Hi Diana ~
I completely understand your challenges. Just outside the theme parks entrances, Guests go through
security before entering the theme parks. All Guests with bags will need to enter one of the "Guests with Bags" lines. All bags (big or small) will be searched. It helps to speed up the process if you unzip all the zippers and have your bags open and ready to be searched. If you have smaller bags inside those bags (i.e., camera cases, make-up bags), those bags will need to be open and ready as well.
There are lines for Guests with no bags. If someone can take your son with them that way, it will cut down on the time he has to wait in line at the security checkpoint. Guests are randomly selected to go through metal detectors. If selected, they will have you put down your bags and empty your pockets before walking through. You will not need to present any form of ID at the security checkpoints.
After going through the security checkpoint, you will proceed to the theme park entrance. To enter, Guests scan their MagicBand or admission card by holding it up to the Mickey head on the touchpoint and then scan your index finger on the scanner next to it. When both of the circles light up green, you are good to go. Cast Members are on hand and happy to assist.
The exception to this is the Magic Kingdom. Guests traveling by monorail from one of the hotels along the monorail line will go through security prior to boarding the monorail. All Guests will go through the metal detectors at these locations. If traveling by bus, you go through security once you get off the bus. If walking from Disney's Contemporary Resort, you go through security along the walkway near the Magic Kingdom. Guests arriving from the Transportation and Ticket Center will go through security prior to boarding a monorail or ferry boat.
Wishing you minnie magical memories :-) Allison V.