Let's talk security: there is a small list of items that are officially banned inside the parks at the Disneyland Resort. If you are caught with any item on the list you could either have it confiscated or be even escorted from the park. Granted, that's a worst-case scenario, but it's still a good idea to know beforehand some of these relatively simple items that you can't bring with you - plus some other things everyone says are banned but are actually okay! |
Banned Items
Let's start off with what's not okay. Whatever your opinions, Disney has their reasons for each item on the list and, believe me, it makes everyone else's experiences all that much better without them! This is not an exhaustive list, just the most common items. View the full list here.
- WAGONS - These seem oddly popular with families right now, but wagons or any other sort of thing you pull behind you are not allowed in the parks. They get in the way of other guests and can block traffic.
- GLASS CONTAINERS - It won't take long to figure out why these are banned: broken glass is a HUGE hazard in crowded areas. Any sort of glass container, including glass water bottles, are not permitted (with just a few exceptions below). Stick with a plastic or metal water bottle.
- STUFF ON WHEELS - Besides wagons, there are many other things on wheels not allowed in the parks including skateboards, hoverboards, scooters, wheeled backpacks, wheeled shoes or coolers. If you're bringing your own food into the parks you need to bring a soft cooler slung on your shoulder or in a stroller.
- FOLDING CHAIRS - Want to have a comfortable seat for the parades? Well, you can't bring your own. Folding chairs of any kind, including newer ultra-small ones, are never permitted in the parks - they take up too much space.
- DRONES - These get in the way of other guests' experiences, pose a security risk and can break the magic for others with "backstage" footage.
- ALCOHOL - While it's true that Disney California Adventure serves alcohol inside the park, guests are never permitted to bring their own alcohol inside. If you're caught, you will be escorted off the premises so don't risk it!
- ANYTHING THAT RESEMBLES A WEAPON - Obviously real weapons are not allowed in the parks! However they also don't allow things like toy guns or water guns. If it could potentially be mistaken for a real weapon, it's not allowed.
- SELFIE STICKS - I'm just going to come right out and say it: I hate selfie sticks! That's just my opinion, but Disney no longer allows them inside any park. The reason? Besides getting in the way of traffic on the paths, guests were using them on rides. I had several rides ruined because someone wanted to film their own reaction to the ride and all I could see was their screen the whole time! DON'T BRING THEM INTO THE PARKS!
Items Not Banned
These are a few things that many people think are not allowed in Disneyland but are actually just fine - to a certain extent!
So there's just a few things to remember! Have fun while you're at the parks, but remember the safety and enjoyment of other guests at the same time.
- GUM - Gum is not sold anywhere inside a Disney park to help keep the place tidy, but that doesn't mean you're not allowed to bring your own in with you. Just do us all a favour and through it away when you're done!
- FOOD & DRINK - Outside food and drinks are allowed in the parks and are even a great way to save money on your trip. The only caveat, as I mentioned earlier, is that the cooler has to be soft-sided without wheels. Larger coolers are allowed through security but may not be allowed in the parks themselves. Stick with smaller coolers that fit on your shoulder or in your stroller.
- CERTAIN GLASS CONTAINERS - These are the only exceptions to the "no glass containers" rule: baby food, small perfume bottles (4 ounces or less) and medications stored in glass bottles. If what you have isn't one of these, see what I mentioned above.
- TRIPODS - Photo-buffs will be happy to know that tripods are allowed inside the parks. If it's busy, you may be asked to move or to stop temporarily, but generally it's fine. Keep in mind that Disney has rules regarding professional and commercial photography.
So there's just a few things to remember! Have fun while you're at the parks, but remember the safety and enjoyment of other guests at the same time.