Disney has some restrictions on what guests can bring into the parks. These restrictions are Disney’s way of keeping everybody safe inside the theme parks, but also to make sure guests do not become a hinderance to others. Disney wants everybody to enjoy their time in the parks.
Because of the strict rules, some guests think that there is a miles-long list of prohibited items, but there are actually a bunch of unexpected items you are allowed to bring into the parks. Keep reading for that list of unexpected items! Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including new, unique handbags made with real parts of Soarin’ and a change Disneyland announced for Christmas 2026.
READ MORE — Disney World Hotel With Mini Water Park at Magic Kingdom Makes Big Progress
8 Items Allowed in Disney Parks Some May Think Are Banned
Here is a list of eight unexpected items you can bring into Disneyland and Disney World. Of course, this list is subject to change as Disney updates their prohibited items list. It is always a good idea to double check the official website to ensure you are not bringing something into the parks that is not allowed.
Disney World Ride Closure ALERTS, Major Park Changes, Secrets Revealed
Get alerts on closures, park changes, exclusive discounts, and free printables. Trusted by 100,000+ Disney fans & planners.
You can also check out our quick explanation to Disney’s bag policy here.
1. Outside Food and Drink
Since Disney sells so much food and beverages throughout its parks, it could be easy to assume that bringing your own snacks is not allowed. However, guests can bring their own food and drink into the parks with them. The drinks have to be non-alcoholic, and nothing can be in a glass container.
The only exception to the glass container rule is baby food or anything else that comes in a small glass jar of a similar size. Bringing your own snacks is an acceptable way to save some money in the parks.
2. Reusable Water Bottles
In a similar vein, you are allowed to bring reusable water bottles into Disney parks. There are currently no limits on size of the water bottle. Once again, this is a great way to save some money on drinks in the parks, as you can continue to refill your bottle throughout the day at the water fountains scattered across the parks.
Bringing a reusable water bottle would also be a fantastic way to reduce plastic waste since you will not have to purchase and discard plastic water bottles throughout your day in the parks.
3. Coolers
While people often bring backpacks into Disney parks, many guests did not know that coolers are also allowed. They must be smaller than 24″ long x 15″ wide x 18″ high (61 cm x 38 cm x 46 cm), which is the same dimension restriction that applies to backpacks.
4. Ice Packs
With coolers being an unexpected item allowed in Disney parks, some guests also might not realize that ice packs are also allowed. They have to be reusable, contained ice packs with no loose ice or loose parts. Loose or dry ice is not allowed, but you can store your loose ice cubes in your reusable water bottle.
READ MORE — New Disney Halloween Merch Collection Dropping Soon Is Going to Be Very Popular
5. Umbrellas
Plastic ponchos are the preferred method of staying dry in a sudden rainstorm since they don’t take up a lot of space in your bag, but umbrellas are also allowed in the parks.
They might be somewhat unwieldy in a crowd, however. Just be sure you don’t accidentally hit anybody with it!
6. Handheld Tripods
Many guests know that selfie sticks are prohibited in all Disney parks, but a small, handheld tripod for filming or taking photos is allowed. The tripod cannot extend beyond 6 inches.
This restriction is to make sure that the walkways near popular photo ops stay clear of guests with large camera tripods trying to get the perfect shot. A small, handheld tripod is not as much of a disturbance to guests, so they are allowed in the parks.
7. Handheld Misting Fans
Summer days in Florida and California get quite hot. An easy way to cool down would be to bring your own handheld misting fan. Disney also sells these in the parks, which might be why some guests do not think to bring their own. Any misting fans that cannot easily be held are prohibited.
8. Straws*
Guests can bring straws with them, but as the asterisk would suggest, there are some restrictions. Plastic straws are not allowed at Animal Kingdom or Animal Kingdom Lodge to ensure the safety of the animals there. Plastic straws are also not allowed at the waterparks at Disney World. However, guests may bring metal, reusable straws with them into these parks if they do not want to use the paper straws provided. I know that bringing a reusable straw has helped me on more than one occasion!
As you can see, there are a lot of unexpected items allowed inside the Disney parks. Again, it is always a good idea to check the official Disneyland or Disney World website to see what is and is not allowed.
Don’t Miss the Latest Disney News
Don’t miss the latest Disneyland and Disney World news from Mickey Visit. Join the FREE Mickey Visit newsletter that over 100k readers receive every single week. Mickey Visit is here to help you save money and experience more during your Disney and Universal vacation. See the Mickey Visit guide to Disneyland and the Mickey Visit guide to Disney World for tips.
