Ever since it was first implemented, Walt Disney World’s bag check system has been quite the time sink for guests. And though this measure became necessary in the modern world, guests having to wait 10-20 minutes in the sun on busy days to have specially-trained security Cast Members go through their bags was a less than an ideal solution when it comes to keeping Disney Parks safe.
Unfortunately, in a world still dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic, this traditional bag check presents additional issues as low-touch and no-touch solutions are required to keep guests as safe as possible. However, it looks like Disney is testing a new no-touch bag check that would ensure guests can continue to social distance as well as pass through the bag check station much faster!
New security screening technology now testing at Disney Springs
Walt Disney World has begun testing this brand new security scanning technology with guests at Disney Springs as of this weekend. Guests who visit the Lime Garage will now be able to walk through a new contact-less body scanner, powered by Evolv Technology, and can automatically screen groups of people as they walk through without slowing or stopping. You can see this new technology in action in the video above.
According to the manufacturer, this automated system uses proprietary technology to differentiate weapons from personal items, and is the fastest weapons-screening system on the market, consistently screening 60 people every minute for firearms and other contraband items.
With the new screening system in place at Disney Springs, guests who are flagged by the system are moved to one side where they will then have their bags inspected in a more traditional way. However, it looks like the vast majority of guests are able to simply walk through the scanning system without stopping, proceeding directly to their destination.
Though the system has not been confirmed to be coming to Walt Disney World theme parks, these early tests at Disney Springs seem to be going well, and these type of scanners have recently put into use at Six Flags theme parks, which proves that they can be used well in a theme park environment.
This system could also be used for temperature scans
This brand new system also has the ability to perform human temperature screening at the exact same time as the security screening, which could make what would be a two-step process even simpler for guests visiting the resort in the future as simply walking by the scanners will satisfy both security and health checks.
Though this change is being proposed and could be rolled out in response to COVID-19, we’d imaging that this new system would stick around even after the effects of the pandemic have eased, as it will greatly reduce the cumbersome and long waits at the normal bag check lines, and provide a much better experience for guests for years to come.
As always, while this situation is evolving, all travelers should check out the CDC’s official site here, which has information on the virus and how to prevent its spread.
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