Banned at Disney World - What You Can't Take Into the Parks

By Jennifer Stuart

There have long been rules about what you can and can't bring into Disney World.  This blog post details some of the common items you will want to know about and some that may surprise you. Updated to include changes and policies that come into effect May 1, 2019.

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Disney has had to make adjustments to its policies over time depending on the changes in society.

Selfie Sticks

When selfie sticks first exploded on the scene they quickly became a banned item at Disney World  There were immediate issues with people accidentally hitting other guests and impacting the safe performance of some rides.  In some cases this made it nescessary to shut down rides and evacuate guests.

No-Smoking

This is a new one.  There have been some small areas scattered throughout the parks that were designated smoking areas. As of May 1, 2019 there is absolutely no smoking in any of the four Disney World Parks. (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios)    This includes all forms of smoking, including e-cigarettes and vaping. There still will be smoking areas at Disney Resort Hotels for guests staying on property and for those with dining reservations.

Stroller Size Limits

Much like there are size limits on luggage for flights there will now be size limits on strollers.  Just as most luggage fits the size restrictions on airplanes, most strollers will fit the size limits that Disney has announced. (31" wide x 52" long). Alternatives could be buying a cheap smaller stroller from Walmart or Target or renting a stroller from Disney World.

Wagons

Wagons have been a banned item at Disney World for a number of years.  Recently the rise in popularity of stroller-wagons was a grey area.  The new rules in effect May 1, 2019 clarify this and include wagon-style strollers as a prohibited item.

Glass Containers

This is one that caught my sister-in-law by surprise.  She had completely forgotten that her water bottle was glass and had to run it back to the hotel.  This is obviously a safety rule but does still include glass containers and baby bottles (the exception to this is the small size baby food containers).  When bringing in outside drinks you want to make sure that you have a plastic bottle or decant into a re-usable plastic or metal bottle. ​

​These are a couple of our favourite water bottles for in the parks.

Ice

​As of March 28, 2019 bringing outside loose ice or dry ice is now prohibited.  You may want to bring re-usable ice packs with you if you live close enough or if your hotel has a freezer so that you can re-freeze your packs. Note: if you are planning to bring a cooler you will want to check the restrictions on cooler size.
Insider Tip:  You can request a free cup of ice from any quick service food location.

Costumes on Adults

Costumes are restricted to children as Disney doesn't want adults in amazing fan-made costumes walking through the parks and having guests mistake them for the real thing.  A work around this is to do what is known as a "Disney Bound" -- where you dress in regular clothes that are inspired by your favourite Disney character or even ride.  This can be a super fun way to show your creativity.  Check out our Pinterest board  on Disney Bounding for some of our favourite creative Disney Bounds.

Mickey's Halloween Party - Disneyland

​The exception to this is guests attending Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.  Always check updated  costume guidelines so you know what is allowed for this event.

Weapons

This seems like a logical one but you would be surprised how many items are caught  by security.  Nothing that can be considered a weapon is allowed.  Toys/replicas that look like weapons are also  prohibited in the parks.

And More...

There are more items than this that are banned from the parks or have regulations regarding their use.  For a complete and up to date list check the Disney World website here.

If You enjoyed this post, you may be interested in some of our other Disney posts.

All photos by Jennifer Stuart

Comments? Questions? We would love to hear from you.