Getting Through Theme Park Security Faster

Last Updated on December 30, 2023 by Themepark Freak

More and more theme parks are adding security to the entry of their parks. This could be anything from a quick glance into your bag to bag X-Rays and metal detectors. So how can you get through security faster when it’s your turn? Keep reading to find out.

Don’t Bring a Bag into the Park

The easiest answer is, just don’t bring a bag into the park.

There are several theme parks that offer lines specifically for those without a bag. It often moves super fast while the other lines creep along as security checks all of the different compartments.

If you have to carry stuff, consider wearing cargo pants or shorts. You can carry a surprising amount of stuff in all of the pockets!

If You Have to Bring a Bag into the Park

Sometimes there’s just no way that you’re going to get around bringing a bag into the park with you. As an insulin dependent diabetic that needs to haul extra supplies and snacks to treat low blood sugar, I know what a pain it is. However, I personally rather spend a few extra minutes in line than be without critical medical equipment.

If you absolutely have to carry a bag, here are some tips that might help reduce time in line for you and those around you!

Consider Carrying a Fanny Pack

I know, they’re not cool. However, fanny packs or the closer fitting flip belts are an easy way to carry more stuff and get through line faster.

If I don’t need to carry a ton of extra supplies with me, I use something similar to a flip belt. I can fit my credit card, drivers license, phone, extra insulin, needle tips, and some fast acting sugar in mine. The best part is it’s allowed on most rides in theme parks (outside of roller coasters that have metal detectors like at Universal Orlando).

Ditch the Million Pockets

While the organization factor of a bag with a lot of compartments and pockets is great (especially as a diabetic), it’s not fun at theme park security. In the past 5 years, I’ve watched other people go through the lines and security makes them open ever single pocket and compartment.

To get through security faster, you’re going to want to unzip everything before it’s your turn. It’s even a great idea to have this already done if you only have one or two compartments in your bag!

Don’t Bring Prohibited Items

Do yourself and everyone else that’s going to be in the security line with you at your chosen theme park a favor. Read the park’s rules before going.

For example, some theme parks are perfectly fine with you hauling in your DSLR camera with all the accessories while others prohibit it. Same with food, drink, containers, or other items.

Some fairly commonly prohibited items are:

• selfie sticks
• glass jars or bottles (outside of medicine such as glass insulin vials)
• weapons
• pets outside of service animals
• roller blades and wheelies
• professional recording equipment
• outside food and drink

Some parks may have size regulations when it comes to strollers or outright prohibit pulled wagons.

Be Nice to Security – They’re Just Doing Their Job

Trips to theme parks is expensive. We all want to have a wonderful and magical day with our friends and loved ones. Starting a fight with security is not the best way to accomplish this.

Please remember if security decides to take extra time to go through your things, they’re only doing their job as instructed. They may have been asked to do a more in-depth search every so many visitors and you just happened to draw the short straw. Or if they find something that’s prohibited, just apologize and either put it away in your car (or take it back to your hotel) and move on.

A smile and understanding can go a long ways. You really don’t want to be one of the next people to be shown on Tik Tok getting thrown out of a theme park for bad behaviour.

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