Walt Disney World, Seaworld, Universal install metal detectors at theme parks

ORLANDO -- In a sign of how jittery the nation has become about terrorism and gun violence, all three major Orlando theme parks on Thursday installed metal detectors at the front of their attractions.

Walt Disney World would not say how long its metal detectors would be in place. SeaWorld said it had installed the devices as part of enhanced security for the holidays. Universal Orlando said it was testing using them as guests approach the theme parks.

Security in general has been a big concern following recent attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, Calif. At Disney, last weekend a man was arrested by deputies who said he tried to bring a gun inside the Magic Kingdom.

The changes extend outside Orlando. Disneyland and Universal Studios in Hollywood are also installing the detectors.

Disney World is also discontinuing the sale of toy guns and banning people 14 and older from wearing costumes -- even at Halloween parties. More deputies and security guards have been visible at the resort lately, and specially trained dogs have been patrolling key areas. The movie theater at Disney Springs where tonight's high profile premiere of the new "Star Wars" movie takes place will also have at least one metal detector.

"We continually review our comprehensive approach to security and are implementing additional security measures, as appropriate," Disney said in a statement.

Universal spokesman Tom Schroder said the decision to test metal detectors was not driven by a specific threat. He said in an email "we want our guests to feel safe when they come here. We've long used metal detection for special events, such as Halloween Horror Nights. This test is a natural progression for us as we study best practices for security in today's world."

SeaWorld said in an email it would be "enhancing security measures for the busy holiday season, including increased security presence both inside and outside the parks."

On social media, many theme park fans welcomed the changes and called them long overdue.

Metal detectors have become more common for general security reasons. Travelers have walked through them at airports for years. Fans attending Orlando Magic games go through them. Major League Baseball has begun requiring them for its teams' games.

Six Flags theme parks put up metal detectors, most of them after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, at the main gates. In 2004, Disney World experimented with metal detectors at its entrance but did not make them permanent.

Earlier this year, Universal put up metal detectors in front of some rides to make sure that people don't bring on items such as cell phones.

This story was originally published December 17, 2015 at 11:19 AM with the headline "Walt Disney World, Seaworld, Universal install metal detectors at theme parks ."