Think you know everything about what to pack for your Disney World vacation? Think again! From selfie sticks to strollers, Disney’s list of prohibited items might surprise even the most seasoned park-goers. But what exactly can get you banned from Disney World—and why? In this guide, we’re diving into the unexpected, sometimes bizarre, list of items you can’t bring into the parks. Whether you’re planning your first trip or are a Disney veteran, you’ll want to check twice before packing these 10 things.

Certain Strollers and Wagons

If you’re traveling to Disney with younger children in tow, you’re probably planning to pack your stroller or rent one while you’re there. But, parents often don’t know that some strollers are banned from Disney World. Back in 2019, Disney implemented a new guideline, banning strollers exceeding 31 inches (79 cm) in width or 52 inches (132 cm) in length. While most strollers fall within these parameters, it’s important to check the measurements of the stroller you plan to use to ensure you don’t encounter any issues.

Additionally, stroller wagons and regular wagons are also banned from the theme parks, water parks, and indoor venues at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. These rules are in effect to ensure that walkways remain accessible and that both you and others can get through the park crowds efficiently and safely.

If your stroller doesn’t meet the guidelines, consider renting one at the park. Disney offers stroller rentals that comply with their policies. Disney’s stroller rentals can only be used in the theme parks, however. So, if you want to have a stroller with you outside of the parks and at your resort, we recommend renting a stroller from a third-party company in the area. All of the stroller rentals comply with Disney’s regulations.

Selfie Sticks

Hoping to get that perfect selfie? Well, unfortunately, you’ll need to leave the selfie stick at home. Selfie sticks have been banned from Disney World theme parks and water parks since 2015. While some smaller hand-held camera extension arms are permitted, we recommend airing on the side of caution when you’re determining what accessories you want to bring along. If you bring a selfie stick or similar camera extension arm, you’ll likely be held up at security at the park entrance for longer. And, of course, you won’t be able to take the selfie stick into the park with you.

You can still take selfies using your arm or ask a Cast Member to take a photo for you. Many popular photo spots have Disney PhotoPass photographers available to capture your picture for you so you don’t have to worry about selfies.

If you’re concerned about getting good shots, consider bringing a small tripod instead. Tripods and monopods are permitted as long as they fit in a standard backpack and don’t exceed 6 feet in height when fully extended.

Balloons

Balloons are a cheerful sight at many Disney World locations. However, you’ll notice their absence in certain areas of the resort. Specifically, Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, water parks, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge do not allow balloons. This restriction also applies to ESPN Wide World of Sports complex.

You might be wondering why you can have balloons in some parts of Disney World and not in others. Well, the ban on balloons in these areas is actually for animal safety. Popped or loose balloons could pose a choking hazard if ingested by wildlife or marine animals.

Not to worry, though. You can still enjoy balloons at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios! These parks don’t have the same wildlife concerns. If you purchase a balloon in any of these other theme parks, remember to leave it behind before entering Animal Kingdom or the other restricted areas. Disney offers free balloon storage at the park entrance for your convenience if you happen to forget.

Straws

Like balloons, plastic straws are not allowed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, the water parks, or Animal Kingdom Lodge. This ban applies to all types of straws in these specific locations. So, you can’t even bring your own.

However, you can bring your own reusable straws to other Disney World theme parks – and we recommend that you do! This is especially helpful if you’re visiting with young children as most quick service restaurants and snack kiosks throughout Disney World don’t provide straws. As part of Disney’s environmental conservation efforts, they have eliminated single-use plastics like lids and straws at most dining locations. So, it’s a good idea to pack your own reusable options if you prefer using straws. Reusable metal or silicone straws are popular choices that comply with Disney’s rules.

Costumes

This may come as a surprise, but Disney World has strict rules about costumes in the parks. If you’re 14 or older, you generally can’t wear costumes or costume masks in the parks. But…why? Well, many costumes can be quite realistic and confuse parkgoers into thinking that a regular guest is actually an official Disney character. Disney needs to maintain the integrity of characters and the interactions they have with guests, so this rule is in place to protect the magic.

Note that there are a few exceptions to the costume rule. During certain separately ticketed events, like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, adults can dress up. And, some Star Wars-inspired outfits are also allowed. Just be aware that even if your costume is permitted, you can’t pose as or portray any character. This includes interacting with other guests while in costume or interfering with park operations.

