Disney

[joesrx]

We are going there in June and I was wondering if pocket knives are permitted and do they check for them. Nothing big, maybe just a swiss army.

thanks.

 

[mdauben]

There does not seem to be a written corporate policy on knives in the parks so enforcement by security seems to be somewhat inconsistent. I have heard of people being hassled for knives clipped to their pockets, but I have never heard of them actually search you for them. I personally have carried small EDC knives in Disney World on several occasions with no trouble but YMMV.

In any case, I would not carry anything I would not be willing to lose, as if they do see it, they may refuse you entry until you either return it to your car (which may not be anywhere nearby) or discard it in the trash.

 

[c.joe]

From what I hear, security guards are trained to look for pocket clips. I have had friends that have been confronted about their knives clipped to their pocket and they were nicely escorted to the exit of the park to return it to their car. They won't arrest you or press charges fortunately. Key chain knives normally get passed security (spyderco ladybug, small SAK etc)

 

[mdauben]

They won't arrest you or press charges fortunately.

Well, its not exactly "fortunate" as the fact is there is no law broken when you carry a knife on Disney property, just their unwritten rules. The most they can do is ask you to either discard the knife or leave.

 

[zignal_zero]

Well, its not exactly "fortunate" as the fact is there is no law broken when you carry a knife on Disney property, just their unwritten rules. The most they can do is ask you to either discard the knife or leave.

EXACTLY. Disney security is NOT LEO and Disney policy is NOT law.

I got into a big argument with a buddy who worked with Orange County S.O. because he swears he knows of arrest, by his agency, for PERMIT HOLDERS carrying handguns into Disney. it's not an arrestable offence, as amusement parks are not listed as one of the "restricted areas" in the statute.

that said - I have been to ALL of the Disney parks, more than once, I have never passed through a metal detector or been patted down. I always have a knife and normally have a handgun on me.

i make sure NOTHING is remotely visible when I enter, though.

 

[artmichalek]

EXACTLY. Disney security is NOT LEO and Disney policy is NOT law.

They are, however, a private property owner and have the right to dictate what gets brought onto their property. You won't be arrested for violating the policy, but you can most certainly be denied entry.

 

[powernoodle]

One must also be aware of off-duty law enforcement working as security. You think they are just plain-Jane security with no authority, but they can still arrest you. This is probably not the case with Disney security, though.

At Disney, you don't go through a metal detector, and they don't search your pockets. They do a cursory look through purses and bags. So a knife in the pocket (no clip showing) should not present a prob.

This is not legal advice.

 

[dirthawker1313]

i was told by security that i could not have a knife on me. (it was an al mar clipped to my pocket) i was told to put it in my car. i walked back twords my car 50 yards or so and dropped it in my pocket so you couldnt see it. went in the park and had no problems the rest of the day.

 

[JohnnyO]

i was told by security that i could not have a knife on me. (it was an al mar clipped to my pocket) i was told to put it in my car. i walked back twords my car 50 yards or so and dropped it in my pocket so you couldnt see it. went in the park and had no problems the rest of the day.

Had the same exact situation at Sea World in March. Forgot to drop my Mini Socom into my pocket. Gate personnel saw the clip when I was entering the park. Was told no pocket knives allowed, but there was no signage. Walked out. Came in another gate with my knife dropped into my pocket and enjoyed the day. Not once did my knife jump out and hurt anyone.

 

[powernoodle]

98% of this security stuff at theme parks is for appearance sake, imo. To make the guests feel safe, while not being so overly burdensome as to drive them away either.