Tips to Streamline Security at Disney World

Navigating security at Disney World can be a bit of a hassle, but with a few simple tips, you can make the process smoother and quicker.

What Does Security at Disney World Look Like?

Before you enter each Disney park, you’ll pass through a metal detector, one at a time. Unlike the metal detectors at an airport, this line flows smoothly—no need to pause and wait to be ushered through. Simply hop in line and keep walking.

If you have a stroller, wheelchair or scooter, you’ll go to a separate stroller line where security will quickly peek through your items before letting you through. Send one adult with the stroller, while any other adults need to go through the metal detector.

As long as the metal detector doesn’t flag anything suspicious on you or in your park bag, you’re all set to head inside! However, metal detectors often flag items on you or in your bag that you had no clue would set them off. When this happens, the security guard will ask you to step aside, and then you’ll have to wait in another line to be body-scanned and for your bag to be searched. If you’re trying to get into the parks early, this can be a bummer!

But don’t worry—that’s why we have this guide. After my last trip with 9 other ladies, we learned a lot about what could set off this metal detector!

Here’s how to avoid being pulled to the side for a bag check:

Remove Metal Items from Your Bag

If you have anything metal in your park bag—think umbrellas, battery packs, cameras, sunglass cases, car keys, celebration buttons, Disney trading pins, headphones, fans, or even an Annual Pass holder magnet—go ahead and remove it from your bag before you reach security at the front of the park.

Hold Metal Items Out in Front of You

Hold those items out in front of you as you walk through the metal detector. This way, security can easily identify what is flagging the detector, and hopefully, you’ll avoid a bag check. If you have a lot of these items, place them in a ziplock bag and just hold the bag out in front of you.

What If You Still Get Bag Checked?

Whoops! Did you still get bag checked? No worries! Simply ask security what flagged you. Next time, be sure to remove that item and hold it in front of you when passing through the detector.

Using a Stroller?

If you have a stroller, put those metal items in a Ziplock bag on the stroller so security can take a quick look at them. Remember, strollers have their own line and don’t go through the metal detector.