Security is ramping up at three major Florida theme parks when they announced on Thursday additional measures will be taken to ensure visitor safety during the holiday season.
Officials at Disney, Universal and SeaWorld’s Florida theme parks said all three parks will be using metal detector screening for guests as they enter.
In addition, Disney is discontinuing the sale of toy guns at both its Florida and California parks and will no longer allow those items to be brought in.
The increased security follows the recent terror attacks in San Bernardino and Paris.
Disney will be randomly selecting guests for secondary screening but wouldn’t say how long the measures would be in place. Universal says its metal detector use is a test and won’t discuss specific future plans. SeaWorld says guests can expect bag checks and wand metal detector checks.
“We continually review our comprehensive approach to security and are implementing additional security measures, as appropriate,” Disney said in an emailed statement.
Disney will also not allow guests under 14 years of age to wear costumes, so they are able to screen visitors as affective as possible.
“We want our guests to feel safe when they come here,” Universal spokesman Tom Schroder said in a statement. “This test is a natural progression for us as we study best practices for security in today’s world.”
“The safety of our guests and team members along with the welfare of our animals have always been our top priority,” SeaWorld said in a statement. “Like other major attractions and venues, we continually evaluate our existing comprehensive security plans.”

