Disney, Universal Studios and SeaWorld have all tightened security at their parks in the wake of recent events in the US and abroad.

Up to the start of December 2015, there had been more than 350 mass shootings in the US this year – more than one a day – with 62 shootings at schools, more than 12,000 killed in gun incidents and close to 25,000 injured because of gunfire. With the recent terrorist attacks in Paris also putting the world on alert, security has been beefed up at theme parks to try and prevent a similar tragedy occurring.

"We are enhancing security measures at all of our parks for the busy holiday season, including increased security presence both inside and outside the parks," said a statement from SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment.

"Guests entering SeaWorld Orlando can also expect thorough bag checks as well as metal detector checks."

Disney and Universal’s parks in California and Orlando have also followed suit, using metal detectors and enhanced bag searches to keep guests safe. Disney has also banned toy guns from the park, as well as costumes for guests aged older than 14.

"We have begun testing metal detection at our theme park," said a Universal statement. "We want our guests to feel safe when they come here. We've long used metal detection for special events, such as Halloween Horror Nights. This test is a natural progression for us as we study best practices in today's world."

"We continually review our comprehensive approach to security and are implementing additional security measures, as appropriate," said a Disney spokesperson, who added that security checks will be similar to ones used at major sporting events, with guests randomly selected to go through portable metal detectors.

Meanwhile, the number of uniformed police officers outside theme parks has been increased, as has the use of “vapour wake dogs” – animals specially trained to detect residue from explosives.

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