A Public Service Announcement Concerning Knife Lovers and Disneyworld

misque

misque

Joined
Jul 9, 1999
Messages
3,316
The wife and I went to EPCOT today and much to our surprise, there were tables set up at the entrance to the park manned by uniformed security. They were searching purses, fanny packs, large wallets, back packs and even cargo vests for items that your average run-of-the-mill terrorist might bring into a theme park to wage mass mayhem.:eek:

Please be aware that if you are going to be paying us a little visit, some of your everyday gear may not be welcome at "the Happiest Place on Earth". I know some of you guys like to tote around something for any contingency that may arise. Me too.;)
There were Orlando PD uniforms off to the sides of the entrance turnstiles to deal with folks who were highly uncooperative with the Goof Troop (read: Disney Security) wanting to rifle thru their belongings.

Like the vast majority of you, I never go anywhere without a compliment of cutlery. And like most of you, I dislike unpleasant surprises. So I thought this should be posted to avoid any unpleasant incidents at the entrance to Disney that might spoil your good time.

Moderators:
I'm posting this in the General Forum in the hopes that this news reaches the maximum number of people on this forum.
 
Were there metal detectors or were they searching people/pockets? I'm wondering if a knife or properly concealed firearm could slip by.
 
Same thing at the State Fair of Texas - except that they widely publicized that no "knives or other weapons' were permitted on the fair grounds.

And of course we all know that they are banned from the airlines.

I am sure, many places will follow suite. Seems rational thinking will not prevail.

I for one do not feel at all safe because of the ban on pocketknives in certain places.

This is surprising to me in Texas - where we are permitted by law, to carry most knives with blades up to 5.5 inches in length. Knives in belt pouches or knives with carrying clips are VERY common here - Many many people carry them. And in Texas the state law indicated that no lesser jurisdiction can enact a criminal law that is more stringent or restricting than the state law - which is good. I am not sure of the exact wording but I think that is the essence of what it says.

It is strange that we all use knives every day in cooking and eating, yet have some people gasp and declare a pocketknife a "dangerous weapon".

Knives are good, very needed TOOLS! I feel safer with one than without one. I've carried a knife since I was 7 and I am hurt that I am no longer trusted to carry one many places.

In a survival situation, your survival knife is the knife you have on you when a survival situation arises.....





Originally posted by misque
The wife and I went to EPCOT today and much to our surprise, there were tables set up at the entrance to the park manned by uniformed security. They were searching purses, fanny packs, large wallets, back packs and even cargo vests for items that your average run-of-the-mill terrorist might bring into a theme park to wage mass mayhem.:eek:

Please be aware that if you are going to be paying us a little visit, some of your everyday gear may not be welcome at "the Happiest Place on Earth". I know some of you guys like to tote around something for any contingency that may arise. Me too.;)
There were Orlando PD uniforms off to the sides of the entrance turnstiles to deal with folks who were highly uncooperative with the Goof Troop (read: Disney Security) wanting to rifle thru their belongings.

Like the vast majority of you, I never go anywhere without a compliment of cutlery. And like most of you, I dislike unpleasant surprises. So I thought this should be posted to avoid any unpleasant incidents at the entrance to Disney that might spoil your good time.

Moderators:
I'm posting this in the General Forum in the hopes that this news reaches the maximum number of people on this forum.
Click to expand...
 
Purses??? Wallets??? Did they check and see if your fingerprints mathced those on your birth certificate?

This does not exactly fit GW's description of "going on with your normal daily lives" now does it? Cuz in my normal daily life I carry a knife on me. Maybe he meant that he wants us to go along with HIS normal routine. Of course, my family isn't followed around with a band of armed defenders, but what the hey.

Next they'll be loading all of us knife users and concealed carry permit holders on buses and hauling us off to a concentration camp, just in the interest of "national security". Oh well, I guess I should file my teeth down to dull sheep proportions too, just in case the museum staff sees them as sharp deadly weapons and won't let me in.

Sorry for dripping so much sarcasm on the screen here, but this is getting downright draconian.
 
...then it is definitely time for me to get my entertainment elsewhere.

I like Mickey and company, but it is just not worth taking the risk. If the danger is real they should just pull the plug on the attraction for the duration.

