What You Can & Can't Bring Into Disney Parks!

The SKYLINER CHRONICLES | A TRAVEL BLOG | EDITION 005 | Jen BALSIGER

What You Can & Can't Bring Into Disney Parks

Updated: Winter 2025. To keep things running so smoothly and safely, Disney has some rules on what you can and can’t bring into Disney Parks. We are here to help you know everything on that list to have the easiest vacation possible!

What You Can and Can't Bring into Disney Theme Parks

There is so much that goes into a Disney vacation and sometimes you don't even think about what you can and can't bring into the theme parks until the last minute. Well we are here for you with some updated policies regarding what you can and can't bring into Disney Parks.

These policies apply to both Disneyland Resort in California, and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Security checkpoints are various points before you arrive at the gates and before you can store any items in a locker. Prohibited items will not be permitted past security, even if you planned on storing them inside a locker. All of these rules are in place to help everyone have the most enjoyable park experience possible. We are going to go over the most important and frequently asked questions on what you can and can't bring into Disney Parks in Florida and California.

The Quick List of What You Can Bring into Disney Parks

• Strollers

• Food

• Drinks

• Backpacks

• Bags

• Purses

• Medication

• Service Dogs

• Makeup

Have more questions on these allowed items? We’ll discuss them in more detail below.

The Quick List What You Can’t Bring into Disney Parks

• Wagons

• Large and/or hard side coolers

• Loose ice

• Glass containers

• Alcoholic beverages

• Cigarettes / E-cigarettes / Vape Pens

• Selfie sticks

• Luggage

• Folding chairs

• Masks / Adult costumes

• Skateboards

• Matches / Lighters

• Pepper Spray

• Speakers

• Wrapped gifts

• Shopping baskets
  

Keep reading for more details on these items, plus a list of interesting things that are also prohibited. Because even though you may have never even considered bringing that Pogo Stick, it is also not allowed at Disney Parks.

+What You Can Bring into Disney Parks

There are so many things you can bring with you to Disney Parks that sometimes it’s hard to pair it down. Good thing lockers are always an option! Here are some items that are totally ok to bring, and some you may have not even thought of bringing until now.

You Can Bring or Rent a Stroller at Disney Parks

We’ve seen strollers save the day more than once at Disney! You are more than welcome to bring your stroller from home or rent one a single or double stroller right at theme parks. Not only are they great for pushing around tired children, strollers are also perfect for storing snacks, drinks, souvenirs and whatever else you can think of!

Strollers brought into the Resorts must be no larger than 31" (79cm) wide and 52" (132cm) long. Measure from the very widest parts of the stroller to find its maximum width and length and check if it fits. These dimensions apply to many common single and double strollers.

You Can Bring Food and Drinks to Disney Parks

Snacks and pre-made foods (like sandwiches) are all allowed into Disney Parks. Plus, they are a huge life and money saver! When your kids get hungry in the middle of line or you are just looking for something to hold you over until you are ready for a corn dog, snacks are invaluable. Also, admittedly, Disney food has never been known for its value (but it is all so delicious!). So if you are looking to save a bit of extra cash, bring in your own pre-made meal for a few lunches or dinners of your vacation to help out! You will also be doing a lot of walking at the parks and it is important to stay hydrated. Non-alcoholic drinks and waters are totally something you can bring into Disney, it’s even encouraged! It is so nice to have a drink on hand whenever you need to quench your thirst. You can bring refillable water bottles and refill them at water stations throughout the parks. You might have also noticed the “no loose ice” rule listed in the other section of this article. An easy fix is to freeze a few water bottles and put them in the bottom of your soft side cooler. Then as they melt, you have ice cold water! If you still need ice, be sure it is contained in a sealed bag, or use an ice pack.

You Can Bring a Blanket to Disney Parks

Bring something you don’t mind putting on the ground. Blankets or beach towels are perfect for when you need to save a spot for your favorite Disney Parade or warming up on a cool evening or even drying off after a water ride. Blankets are great when you have a stroller or bag that make it easy to carry around!

