Usually when a theme park rolls out a new restriction, fans lose it online. Not this time. Knott’s Berry Farm just slapped new signage in its restrooms banning portable electronic devices, phones included, and based on the reaction so far, people are actually here for it. The whole thing surfaced after a Reddit user posted a photo of the sign and asked if other parks were doing the same.
Got a Knott’s trip coming up? Here’s the full breakdown on what this rule actually means, why it probably exists, and how it fits into everything else the park already prohibits.
Let’s Look at What the Sign Actually Says
The Reddit post that kicked this off was simple. “Knott’s Berry Farm restroom sign prohibits portable electronic devices, have you seen this at other parks?” Per the thread, the signs read “use of portable electronic devices is prohibited in restrooms,” complete with crossed out symbols for both phones and cameras.
Knott’s hasn’t officially explained the reasoning behind this one, but based on the discussion happening online, it’s pretty clearly aimed at cutting down on privacy violations and stopping unauthorized filming or photos in a space where people expect actual privacy.
Knott’s Berry Farm restroom sign prohibits portable electronic devices—have you seen this at other parks?
byu/cowmissing inKnottsBerryFarm
Turns Out People Are Actually Fine With This
You’d think banning phones anywhere would spark outrage, but this rule seems to be landing well. One commenter explained exactly why. “Kinda glad. There’s been awkward situations coming out of stalls before just trying to get to the sink to wash my hands, going around people filming themselves in the mirror. At least that’s how it’s been in the womens restroom.”
Someone else broke down the enforcement logic behind it. “It’s probably to stop influencers from filming in the bathrooms and annoying. If somebody complains to a staff about it, they can actually kick the person out because it’s posted that they were breaking a rule.”
Another reply hit on basically the same point. “It’s probably so that people who are recording or taking pictures can’t say ‘I wasn’t taking pictures I was just using my phone.’ No argument, they’ve violated the rules and they can be kicked out if Knott’s wants.”
This Reddit Thread Had a Wild Disneyland Story Too
One comment stood out for describing an actual incident, and it wasn’t even at Knott’s. “These signs are necessary. I was at Disneyland recently and saw a man filming the entrance to the women’s restroom. I stood in front of him and he moved to get an angle at the doorway. I confronted him, turns out he was waiting for his wife to surprise her and get a funny reaction, but it was still not ok. Some people legitimately do not understand the optics or effects of their own actions, assuming good intention to be enough. It needs to be clearly spelled out so that we can differentiate the outrageously stupid from actual malicious actors.”
That story pretty much sums up why parks are dealing with this in the first place. Even when someone’s intentions are totally harmless, filming near restroom entrances looks bad to everyone else around, and a clear rule gives staff something solid to act on no matter what the person claims their reasoning was.
Not everyone thought the sign covered everything it should though. One person pointed out, “Although those aren’t explicitly represented on the sign. If it’s about privacy, Meta glasses should be front and center. If it’s about time spend in the bathroom, preventing other people from using the facilities, it makes sense they would specifically target phones and cameras.”
Someone else mentioned Knott’s isn’t even the first to try this. “Six flags MM has been doing this for like a year as well,” so this might just be where theme parks are heading in general.
How This Lines Up With Everything Else Knott’s Already Bans
This new rule actually fits right in with stuff Knott’s already has in its official Code of Conduct. The park already bans “unsolicited photography or video recording that disrupts a guest’s experience or interferes with park operations,” and filming’s already off limits on most rides regardless of whether your phone’s secured or not.
The full code of conduct covers a lot more ground too, banning weapons, smoking and vaping outside designated spots, line breaking, offensive clothing, and any kind of harassing or disruptive behavior. There’s also a chaperone policy in place requiring anyone 15 or younger to have someone at least 21 with them during certain hours, usually kicking in mid afternoon on weekdays and running all day Saturday.
Here’s What to Actually Do About This
If you’re heading to Knott’s soon, just keep your phone in your pocket while you’re in the bathroom. Simple as that. Given how much support this rule’s getting online, it’s probably being taken seriously, especially if other guests or staff actually report someone breaking it.
Good time to also brush up on the park’s full rules before you go, especially if your group’s got teenagers who might get caught by the chaperone policy, or if you’re bringing bags that need to hit certain size limits for special events. A few minutes of reading beforehand beats getting surprised at the gate.
Seen a similar rule at any other parks recently? Drop it in the comments, we want to know how common this is actually becoming.