For children under 14, costumes are welcome. However, make sure they’re appropriate and don’t include any items that could be mistaken for weapons.

We recommend that you always check Disney’s official website before your visit. Costume policies may change, and specific events might have different rules. Planning ahead ensures you won’t be disappointed at the park entrance.

Toys That Look Like Weapons

Disney World takes a firm stance on items resembling weapons. You can’t bring toy guns, water blasters, or anything that looks like a real firearm into the parks. This includes bubble guns and other toy weapons that may seem harmless.

However, Disney’s policy isn’t entirely black and white. You’ll find some exceptions, particularly when it comes to fantasy-themed items. Plastic lightsabers and toy pirate swords are still sold in the parks and are generally allowed.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s permitted and what’s not:

Allowed:

• Toy lightsabers
• Plastic pirate swords
• Toy wands

Not Allowed:

• Toy guns (including water guns)
• Bubble blasters
• Realistic-looking weapon replicas

Remember, even if an item is sold in the parks, bringing your own version from outside might not be allowed. When in doubt, it’s best to leave questionable items at home or in your hotel room.

Pepper Spray/Mace

Safety is one of Disney’s top priorities, so let them do the work and leave your pepper spray and mace at home. Disney World strictly prohibits self-defense and restraining devices (including pepper spray and mace) and they will be confiscated at the entrance to any of the theme parks, water parks, or Disney Springs if found in your possession.

These items should be left at home or at your hotel room when visiting. Remember to check your bags and pockets before heading to the parks, as accidentally bringing prohibited items can delay your entry.

Glass Containers

Bringing food storage containers to the parks is one of our biggest hacks for preventing food waste, but be sure to opt for plastic containers instead of glass! Glass containers (including glass water bottles) are banned from Disney World theme parks and water parks, as broken glass can cause a major safety risk if you accidentally drop them.

There are a few exceptions to this policy, however. Small glass containers for baby food and baby bottles are permitted. But, that’s it!

So, leave the glass at home and bring along a plastic reusable water bottle, insulated tumbler, plastic container, or ziplock bags. All of these are permitted in the parks and are great solutions to ensuring you always have water and snacks within reach.

Large Coolers

If you’re planning to save some money on park food and bring your own, be sure that the cooler you pack is allowed in the parks! Disney World has specific rules about coolers you can bring into the parks and has banned coolers larger than 24″ long x 15″ wide x 18″ high. Note that this size restriction applies to all types of containers, including suitcases, bags, and backpacks, whether they have wheels or not.

While you can bring food and drinks into the parks, you’ll need to use a smaller cooler that meets these size requirements. Soft-sided coolers are often a good choice as they’re more flexible and easier to carry.

Keep in mind that loose or dry ice is also not allowed in coolers. Instead, we recommend using reusable ice packs to keep your items cold. This helps maintain food safety while complying with park regulations.

Folding Chairs

With a long day of walking ahead of you, bringing a folding chair to the parks might sound like the ultimate Disney World hack. Yes, it sounds nice, but it’s not allowed. So, leave them at home! Currently, folding chairs are on the list of prohibited items and are not allowed in the theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs. Even if you’re planning to wait in long lines or stake out a spot for fireworks, you’ll need to do so without a portable chair.

The rule covers any chair that folds, including camping chairs, stadium seats, and collapsible stools. If you do try to bring these with you, Disney’s security team will require you to leave them behind before you head into the parks. So, to avoid disappointment, leave your folding chairs at home or in your hotel room.

What can you do instead? Disney provides plenty of seating throughout the parks! You’ll find benches, walls, and other spots to rest. For parades or shows, arrive early to claim a good viewing area where you can sit on the ground. And, remember, comfort is important during your Disney visit. Wear supportive shoes and take breaks when needed. The parks offer many indoor, air-conditioned spaces where you can relax and recharge without a folding chair.

Full List Items Banned From Disney World

Curious what else is banned from Disney World? Below is the FULL LIST of prohibited items, so be sure that you leave any of these at home when you’re packing. We also recommend checking Disney’s website for more details on banned items, as these are subject to change.