No danger = why hassle?
Yes danger = why take the risk?

n2s
 
On a similar note, I have seen news video reports of baseball fans being "scanned" with hand held metal detectors as they enter Yankee Stadium.

I don't know what the policy is regarding pocket knives, but I have a gut feeling that they are probably not allowed.
 
Its not all THAT bad. I go to Disneyland at least once a month (more like once a week). Can not comment on Epcot but at Disneyland all you have to do is open your backpacks, purses, or bags. They look inside and jiggle things around a little. No metal detectors, no personal searches. They also are not allowed to put thier hands into any package. If they see something questionable, you can either not go into the park or you can have the Anaheim PD go through it. I always carry at least one knife on me (in plain sight), and they never question it.

This seems like the most level headed measure taken most anywhere. NOTE: Disneyland has had several "incedents" that have not been made public. I just wish the airlines where as level headed as the Disney Officials.
 
The Mississippi State Fair must be the exception. They didn't have a metal detector or anything. I carried my MOD CQD Mk II all evening, clipped to my pocket, with nary a look from any of the security guards or cops.
 
Looks like the terrorists are succeeding...the law-abiding populace is being disarmed of useful and important tools. Meanwhile any terrorists can just find a way to go around any restrictions or commit their acts in a way nobody has thought of before. Disarming everyone of their nailfiles, SAK's and Leatherman Micras won't do a damn thing to save anyone, and may in fact accomplish the opposite.

It DOES look like the admonition(sp?) to "get on with your normal lives" and to "not be ruled by fear" is quite the opposite of the apparent hysteria going on in this country, when you consider some of the things being banned. The only people not negatively affected by this are the sheeple in the first place.
 
NC state fair "checkpoints" are taking anything sharp including leathermans. TV news showed police officer stating they are asking for "consent" to search personal belongings. No consent=no entry I presume.
What angers me is that these knives (<4") are legal to carry,so looks like police state powers are in effect.
We're staying home this year
 
We can all thank the lawyers for this one folks. "Workplace violence" litigation is big business. Employers must provide employees and customers a "safe" environment in which to conduct their business.

Since 9/11, businesses have become wary of the dreaded knife. Most are following suit with the FAA and not allowing edged weapons on their respective property. This has RAPIDLY become an industry standard. Whether or not it's based on sound judgment or common sense has nothing to do with it. If it's an industry standard, and can be proven to be so, lawyers can make a successful case against any similar business who doesn't have at least that amount of "protection" in place.

Also, the companies and businesses mentioned are MORE concerned with getting people back to their locations to spend money than they are about your rights. They are creating an illusion of safety that will hopefully pacify the majority and make them FEEL safer while on the premesis. They want people to see that and think "man, NOW I'm safe here, I think I'll buy an $8.00 coke and stay a while."

The sad truth is, SHEEPLE will be SHEEPLE, and the lawyers will eat them...

mk
 
Just another reason to hate the rat.
misque, did you notice if the searchers "found anything?" I'm wondering what they'd do if they found a stockman or SAK in some guy's pocket. Would that mean no admittance because of this completely legal tool? Ridiculous. Anyone know what AKTI's up to lately? Anything?
 
Boy, you guys just don't listen do you. You get it in your head that everyones out to get you and thats all you will hear.

HEAR THIS

DISNEY IS NOT BANNING KNIVES OR ANYTHING ELSE FOR THAT MATTER.

They have suffered from several bomb threats and scares. They are searching for that type of material. Not your knives.

Now relax!
 
Clark, you just don't get it do you.
Thats nice that Disney isn't banning knives, wonder how long that will last when they find out the sheeple are submitting to unlawful searches and knife bans at state fairs?
Remember when searches needed probable cause?
Its not paranoia when they are after your libertys.
I'm sure Disney only has our safety in mind.
 
What does searching purses and wallets have to do with bomb scares. If that is what they want to do then why don't they scan the bags for explosive residue. Somehow all this fails to make me feel any safer. I think Mike K has it right, this is all about legally covering their A$$.

n2s
 
Ah yes good ole disney, the same people who disarmed their own pirates on their rides.

Now anti-gun AND anti-knife... I do believe Disney can look forward to never seeing my face at any of their phoney baloney theme parks.