You Can Bring a Backpack to Disney Parks

You can bring your bag or backpack on almost every single ride at Disney Parks. With the exception of a couple attractions, every ride at Disney will have a small pouch for you to stow your backpack, or space at your feet. Your trusty bag can take on all the adventures Disney has to offer with you! Just remember all bags will be screened and/or searched as you enter the secure Disney perimeter. You Can Bring Medication to Disney Parks

We have stated this above, but will reiterate it here: Disney wants everyone to have the most magical vacation. So if you need any specific medications, food or liquids, Disney will make an exception if you need it to have a safe and healthy visit. Prescription and over the counter medication do not need to be in their original containers but you may be asked what they are. Please note marijuana is not permitted at Disney Parks in any form.

You Can Bring Personal Cameras to Disney Parks

As long as it is not a large, professional camera (think a TV Camera), you are free to bring your personal camera with you to Disney Parks. And we highly recommend it! There is nothing quite like looking back on all of your Disney vacation photos.

You Can Bring Service Dogs to Disney Parks

We once had the honor of riding Pirates of the Caribbean with a service dog. That hard-working professional pup enjoyed every minute of the ride, all while helping their owner have the best experience. Disney is fantastic about any sort of special needs you, or the people travel with, might have. Let the Cast Members know at City Hall on Main Street U.S.A. if there is any additional services you might need. They are always happy to help.

You Can Bring Makeup to Disney Parks

Many guests inquire about bringing makeup into the park. While there is nothing on the Disney website regarding make up, we recommend having it in clear plastic containers so it is easily identifiable when bags are screened at security.

You Can Bring Glow Sticks to Disney Parks

These add fun to every Disney vacation! When you are there as the sun sets or the lights go down, it’s also a great way to keep an eye on your group.

You Can Bring Battery Packs to Disney Parks

If you need to bring one to charge your phone, laptop or other electronic device, you are welcome to.

You Can Bring Mini Fans to Disney Parks

You can bring a battery operated, portable mini fan into the park to help you keep cool.

You Can Bring Umbrellas to Disney Parks

We all know it rains frequently at Walt Disney World, and yes it can rain at Disneyland too! We absolutely recommend bringing an umbrella into Disney Parks if the weather is looking dreary.

-What You CanNOT Bring into Disney Parks

We gave you a quick rundown of some banned Disney Park items above, but some might need a little more explanation.

No Wagons at Disney Parks

If you are looking to carry children or items, a stroller is the best option for you. All push and pull wagons are something you can't bring into Disney Parks. As of May 1, 2019, this applies to stroller style wagons as well. Any push wagons you might see in the parks are designated ADA items and are permitted at the discretion of Disney Parks security team.

No Large, Hard Side Coolers at Disney Parks

Other than soft sided coolers that are no larger than the 6-pack of soda, no coolers are allowed in the parks. If you want a cool drink, most quick-service restaurants will give you a cup of ice, free of charge! Then just pour your own drink in. If you have a medication or dietary restriction that needs to stay cool, talk to a Cast Member and they will be able to help you bring those items in.

No Loose Ice at Disney Parks

No loose ice or dry ice is permitted at Disney Parks. Instead, you’ll need to use a reusable ice pack or keep ice in a sealed bag.

No Glass Containers or Outside Alcohol at Disney Parks

No glass containers or outside alcohol is allowed anywhere inside of the Disneyland Resort. But that doesn't mean you can't find alcohol there. If you are looking for some delicious and unique alcoholic beverages, head on over to Oga’s Cantina, Blue Bayou or almost any dining location at Disney California Adventure Park for some awesome Disney inspired drinks. Downtown Disney also serves alcoholic beverages at most sit down restaurants.

For the glass container rule, baby food is of course the lone exception.

No Cigarettes / E-cigarettes / Vape Pens at Disney Parks

Smoking and vaping are no longer allowed in either Disneyland or Walt Disney World. In the past there have been designated smoking areas, but they are no longer available inside either Resort. Designated smoking areas are now off-property, and smoking areas near Disney Resort hotels can still be identified by the front desk staff.

