With the release ofStar Wars: The Force Awakensjust a few hours away,Star Warsmania has reached a fever pitch. For those who planned on carrying over their celebration at Disneyland in Anaheim, California this weekend, you may be in violation of new rules set by the resort.The Wrapreports that, in response to several mass shootings throughout the year, the park is ramping up security by banning the sale of toy guns in the park, includingStar Warstoy blasters, along with any adult costume.
The new park rules state that “Masks may not be worn by any Guests ages 14 or older (unless required for medical purposes),” and “Objects that appear to be weapons (also including toy blasters, squirt guns, etc.)” are also not allowed.Disneylandwill also be installing metal detectors at the park’s entrances. These new security measures follow the park’s ban of selfie sticks earlier this year, amid safety concerns. Here’s what Disney Resorts spokeswomanSuzi Brownhad to say in a statement about the new security measures.
“We continually review our comprehensive approach to security and are implementing additional security measures, as appropriate.”
These measures will also be put in place at DisneyWorld in Orlando, and other theme parks like Universal Studios and SeaWorld have also announced they will install metal detectors at their parks, according to the Associated Press. If you plan on visiting Disneyland this weekend, you can find an updated list of the park’s rules and prohibited items atDisneyland.Disney.go.com/park-rules.
It remains to be seen howStar Warsfans will react to these new restrictions. Disney announced earlier this year plans for newStar Warsattractions, including a new version ofStar Tours, which opened in both Disneyland and Disneyworld on December 1. These rules obviously don’t affect these new attractions, but fans caught with any sort of toy weapon may be ejected from the park.
What do you think about Disneyland and Disneyworld banningStar Warsblasters and other toys that resemble weapons from their resorts? Is the park going too far, or should there be even stricter regulations in place, to keep families safe, in the wake of a year filled with mass shootings in this country? Let us know what you think, and stay tuned for more on these new Disneyland rules, and onStar Wars: The Force Awakens, opening in theaters tonight.