Prohibited Items

• Firearms, ammunition, knives and weapons of any kind.
• Self-defense or restraining devices.
• Marijuana or any illegal substance.
• Objects or toys that appear to be firearms or weapons.
• Fireworks or other similarly explosive and/or flammable objects, smoke machines or fog machines.
• Alcoholic beverages, except at the Disney Resort hotels.
• Glass containers (excluding small containers such as baby food jars), except in the Disney Resort hotels.
• Horns, whistles, large megaphones or artificial noise makers.
• Recreational devices such as drones, remote-control toys, skateboards, scooters, inline skates or shoes with built-in wheels. Bicycles are permitted only in designated areas.
• Strollers that are greater than 31″ (79 cm) in width and 52″ (132 cm) in length. Stroller wagons are also prohibited.
• Wagons are prohibited at any theme park or water park.
• Any trailer-like object that is pushed, pulled or towed by an Electric Conveyance Vehicle, wheelchair, stroller or person.
• Wheeled mobility devices with less than 3 wheels or devices that cannot maintain stability and balance when stopped, unpowered and/or unoccupied. Training wheels and/or modifications are not permitted.
• Suitcases, bags, coolers or backpacks, with or without wheels, larger than 24″ long x 15″ wide x 18″ high (61 cm x 38 cm x 46 cm). Loose or dry ice is not permitted in these containers.
• Folding chairs are not allowed.
• Selfie sticks, hand-held extension poles for cameras or mobile devices, flags and banners.
• Tripods or monopod stands that cannot fit inside a standard backpack or that extend over 6’ (182 cm).
• Balloons are not permitted at Animal Kingdom theme park, water parks, ESPN Wide World of Sports, or Animal Kingdom Lodge.
• Plastic straws are not permitted at Animal Kingdom theme park, water parks or Animal Kingdom Lodge.
• Non-Coast Guard approved flotation devices or swim noodles at any water park.

Additional prohibited items at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

• Generators
• Propane heaters
• Large misting fans (personal handheld misting fans are permitted)
• Flags/banners of any kind that are larger than 3’ x 5’ regardless of how the flag/banner is intended to be carried
• Metal flag poles. Flag poles must be made out of wood, plastic and/or PVC. Flag poles cannot be longer than 4’, have diameters larger than 2”, or have decorative or sharp ends.
• Coolers are prohibited at indoor venues, except for team coolers which must remain at the team bench.
• Folding chairs are not permitted in the stadium, indoor venues, or at select outdoor events

Disney World Clothing and Costume Guidelines

In addition to the above items, Disney does have a few regulations on what you can wear to the parks. Here are the current rules on clothing items that are banned from Disney World and costume guidelines:

• Costumes and costume masks, which may not be worn by Guests 14 years of age or older.
  • Exceptions:
    • Specific Separately Ticketed Events
    • Some outfits inspired by Star Wars
• Clothing with objectionable material, including obscene language or graphics
• Excessively torn clothing
• Clothing which, by nature, exposes excessive portions of the skin that may be viewed as inappropriate for a family environment
• Clothing that touches or drags on the ground
• Clothing with multiple layers is subject to search upon entry
• Objectionable tattoos

Banned Activities

And, it’s also worth noting that certain activities are prohibited in the parks and resorts. Be sure to familiarize yourself with this list to ensure that you’re not at risk of being banned from Disney World during your trip!

• The sale of goods or services, or the display of goods or services, unless prior written approval has been obtained.
• The distribution of printed or recorded materials of any kind unless prior written approval has been obtained.
• Engaging with other Guests or impeding operations while posing as or portraying any character in costume.
• Engaging in any unsafe act or other act that may impede the operation of the Walt Disney World Resort or any part thereof.
• Unauthorized access or entry into backstage areas or areas designated only for Cast Members.
• Unauthorized events, speeches, or use of any flag, banner, sign or other material for commercial purposes, or as part of a demonstration.
• Photography, videotaping or recording of any kind, or otherwise engaging in any activity, for unapproved commercial purposes.
• Unauthorized solicitations of any kind, whether commercial, religious, educational or otherwise, or conducting any unauthorized commercial activities, including solicitations of money or other contributions or donations.
• Obstructing sidewalks, entrances, driveways, patios, vestibules, stairways, corridors, halls or landings.
• Hanging any clothing, towels, bedding or other similar items over or on balconies at a Disney Resort hotel or from fire suppression sprinklers.

Comments

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