No Selfie Sticks at Disney Parks

These little beauties have been banned at Disney Parks for multiple safety reasons, including people losing them on rides. Instead grab a friend with long arms and take some sweet Disney selfies the old-fashioned way.

You can also have photos taken by one of the many Disney PhotoPass photographers throughout the Resorts.

No Luggage at Disney Parks

If you will be coming to Disney straight from the airport, you will need to make a quick pit stop at your hotel first. Even if your room isn’t quite ready yet, all of our hotels will hold your luggage free of charge. That way, you can easily hop on over to the parks without worrying about what to do with your belongings.

No Folding Chairs at Disney Parks

Other than cane-chairs and mobility aids, folding chairs are something you can't bring into Disney Parks. When you are looking to sit down for a bit you can find plenty of benches and seating around the park for you to enjoy. And if you are looking to grab a bench during a parade, stake out your seat early!

No Costume Masks or Adult Costumes at Disney Parks

Costume masks are not allowed at any time of year, even during Halloween or Christmas events. For both adults and children, you will have to get creative if you are looking to dress up as that perfect Disney character. “Disney bounding” is appropriate for adults, while costumes are allowed for children year-round. Hats and face paint are a great alternative while still following the rules and getting into the spirit of Disney.

No Skateboards at Disney Parks

You can have your head in the stars, but you will need to keep your feet on the ground at Disneyland. Skateboards can be dangerous to the rider and other guests in the park.

No Wrapped Gifts at Disney Parks

If you are going to Disney Parks, Disney Springs or Downtown Disney for a birthday party or any sort of celebration—be sure to keep the gift unwrapped or in a gift bag. As long as the Cast Member at security can see what the gift is, and it is something allowed in the parks, you are golden.

No Matches or Lighters at Disney Parks

If you want to celebrate a birthday in the parks, you can bring your own candle for a cake or cupcake, but a match will need to be requested from a Cast Member (most likely in a restaurant). We actually suggest having the birthday celebration in a dining setting where you can request a special, birthday related treat.

No Speakers at Disney Parks

Disney does not permit items that may be disruptive, so err on the side of caution and leave Bluetooth speakers in the hotel room or at home. Plus, the background music in each land is unique to that area and adds to all the magic of your Disney vacation.

No Pepper Spray or Weapons at Disney Parks

Since this is considered a weapon (albeit one for self defense) pepper spray is not allowed at Disney Parks. All other weapons including pocket knives, guns or any toy that has a trigger or weapon-like look to it need to be kept at home.

Strange Things You Can't Bring into Disneyland

To make this list as comprehensive as possible, we thought we would include some of the stranger items on the list of what you can't bring into Disney Parks just in case. We all know these items are on here for some reason or another.

Here is more of what you can't bring into Disney Parks:

• Unicycles/Tricycles/Motorcycles

• Sporting Equipment

• Sling Shots

• Stink Bombs

• Airhorns

• Musical Instruments

• Pots and Pans

• Fire Extinguishers

• Pogo Sticks

• Cremated Remains

• Weapons (including items that could be used as items)

Because security is located before the lockers, you will want to double check everyone in your party before you leave your hotel to make sure no one has accidentally brought any of the banned items.

What You Can and Can't Bring Into Disney Parks Wrap-Up

Did this post help you? Leave us a comment below!

We want your next, best Disney vacation to be as smooth and stress-free as possible. If you have any questions on any of the items mentioned above on our list of things you can and can't bring into Disney Parks, or if there is anything we missed, either leave us a comment below, or reach out at jenandverlin@fantasticalvacations.com

You can also check Disney's official list of what you can and can't bring into Disneyland on disneyland.com. We would love to help however we can with what you can and can’t bring into Disneyland and beyond! If you're still in the process of planning your Disney vacation, be sure to reach out and Fantastical Vacations by Jen and Verlin we'll give you the best deals on tickets, hotels, and more!

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Here's to your next, best Fantastical Vacation, -Jen and Verlin

jenandverlin@fantasticalvacations.com