Cell Phone Ban at Disneyland Has Guests Curious Over New Policy

Disney guests are both furious and glad that cell phone usage will be limited at this specific location, leading many to speculate that this new ban will also spread throughout the Resort.

Disney Guests Now Face Cell Phone Ban

The moment guests stepped into Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway recently, many noticed something they hadn’t seen in years: the extended outdoor queue was back in use. Instead of flowing seamlessly through the cartoon-themed lobby and preshow area, visitors suddenly found themselves surrounded by tall walls, overhead shades, and unexpected views of the park’s backstage infrastructure.

For a ride known for its fully immersive experience, this shift came as a surprise. Beyond the altered line space, Disney has also rolled out a stricter set of rules regarding personal belongings, catching some guests off guard. Together, these adjustments are reshaping how fans experience one of Disneyland’s most popular attractions—and sparking plenty of conversation online.

If you’re planning a trip soon, here’s what’s changed, why it matters, and how to handle the updates like a pro.

The Queue Returns After Two Years

Originally introduced in early 2023—just weeks after the ride’s opening—the extended queue was designed as overflow space once virtual boarding groups were temporarily suspended. It only lasted a couple of months before closing, and for more than two years it sat unused.

Now, in the past month, Disney has reopened the area to manage crowd flow. Guests leaving the theater-themed queue transition outside into a covered holding area surrounded by walls with mounted lights. There’s little theming, but plenty of unusual sightlines: from this vantage point, you can spot the rooftops of the Runaway Railway show building, the exterior of “it’s a small world,” Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, the Matterhorn, and even the Team Disney Anaheim offices.

While not exactly magical, the setup helps the attraction handle heavy demand and keeps indoor areas less congested.

A Stricter Rule on Cell Phones

Alongside the queue update, Disney has instituted a new policy about personal items. Guests are no longer allowed to hold cell phones, cameras, or any loose belongings during the ride. New signage spells it out clearly:

“Secure all personal belongings prior to boarding. Hand-held or loose items, including cell phones, are not permitted to be held while riding.”

Cast Members are actively enforcing the rule, stopping the attraction when needed to remind riders over the intercom to put devices away. The change arrived shortly after Disney released its own high-definition POV of the ride on Disney+, a move that suggests the company wants full control over how the attraction is captured and shared.

How to Handle the Updates

For park guests, the best approach is to plan ahead. Here are a few practical tips:

• Arrive Early: The outdoor queue can fill quickly, and mornings usually mean shorter waits.

• Secure Your Gear: Use zippable bags or lockers before riding to avoid last-minute stress at the boarding area.

• Plan Around Crowds: Check the Disneyland app for wait times and consider hopping in line after parades, fireworks, or character events when crowds thin out temporarily.

Insider Tips from Frequent Visitors

Regular Disneyland fans have already found ways to adapt:

• Capture Beforehand: Since phones can’t be held on the ride, consider snapping photos in the queue before entering the outdoor section.

• Unique Perspective: Some actually enjoy the queue change, as it offers a rare behind-the-scenes look that you won’t find anywhere else in the park.

• Best Timing: Many recommend lining up in the first 60 minutes after park opening to minimize both wait time and sun exposure in the outdoor holding zone.

Why Disney Guests Care

The changes may seem small, but they touch on the heart of Disney park culture: immersion. Social media reaction has been mixed—some guests are fascinated by the new vantage points, while others argue that the exposed backstage areas break the Toontown illusion.

Still, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway remains a major draw. Attendance trends show consistently strong demand for the ride, and most guests are willing to accept the adjustments in exchange for the chance to ride one of Disneyland’s newer attractions. For longtime fans, it’s also a reminder of how Disney balances storytelling with operational needs—and how even minor updates can stir big emotions in the community.

Whether you see the queue extension as a necessary change or a crack in the immersion, the key to enjoying Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is preparation. Know the rules, time your visit wisely, and remember: the heart of the experience is still the ride itself, where Mickey and Minnie’s zany adventure remains as charming as ever.

Source: WDWNT