No vapes or beer: Here's what you can and can't bring to Disney parks
While Disney is dubbed the "happiest place on Earth," it takes a lot of work to keep it that way. Which is why you won't see any dangerous weapons, illegal substances, or even just extra large strollers just casually around the parks.
All theme parks have guest policies and codes of conduct published on their websites, with Disney World banning numerous items and behaviors to help ensure the safety and experiences of fellow guests.
Got a trip coming up and worried you'll accidentally pack banned cargo in your purse or pockets? Here are a few that first-timers, or even seasoned veterans, may not know about.
What is prohibited to bring into Disney? Here's a look at the park's rules:
To make the theme parks a fun and safe experience for its parkgoers, officials remind guests online that they will have to go through security and have any bags and strollers searched before entering the park.
"We reserve the right not to allow any bag, parcel or other item and to deal with any unattended object, bag or luggage in such way as we consider appropriate," the website notes. Here's what prohibited items security officials will be searching for:
Firearms, ammunition, knives and weapons are prohibited at Walt Disney World and Disneyland
Despite Florida allowing permitless concealed carry for its residents, guns of any kind are not allowed inside U.S. Disney parks. This also goes for toys or items that appear to be firearms or weapons. So don't bring any Han Solo gun replicas.
Its website also notes that it prohibits weapons of any kind and self-defense or restraining devices (such as pepper spray or mace).
Can you bring alcoholic beverages to Disney?
Alcoholic beverages are not allowed to be brought into the theme parks. Though some of the theme parks at Walt Disney World do sell alcohol.
Marijuana or vapes are banned from Disney World, Disneyland
Smoking marijuana or other illegal substances is not permitted at any time while on the property, even for medical usage. A $250 to $500 room-recovery fee will be charged for smoking in Guest rooms or on balconies or patios at Disney Resort hotels.
The smoking of tobacco, e-cigarettes, or other products that produce a vapor or smoke is allowed only in designated outdoor smoking areas, according to Disney's website.
Selfie sticks, hand-held extension poles are not allowed at Disney World
Selfie sticks and hand-held extension poles for cameras are banned at all Disney World theme parks and water parks. Monopods and tripods that don't fit in a standard backpack or extend over 6 feet aren't allowed either.
Costumes on older teens and adults
Guests under 14 are welcome to dress up as their favorite Disney characters all year round, but older guests may only wear costumes during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
Horns, whistles, large megaphones, or artificial noisemakers
Theme parks, in general, are already loud and chaotic, so why amplify the noise? Disney's website notes that these noisemakers will not be allowed in the parks.
Skateboards, scooters, inline skates, or shoes with built-in wheels
Even if Heelys are coming back in style, best to save them for another outing.
Recreational devices such as drones, remote-controlled toys, skateboards, scooters, inline skates, or shoes with built-in wheels are not allowed. Bicycles are permitted only in designated Disney Resort areas.
Certain strollers and wagons
Personal strollers larger than 31 inches in width and 52 inches in length aren't allowed, nor are stroller wagons. The exception to the wagon rule is for guests with medical needs.
Suitcases, bags, coolers or backpacks
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.
Loose or dry ice is not permitted in these containers; reusable ice packs or frozen water bottles are recommended instead.
Other notable banned items at Disney World parks
In addition to the items above, Disney's website also highlights the following prohibited items:
◾ Fireworks or other similarly explosive and/or flammable objects, smoke machines, or fog machines.
◾ Folding chairs are not allowed in any theme park, water park, or at Disney Springs.
◾ Any trailer-like object that is pushed, pulled, or towed by an Electric Conveyance Vehicle, wheelchair, stroller or person.
◾ Glass containers (excluding small containers such as baby food jars), except in the Disney Resort hotels.
◾ Balloons are not permitted at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, water parks, ESPN Wide World of Sports, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (Kidani Village and Jambo House).
◾ Plastic straws are prohibited at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, water parks, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (Kidani Village and Jambo House).
What specific items are banned at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex?
Additional prohibited items at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
◾ Generators
◾ Propane heaters
◾ Large misting fans (personal handheld misting fans are permitted)
◾ Flags/banners of any kind that are larger than 3 x 5 feet, regardless of how the flag/banner is intended to be carried
◾ Metal flag poles. Flag poles must be made out of wood, plastic and/or PVC. Flag poles cannot be longer than 4 feet, have diameters larger than 2 inches, or have decorative or sharp ends.
◾ Coolers are prohibited at indoor venues, except for team coolers, which must remain on the team bench.
◾ Folding chairs are not permitted in the stadium, indoor venues, or at select outdoor events
What are some prohibited activities at Walt Disney World?
◾ The sale of goods or services, or the display of goods or services, unless prior written approval has been obtained.
◾ The distribution of printed or recorded materials of any kind unless prior written approval has been obtained.
◾ Engaging with other Guests or impeding operations while posing as or portraying any character in costume.
◾ Engaging in any unsafe act or other act that may impede the operation of the Walt Disney World Resort or any part thereof.
◾ Unauthorized access or entry into backstage areas or areas designated only for Cast Members.
◾ Unauthorized events, speeches, or use of any flag, banner, sign, or other material for commercial purposes or as part of a demonstration.
◾ Photography, videotaping, or recording of any kind, or otherwise engaging in any activity for unapproved commercial purposes.
◾ Unauthorized solicitations of any kind, whether commercial, religious, educational, or otherwise, or conducting any unauthorized commercial activities, including solicitations of money or other contributions or donations.
◾ Obstructing sidewalks, entrances, driveways, patios, vestibules, stairways, corridors, halls or landings.
◾ Hanging any clothing, towels, bedding, or other similar items over or on balconies at a Disney Resort hotel or from fire suppression sprinklers.
What happens if you break any of Disney's rules?
Unintentional, minor infractions are addressed accordingly. For instance, an adult who unwittingly wears a costume to a park may be asked to change or cover up. Wagons brought to the parks will be turned away unless they are for guests with medical needs.
As for more serious offenses, guests will face stiffer consequences.
"We reserve the right to deny admission, prevent entry or require a person already admitted to leave the Walt Disney World Resort or any part thereof, without refund, liability or compensation, for failure to comply with any of these rules, for unsafe, illegal or offensive behavior, to ensure safety, security or order, or if we consider that the circumstances otherwise so require, in our sole and absolute discretion," Disney World asserts online.
Unsafe, illegal and offensive behavior aside, the resort asks guests to "please show common courtesy to fellow guests and our cast members" by avoiding profanity, disruptive behavior, "jumping lines or saving places in lines for others."
Contributing: Eve Chen, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Disney contraband: Here’s what you can't bring into the theme parks