My favorite is the way Disney claims to be simply "changing with the times". I'll say this much: Walt wouldn'tve stood for this crap, and in my opinion the Disney of today is a brutal bastardization of what once was.

Now i'm getting pissed off, so i'll stop before I say something the moderators will have to edit out.
 
Originally posted by nuggett
Remember when searches needed probable cause?
Click to expand...

The private sector, and private property for that matter has a lot more lattitude when conducting searches. You're responsible for what's in your house. Companies in general have been good about respecting people's privacy, it's good for business. However, during the current security posture, companies are stepping up to KEEP business, and I wouldn't even go so far as to say that it's JUST for that reason, I think most of them are genuinely concerned for the safety of their customers and employees.

As far as Disney NOT searching for knives but bombs, that certainly puts it into perspective and it is much more believable. However, I still think that as more and more companies step up security, more and more people will become conditioned to submit to personal searches (which would be a GREAT thing as long as they didn't take it too far). As the people become more used to losing liberty, liberty will lose its value.

I will gladly submit to ANY search, as long as I don't have to give up my right to legally carry.

mk
 
Mike
Be prepared to give up your right to carry then.
I understand quite well that the private sector can bypass the Bill of Rights. The gov't understands this even better allowing the private sector to do its dirty work for it.
I do not agree with searches of any kind without cause. Airline travelers are no safer today than they were prior to 9/11
Don't give in so easy Mike.
We are not going to Disney unless the searches stop.
We travel by train. (I don't travel for busniess)
We are prepared wherever we go with the right tools.
 
R W Clark wrote :

Can not comment on Epcot but at Disneyland all you have to do is open your backpacks, purses, or bags. They look inside and jiggle things around a little. No metal detectors, no personal searches. They also are not allowed to put thier hands into any package. If they see something questionable, you can either not go into the park or you can have the Anaheim PD go through it. I always carry at least one knife on me (in plain sight), and they never question it.
Click to expand...

Someone needs to tell the security at EPCOT that they are not allowed to stick their hands in people's bags, because these guards were most definately doing that.:( As I waited in line and watched, they were rifling thru purses, backpacks, fannypacks and I even saw them make one man open one of those large Harley Davidson type wallets you often see Bikers wear. You know, the one with the chain that attatches to your belt.
Another man wearing an oversize cargo vest was made to open some of the larger pockets on it for a look/see. They did not stick a hand in his pockets however.

medusaoblongata wrote :

Were there metal detectors or were they searching people/pockets? I'm wondering if a knife or properly concealed firearm could slip by.
Click to expand...

There were no metal detectors and I saw no searches being conducted on a person's actual body (no "pat downs") other than the one man who was made to open some of the larger pockets on his over size cargo vest.

mnblade wrote :
misque, did you notice if the searchers "found anything?"
Click to expand...

When I saw the goings on at the search tables, I just unclipped my folders and slipped them into my pocket. I felt certain that they would have, at the very least, turned me away if they discovered some of the things I carry in my holster/fannypack.
I have no actual proof this was, in fact, the case.
I did witness two teenage boys being turned away, but was unable to find out why.

R.W. Clark wrote :

HEAR THIS

DISNEY IS NOT BANNING KNIVES OR ANYTHING ELSE FOR THAT MATTER.
Click to expand...

This may very well be the case. The only real info I had to go by was what was going down in front of me. From that, I had a seriously bad feeling that if they found my everyday carry, I would be either detained and hassled or turned away or maybe even busted by OPD on some trumped up illegal carry charge. THIS WAS ONLY A GUT FEELING! I have no actual evidence this would have actually been the case.

This is why I thought it was prudent to come online and inform the other forumites of the possible hassles that might crop up.
 
Same old sh*t different day/place.Here in Pittsburgh,Pa. is Kennywood park.They won't even honor an active LEO let alone a good citizen with CCW.No knives,guns etc.The last time I was there was 5 years ago.When I did finally get thru the metal detector,after leaving said gun/badge in the trunk of My car, I proceded straight to the Corn-dog stand and ate one of those culinary delights just to get one of the 3/8" dia. pointed sticks that they come impailled on.Needless to say I won't be back to their park again.tom.:barf:
 
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