Disney, other USA theme parks boost security screenings

Ahead of Thursday's premier of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" at the Disney Springs complex within the Disney World resort, metal detectors were placed at the front of all four Disney World theme parks, the Orlando Sentinel reported.

Only some guests, who are randomly selected, will have to go through the metal detectors.

"We continually review our comprehensive approach to security and are implementing additional security measures, as appropriate", Disney said in a statement released to the Orlando Sentinel.

Toy guns are prohibited and adults are no longer allowed to wear costumes under the new policies. SeaWorld said it had installed the devices as part of enhanced security for the holidays.

"It's no real surprise that Disney and SeaWorld would install metal detectors in the current climate, and we expect Universal Orlando to follow suit", said Simon Veness, our Florida expert.

Security at the parks has been beefed up following the mass shooting in San Bernardino, California, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

Disney is also discontinuing the sale of toy guns, including toy blasters and squirt guns on Disneyland Resort/Walt Disney World property, and are no longer permitting these items to be brought into the theme parks.

The park has already added more uniformed officers and trained dogs in the past few weeks, WESH reported. A man was arrested last week at Magic Kingdom after he was found trying to take a gun into the park, officials said.