New entrance policy

[Swoosh]

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.

[DeweyBald]

Thanks for the tip Swoosh.  We'll start out a little earlier now!

[Swoosh]

Chain drop is 11:30am today instead of noon

[biscuitcreek]

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.

[sanddunerider]

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..

[MissinTheGreenTrams]

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.

[Swoosh]

As far as I know it is just for the rest of the season and then they'll reevaluate for next season.

[Coaster]

I think it's a good idea. Better to be safe than sorry in today's world.

[misskim]

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.

[Swoosh]

It's just safety theater just like the seat belts at Outlaw Run

[mhguy77]

Right now I think a little safety theater is ok.
Strange times, close to home.

[shavethewhales]

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.

[Swoosh]

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.

[History Buff]

Merry Christmas, America!

[runner1960]

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.