We all know that Walt Disney World is the most magical place on Earth! There is just something special, but as Rumplestiltskin said on Once Upon A Time “all magic comes with a price”. And at Walt Disney World that price is rules that all of us have a safe and enjoyable experience in the Disney theme parks. Here are fifteen Walt Disney World rules you need to know before your next visit.
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Plastic Straws and Lids
Animal Kingdom has never had plastic straws or lids for their cups, to keep the animals that live there safe. Now to reduce the plastic consumed at Walt Disney World, Disney is phasing out plastic straws and lids throughout the parks and resorts. Children can will still get a cup with a lid and straw and straws are available upon request. Your best bet if you want a straw and lid on your cup is to bring your own.
Guns
Guns are not allowed in Walt Disney World. This includes water guns, toy guns and toy blasters. Toy guns are also no longer sold anywhere on Walt Disney World Property.
Also no weapons of any kind are allowed in the parks. This includes pocket knives, mace, and any type of self defense keychain.
Don't Go In The Water
While the Seven Seas Lagoon and other bodies of water around areas of Walt Disney World resort look inviting. Guest are NOT allowed to wade or swim in them. There are gators, snakes and even dangerous bacteria in the water that could well kill you.
Smoking
As of May 1, 2019, smoking will no longer allowed inside any of the parks, water parks or ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. There will be designated smoking areas outside of the parks, in Disney Springs and at the resorts. Smoking is NOT allowed in guest rooms, on balconies or patios and there is a $200-500 cleaning fee for doing so. Also smoking marijuana is not allowed at all on Walt Disney World Property.
Gum
To keep things clean and tidy chewing gum is not sold on Walt Disney World property. If you want to chew gum you'll have to bring it with you but please throw it away when you are done.
Alcohol
While you can buy alcohol in the parks, including sit down restaurants at Magic Kingdom now, you can not bring it into the parks with you. If you want to bring your own, keep it in your hotel room.
Folding Chairs
This seems like a no brainer to me but apparently it's not. You can not bring folding chairs into the parks. There are plenty of places to sit and rest throughout the parks. If you want to sit for the parade or fireworks, I suggest finding a spot at least 2 hours to 90 minutes beforehand and plan on staying there.
Wagons
Kids love wagons and they are great to transport them and their things around. However, wagons are not allowed at Walt Disney World. Also as of May 1, 2019, stroller wagons will no longer be allowed inside the parks.
Strollers
Strollers are a must at Walt Disney World when you have little ones. As of May 1, 2019, strolls must be no bigger than 31″ (79 cm) wide and 52″ (132 cm”) long. My personal favorite stroller in the parks was the Maclaren VOLO, I've also heard good things about the gb Pocket strollers. For a double stroller the City Mini Double comes highly recommended by a friend of mine.
Spreading Of Ashes
I do LOVE Walt Disney World. It's my happy place and sure it would be a great place to spend eternity when I die. However, spreading ashes is not allowed. So I'll have to figure out a new place to spend eternity, I guess.
Costumes
Children and adults love to dress up like their favorite Disney characters. However, children over the age of 14 and adults are not allowed to wear costumes into Walt Disney World Parks. The only exception being Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. However, no masks covering the face are allowed, even for children under the age of 14.
If you want to dress up like your favorite character, try Disney Bounding.
Food and Drink
Outside food and drink are allowed inside Walt Disney World Parks, as are soft sided coolers. Bringing in your own food and drink is a great way to save money. We also bring in our own water bottles and get free ice water from quick service restaurants around the park. You aren't allowed to bring in glass containers and large coolers.
Ice
Starting March 28, 2019, no loose ice or dry ice will be allowed to be brought into the parks. I'm reading in groups this is because of security concerns i.e. loose ice is harder to see what's in the cooler, making the line move slower etc. Just like you can with water, you can request cups of ice at any Quick Service location once you are inside the park to put into your cooler.
Selfie Sticks
Once upon a time, selfie sticks were allowed in the parks but people ruined it. How? By using them on rides after being asked not to, accidently hitting people with them, and well just being people. So now selfie sticks are banned from Walt Disney World Parks.
Unaccompanied Children
Children under the age of 14 may not enter the parks unless someone over the age of 14 accompanies them. Also children age 7 and under may not ride without someone age 14 or over with them. The good news in this: if you're like me, who hates roller coasters and your 9 yr old wants to ride Seven Dwarfs Mine Train alone, she can. The Cast Members will even allow you to walk your child through the queue until they get on the ride, seat him or her by themselves and allow you to wait for your child right were the ride exits.
You can find the full list of rules and regulations on the Walt Disney World Website.
So now that you know the rules, you are sure to have an amazing and magical trip to Walt Disney World.
Are you ready to meet the Mouse and have the most magical vacation EVER! Email me, cara@magicaldestinationstravel.com or fill out this form for a free quote. I can help you plan your trip to the most magical world at no extra cost to you!
