For the safety and comfort of visitors, Silver Dollar City (SDC) is now inspecting all bags upon entry.
As of Thursday, tables are setup outside the main entry gate and park security employees are actively inspecting all incoming bags for prohibited items. Visitors are asked to leave all nonessential purses, backpacks, and other bags and packages at home or inside vehicles.
Park regulations have always noted that bags are subject to search but the inspection process has not before been this widespread. An SDC spokesperson said the park is using these last few weeks of the season as a testing period.
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Facebook user Stephanie Hadley said she was okay with the new procedure. “[I am] very impressed with the security today, we felt very comfortable & safe,” she said in a comment on the Branson Christmas Facebook page.
Similar safety procedures are commonplace at other theme parks, including Disney Parks. Six Flags even employs the use of airport-style metal detectors.
Signs temporary installed just ahead of the inspection point note that vehicles, persons, bags, packages, parcels, and other items are subject to screening at the entrances and inside the park. Although not seen in use, hand-held metal detectors may also be used.
A list of prohibited items includes weapons of any kind, illegal substances, drones, pepper spray, alcoholic beverages, air horns or noise makers, recreational devices with wheels like skateboards and scooters, glass containers, non-service animals/pets, masks, or any other items the park determines to be suspicious, harmful, or disruptive (see image for full list).
Outside food and camera equipment are still permitted.
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