Banned at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World has several rules to ensure guest safety & protect the resort environment. In recent years, several new restrictions have been introduced, including a ban on smoking and restrictions on strollers inside the parks. In this post, we cover what is banned at Walt Disney World.

Walt Disney World Security

Walt Disney World has a large security presence. In addition, to Walt Disney World security guards, you will likely encounter uniformed police officers and dogs.

All guests will be screened for security before entering the parks, including checks on wheelchairs and strollers.

How screening takes place has changed in recent years. Now most guests walk through scanners and only have a traditional bag search if they set off the scanners. Occasionally, guests might be randomly picked for screening even if they did not set off the scanner.

Strollers, wheelchairs, and ECVs go through a separate line, where a more traditional search occurs.

Certain items, including glasses cases, umbrellas, and chargers, are more likely to set off the scanners. Carrying these items in front of you as you walk is advisable. If you are carrying many electrical items, space them out in your bag.

The scanning process has sped up Disney Security, but if you should be picked for a more formal bag check, waits can be quite long.

Prohibited items at Walt Disney World

The majority of items prohibited at Walt Disney World are relatively obvious. Despite this, several reports have occurred of security staff intercepting guests carrying guns into the parks. Disney security staff should be complimented for catching these guests, but it is hard to believe how often this has happened.

Items that are prohibited at the paks include:-

• Illegal drugs and alcohol
• All weapons, including toy guns and restraining devices.
• Fireworks
• Glass containers and baby food being an exclusion from this policy
• Items that can make loud noises, e.g., whistles, megaphones
• Drones, remote-controlled toys, skateboards, scooters, bicycles, inline skates, and shoes with built-in wheels
• Strollers over certain sizes(we discuss this below)
• Wagons & Trailers
• Mobility devices that don’t have at least three wheels or cannot stand upright alone.
• Any bag which is larger than 24” long x 15” wide x 18” high
• Loose or dry ice
• Folding chairs
• Selfie sticks, tripods, and extension poles. Tripods and monopods that fit inside a backpack and extend no longer than 6″ are allowed.
• Non-service animals

Also, balloons and plastic straws are not allowed at the Animal Kingdom. There are also some additional restrictions at Waterparks and the Wide World of Sport which you should check before you visit.

However, Disney reserves the right to prohibit any item they consider harmful or disruptive.

Dress Code at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World reserves the right to refuse admission to guests who they feel are dressed inappropriately. This also covers tattoos that should be covered up if considered inappropriate.

Proper attire, including shoes and shirts, must always be worn. Perhaps surprisingly, this includes wearing costumes & masks by all guests over the age of 14. However, there are slightly different policies for Halloween parties and Run Disney events, which you should check in advance.

If you are unsure whether something is allowed at Walt Disney World, it probably isn’t, and you should check the Disney World website.

Strollers at Walt Disney World

No strollers are not banned at Walt Disney World, but there are restrictions on what you can bring into the park.

If you are bringing your own stroller, new rules were introduced a few years ago.

Wagons, including stroller wagons, are now prohibited inside parks. In addition, strollers should be no larger than 31” wide and 52″ long when measured across the widest and longest points.

Permitted ECVs and Wheelchairs

Most Walt Disney World facilities are accessible to all guests. However, there are some rules on mobility aids, including they must have no modifications, including trailers.

Devices can not have less than three wheels and must be able to maintain stability when stopped or unoccupied. Devices can be either manually or electrically powered but must not operate faster than a walking pace.

All aids must only be for a single rider and can not be larger than 36 inches in width and 52 inches in length.

Smoking at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, water parks, and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex are now smoke-free, including vaping.

Designated smoking areas are available outside the parks, but all internal points have been removed.

In addition to theme parks, smoking is not permitted within resorts, including balconies. There are small designated smoking areas inside all resorts.

Prohibited activities at Walt Disney World

There are several activities you are not allowed to do at Walt Disney World, but they are all fairly obvious:

• Selling items or providing services
• The distribution of printed or recorded materials
• Portraying a costumed character, and this includes engaging with other guests at Halloween parties
• Engaging in activity that might be considered unsafe
• Unauthorized events, demonstrations, speeches, or other activities. This includes the use of flags, flyers, or banners.
• Accessing backstage areas
• Feeding any animals in the parks
• Photography, audio recording, or video recording for commercial purposes. In theory, most Vlogging isn’t allowed, but we know this isn’t enforced.
• Running
• Disruptive behavior
• Causing obstruction

Disney reserves the right to prohibit any activity they might consider harmful or disruptive.

Planning your Walt Disney World Vacation

Our Guide to Walt Disney World is a fantastic place to start planning your vacation.