Today the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort put into effect enhanced security measures. I have always felt safe at Disneyland, but I would be lying if I didn’t preface that with the phrase “until recently.” Not that it was Disneyland’s fault; the world we are living in has changed, and I feel like it is natural to be a bit uneasy about our personal safety no matter where we are given some of the very tragic events that have happened here in the United States and abroad.

Today I spoke directly with Disneyland spokesperson, Suzi Brown, to get a better understanding of the Resort’s enhanced security measures.

“We continually review our comprehensive approach to security,” explained Brown, “and are implementing additional security measures, as appropriate.”

I am so pleased with what they have decided to put into place in order to better protect the safety of both guests and the Cast Members who make the magic. Here is what has been put into place:

• Magnetometer portals have been added to the Disneyland Resort Esplanade just beyond the security bag checks. These metal detectors, housed in tents, will screen randomly selected guests after they pass through the bag check. This is already a common occurrence at many major sports stadiums across the United States. (Bag checks will remain the same.)

• Extra armed, uniformed Anaheim Police Department officers have been added throughout the Disneyland Resort–including the Downtown Disney District and on-property hotels.

• Disneyland has increased the use of “vapor wake dogs” in key areas at the Resort. These specially trained dogs detect and follow the path of explosives, even after the explosive materials have left an area.

• The Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts are discontinuing all sales of toy guns (blasters, etc.). Additionally, guests may no longer bring into the parks toys guns or blasters. No exceptions, so be sure to leave those Buzz Lightyear and Storm Trooper blasters at home.

• The Resorts have implemented a costume policy in which guests 14 and older may NOT wear costumes or masks into the parks. Period. (Children up through age 13 may still wear costumes.) Please see update below on costumes for runDisney events in Disneyland and Walt Disney World as of January 5, 2016.

Sea World and Universal Studios are making similar changes at their parks soon.

As a reminder, whether you are in favor of these changes or not, the Cast Members you interact with at the bag check and metal detectors are doing their jobs in an effort to keep you and your family safe. If you encounter a longer wait to get into the parks, remember to be kind and know that they are doing their jobs and no one likes to be treated poorly while they are working. I applaud Disneyland’s commitment to keeping guests and Cast Members safe and look forward to creating many years of happy memories in the place I consider my home away from home.

UPDATE to costume guidelines for runDisney events in Disneyland and Walt Disney World:

According to the runDisney blog, guests may dress as their favorite character, but must follow the guidelines below:

• Costumes cannot be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent.
• Guests who dress like Disney characters cannot pose for pictures or sign autographs for other guests.
• Costumes may not contain any weapons that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.
• No costumes with weapons or anything that could be mistaken as a weapon.
• For runDisney participants ages 13 and under, costumes and some masks may be worn, as long the mask does not cover the entire face and eyes are visible.
• For runDisney participants ages 14 and older, costumes may be worn in races but not in the parks as a guest after the race. There are a variety of restrictions that forbid layered costumes or those that drag on the ground, props that surround the body and capes that go below the waste. No masks of any kind can be worn. Participants over age 14 may wear themed shirts, hats and other apparel, as well as transparent wings, plastic light sabers, toy swords and tutus. Headwear cannot cover the face.

For more details, please see the runDisney blog.