Disney World is famous for magical moments, but it’s no stranger to rules that leave fans scratching their heads. Word is spreading that a new policy could soon arrive at Magic Kingdom, potentially complicating even the most carefully planned vacations.
As the park continues to transform with fresh rides and reimagined lands, many fans realize that progress tends to bring unwanted rules along with it.
A Park in the Middle of Transformation
Anyone who has visited Magic Kingdom recently knows the park is changing fast. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is lined up for an overhaul, and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is also being updated to better suit Tomorrowland’s future. Classic areas like Rivers of America have been cleared entirely, leaving space for newer intellectual properties.
Disney prioritizes progress over nostalgia, and the long-awaited Villains Land is the most anticipated addition.
The Villains Take Over
Villains Land promises to be one of the boldest moves Disney has ever made. Rumors point to a Maleficent roller coaster as the headliner, complete with fire effects and track elements designed to replicate the chaos of her dragon form.
Dining and meet-and-greet opportunities are expected too, giving fan-favorite characters like Hades and Ursula the kind of spotlight they rarely receive.
But with these new thrills comes a controversial twist: a rule that might frustrate some guests before they buckle in.
The Rule That Changes the Game
Tron Lightcycle / Run introduced a strict requirement—no loose items on the ride. Before boarding, guests must use lockers to store phones, bags, hats, and everything else. If Disney builds another high-speed coaster in Villains Land, the same rule is almost guaranteed to follow.
For guests, that means more than just a fun new attraction. It means rethinking how they move through the park, adding steps to every ride, and facing the frustrations fans hoped to avoid.
Borrowing From Universal
Disney isn’t the first to enforce this policy. Universal Orlando Resort has been doing it for years with rides like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Escape from Gringotts, VelociCoaster, The Incredible Hulk Coaster, and even Men in Black. Lockers are part of the experience there, and while guests tolerate it, many don’t enjoy it.
By following this path, Disney is signaling it’s willing to prioritize safety and efficiency over guest convenience.
Why Lockers Exist—and Why They Annoy Guests
The reasoning is simple: loose items can injure riders, damage rides, or shut attractions down completely. Lockers prevent those issues and keep operations moving. From Disney’s perspective, it’s a necessary safeguard.
But fans often see it differently. Lockers mean crowded spaces, stressful scrambles to store belongings, and confusion over which number belongs to you. Families carrying multiple bags or strollers face extra headaches, and no one likes losing their place in line while dealing with storage. For some, lockers feel like the opposite of the “hassle-free magic” Disney advertises.
Will This Become the Real Villain?
Villains Land will almost certainly thrill guests with its attractions and atmosphere. Yet, if lockers expand across Magic Kingdom, the rule itself could end up stealing the spotlight in the worst way.
Disney has to balance safety with convenience, and fans are watching closely. The question is simple: will lockers become just another part of the ride experience, or will they be the true villain in Magic Kingdom’s next chapter?
I visited Universal prior to WDW. The lockers were easy to use, there were more than enough, and there was no scrambling involved. It was just another thing to move through like cattle. As long as Disney makes multiple statements and has signs, people will know what to expect and plan accordingly. I’m more concerned with 2026-2027 price hikes! That’s the true villain! With so many new lands and AK new attractions, WDW might be on par with a quick trip to Europe.