Know Before You Go: What You Can and Cannot Bring Into Disney World

As you plan your next Central Florida Disney World vacation, it’s essential that you have a good understanding of what you will and will not be allowed to bring through the park gates when you arrive. Those traveling with little ones are likely used to bringing along everything but the kitchen sink when heading out for a day trip, but at Disney that may not fly. Here’s a quick guide to what you can and cannot bring into Disney World, with the caveat that you should always head to this page to check out the very latest restrictions before you depart for the park.

What’s Allowed

The park allows guests to bring essential personal items including sunscreen, water plus refillable water bottles, other non-alcoholic beverages, and medication into the parks as long as they are carried in appropriately sized bags. Backpacks, fanny packs, purses, and tote bags are allowed, though they are limited to 24” long by 15” wide by 18” high and are subject to screening at the entrance security checkpoint. Food is also allowed, which is a big plus for those contending with allergies or dietary restrictions. Food brought into the park must be for your own consumption and not require any heating or refrigeration. If you need to keep something cool you are allowed to bring a cooler as long as it meets the bag measurement restrictions and it doesn’t contain loose ice. Instead, you are allowed to pack reusable ice packs in your cooler.

What’s Prohibited

As far as what’s prohibited, the list is lengthy but generally follows the theme of restricting anything that is potentially dangerous or disruptive. Some highlights of note are that wagons are completely prohibited regardless of their measurements as are noisemakers, toys that appear like weapons, and, in many of the parks, balloons.   

A Few Loopholes

There are a few loopholes to be aware of as you pack for your day at Disney. First, although glass containers are prohibited in the parks if you are bringing a little one with you and need to bring in baby food, small glass containers of baby food are allowed. You are also allowed to bring in baby formula, and although the rules state that the park cannot assist with food heating or refrigeration, in-park Baby Care Centers do offer access to sinks and microwaves for bottle preparation. Additionally, the stroller policy changes frequently, but the current guidelines allow strollers that measure up to 31” wide by 52” long. One way to be sure that you don’t show up with a stroller that is turned away is to plan to rent one inside the park.  

In addition to being up to date with park guidelines, selecting an affordable and convenient place to stay must also be on your vacation planning to-do list. Close to the Disney complex are several options including the Crowne Plaza Lake Buena Vista. Other great area selections include the Wyndham Orlando Resort & Conference Center/Celebration, and Staybridge Suites Orlando Royale Parc. Near the entertainment of International Drive, check out Comfort Inn International, Element Orlando International Drive, or Best Western International Drive. Happy vacationing!Â