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Weeks after deadly attacks at supposed soft targets in Paris and San Bernardino, California, the Happiest Place on Earth is stepping up park security.
As we first reported Thursday, Disney parks in Florida and California have installed metal detectors.
Here are five things to know before you pack your bags to see Mickey and the gang.
1. Guests will be randomly selected for secondary screening, WFTV reported. The new measures were developed with help from law enforcement. But no specific or credible threat was made against Disney parks.
Considering what's going on in the world, that's going be a natural reaction by the parks here locally," Orange County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Larry Zwieg said. "And we work very closely with the Orlando Police Department and also central Florida law enforcement and with all the theme parks. There is heightened awareness but there is no specific threat."
2. Toy gun sales are being discontinued in the parks and on park property. Guns, realistic-looking toys, as well as the space blasters and squirt gun varieties will not be permitted to be brought in to the parks. As of now, swords and light sabers will still be allowed. The ban, according to USA Today, is so there is no confusion for employees and security in the parks.
3. Costumes for guests aged 14 and over will not be permitted, WFTV reported. There is no word if the ban will continue for the park's popular "Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party" or Run Disney events. During the races, many Disney fans will dress up in costume as they run through park property. The next Run Disney event is the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend; from Jan. 6 - 10. According to information posted for runners, costumes are still permitted, but Disney says organizers can deny admission to anyone who is dressed inappropriately. The same rules apply for now at the upcoming Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend ; from Jan. 14 - Jan. 17.
4. More security will be visible. Park officials told WFTV that thee are more deputies and security guars are on property. Specially trained dogs have been patrolling key areas.
5. Disney is not the only theme park to add the extra security. Universal Studios in Hollywood and Orlando added metal detectors. SeaWorld said it would be doing more thorough bag checks and wand metal detectors, Fox News reported. None of the companies said if the heightened security would be temporary or a permanent change, Fox News reported.
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