Orlando

Disney, Universal, SeaWorld Adding Metal Detectors at Theme Parks

Disney, Universal and SeaWorld are installing metal detectors and beefing up other security measures at theme parks in Florida and California, the companies said Thursday.

"We continually review our comprehensive approach to security and are implementing additional security measures, as appropriate," a Disney spokesperson said in a statement Thursday morning.

Those measures include metal detectors, which are already in place at Disney World in Orlando, NBC affiliate WESH reports. According to Disney, guests will be selected at random "for a secondary screening using a metal detector."

Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, will also implement metal detectors, officials said. Park spokeswoman Suzi Brown told NBC Los Angeles the changes were made after a security review.

Disney said it has added other "visible and non-visible security measures" over the past few weeks, including uniformed law enforcement personnel and specially trained dogs. Parks will also stop selling toy guns, and guests ages 14 and older will no longer be allowed to wear costumes.

The Universal Orlando Resort in Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood in California are also testing metal detectors, according to the company.

"We want our guests to feel safe when they come here. We've long used metal detection for special events, such as Halloween Horror Nights. This test is a natural progression for us as we study best practices for security in today's world," said Tom Schroeder of Universal Orlando.

SeaWorld Orlando is following suit and said guests "can also expect thorough bag checks as well as metal detector checks" upon entering the park.

"The safety of our guests and team members along with the welfare of our animals have always been our top priority. Like other major attractions and venues, we continually evaluate our existing comprehensive security plans. We are enhancing security measures for the busy holiday season, including increased security presence both inside and outside the parks," SeaWorld said in a statement Thursday.

All three companies emphasized that the measures are precautionary and not in response to any specific threat or concern.

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