despite the law enforcement presence at the entrance (a move I strongly support).
Remember, the Mumbai attack involved 12 separate attack locations carried about by only 10 terrorists. 164 died, and 308 were injured. Terrorists could detonate an IED at the entrance causing casualties and panic, while engaging armed law enforcement and security with rifle fire. In the chaos, a group of well armed terrorists could charge into the park, wreaking havoc by firing at will and dropping delayed explosives to catch the masses attempting to flee.
20 years ago I would have scoffed at these ideas. However, after San Bernandino, Paris, and other recent events, I’m just not willing to believe that a target rich environment like Disney couldn’t still be a mass casualty site, with increased casualties due to Disney’s no firearms policy even for cops.
Steven says
Disney will allow active law enforcement (any US officer) to lock up their firearm at the security office, they give you the key. They no longer allow a civilian with a concealed weapon’s permit to lock up their firearm at the Disney security office.
Disney randomly selects patrons entering the parks and has them go through a metal detector. Approximately 1 in 4 patrons through a metal detector. In the near future Disney plans on having the ability so all guests will go through a metal detector before entering the parks.
Aaron E says
Great insight Steven, and thanks for the update. Like I posted to Hal, I’m glad to see Disney stepping up their security measures.
Though I’m a supporter of civilian CCW, I can understand their no firearms in the park for civilians. There is just too broad a range of experience there. However, I disagree with the no guns for law enforcement. As I have mentioned before, even with the stepped up security (including uniformed law enforcement at entrances), a motivated terrorist cell could still find its way into the park, and cause heavy casualties to the unarmed guests. You figure a couple dozen off-duty cops with guns touring the park, and the casualty numbers could be drastically reduced.
Steven says
I agree with everything you just said. Although we must also remember that even the TSA doesn’t have a 100% weapon recovery rate. Disney’s operation doesn’t compare to the TSA’s operation. I’ve spoken to Disney’s security management and they claim that the reason they don’t want LE to carry in the parks is because they believe that they are running the risk of an accidentally dropped firearm in the park. I personally don’t believe that is the real reason but that is what they are putting out.
I must admit Disney has come a long way though. In recent months they have significantly increased the number of uniformed security and uniformed Orange County Sheriff’s Deputies around the entire property.
FYI, Sea World allows all properly credentialed Law enforcement the ability to carry in their park. Universal Studios rules mirrors Disney’s.
Richard says
The TSA is not exactly the gold standard for security.
Richard says
During the past 12 months, I’ve been to Disney parks 8 times. At no point did I observe anyone entering the park screened with a metal detector. Not once.
Additionally, the “everyone going through a metal detector” comment doesn’t seem realistic. The parks have to deal with huge lines already – jamming them all through a metal detector would make the process impossible. You’ve seen the lines for the ineffective TSA screenings right? The number of people moving through Disney is exponentially greater than any TSA checkpoint.
Steven says
Hi Richard,
The magnetometers have been in place since approximately mid December 2015. They are at all of the entrances to all of the Disney theme parks. I know this because I am one of the deputies who work the front gate of the Disney theme parks. And yes, the magnetometers do cause great delays for the guests entering the parks. Disney plans a major reconstruction of the park entrances to accommodate 100% magnetometer use.
Richard says
Thanks for the feedback. I didn’t see them in use in Jan or Feb, but then maybe I just missed their use.
At the risk of sounding like a luddite, I’m not convinced that a 100% use of magnetometers will be any more effective at stopping terrorism than the Maginot Line was effective at stopping the Germans. How much contraband is introduced into the jail every day, yet I imagine the access control procedures are much tighter that they ever will be at Disney.
Disney likes to create the illusion of safety – and I don’t blame them. It does not change the fact that it is a soft target. They have the right to exclude lawful gun owners that have been vetted by both state and federal governments, but that will not prevent a criminal or terrorist from coming in and stacking bodies.
Johnny Johnson says
And I never go and pay for the ghastly pleasure of being disarmed and helpless in free fire zones
Steven Marshall says
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t agree with their policy but Disney World will still make a fortune on it’s unarmed patrons.
Jon Barlow says
That’s interesting because Disney is an incorporated city.
Richard says
That’s a popular, but inaccurate, misconception.
The Disney World Resort (in Florida) is in a special governing district called Reedy Creek Improvement District (RCID). This was created by the Florida legislature and was developed from the existing Reedy Creek Drainage District. Both the original drainage district and the current improvement district were created specifically for Walt Disney’s ventures.
The RCID operates mostly autonomously from the counties subject to certain regulatory issues. However, it contracts with the counties and state for law enforcement services.
Inside RCID are two cities: Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista. In a way, RCID is more like a county than a city. Ultimately, it is neither.
The parks and hotels, of course, are all private property.
ThatGunGuy says
Well, if civilians aren’t allowed to carry, why should police be allowed? Same thing I say to almost any restriction placed on civilians (barrel length, magazine capacity, etc, which are all frivolous anyway). The only restriction I agree with is full-auto capability and destructive devices like grenade and rocket launchers, which have no practical non-combat purpose.
Certain people will probably disagree with me on these things, but while I am 110% behind the 2nd Amendment, I try to not follow in the footsteps of groups like the NRA and instead exercise some common sense.
