Disney World seeing spike in visitors with concealed weapons

Disney World has seen a spike in guests with concealed weapons at security checkpoints in 2020, despite lower number of visitors due to the coronavirus pandemic restrictions.

Twenty people were arrested in Disney in 2020 for concealed weapons, and 14 have already been arrested in 2021, sheriff’s reports obtained by the Orlando Sentinel showed.

In 2016, only four people were arrested for concealed weapons.

Most of the people who were found with concealed weapons at the security checkpoints claimed that they forgot they were carrying their weapons, or were unaware that weapons weren’t allowed, according to the outlet. 

Data shows that one-fifth of Americans who bought guns in 2020 were first-time gun buyers. 

However, most aren’t showing up to the parks with weapons. The records showed 75 percent of the incidents are at Disney Springs, an entertainment, shopping and restaurant area that is free to enter.

“We clearly communicate that guns are not allowed anywhere on our property,” spokesman Avery Maehrer told the outlet. “We appreciate the commitment of law enforcement and our security teams and the measures they take in helping protect our guests and cast members.”

Disney’s improved security system has identified concealed weapons at checkpoints. However, in 2018 and 2019 the checkpoints did not exist, but people were still caught with concealed weapons in dressing rooms and restaurants, according to the Sentinel.