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Disney World is a magical place where families from all over the world come to create unforgettable memories. With so much to see and do, it's important to know what can you bring into Disney World and be prepared for your visit. One way to do that is to know what you can and can't bring into the parks. At one point, you could bring almost anything you wanted into Disney parks. Those have been over for quite some time now.
So, what can you bring to Disney World theme parks? Walt Disney World has recently become specific on what you can and can’t bring into their theme parks, so let’s lay out all the different things that are allowed or prohibited into Disney World.
Bags And Backpacks In Disney World
Disney allows its guests to bring one bag or backpack into Disney World, as long as it doesn't exceed 24″ x 15″ x 18″. You can also bring a small clutch or wallet. Disney also allows coolers in the parks, but they must be no larger than 24″ x 15″ x 18″. Moreover, they do not allow loose ice, but they do permit reusable ice packs. Most guests usually bring small backpacks, diaper bags, purses, etc. So basically, don't show up with a suitcase.
Following are some tips for choosing a bag to bring into Disney World:
- Choose a bag that is comfortable to carry, even when full.
- Choose a bag that has multiple compartments so you can easily organize your belongings.
- Choose a backpack that is made of a durable material that can withstand being tossed around on rides and in crowds.
- Choose a bag that has a water-resistant lining in case of rain.
Items Allowed In Your Bag And Backpack
First and foremost, all guests must go through a security checkpoint before entering Disney's theme parks and water parks. This is why it is extremely important to know what you can bring into Disney World and double-check everything you put in your bag before arriving at the security checkpoint. Accepted items are wallets, cell phones, shirts, toys, sunblock, medicine, chargers, and all baby products (diapers, wipes, formula, toys, bottles, etc.) However, when it comes to food and snacks, there are more specific caveats.
What Can You Bring Into Disney World: Foods And Beverages Policy
Disney World can be an exciting experience, but for various reasons, you may find that you can not just bring every food and beverage along. Remember that Disney is one of the most dietary-friendly places to visit. Guests may choose to carry foods and drinks at Disney for various reasons, such as saving money, having easy access to snacks for someone with food allergies, or appeasing a picky eater. While you can bring food and drinks to Disney World, you cannot bring whatever you want.
Disney allows its guests to bring food and beverages into Disney World, but there are a few restrictions. Therefore, it is necessary to know what foods and beverages you can bring into Disney. Outside food and drinks must be for your own consumption. According to Disney's official website policy on bringing food, they must not require heating or reheating, refrigeration, processing, or have a pungent odor. Additionally, Disney strictly prohibits alcoholic beverages and glass containers inside the parks.
What Foods And Drinks You Can Bring Into Disney World
Here are some ideas for food and drinks that you can bring into Disney World:
- Bottled water
- Juice boxes
- Snacks like granola bars, trail mix, and fruit
- Sandwiches and wraps
- Salads
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Applesauce cups
- Baby food and formula
Strollers and Mobility Devices
There are a few options for strollers in Disney World. First, rent one inside the theme park from a third-party service (non-Disney), or bring your own. Also, you need to know that Disney prohibits strollers exceeding 31 inches in width and 52 inches in length. Moreover, Disney allows mobility devices into Disney parks as long as they are for one person at a time. They must be at walking speed and have a minimum of 3 wheels.
Therefore, before passing through the security checkpoint at theme parks, make sure to verify the stroller's dimensions, whether you want to bring your own or rent one from a private firm.
At Walt Disney World, they do not allow stroller wagons and wagons. This guideline only gets broken if your child has a specific medical need for a wagon (think of it as needing a lot of medical equipment), and even then, it's case-by-case.
Can You Bring Animals Into Disney World?
We understand that your pets are your life. And separation anxiety can be just as bad as dropping your kid off for their first day of school. And nobody understands this more than Walt Disney World. Happily, the answer is yes! You can bring your fur baby to the theme parks at Disney. Also, some great Disney World resorts and hotels will accommodate your pets. However, there are a few rules to this privilege.
Disney only allows service animals into the theme parks, Disney Springs, water parks, and Disney Transportation. For a limited time, dogs (limit of 2 small) that are not service animals are permitted at select Disney Resorts as part of a pet-friendly pilot program. You can find the rules of that program on Disney's website.
At pet-friendly Disney resorts and hotels, pets should remain on a leash or in a harness and under the owner's control when outside the Disney resort or hotel room. Please refer to the designated pet-friendly Disney Resort hotel's specific pet agreement for additional rules regarding pets.
