6 Unspoken Rules for Going Through Security at Disney World

If you’ve been to Disney World before, you know that security is just part of the routine before you even get to tap into a park.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Security Entrance

But even seasoned guests sometimes slow down the line because they don’t know the “unspoken rules” of the security process. Whether you’re a first-timer or you’ve been through those metal detectors a hundred times, brushing up on Disney World security etiquette can save you time, stress, and an awkward moment or two. Here are six things you should know before you approach that bag check tent.

1. Don’t Stop — Keep Walking Through the Detector

This one trips up a lot of guests. Disney’s walk-through detectors are not the kind you need to pause in front of — you don’t need to stand still, throw your arms up, or wait for a green light. Just keep walking through at a normal pace. Stopping in the detector (even for a second) holds up everyone behind you and can slow the whole line to a crawl. If security needs you for anything, they’ll let you know — otherwise, keep moving right on through to the other side.

Hollywood Studios security entrance

2. Have Umbrellas Out in Front of You Ahead of Time

If you’re carrying an umbrella or a hardshell sunglasses case, do yourself (and the line) a favor and have it out and visible before you reach the detector. Both items are notorious for setting off the monitors because of their metal components, and fumbling to pull one out of your bag while everyone waits behind you is an easy way to create a bottleneck. Get in the habit of holding them in your hand out in front of you rather than tucking them away, and you’ll breeze through without a second glance.

Security Sign

3. Remove Everything From Under Your Stroller

Stroller parents, this one’s for you. Any bags, snacks, or gear stashed underneath your stroller need to come out and go through screening separately — security can’t easily see what’s tucked underneath, so leaving items there will only slow you down. A great trick is to bring a large reusable tote bag specifically for this purpose. Toss everything from under the stroller into the tote, walk it through security together, and then repack once you’re through. It turns a potentially clunky process into a quick, organized one.

Sea of Strollers

4. Listen to the Security Staff

Disney’s security team is there for a reason, and part of moving through the line smoothly is simply paying attention to what they’re telling you. They may ask you to step aside for a bag check, direct you to wait a moment, or point you toward a specific lane — and following those instructions promptly keeps things moving for you and everyone else. Keep your headphones down, your eyes up, and your ears open as you approach so you don’t miss anything they say.

Security and Bag Check at Animal Kingdom

5. Be Patient

It’s easy to get frustrated if the line is long or if you’re the one who gets pulled aside for an extra check, especially when you’re eager to get into the parks. But try to remember that Disney’s security staff is working to keep every single guest safe, and that process sometimes takes a few extra minutes. A little patience goes a long way — both for your own vacation mindset and for keeping the mood pleasant for the guests around you.

Security at the Transportation and Ticket Center

6. Don’t Worry About Your Tickets Yet

Here’s a stress-saver: you do not need to have your park tickets or MagicBands ready during the security screening. Security and ticket tapstiles are two separate steps, and you’ll have plenty of time to gather your tickets after you clear security. Most entrances even give you a spot to step aside once you’re through so you can pull up your tickets on the My Disney Experience app or get your MagicBand situated without holding up the security line behind you.

scanning in!

Getting through security doesn’t have to be the most stressful part of your Disney World morning. Keep these six tips in mind and you’ll be through the checkpoint and on your way to the parks in no time. For more tips to make your next Disney World trip as smooth as possible, be sure to keep browsing AllEars.net!