Right off the bat, I will start by saying I have yet to think of a solution for Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I will also preface this by saying that the logistics of this plan could be completely inconceivable. Yet, with all that said I believe I have a solution for the Magic Kingdom to keep up with the security demands of Walt Disney World in 2015, while still preserving the magic of the park.
Starting on December 17, 2015, Disney parks in the United States began a higher level of security then they have previously had, which was bag checking in the front of the parks along with security personnel throughout the park. But as of December 17, 2015 the Magic Kingdom has added metal detectors along with a third-party security force. With the obvious threats we face I completely understand, and even applaud Disney’s action on this. I want to make it clear that in no way am I upset that Disney is increasing their security. This article is critical in that I believe Disney can do more, and that they can do it more efficiently.
Disney has four keys for the guest experience: safety, courtesy, show, and efficiency. Safety is the utmost important key to the guest experience, as it should be. Yet, it bothers me that the most magical place on earth has to implement something so obviously tied with the dangers of the real world. I believe there must be a solution, and finding that solution meant Disney would have to look outside the box. Implementing something no theme park has ever done. Yet, I wanted this idea to have been tested in the real world. So, combining what I believe Disney is capable of, with ideas that have vetted people in the past, I think I have a solution.
My solution for the Magic Kingdom begins with moving the metal detectors to the Ticket and Transportation Center. I imagine a security building similar to buildings I’ve passed through getting on and off cruise ships. This is step one. Step two is building a similar building or location right outside the bus station. Like the TTC’s security checkpoint, this building will be equipped with metal detectors, bag scanners, and any additional security measures that Disney believes they need. Step three. Create metal detectors and bag checks as guests board the monorails. This includes Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, and Epcot. The TTC guests will have already been vetted in the TTC security location. Lastly, all boats going to the Magic Kingdom will be docked on the opposite side of the bus security check point. This will cover all access points to the Magic Kingdom.
The screening process of these security check points I believe not only would be safer than the current metal detector operation, but would also create a permanent solution to the problem. Does this ensure that Disney would be completely safe? Of course not. Sadly, in the world we live in, Disney will still have to fervently look for suspicious guests, but I believe this could be a huge element in keeping the Magic Kingdom as safe as possible.
I understand all of these steps are a huge undertaking, and will cost Disney an enormous amount of money, but I believe it is the best way to maintain the safest possible park, while still maintaining the magic. Again, I also recognize that my understanding of national security is lacking especially when compared to the information that a Fortune 100 company like the Walt Disney Company has access to, and so I completely understand that they comprehend this issue better than me. But there has to be a more permanent solution.
