Credit: Hong Kong DisneylandAnyone planning to visit one Disney park soon should be aware of longer lines due to stricter security screening procedures.
For years, Disney has implemented security screenings at park entrances to ensure the safety of visitors. These screenings, which include thorough bag checks and metal detectors, became increasingly strict in the years after 9/11.
Ultimately, they’re designed to prevent potential threats while maintaining a family-friendly environment. Disney prioritizes guest safety, balancing the magic of the parks with a commitment to creating a secure experience for all. But depending on when you visit a park, they can also come with lengthy wait times that delay guests entering the park.
Disneyland Resort, for example, has generated notoriously long security lines recently, with some forced to wait as long as an hour and a half before they even reach Disneyland or California Adventure.
Tighter Security Measures Prolong Wait Time at Disney Park
Earlier this month, one Disney resort tightened its security procedures.
From March 13, guests arriving at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort encountered newly installed metal detectors at the entrance, marking the largest security upgrade in the park’s 19-year history. As reported by hkdisneyreport on Instagram, the park has officially introduced these metal detectors as part of its “enhanced security screening procedure.”
On X, formerly known as Twitter, DMK_blog shared an official statement from Hong Kong Disneyland Resort regarding the updated security process.
“The safety of our guests and cast members at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) is at the forefront of everything we do,” a Disney spokesperson said. “We continually evaluate and will make adjustments as needed. Metal detectors have been implemented at Disney resorts around the world, and we are now introducing them as part of the security screening procedures for guests entering Hong Kong Disneyland Park.”
With these new security measures now in full swing, guests are reporting significantly longer wait times to enter Hong Kong Disneyland.
As per HK Emporium, it now takes roughly 30 minutes or more to enter the park on weekends. When the park first opens, this wait can take up to an hour.
Due to the introduction of metal detectors,
On weekends and during peak periods, waiting times for security checks may be 30 minutes or more.
When the park first opens, you may have to wait up to an hour.#HKDL_now
#HKDL
金属探知機の導入の影響で、
週末や繁忙期では保安検査の待ち時間が30分以上かかる場合があります。
開園しばらくでは1時間待ちの場合もあります。#HKDL_now#HKDL https://t.co/AydNDDIQZ1— Emporium HKDL情報🏰✨ (@hk_emporium) March 22, 2025
What Should Guests Expect Upon Arrival?
Upon arrival, Hong Kong Disneyland guests will encounter detailed signage outlining the security process, including a list of items banned from the park. Instructions are available in multiple languages, including English.
Yesterday (March 12, 2025), Hong Kong Disneyland Resort installed metal detectors at the main entrance. Starting TODAY (March 13, 2025), enhanced security procedures are in effect, with the main gate featuring thorough screenings and clear signage on prohibited items to help ensure a safe and magical experience for all Guests.
🏰 Reply from Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Spokesperson:
The safety of our guests and cast members at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) is at the forefront of everything we do. We continually evaluate and will make adjustments as needed.
Metal detectors have been implemented at Disney resorts around the world, and we are now introducing them as part of the security screening procedures for guests entering Hong Kong Disneyland Park.
Yesterday (March 12, 2025), Hong Kong Disneyland Resort installed metal detectors at the main entrance. Starting TODAY (March 13, 2025), enhanced security procedures are in effect, with the main gate featuring thorough screenings and clear signage on prohibited items to help… pic.twitter.com/RCQbgUceTE
— Disney Magical Kingdom Blog (@DMK_Blog) March 13, 2025
Hong Kong Disneyland Prepares For 20th Anniversary
These security upgrades come as Hong Kong Disneyland prepares to mark its 20th anniversary.
Disney’s smallest theme park resort – which first opened in 2005 – will kick off the celebrations in the summer of 2025 as part of “The Most Magical Party of All.” One of the standout features will be the debut of the “Friendtastic!” Parade, the largest daytime parade in the park’s history. With 11 floats and a diverse cast of characters, it’s the first daytime parade since the end of Flights of Fantasy in 2020.
Also on the way is the enhanced “Momentous” Nighttime Spectacular, one of Disney’s best fireworks shows (in our opinion, anyway). This revamped version will introduce new scenes, drone effects, and projections on Main Street, U.S.A., similar to iconic shows like Magic Kingdom’s Happily Ever After and the recently-introduced show at Disneyland Paris, Disney Tales of Magic.
A brand-new stage show featuring Mickey, his pals, and Hong Kong Disneyland favorites such as Duffy, LinaBell, CookieAnn, and StellaLou will also take center stage in front of the Castle of Magical Dreams.
The park will also embrace 20th anniversary-themed merchandise, exclusive food and beverage options, and new decorations across all three hotels: Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Explorers Lodge, and Disney’s Hollywood Hotel.
But not everything’s making a return. Paint the Night, the beloved nighttime parade that once lit up Hong Kong Disneyland, won’t be part of the celebration. While it’s set to kick off another run in California this year for Disneyland Resort’s 70th anniversary, it seems its time in Hong Kong has come to an end – for now, at least. We haven’t given up manifesting its return just yet.
How do you think Disney could improve security at its theme parks?