These Things Are BANNED From Walt Disney World

A trip to Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is the most magical experience on earth. However, to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for all guests, Walt Disney World Resort has a list of items that are banned inside the Central Florida theme parks. These rules are in place to maintain a secure and family-friendly environment while also keeping operations smooth for Disney cast members and guests.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney Parks fan, it’s important to know what you should leave home to avoid surprises at the park entrance. Planning ahead ensures you can breeze through security without delays and enjoy your day without any inconvenience.

Banned Items at Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World Resort enforces strict security measures to maintain a family-friendly atmosphere. Guests must bring their belongings through security scanners or surrender them for manual search before entry, so understanding what’s banned can save time and frustration. Below are the main categories of items that are strictly prohibited inside Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

1. Weapons and Hazardous Objects

Safety is Disney’s top priority, and any items that could pose a threat to guests or cast members are strictly prohibited. Walt Disney World Resort’s rules ban the following items:

• Firearms, ammunition, and explosives, including fireworks or sparklers
• Knives, box cutters, or blades of any kind, regardless of size
• Self-defense weapons, including pepper spray, tasers, and brass knuckles
• Projectile items such as slingshots, nunchucks, throwing stars, and boomerangs
• Toy or replica weapons (including toy guns and blasters, even if they are non-functional)
• Items with sharp edges or spikes that could cause injury
• Any item that Disney deems dangerous or disruptive

2. Outside Alcohol and Illegal Substances

Disney maintains a controlled environment for alcohol consumption, restricting outside beverages and illicit substances.

• Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited in all Disney theme parks, with the exception of Disney Springs and select resort areas where guests can purchase drinks.
• Illegal drugs, narcotics, or controlled substances are strictly banned.
• Marijuana and cannabis-infused products, including edibles and CBD items, are not allowed on Disney property, even for medicinal use.
• Guests who appear under the influence may be denied entry or removed from the parks.

3. Large Wheeled Devices (Beyond Strollers and Mobility Aids)

While Disney allows certain strollers and mobility aids, certain wheeled items are banned due to potential safety hazards or congestion issues.

• Bicycles, scooters, and hoverboards
• Skateboards, roller skates, and inline skates
• Wagons, except for those used as an approved mobility aid
• Remote-controlled cars, drones, and other flying devices
• Shoes with built-in wheels (such as Heelys), which can cause trip hazards

4. Large Strollers and Oversized Items

To ensure smooth park navigation and reduce congestion, Walt Disney World Resort has specific size restrictions for strollers and other large items.

• Strollers wider than 31 inches (79 cm) and longer than 52 inches (132 cm) are not permitted.
• Stroller wagons are prohibited, even if they meet size requirements.
• Large suitcases, coolers, and backpacks exceeding 24 inches x 15 inches x 18 inches are prohibited.

It’s important to note that strollers with wheelchair tags are not beholden to these requirements, so you may see a few oversized strollers or wagons in the Disney parks. Families who need these mobility aids can apply for the exception tag at Guest Services.

5. Glass Containers

• Glass bottles and containers are not allowed, except for small baby food jars or required medical supplies.

This restriction helps prevent injuries from broken glass and ensures a safer environment for guests.

6. Balloons and Plastic Straws (Restricted in Certain Areas)

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and other conservation-focused areas enforce additional environmental protection rules.

• To prevent harm to animals, balloons and plastic straws are not permitted at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, and select Disney Resort areas.
• Reusable straws or biodegradable options are recommended for guests visiting these areas.
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park offers a balloon daycare in the Guest Services office near the park entrance. Guests must surrender their balloons when arriving at the Disney park and pick them up when they leave.

7. Selfie Sticks and Large Camera Equipment

Walt Disney World Resort prioritizes safety and the guest experience, so certain photography equipment is restricted.

• Selfie sticks, tripods taller than 6 feet, and camera extension poles are prohibited inside the parks.
• Drones and professional recording equipment require prior approval.
• Live-streaming with professional-grade setups may be restricted in certain areas, especially on attractions.

8. Costumes for Adults (With Exceptions)

Planning your vacation outfits is part of the fun, but Disney has strict rules about costumes for adult guests.

• Guests 14 years and older are prohibited from wearing costumes, except during special ticketed events such as Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
• DisneyBounding (dressing in outfits inspired by Disney characters but without full costumes) is permitted and encouraged.
• Children under 14 may wear costumes, but masks are only allowed if they do not obstruct vision.

9. Noise-Making Devices and Disruptive Items

To maintain a pleasant atmosphere for all Disney Park guests, loud and disruptive items are prohibited.

• Airhorns, whistles, megaphones, and large portable speakers are not allowed.
• Flags, banners, and large signs that could block views or create distractions are prohibited.
• Musical instruments or sound-amplifying devices are not permitted unless part of an approved performance.

10. Loose Ice and Dry Ice

• Guests cannot bring loose ice or dry ice into the parks. Outside food is permitted, but reusable ice packs are recommended for keeping those snacks and drinks cool.
• This policy helps streamline security checks and prevents spills or messes at bag screening locations.

What Happens If You Bring a Banned Item to Walt Disney World Resort?

If you accidentally bring a prohibited item, security will require you to return it to your car or Disney Resort hotel room before entering the park.

• Disney does not offer storage for banned items, so make sure to double-check your bags before heading to the parks.
• If an item is confiscated, you will not be able to retrieve it later.
• Bringing certain restricted items may result in further security screening or denied entry.

Tips for Smooth Theme Park Entry

To avoid delays at security checkpoints, follow these tips:

• Review Walt Disney World Resort’s official banned items list before packing.
• Use an easily accessible bag to make security screening faster.
• Pack only the essentials to avoid unnecessary hold-ups.
• Check stroller and cooler sizes to ensure they comply with Disney’s guidelines.
• Arrive early to allow time for security screening, especially during peak seasons.

What are your must-bring items for a visit to Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Share them with Disney Tips in the comments!