A trip to a Disney park usually starts with excitement, but for visitors at one Disney park, it now starts with a lengthy wait—before they even make it through the front gate.
New security measures introduced this month are slowing down the entry process, leaving guests stuck in line for up to an hour. While Disney has long prioritized safety, this latest change is making one of the world’s smallest Disney parks feel harder to access than ever.
Tighter Security at Hong Kong Disneyland
Security has been a key part of the Disney experience for years. In the wake of 9/11, metal detectors, bag checks, and both uniformed and undercover security teams became standard at parks worldwide.
While these measures are in place to protect guests, they also come with an unavoidable downside: longer wait times, particularly during peak hours.
Earlier this month, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort officially rolled out its strictest security procedures yet. On March 13, 2025, metal detectors were installed at the entrance for the first time in the park’s 19-year history. This upgrade brings the resort in line with other Disney parks, where similar measures have been in place for years.
According to a Disney spokesperson, these changes are part of an ongoing effort to ensure a safe and secure environment for all visitors.
“The safety of our guests and cast members at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) is at the forefront of everything we do,” the spokesperson said (via DMK_blog). “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.”
While this upgrade aligns Hong Kong Disneyland with other Disney destinations, the immediate impact has been noticeable. Reports from hkdisneyreport and HK Emporium indicate that guests are now spending significantly more time in security lines. On weekends, wait times are averaging 30 minutes or more, while those arriving at park opening are sometimes stuck in line for an hour before even reaching Main Street, U.S.A.
What This Means for Guests
For those planning a visit, the new security process begins at the park entrance, where guests are now met with detailed signage outlining prohibited items. The updated procedures are designed to be efficient, with multilingual instructions to help streamline the process. However, the combination of bag checks, metal detector screenings, and increased crowd levels means guests should plan for a longer wait than they may be used to.
Hong Kong Disneyland’s security line issues mirror those seen at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Southern California, which has faced ongoing complaints about long entry lines due to increased security screenings. Some guests have reported waiting up to 90 minutes just to pass through security, especially during peak seasons.
20th Anniversary Celebrations Still on Track
Despite the increased security measures, Hong Kong Disneyland is gearing up for a major celebration. In summer 2025, the park will kick off its 20th anniversary event, “The Most Magical Party of All,” featuring a new daytime parade, expanded nighttime fireworks, and a special stage show starring Mickey and friends.
Guests can also expect exclusive merchandise, anniversary-themed food and drinks, and new décor throughout the park and its three hotels, not to mention brand-new fits for Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
One major omission from the festivities? Paint the Night, the beloved nighttime parade that once lit up Hong Kong Disneyland. Instead, the parade is making a return to Disneyland Resort in California for its 70th anniversary. While there’s no word on whether it will ever come back to Hong Kong, Disney fans remain hopeful.
As Hong Kong Disneyland moves forward with its anniversary celebrations, guests should be prepared for the reality of longer security lines. Whether this is a growing trend across all Disney parks remains to be seen, but for now, visitors might want to set their alarms a little earlier—because getting inside just got a lot more time-consuming.
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