Be warned that the park started a new policy for entering the park. ALL guests entering the park must have their bags checked before entering. There is also a higher security presence at the entrance and the main area. These officers are very visible with coats emblazoned with large font SECURITY on them.
Also they are really cracking down on BAFs. You must be present with the guest and have proper ID to show it is really you.
Just wanted to let people know to plan for slower entrance procedures through the end of he season.
Thanks for the tip Swoosh. We'll start out a little earlier now!
Chain drop is 11:30am today instead of noon
For awhile after 9/11, SDC security did bag checks. I understand why they are doing it but it does slow down the entrance process.
Quote from: Swoosh on December 12, 2015, 07:23:48 AM
Chain drop is 11:30am today instead of noon
Goping to get an early start today, I am sure they are expecting a crowd today with the weather..
Over 16,000 yesterday,, Been a great OTC season so far..
Is this for the rest of the season? Or will they continue into next season? I have always felt the city was a safe place. Never had a concern with what could happen. Even with the masses that show. I am happy to hear they are taking extra steps for safety though.
As far as I know it is just for the rest of the season and then they'll reevaluate for next season.
I think it's a good idea. Better to be safe than sorry in today's world.
They check my bags every time I go to a concert/basketball game. At Disney parks. I'm OK with it. I'd rather slow down a little on my way into the park so they can check things out than worry about my safety.
It's just safety theater just like the seat belts at Outlaw Run
Right now I think a little safety theater is ok.
Strange times, close to home.
Thanks for the heads up. Only a matter of time before we get metal detectors like everywhere else. ::)
I'm sure it's brought on by certain incidents that we may never hear about with stupid guests bringing things in they shouldn't. SDC has been shielded from a lot of the stupid stuff that places like SFStL have to put up with because they are more of a destination park instead of an urban setting.
In other news, there was a very strong military presence in the area today as well. Heavy military helicopters were periodically circling the park. There were some heavy military machinery over by the Kimberling City Bridge too.
Merry Christmas, America!
we were in the park Saturday and saw helicopters on the way in but they were working on the utility lines. One man on the outside while the helicopter hovered over the transmission pole. quite interesting to see. never saw a military one though. One hovered over us as we sat at the stoplight to enter about 11 AM. Looked like they were checking the connection between the wires and the insulators. They spent about 5 minutes on each pole then moved to the next one.
Also, The bag check was harmless and did not seem to bottleneck anything. My daughters had their backpacks checked in les than 20 seconds each.
Safety Theater is never a good thing. Every time some measure such as this is instituted, the Orcs win.
The checks on the 19th were laughable--delaying enerything while ensuring not an ounce of additional safety.
This trend is bad, and I hope it goes away, and quickly, too. If it continues at SDC, I will have to rethink the season passes.
Well bye.
Security was very easy and unintrusive on the weekend of the 12th. Did not slow things up one bit. I think there are some people upset that they cannot sneak firearms in now. I prefer the extra level myself.
Quote from: Runner1960 on December 22, 2015, 01:28:12 PM
Security was very easy and unintrusive on the weekend of the 12th. Did not slow things up one bit. I think there are some people upset that they cannot sneak firearms in now. I prefer the extra level myself.
I felt it was more of a "feel good" security check.
Per Missouri law (Section 571.107.1), it has never been legal to conceal carry in an amusement park, but the "security checks" they are doing now would still not catch anyone that was going to do so.
Quote from: IASTClone on December 22, 2015, 04:57:49 PM
Quote from: Runner1960 on December 22, 2015, 01:28:12 PM
Security was very easy and unintrusive on the weekend of the 12th. Did not slow things up one bit. I think there are some people upset that they cannot sneak firearms in now. I prefer the extra level myself.
I felt it was more of a "feel good" security check.
Per Missouri law (Section 571.107.1), it has never been legal to conceal carry in an amusement park, but the "security checks" they are doing now would still not catch anyone that was going to do so.
Yes it s against the staute but it is not punishable so it holds no teeth. And I heard they did find some in purses and backpacks and turned people back to the parking lot. It upset them even though they knew they were breaking the law.
I want to see SDC always be a safe and happy place. I hope no one ever does something to make it not so. I applaude the increased measures. I feel sorry for my old pal, Randy, who I last heard was supervisor over turnstyles...that is a serious thing to get thrown on your back. He is a good guy, and I am sure his workers take this seriously as well.
Went to Dollywood several times this past week. Half way expected to go through security bag checks with the changes at SDC but did not have to. I didn't really notice any changes in security practices at DW and didn't really notice any increase in security personnel. On a side note, Lightning Rod (the part you can see anyway) is looking good. Looking forward to riding it this spring!
This past week we did the showboat And SDC, they were dong bag checks both days. I found it humorous they checked the bag very closely... VERY closely,
But I had on my heavy leather duster coat, that I could have had an AR and a Shotgun and a couple of pistols, they didn't even look at me...
I just recieved and email from the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma that informed patrons that beginning on January 5th metal detectors, bag checks, and bag size limitations would be implemmented at all future events. It's sad that things have had to come to this in our world, you would think as time goes along we'd be more civilized instead of needing more security measures.
Jay
I don't know if this has been said yet, but as far as i can remember in the last 6 or so years they have not allowed Concealed guns at any property. They just did not do any checks. If one was witnessed then they would approach that person and ask for them to take it to their vehicle. When i took the CCW class they said not to carry in amusement parks and stadiums. Being at SDC and seeing a weapon on someone makes you think when it actually happens.