Due to the nature of some attractions, pets may not be permitted to ride. Service animals are not allowed in the water—including water features/fountains—or closer than 4 feet to the water.
What Can You Not Bring Into Disney Theme Parks
Disney World is a family-friendly environment, and there are some items that you can not bring into Disney World. Therefore, Disney prohibits these items in order to ensure the safety and security of all guests. Weapons and other dangerous items could be used to harm guests or damage property. Alcoholic beverages could lead to intoxication and disorderly behavior. Glass containers could break and cause injuries. Noisemakers could be disruptive to other guests. Wagons and folding chairs could block walkways and create hazards.
Furthermore, large suitcases and coolers could be used to smuggle prohibited items into the parks. Loose ice could melt and create slippery surfaces. Pungent-smelling foods could be offensive to other guests. Pets could spread diseases and be disruptive to other guests. Professional cameras and video equipment could be used to film commercial content without permission. Drones could pose a safety hazard to guests and aircraft. Bicycles, scooters, and other wheeled vehicles could cause accidents and injuries.
For safety reasons, Disney World has a strict policy on what you cannot bring into the theme parks.
Selfie Sticks
Unfortunately, both Disney’s cast and guests are increasingly concerned about the safety of selfie sticks. Selfie sticks also make it harder to uphold the four fundamental principles of safety, courtesy, show, and efficiency.
Shoes With Built-In Wheels
Shoes with built-in wheels are fun for youngsters to use at home, However, Disney forbids them at theme parks. The concrete walkways everywhere pose an unacceptably high risk of falling. Additionally, if children lack self-control, it may present a risk to other visitors.
Remote Control Toys
Disney does not want you to bring a remote-controlled car and have it run directly in front of another visitor, causing it to slip and fall. Or a visitor might tread on the toy and break it, leading a child to tantrums.
Glass Containers
Someone can bring something made of glass into the park, drop it, and leave tiny glass fragments behind. Glass containers end up on the Disney World restricted products list because so many visitors wear sandals, flip-flops, and other shoes that expose the foot.
Skate Boards
There is a recurring motif in these first few items. There is nothing with wheels where you might become unbalanced. From a liability or customer experience standpoint, Disney wants to ensure the safety of all visitors inside the park.
Drones
Disney doesn't want a visitor to fly a drone directly into another person's head or, worse yet, into an attraction. If a drone were to pass directly in front of a roller coaster car that was moving quickly, there might be fatal repercussions.
Portable Chairs
Folding chairs are another item you cannot bring into your Disney World vacation because they are too heavy and immobile. They might be helpful for viewing a parade or fireworks display, but they also take up a lot of room.
Balloons And Straws At Animal Kingdom
Disney does not permit balloons and straws in Animal Kingdom because Disney wants to keep its animals comfortable and secure. Have you ever wondered why paper is used to make every straw in the park? Disney decided to discontinue providing straws. However, they are still available if you ask.
What Can You Not Bring Into Disney: The Obvious Items
Other items that are prohibited from entering Disney World parks include:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Marijuana
- Additional illicit substances
- Firearms
- Items that resemble firearms, such as squirt guns, toy guns, and toy blasters.
Tips To Know What Can You Bing Into Disney World
Here are a few tips for packing for your Disney World vacation. By following these tips, you can ensure that you have a magical and memorable Disney World vacation.
- Pack light – You'll be doing a lot of walking, so you don't want to carry a heavy bag around all day.
- Bring comfortable shoes – Walking with heels in the parks can be uncomfortable, so make sure your shoes are comfortable.
- Bring a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
- Bring sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Bring snacks to keep you energized throughout the day.
- Bring a small first-aid kit in case of minor injuries.
- Bring medications in their original packaging.
- Be aware of the bag policy. All bags are subject to search at the park entrance.
- Pack your belongings carefully. You don't want anything to spill or break in transit.
- Bring a copy of your park tickets and hotel reservation in case you need them.
- Bring a list of all of the medications that you are taking in case a Cast Member asks you.
- Be prepared to show your ID if you are purchasing alcohol or tobacco products.
Conclusion
Disney World is a magical place for people of all ages. While you may bring everything along on your Disney trip, there are some specific rules and regulations that every guest must follow. The article comprehensively explains the items that you can and cannot bring into Walt Disney World parks. Be advised that Disney has a small disclaimer on their website that states it reserves the right to forbid any additional items they deem potentially dangerous or disruptive. Call Disney as you pack if you need clarification on whether something is still eligible. You can get assistance at any time from a cast member.