Disney Bag Policy: Mistakes to Avoid

There’s nothing worse than getting up early to drive to Disney World only to be turned around at the gate, but that’s exactly what’s going to happen if you bring in any of the items we’re going to discuss below. We are taking a deep dive into the Disney Bag Policy.

Like most things at Disney, the parks (and Disney Springs) are extremely strict on what’s allowed in and what’s not. After all, one of their top priorities is safety so while you may not think that the selfie stick you want to use is going to harm anyone, it’s been banned after one too many people used them on rides and accidentally smacked other guests in the face. Here’s everything you need to know about the Disney bag policy, so you can enjoy your day at the parks without issue:

What is the Official Disney Bag Policy?

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According to Disney’s website, “suitcases, bags, coolers, or backpacks, with or without wheels, larger than 24” long x 15” wide x 18” high are not allowed in any theme park or water park.”

Furthermore, the following items are prohibited from entering any Disney theme park, water, park, and Disney Springs: 

• Loose dry ice 
• Selfie sticks/hand-held extension poles for camera
• Firearms, ammunition, knives, or any other type of weapon
• Pepper spray, mace, and all other types of self-defense items
• Marijuana or another illegal substance
• Toys that look like firearms or weapons
• Glass bottles, except for baby food jars
• Alcoholic beverages of any kind, however, you can bring wine to Disney Springs if being consumed at a table service restaurant
• Noisemakers, including horns, megaphones, and whistles
• Fireworks, fog machines, and other explosive/flammable items
• Recreational items, including inline skates, shoes with built-in wheels, drones, and remote-control toys

While other items such as folding chairs and wagons are also prohibited, packing any of the items in your bag or on your person while visiting Disney is a big no-no. In fact, bringing in items that are clearly illegal and dangerous can get you banned from the Disney parks. 

What Should be in Your Disney Bag?

Let’s switch mouse gears. You now know what you shouldn’t bring in your Disney bag or person, but what should you bring to make your day at the park more convenient? Keep in mind that bringing too much (or too little) with you to the parks can end up ruining your day, so to streamline this process, we’ve put together a little list of all the essentials you’ll need for a magical day at Disney World:

• Your Magic Bands/Park Tickets
• Sunglasses
• Poncho or Umbrella
• Hand Sanitizer
• Snacks (pretzels, chips, gummy snacks, granola bars. You want to avoid snacks that will spoil in the Florida heat)
• Phone and Portable Phone Charger (if you forget this, you can always grab a Fuel Rod)
• Sunscreen
• Minnie Ears
• Prescriptions if you need to take them during the day

Read more: Biggest Disney Bag Mistakes to Avoid

While Florida is known for its warm, tropical weather, keep in mind that you may have to bring some warmer clothes depending on the time of year you’re visiting. Temperatures can drop into the 40s in January, so you’ll want to bring a jacket and some long pants with you.

When I was about 14, the temps dropped all the way into the 30s and my dad was forced to buy a new coat in the Mexico pavilion (that he kept for like 20 years to get his money’s worth). Keep in mind, though, that while the mornings and evenings may feel a bit cooler, temps usually creep back up into the 70s mid-afternoon, so you may want to rent a locker upon arrival in the parks that way you’re not logging a giant coat around throughout the day. 

If you have young children, don’t forget to pack:

• Food/Formula
• Diapers/Wipes
• Sun Hat
• Stroller Cover
• Stroller Fan
• Change of Clothes
• Small Toy

Read more: The Perfect Backpack Diaper Bag for Disney World

When it comes to bringing small toys, I recommend substituting their favorite item to avoid it getting lost forever. Years ago, my nephew was obsessed with his stuffed dog, but the last thing his mom wanted to experience was losing it at the parks, so before our trips to Disney, she’d head on over to Amazon and buy 1-2 of the same toy to pack with her just in case one got lost. This way, the one he loved was safe back home, but he wasn’t without it while in the parks. Of course, this is Disney World, so there are plenty of options for buying toys in the parks, as well, if you prefer. 

Read more: Do You Own These Rare Loungefly Backpacks?

Things to Leave Out of Your Disney Bag

When it comes to packing a Disney bag, the goal is to bring with you the things you’ll need to stay comfortable throughout the day. All of the Disney parks have a first aid and baby care center so bringing your own bandaids, for example, would be a waste of space that can be used for other items. Aside from prohibited items, you should leave the following items out of your Disney bag: 

• First aid kit (remember, there are first aid stations in each park that has everything you’ll need if you fall down and skin your knee, get hurt, etc).
• Towels (I’m talking about those big fluffy towels you’d bring to the pool with you. All the Disney water parks have towels handy, so you don’t need to bring your own with you during a day at the water parks. If you want to bring a cooling towel with you to the parks, that’s fine, but leave the big ones at your resort).
• Larger toys (they’ll take up a lot of room in your bag and could be heavy to lug around all day).
• More Minnie Ears than you’ll genuinely wear (I’m a big culprit of this and though I’d like to switch my ears every time I visit a new land, the reality is that I won’t and I end up taking up way too much space to hold snacks or other souvenirs because I crammed too many ears I’m not going to end up wearing in my park bag).
• Cash (Not only can cash easily be lost, but it’s going to be a pain to get out every time you want to buy a snack, bottle of water, or souvenir. You can put money on your Magic Band, which allows you to make cashless payments for the duration of your trip). 

Remember, your Disney park bag should be something that’s easy to wear, while also holding only the items you’ll genuinely need during the day. It’s very easy to think you’re going to need everything, but the reality is that most of the time you won’t even use them. Keep it to the essentials and remember that Disney has a lot of those items you may forget such as sunglasses, sunscreen, diapers, hand sanitizer, and first aid items available just in case you need them. 

What’s in your Disney park bag? Let us know your essentials. Don’t forget to follow WDW Vacation Tips on Instagram for all the latest Disney tips, tricks, and trivia.