Planning a Disneyland trip is hard enough without having to think about what you can and can’t bring into the park. Thankfully, their rules are all pretty reasonable!
They definitely allow you to bring in the necessities you need for the day, so there should be no worries there. Here is our full list of what you can and can’t bring into Disneyland, including the reasoning behind the rules and our pro tips!
Guide to What You Can and Can’t bring into Disneyland
As a mom of 6, I’ve learned the hard way that packing everything but the kitchen sink won’t cut it when it comes to Disneyland. So now, I bring a reusable water bottle and enough snacks to feed a small army.
Continue reading to prepare on how you can plan your next visit and ensure that you enjoy your day at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park!
If you want an entire Disney packing list, check out our Disney World packing list here.
What You CAN Bring into Disneyland
Bags and Backpacks
Specifics: No bags with wheels and no bags larger than 24″ long x 15″ wide x 18″ high
Starting off simple here. If you haven’t been to Disneyland before then you should know it is perfectly normal to bring in a bag or backpack packed with the things you need.
Security will check your bag and if you open up all the zippers and pockets, the security process will move along much quicker. Almost every ride in the park has a little pocket for you to stow your bag in or space at your feet.
There is also the option of renting a locker at the front of the park if you don’t want to carry your bag throughout the day.
Medicine/Dietary Needs
Disney is going to be very accommodating to your needs. If you need a certain medicine or to bring in fluids it will not be a problem.
However, I would be sure to have the prescription or medical note with you just in case. You also need to declare needles or anything sharp to the security guard upon entering the park. Keep in mind, the First Aid Stations can help you store or refrigerate medications if necessary.
Please note, we highly recommend staying up to date about their policies on their website that you can visit here.
Food Items You Can Bring into Disneyland + How to Store It
Luckily, you are more than welcome to bring your own food and drinks into the park. This is a great option if you are planning a more frugal trip or if you have allergies within your party and want to play it on the safe side.
This is also one way we save on our Disneyland trips! We pack our lunches and save up for a yummy treat instead. If you have little ones, you know how important it is to have plenty of snacks as well. They come in handy as a distraction in long lines.
If you have any further questions, you can always check out Disney’s Q & A section about outside food.
Specifics on Drinks and Water Bottles
As a frequent visitor to the Disney parks in Anaheim, I know firsthand how important it is to stay hydrated and nourished throughout the day. That’s why I always make sure to bring a reusable water bottle and a cup of ice with me to the parks.
Not only is bringing a reusable water bottle eco-friendly, but it also saves money in the long run. With water bottle refill stations located throughout both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, I can easily fill up my bottle and stay hydrated all day long.
If you are visiting during the summer, then you know it is critical to remain hydrated since you will be doing so much walking in the heat. You can bring waters and non-alcoholic beverages into the park. They CANNOT be in glass containers, however, as I mentioned above, I recommend bringing a refillable water bottle to top off at water stations.
The Rules About Bringing in a Cooler to Disneyland
You can bring in a soft 6-pack size or smaller cooler. Anything larger is prohibited, and would probably be a pain to lug around all day anyway. Inside the cooler, you may NOT have any loose or dry ice.
All ice must be contained, that said, we recommend bringing a reusable ice pack in your cooler. Many visitors put some frozen water bottles in their cooler or bag to keep things cool. Then, you will also have cold water to drink once it melts.
Cameras to Capture the Memories
You can your own camera with you all through Disneyland! Of course, I think they may have some questions if you are bringing in a huge video camera but the typical family camera is not a problem.
There is nothing very like thinking back on you Disneyland trip while looking at photos, so make sure to capture some good ones!
Service Animals- What You Need to Know About Bringing Them into Disneyland
I once had the pleasure of riding Pirates of the Caribbean with a service dog, and it was very special to see him and his owner interact. Thankfully, Disney is phenomenal about any kind of unique needs you, or the individuals travel with, might have.
The official statement is as follows, “At the Disneyland Resort, a service animal is defined as any dog or miniature horse trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability… Due to the nature of some attractions, service animals may not be permitted to ride.” You can read more about their policies here.
A Few Other Things You Might Be Wondering About Bringing In
I know there are a lot of frequently asked items when it comes to what you can bring into Disneyland. That said, we went ahead and listed some popular ones below.
Glow Sticks and Glow Paint
If you are looking to add a little extra magic after the lights go down, glow sticks and glow paint are a great way to do so!
Makeup
Many visitors ask about bringing makeup into the park. While there is nothing on the Disneyland site in regards to makeup, we suggest having it in clear plastic compartments so it is effectively recognizable when packs are checked at security. I would package it just like you would for a TSA check at the airport.
Battery Packs
If you have to carry one to charge your telephone or other electronic gadgets, you are welcome to. Our phones are always dying by the late afternoon from taking photos and checking line wait times.
Compact Mini Fan
You can bring a battery worked, versatile fan into the park to enable you to keep cool. Here are our other tips for beating the heat at Disneyland!
Umbrellas
We suggest bringing an umbrella to the park if there is a chance of rain. Disneyland during a downpour of rain is actually the best! The park usually empties out and lines become much shorter.
Park Blanket
A lot of people don’t think about bringing in a blanket to the park, but it actually is an amazing hack. From the parades, to the fireworks, to Fantasmic, there are a lot of times you want to whip out something to lay on the ground to sit on.
This is actually our favorite park blanket because it is compact and you can tie it to your purse or backpack!
The Two Things In Between the Rules
If you are a Disney Parks fan then you probably already know that things change all the time. Again, we highly recommend staying up-to-date with everything going on in the parks by visiting their website here.