Aaron says
I don’t disagree with the notion about bans on civilians and police carry, but I think its worth noting that Disney’s policy is based on this fanciful belief their security is enough to stop a violent attack. The Orlando Pulse shooter had considered attacking Disney, before settling on Pulse. As very strong 2nd Amendment supporters ourselves we do not support frivolous restrictions on magazine capacity, barrel length, features, etc. either. However, we disagree with your NRA slant. Though some of what the NRA does may not meet every gun owner’s beliefs, they are the strongest Civil Rights organization for guns in America.
Robert Smyth says
Gun Guy, I don’t agree with Disney’s policy at all and am a very strong supporter of the 2nd amendment. That said, I would disagree with your assertion that somehow a concealed weapons holder has the same level of training and experience as a LEO. Though there area surely exceptions for both groups, your average LEO is much better trained to be able to react to a situation than a CCW holder. If you would like to look at myself for instance, I’ve been a LEO for almost 30 years. Have been an active firearms instructor for 25 of those 30 years. Have attended and taught numerous tactical and practical training classes that involve more than a paper silhouette on a range at various distances. I have played both good guy and bad guy. Outside of combat veteran, I probably have more experience than the typical CCW holder will ever get. Disney is run by a bunch of leftist liberals and no amount of common sense will make them change their minds. The only thing that may, though I doubt it, is a law making it’s way through the process that allows family member sue businesses that prohibit legally authorized CCW holders from being able to defend themselves and their families should an incident occur and result in the injury or death of said person.
Aaron says
Excellent points Robert, thanks for reading and posting. Thank you for your service!
Johnny Johnson says
Your common sense is what politicians rely on to disarm you,, the Bill of Rights was intended to keep citizens in possession of every weapon of war that the soldier has,,TENCH COXE one of the signers said that. The average citizen has MORE right to own and carry guns than any cop soldier or politician. WE HAVE OUR OWN AMENDMENT,,which is the law of the land
Scott says
I was at Disney in November 2016 and was questioned over the tourniquet and quick clot that I had in my backpack that was in my first aid kit…..Didn’t see any Deputies. at the entrance gates although it was Thanksgiving week and it may have been tough to fill the details that week. As a full time Police Officer of 28 years in a major city I was not comfortable being without my firearm in that environment. I know there is security behind the scene there I’m just not sure what the reaction time to an incident would be, but I do know it would not be as immediate as an off duty LEO who is already on scene and able to react if he was allowed to carry his firearm.
Jeff says
I’m a retired officer who most recently visited WDW in May 2016. There was indeed magnetometers at the gates for persons they selected at “random”. Unfortunately I was selected during 4 of my 5 treks to the Magic Kingdom. I don’t look like a cop. I don’t have a buzz cut, wear BDUs nor are my shirts emblazoned with Glock, SW or police logos. During one venture to the MK I was pulled aside and asked before I walked through the magnetometer if I was carrying. No, I don’t wear a fanny pack or anything that would print at my waistline or under my shirt. I’m glad they are trying to be safe, but it was actually frustrating after a few times. My kids found it amusing and took plenty of photos of dad being escorted to the magnetometer. Bottom line, you can try and carry in undetected but run a risk of a magnetometer check. Incidentally the only people I saw sent through were those who entered through the ‘customers with no bags’ area. Translated: if you’re carrying walk through with your wife as she gets her purse checked and you might do ok. All I can say is I hope they have more armed officers at that place than the couple of Orange County deputies always stationed near the entrance. Just a matter of time before something tragic happens and they are forced to re-evaluate their policies.
Aaron says
Great insight Jeff, we appreciate your observations and experiences. Though WDW does have the appearance of a robust security screening process, it does have limitations as you mentioned. In addition, the limited law enforcement (or at least armed security – gasp!) presence clearly shows WDW is unprepared for a worst case armed intruder incident. That would involve a highly motivated individual (or group, think terrorists) making a bold and direct assault with no intention of surviving. Take out the couple of officers at the front gate and you have free reign to wreak havoc on unarmed visitors inside. Regardless of what WDW claims to have “behind the scenes” they are not ready for this scenario. The terrorist who attacked the Pulse nightclub right there in Orlando had reportedly considered scaling a wall at WDW and conducting his killing there.
CJHarper says
We just went to MK in June 2017, The screening lines are more numerous with more manpower. They were also trying to separate wheel chairs and those with strollers into their own lines as well. I only saw 2 magnatometers and the screening was less random and more of a requirement, but I walked right around it and no one stopped me. I am LE and I’m aware of their policies. I too got questioned about my TQ, med kit and small flashlight, but they made no attempt to remove it or tell me I could not have it. We also noted that at certain times, you were being bag checked AND going through a mandatory magnatometer just to get on the Monorail or the boats near MK.
The bag search quality was highly dependent on the one manning the station. Some were quick, others more thorough. I also noted an attempt at some form of interview…Where are you from?….Are you having a good day?….Are your kids excited?…..questions I haven’t ever gotten in years past. I guess they got some training on interdiction and verbal/nonverbal communications where they look for responses out of the norm.
I don’t wear any of my Tacticool gear to Disney either. No MOLLE pack, no 5.11 apparel. I rock the Mickey shirt like everyone else.
Aaron says
CJ this is great information. It doesn’t surprise me that the heavily visited summer months get skimpier screenings. Ultimately, MK wants customers visiting and spending money.