Wondering what you can bring into Disney World? This guide covers everything you need to know about packing for your next trip and, most importantly, the items you should leave at home.
Disney can be pretty strict (and rightly so) when it comes to allowing certain things inside the parks – although, some of the items that you can bring in might just surprise you.
What You Can Bring Into Disney World Parks
Aside from your favourite pair of Mickey ears, here are the main items you are allowed to bring inside a Disney World park.
Bags, Backpacks, and Purses
Sometimes bringing a backpack to a Walt Disney World park is inevitable. Official guidelines state that bags cannot exceed 24" x 15" x 18" (61 cm x 38 cm x 46 cm), which is approximately the same size as most airline hand luggage allowance.
Medication
If you require a certain medication, you are permitted to take it into a Disney World park. Things like EpiPens, antihistamines, and asthma inhalers should be kept on you at all times.
If you have a different type of medication, it is a good idea to also carry a copy of your prescription so that you can verify this with security if they raise any questions.
Cameras and Electronics
You are allowed to take cameras into Walt Disney World. However, they must be for personal use only. There are no current rules around lens size, though if your camera looks “too professional” security may refuse you entry.
Guests are permitted to take a tripod or monopod stand, so long as it fits in a backpack and doesn’t extend over 6 feet (182 cm). Selfie sticks and drones are not allowed.
Laptops and iPads are also permitted inside the park, though we recommend leaving these in the hotel room and enjoying your time at Disney World without looking at screens.
One thing we urge you to take with you into the parks is a portable phone charger. Because dining reservations, Lightning Lanes, and Genie+ are all stored on the mobile app, phone batteries can run down very quickly.
Service Animals
It’s important that guests are comfortable, so Disney allows service animals into the park. Disney guidelines currently restrict this to service dogs or miniature horses, though it’s a good idea to speak to cast members in advance to double-check whether your service animal will be allowed into the park.
The animals are also able to interact with characters, as seen in the adorable video below.
There are a few rides in which the service animals will not be able to enter, but Disney offers a rider switch and portable kennel option to ensure the owner can enjoy their day at the park.
Wheelchairs and Strollers
Guests with disabilities or young children have two options at the parks and Disney Springs. It is possible to both rent a wheelchair/stroller from Disney World or bring your own. Rental fees vary and there is also a small deposit that you will get back after you drop the wheelchair/stroller off.
Disney World also offers Electronic Conveyance Vehicle rental within the parks and Disney Springs.
Can You Bring Food Into Disney World?
Short answer: yes. You can – and should – bring your own snacks into Walt Disney World if you’re looking to save some cash or have fussy eaters in your party.
There are a few caveats, though. Food must be non-heatable as cast members will not be allowed to microwave your food, and items must not have a strong odour. Additionally, items must not be in a glass bottle, though baby food is an exception.
What Can You NOT Bring Into Disney World?
Okay, so now you know what you can bring into any of the parks, let’s take a look at the items Disney does not approve of. Before arriving at the ticket barriers, all guests must go through a strict security screening which includes a bag check. Security will search for the following…
Cigarettes, Vapes, and Alcohol
Let’s get the major (and, hopefully, most obvious ones) out of the way. You cannot bring illegal substances or alcohol into any of the parks – security will also refuse you entry if it seems like you are intoxicated.
Smoking and vaping are also forbidden in the parks, so guests are unable to bring cigarettes or vapes. Lighters and matches will also be confiscated.
Smoking areas are located at resorts and just outside the theme park entrance but, as we mentioned, you cannot bring equipment inside the parks so we recommend you leave it at your resort.
Firearms and Knives
It should come as no surprise that Disney has a strict no-firearm policy. This is in place at all resorts, parks, and at Disney Springs. If guests are found to be in possession of a weapon, they will be refused entry onto Disney property.
Luggage and Hard Coolers
Next up is luggage. While jumping off your flight and heading straight to your favourite park might be tempting, security will not let you enter with a suitcase or large luggage.
A backpack is fine, but anything larger will not be accepted and you’ll be directed to your hotel. The parks do have lockers inside, though they are pretty small and on a first-come-first-served basis.
While you can bring non-alcoholic drinks in a soft cooler, hard coolers are not allowed to be taken into any of the parks at Walt Disney World. This is the same for ice, however, you can ask a quick service restaurant for a cup of ice and they will happily hand one over for free.
Selfie Sticks
One of the most commonly confiscated items at Disney World is selfie sticks. This tends to catch a lot of people out, but Disney banned them back in 2015 when they first became popular. The reason for this is that they pose both a threat on rides and in parades during busier seasons.
If you want to snap some beautiful photos of the parks, you are allowed to take a gimbal (the same goes for GoPro handles) as long as it does not extend and can fit inside your park bag.
Costumes
Contrary to popular belief, costumes are another big no-no at Disney World. While smaller children can dress up as their favourite character, adults are not permitted to wear costumes in the parks.
This is so that Disney can keep the magic alive and avoid children feeling confused when they see multiple of the same character. It also prevents any security issues, such as a guest being granted access backstage.
That said, Disney Bounding (i.e. wearing regular clothes that match characters) is allowed in the park. This is encouraged and the character performers will often react in extremely fun ways.
Disney has multiple rules about what guests can and can’t wear into the park – you can view the full guidelines here.
As you can imagine, this list is non-exhaustive. If you have a particular medical condition or would like to bring something into the park not covered in this article, we recommend contacting Disney on the relevant line.
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