We also went ahead and addressed some of the common changes below.
The New Rules About Bringing a Stroller into Disneyland
You can bring your own stroller into Disneyland, but there new size requirements that you need to pay close attention to. Strollers larger than 31″ (79 cm) x 52″ (132 cm), stroller wagons, and wagons are NOT permitted.
Costumes- Kids vs. Adults
Your kiddo can definitely dress up as their favorite character for your Disneyland trip! However, adult (14 years and older) costumes are unfortunately not allowed within the parks unless it is a special event. In this case, there will be specific rules pertaining to the event.
Rules for 13 and Under Costumes:
- They can wear capes if the length does not go below the waist.
- Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts and hats are acceptable.
- Acceptable accessories include transparent wings, plastic light sabers, toy swords, and tutus.
- They can wear headwear as long as it does not cover the face.
- They can not wear a mask of any kind, except for medical purposes.
What You CAN’T Bring into Disneyland
You Can NEVER Bring Glass Containers or Alcohol into Disneyland
No glass holders or outside liquor is permitted anyplace within the Disneyland Resort. You can find liquor, beer, and wine for sale in California Adventure. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge also offers mixed beverages at Oga’s Cantina.
You will be exempt from the glass rule if you have a baby who drinks out of glass bottles.
Anything Related to Smoking, E-cigarettes, or Vaping
Smoking and vaping are no longer permitted in either Disneyland or Walt Disney World. You can find smoking territories outside off-property.
Bubble Guns
Bubble guns are not allowed inside of the park. That said, bubble wands are allowed!
Check out our favorite bubble wand to bring to the park here!
Selfie Sticks or Drones Cannot Be Brought into Disneyland
These two little delights have been prohibited at Disneyland for numerous reasons, including individuals losing them on rides and creating an uproar in the parks. You can always ask a castmember to grab a photo of you or another guest.
Pro Tip: The Genie+ will give you endless photograph downloads through the PhotoPass. You can download any photographs from a Disney photographer or from a ride with a photograph experience at no extra cost when you have acquired a Genie Plus for the afternoon.
Luggage or Bags with Wheels
We explained this above, but here is an additional reminder. If you are going into the parks straight from a flight, take a pit stop at your hotel. Even if your room isn’t ready for you, they will more than likely hold your bags.
Collapsing Chairs
You cannot bring collapsing seats into Disneyland. There are plenty of places to sit around the park if you need a rest.
A few shows in Disneyland have FastPass alternatives, which can be another great method to guarantee you have ideal review spots. Another motivation to buy the MaxPass is that you can book FastPasses directly on your cell phone for select attractions!
Skateboards and Pretty Much Anything on Wheels
Skateboards, bicycles, unicycles, and things of the like can be perilous to the rider and different visitors in the park. There are plenty of other places to skate in Anaheim and the surrounding areas.
Wrapped Gifts
Any gifts you are bringing into the park must be unwrapped so that security can see what they are. A box that opens and shuts would work, though!
Weapons or Weapon-Like Objects
This one is probably a given, but it’s a great reminder. Plus, some items are “weapon-like objects” that you may not even think of.
Along with the traditional list of banned weapons from Disneyland such as guns, pepper spray, knives, and nunchucks. Items like water guns, handcuffs, and prop swords also cannot come in. Keep this in mind when planning costumes for your little ones at the park!
Dangerous or Disruptive Items
This includes air horns, melodic instruments, speakers, and stink bombs. You can not bring matches or lighters into the park.
A Few Other Things To Keep in Mind
There are a few additional items that you may not know aren’t allowed into the parks, but are good things to keep in mind when planning your Mickey and friends vacation!
These two may go without saying, but security will not allow for pogo sticks or Heelys. You also cannot bring the ashes of a loved one into the park.
If you aren’t sure about something while planning your trip, be sure to check Disney Q&A page! It’s better to be safe than sorry. This list may be long, but it is meant to keep you and all of Disneyland’s guests safe!
If you have any Disney related questions, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram or leave them below in the comments!
If you enjoyed reading about what you can and cannot bring to Disneyland, you might also enjoy:
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Pin-it for later: Things you Can & Can’t Bring into Disneyland
Frequently Asked Questions about what you can bring into Disneyland
Can I bring my own food and drink into Disneyland?
Yes, you can bring your own food and drink into Disneyland, with a few exceptions. Glass containers and alcohol are not allowed, and there are restrictions on items that require heating or refrigeration.
However, quick service restaurants are available for those who prefer to purchase meals on-site.
Can I bring bottle water to Disneyland?
Yes, you can bring a bottle of water to Disneyland. In fact, bringing a reusable water bottle is encouraged to help reduce waste and stay hydrated throughout the day.
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Can you bring a walking stick into Disneyland?
I use a cane. It may be ok to bring a walking stick if it’s obvious that that’s what it is. My suggestion is to contact the resort. You can reach them through the website. Best to be sure. And be certain that canes are ok.
How much are an electric cart for handicap per day and do I have to reserve it ahead of time?
Thank you for taking the time to comment! A limited number of wheelchairs and Electric Conveyance Vehicles (ECVs) are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis. Since wheelchairs and ECVs may not be reserved, Disney always recommends to plan to arrive early. For pricing, everything is always subject to change – so we always recommend staying up-to-date through their website: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/guest-services/ecv-wheelchair-rentals/
Looks right now (May 2023) ECV is $60 with sales tax.
Hope you have a great trip!