Do you want to get through Disneyland security fast? Count me in too, and the hundreds of others lined up at the security check point to get into Disneyland Resort for the day. Keep reading for tips on getting through security quickly at Disneyland.
Disney security check points help keep us safe, plain and simple. It’s a necessary component in today’s world—even at “The Happiest Place on Earth.”
This article is in no way to help you get through without a thorough check. I absolutely support Disneyland security and their efforts on our behalf. If it means I have to wait 20 minutes in the first line of the day instead of 5 minutes, I am totally okay with that.
Disneyland Security Checkpoints
Every guest must go through the Disneyland security checkpoints before entering either Disney theme park or Downtown Disney.
There are certain times each day when security can get very backed up. I like to use lines on the very edge just in case they open up a new line near me. Avoid arriving to security right when the park opens for shorter waits. Instead, come well before and get inside in time for rope drop.
You will need to go through a security checkpoint at one of the following areas.
Disneyland Harbor Blvd. Security Checkpoint
Who uses the Disneyland Harbor Blvd. security checkpoint? Pedestrians coming from local hotels, those using public transportation, hotel shuttles, ART, Uber/Lyft, pick up and drop off and guests using Toy Story parking lot on low-capacity days.
Disneyland Mickey & Friends Security Checkpoint
Who uses the Disneyland Mickey and Friends security checkpoint? Anyone parking in Mickey and Friends parking lot and not walking over via pedestrian walkways. After security, you can board a tram to Disneyland’s maingates without an additional security screening. If you leave the secured area, you will have to go through security again.
Disneyland Pixar Pals Security Checkpoint
Who uses the Disneyland Pixar Pals security checkpoint? Anyone parking in Pixar Pals parking lot who is not walking to Disneyland from here.
After security, you can board a tram to Disneyland’s maingates without an additional security screening. If you leave the secured area, you will have to go through security again.
Downtown Disney and Disneyland Hotel Security Checkpoint
Who uses the Downtown Disney security checkpoint? Pedestrians from various hotels, Disneyland Hotel guests, Paradise Pier hotel guests and anyone parking in the Downtown Disney parking lot.
Guests using the new walkway and pedestrian bridge from the parking structure enter security via Downtown Disney entrance near what used to be ESPN Zone as pictured above.
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Security Checkpoint
There are two security checkpoints in the hotel. One from the entrance to California Adventure Park and one into Downtown Disney, which leads you to Disneyland Park.
Who uses the Grand Californian security checkpoint? Guests of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa or visitors to this hotel. Note that you cannot cut through the Grand Californian and into Downtown Disney without a dining reservation inside the hotel and/or a current hotel reservation (must show key).
Disneyland Security What’s In Your Bag?
Regardless of which security checkpoint you come through and what time, you need to make sure your bags are ready for searching.
- Be prepared to take everything out, you may be asked to empty everything on one occasion and not on another.
- Be prepared with bags and backpacks unzipped.
- Be prepared for EVERYONE who can walk to go through metal detectors, don’t try to skip it. Just get in the line unless you are directly told by security to come a different way.
- In the past, kids have been allowed to skip metal detectors and they are still sometimes permitted. However, a Disney security employee informed me they encourage every person who can walk to walk through on their own.
- Pack things in clear plastic bags to keep your backpack organized. This may eliminate the need to empty everything since the security guards can see into it.
Beyond security screening, the following items are banned at Disney parks so be sure to leave these at home:
- Costumes on guests 14 and older (exceptions for Oogie Boogie Bash)
- Any clothing, tattoos or other items deemed offensive or otherwise disruptive
- Drones
- Loose ice in coolers, bagged ice or ice packs okay
- Marijuana in any form
- Smoking is prohibited on Disney property
- Skateboards
- Shoes with wheels
- Scooters
- Extra large strollers (exceeding 36″ x 52″). Read our stroller guide here.
- Suitcases, coolers or backpacks exceeding 24″ x 15″ x 18″
- Wagons or any trailer type object, including push wagons effective May 1, 2019.
- Weapons or toy weapons, including anything resembling a gun (bubble guns too).
- Folding chairs
- Selfie Sticks
These rules can change at any time, so be sure to check current rule and regulations here.
Disneyland Security No Bag / No Wheels
From time to time and especially during peak park days, there will be a no bag / no wheels line. This is a great way to send everyone in your party through to get in line while one person waits with all the bags to be checked.
It truly only works if you have NO bags. My sister tried it with a hip bag (aka fanny pack) and was turned away. She emptied it, folded it up and put it in her pocket and was good to go. This is a definite perk for those traveling light as well.
Disneyland Security Details from Disney
From Disneyland’s website, you’ll find the following Q&A:
“What security measures do you have in place? We have a comprehensive approach to security that includes measures that are visible and others that are not. We do not broadly discuss the specifics of our security procedures to avoid compromising their effectiveness. We have a comprehensive approach to security at our theme parks, promenade and Resort hotels. This includes the presence of uniformed police officers using specially trained dogs to help patrol our parks and resorts, and bag checks and security checkpoints at our theme park entrances, the Downtown Disney District, and our Resort hotels. We also have implemented additional security measures, including randomly selecting Guests for a secondary screening using metal detectors.”
How do you get through Disneyland security fast, any tips we missed?
What is your experience entering through the Downtown Disney entrance? We did that several years ago and it was quicker than the main entrance. Is that still true?
It’s a great spot but if you’re staying on that side. So easy!