Security at the “Most Magical Place On Earth” is being stepped up as Disney World joins other major theme parks in Orlando, Florida, in implementing additional measures to screen its visitors.
Disney World, along with SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Studios, has installed metal detectors at the front of its attractions in Florida and California, a move which comes at a time of heightened national security.
Among measures being brought into place at Disney World is a discontinuation of the sale of toy guns, after a man attempted to bring a gun into the Magic Kingdom park last week. There is also a ban on people over the age of 14 from wearing costumes and an increased presence of uniformed and armed police.
Management at the parks have not stated any specific threat as the reason behind the increase in security, though a bigger police presence has been reported by bloggers since the terrorist attack in Paris and shootings in San Bernardino, California.
According to fan site The Disney Blog, the ban on toy guns will include fantasy toys such as the Buzz Lightyear laser gun. It is not yet clear whether the measures will be a permanent or temporary measure.
A spokesperson for Disney said in a statement: “We continually review our comprehensive approach to security and are implementing additional security measures, as appropriate.”
