Hi there, Rhonda!
Good thought to be planning ahead for your next visit to the Disneyland Resort. Looking ahead like that will help start off your vacation as smoothly as possible. We visited in August as well. I too remember security lines getting somewhat long at times, particularly at the east entrance coming from Harbor Boulevard. Since then, the security arrangements have been reconfigured some. Reports have been that the flow of guests through that area has improved. I hope that continues for when you return as well.
Guest safety and security is extremely important at Disney Parks. My experience going through
security checkpoints at the Disneyland Resort has been that any size bag is subject to inspection. Basically, any pouch or container that can be used to conceal items is included, even small wristlets and strollers. Here's a tip that may help you though. When we visit the Disneyland Resort and still need to carry one or more bags, we hand over all of the bags to one person. (Guess who! Yep, I get the bags.) That one person gets the responsibility of carrying those bags through security. If there is a no-bag line, the others in our family are free to go through that line, which is usually shorter and faster. They are then able to use restrooms, head to the ticket booths, scope out preferred park entrance lines, or head to
Downtown Disney District to look for
breakfast. The person with the bags usually isn't too far behind and can catch up shortly.
I hope you find a magical beginning to a happily ever after, Rhonda!
~Tony