When it comes to Disney, the “Happiest Place on Earth” mantra is no joke. Disney works hard to ensure that every guest enjoys a safe, magical, and seamless experience. One of the ways they do this is by keeping certain items out of the parks—items that may interfere with guest safety or the overall enjoyment of the experience.
Whether you’re a Disney veteran or a first-time visitor, it’s easy to overlook certain rules when you’re packing for your trip. But fear not—we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to all the items that are banned from Disney parks so you can enjoy your visit worry-free.
Security and Checkpoints: What to Expect
Before you even step foot into one of the Disney parks, expect to go through security checks. Bags, strollers, and other personal items will be screened to ensure nothing prohibited makes its way in. Disney’s website provides a helpful reminder that they reserve the right to refuse any items they deem inappropriate or unsafe.
Here’s a rundown of some of the things you cannot bring to Disney World or Disneyland.
1. Weapons & Firearms: Strictly Off-Limits
First and foremost, Disney parks have a no-weapons policy. This applies to firearms, knives, self-defense tools, and anything that can potentially harm someone, including toy weapons that look too realistic. Even if you’re legally permitted to carry a concealed weapon in your home state, it won’t be allowed within Disney’s gates.
And for those wondering about toy replicas, like a Han Solo blaster or a lightsaber, those too are prohibited if they resemble actual weapons. Disney’s primary concern is to maintain a safe environment for guests, so keep any weapons at home.
2. Alcoholic Beverages: Keep It in the Park’s Bars
While Disney’s theme parks serve alcohol, you can’t bring your own. Though alcohol is available at select locations, guests are prohibited from bringing in their own drinks. This ensures that guests enjoy Disney’s alcohol offerings in designated spots, allowing Disney to regulate alcohol consumption responsibly.
3. Smoking & Marijuana: A Strict Policy
No marijuana or e-cigarettes are allowed on Disney property. Regardless of whether you live in a state where marijuana is legal, Disney’s policy remains unchanged: no smoking marijuana, even for medical purposes, at the parks.
Also, tobacco smoking is confined to specific areas. Guests who smoke in their rooms or on hotel balconies will face a hefty room-recovery fee. And for the best experience, we recommend following Disney’s smoking guidelines to avoid any potential issues.
4. Selfie Sticks and Extension Poles: Not Allowed
Love to snap selfies? You’ll need to leave your selfie stick at home. These items, along with any extension poles, are prohibited in all Disney parks. The goal is to ensure safety, as selfie sticks can easily obstruct views for other guests or pose a hazard on crowded rides and attractions. Instead, keep your camera or phone in hand and enjoy the moment without extending it into the crowd.
5. Costumes on Adults: Limited to Special Events
While kids can dress up as their favorite Disney characters all year round, adult guests can only wear costumes during special events, such as Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Disney doesn’t want any confusion between cast members and guests, and it also ensures that costumes are appropriate for the theme park atmosphere. Leave your adult-size superhero cape in your hotel room and enjoy the park as a guest, not a character!
6. Noise-Makers: Keep It Quiet, Please
Disney parks are filled with excitement and fun, but they’re also noisy. For the comfort of all guests, items like large horns, whistles, and megaphones are banned. This policy helps keep the parks from becoming overly loud, ensuring that every guest can enjoy the shows, parades, and rides without being interrupted by unnecessary noise.
7. Recreational Devices: Keep It Safe
While you might enjoy cruising around on a scooter or skateboard, Disney has strict policies in place for recreational devices. No scooters, skateboards, Heelys, or any form of wheeled footwear is allowed. These devices could pose a safety risk to other guests, especially in crowded areas. The one exception is bicycles, but they can only be used in designated areas, like Disney Resort parking lots.
8. Strollers and Wagons: Size Matters
If you’re planning to bring a stroller to the parks, make sure it meets Disney’s size requirements. Strollers that exceed 31 inches in width and 52 inches in length won’t be allowed, and strollers with wagon-like structures are prohibited unless they’re medically necessary. Be sure to measure your stroller before you go!
9. Backpacks, Coolers, and Suitcases: Watch the Size
Disney has specific rules when it comes to bags. Any bag larger than 24” long x 15” wide x 18” high will not be allowed in the park. This includes backpacks, suitcases, coolers, and any large bags with or without wheels. For convenience, you can use reusable ice packs or frozen water bottles instead of loose or dry ice in your containers.
10. Glass Containers and Certain Other Items
Aside from baby food jars, glass containers are prohibited inside the parks, which helps avoid the risk of broken glass. Additionally, balloons are not allowed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom or water parks, and plastic straws are also banned from certain locations for environmental reasons.
What You Didn’t Know: TSA Locks and Keys (A Reddit Thread Revelation)
Related: Disney Security Screams at Rude Guest, Confrontation Ensues
Recently, a Reddit thread sparked some interesting discussion about TSA locks. A guest shared their experience of being asked to surrender or return their TSA lock at Disneyland. The user explained that they had carried spare TSA locks and keys in their bag, never expecting an issue.
While they’d never had problems at Disney World, Disneyland security flagged the lock as potentially problematic. One Redditor speculated that the lock could be used as a weapon: “Depending on the size, you could turn it into brass knuckles really quick.”
Others chimed in, explaining that locks could also be used to secure strollers or other items, and that Disney staff might need to move or adjust strollers in cases of crowd control, something that would be harder with a lock in place.
As a result of this conversation, it seems the safest option is to leave your TSA locks and keys in your car or hotel room to avoid any issues when entering the parks.
Consequences of Breaking the Rules
If you break any of Disney’s rules, the consequences can range from minor to serious. In the case of small violations, such as unknowingly bringing a prohibited item or wearing a costume inappropriately, you may simply be asked to return the item to your car or hotel. However, more serious violations could result in being denied entry or asked to leave the park without a refund.
Disney is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful environment, and they ask that all guests show courtesy to fellow visitors and cast members. This means no profanity, no line jumping, and no disruptive behavior.
Be Prepared Before You Go
To ensure that your trip to Disney goes smoothly, take a few minutes to review the rules and regulations about what’s prohibited in the parks. By following the guidelines, you’ll avoid any surprises and help create a safer, more enjoyable experience for everyone.
So, pack wisely and remember that Disney is all about making memories. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the magic, free of worries about prohibited items!
