Security Changes Since 9-11
Most visitors to Walt Disney World fly into Orlando from their home city. Due to world events over the last few years, flying is not as straight forward as it may have been. There are many new rules and regulations for those who are flying not only the "friendly" skies, but the "safer" skies as well. The information below is good at the time of this writing (May 2009), but can change, so please take this as a guide only and take a few moments to check with your travel agent or the airlines if you have any questions about traveling to Disney from within or outside of the U.S.
These tips are provided to help travelers through the security screening process. These tips are not all-inclusive and are simply meant to provide recommendations and advice to passengers. These tips will be updated from time-to-time to reflect changes that occur in the screening process at airport security checkpoints.
General Tips for Airline Traveling
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Every person, regardless if they are adults, children, or babies, must undergo screening to proceed beyond the security checkpoint. Babies and children must be removed from their strollers/infant carriers so that they can undergo visual and physically inspection. Babies should NEVER be left in an infant carrier while the equipment goes through the x-ray machine. To expedite the screening process, passengers should collapse/fold child-related equipment when they arrive at the checkpoint and place the equipment on the x-ray belt.
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All carry-on baggage, including children's bags, and/or child-related equipment (i.e. strollers, umbrella strollers, infant carriers, car and booster seats, backpacks, baby slings, etc.) must go through the x-ray machine. This includes diaper bags, blankets, toys, etc., anything that is carried onto the plane. When child-related equipment does not fit through the x-ray machine, the equipment will be visually and physically inspected. Ask screeners for assistance to help reunite you with your bags and child-related equipment, if needed.
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It is recommended that while in line at the checkpoint, please remove your cell phone and pager, take out your keys and change and put all of them into your carry-on bag. This will save time once you arrive at the metal detector and save everyone time waiting in line.
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Don't discuss terrorism, weapons, explosives, or other threats while going through the security checkpoint. Don't joke about having a bomb or firearm. The mere mention of words such as "gun," "bomb," etc., can compel security personnel to detain and question you. They are trained to consider these comments as real threats. Threats made jokingly (even by a child) can result in Law Enforcement being summoned to the security checkpoint, the entire family being delayed, and could eventually result in being fined, or even arrested.
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Ideally, if a child can walk, it would best that the child walk through the metal detector independently. If a person is carrying a child through the metal detector and it alarms, the alarm will be resolved for both the adult and child. The person cannot pass the child to another person behind or in front of them during this process. Do not pass your child to the screener to hold. The screener cannot hold or attend to your child.
Fluids on a Plane
You can now carry some liquids on planes; travel-size toiletry containers of 3 ounces (90 ml) or less that are placed in a "quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag". That includes items like lip gloss and hand lotion. The bags will be screened and returned if they are cleared.
Traveling with Children:
PLEASE, PLEASE allow yourself and your family extra time to get through security and still be in time for your flight. You should arrive at the airport, at minimum, one hour before the flight. But if your flight is during the peak hours (early morning or late afternoons), or you are traveling with small children, allow yourself even more time. Call your airline or airport for more information regarding your specific flight. The days of running through the airport to catch your flight no longer exist.
Before entering the line for the passenger checkpoints parents should discuss the entire process with their children so they will not be frightened or surprised. Parents should advise children that their bags will be put in the x-ray machine but it will come out at the other end and that someone may ask to see Mom's shoes but they will return them, etc.
Air Travel (International Citizens):
All international visitors, regardless of country of origin, must present a passport or secure document when entering the United States by air.
Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA):
All incoming passengers who intend to take advantage of the Visa Waiver Program are required to complete the I-94W form online before departure to the United States, but preferably at least 72 hours (3 days) in advance. This new requirement was announced on June 3, 2008 and is intended to bolster U.S. security by pre-screening participating VWP passengers against terrorist and/or no-fly lists and databases.
On 12 January 2009, U.K. travelers to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), which allows most British Citizen passport holders to visit for up to 90 days without a visa, will require an authorization via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the U.S. Travelers can register for authorization online through the ESTA website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov and are advised to do so at least 72 hours prior to travel.
Disney Security
Disney Security has always ensured that Disney has been one of the most secure places you can visit, but don't leave common sense at home. Act the way you would at your local mall, keep an eye on your kids, don't wave your cash around and don't leave your new digital camera lying on a bench. Also, upon arrival at the Disney parks, as is the way with all major theme parks, your bags will be subject to a short search. If you have your bag(s) ready, i.e. unzipped and/or opened, this will only take a few seconds.
Traveler Tips Do's and Don'ts:
DO...
- Allow extra time. Arrive Early.
- Please Be Patient, as the federalization of security continues.
- Please be vigilant for suspicious activity and report it to authorities.
- Keep your bags/baggage with you at all times.
- Please review the guidelines for what you CAN take in your carry-on luggage.
- Bring a government-issued photo ID. (If you have photo identification for your children, please bring those as well.)
- Bring your ticket or a printout of your itinerary for your E-ticket.
- Please prepare your children for the security checkpoints. Advise your children that all bags and toys must go through the x-ray machine. Leave toys at home that could be mistaken for weapons.
DON'T...
- Carry weapons, including guns or knives, in your carry-on luggage.
- Carry prohibited objects like scissors, pocketknives, mace, and corkscrews.
- Joke about terrorism, weapons, or firearms while in the airports or threaten or appear to threaten passenger screeners. All remarks like this will be taken seriously. This could lead to arrest and/or fines. At a minimum, you may encounter a delay in travel.
We do not want to misinform or mislead any of our visitors in any way as to what you can expect once you arrive at the airport ot theme parks. Please keep in mind that the above practices may change at any time and you should recheck for any and all changes at official websites before flying.
Last Updated:
May 12, 2009
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