Packing for a day at Walt Disney World can be tricky—you want to be prepared, but you also don’t want to weigh yourself down with unnecessary items. While there are plenty of must-haves for a day at the parks, there are just as many things you should leave behind.
To help make your day as magical and hassle-free as possible, we’ve put together a list of 10 things you should absolutely NOT pack for your Disney World adventure. Some of these items are banned by Disney, while others can cause more inconvenience than they’re worth. Read on to find out what you should avoid bringing to the parks!
1. Selfie Sticks
While selfie sticks were once a popular accessory for capturing those picture-perfect vacation moments, they are strictly prohibited at all Disney parks. The ban on selfie sticks has been in place for several years now, but many guests still unknowingly bring them along. Unfortunately, if you arrive at the park with a selfie stick, security will confiscate it at the entrance, causing a delay as you head inside. The reason for the ban? Guest safety! Selfie sticks can be a hazard, especially on rides or in crowded areas.
But don’t worry—there are still ways to capture those Instagram-worthy shots! Camera tripods or handheld grips that fit into a backpack are allowed, so you can still take great photos without the risk of losing your gear.
2. Weapons (or Anything That Resembles One)
It may seem like common sense, but Disney has a strict no-weapons policy. This includes not just actual weapons, but also any items that could be mistaken for weapons or used in a harmful way. Toy weapons, such as plastic swords or blasters, are also prohibited to avoid confusion or potential safety concerns.
If you’re purchasing toy weapons as souvenirs, be aware that these items will be sealed in a special bag upon purchase and must remain there for the duration of your park visit. It’s best to leave anything resembling a weapon at home and opt for safer souvenirs instead!
3. Remote Control Vehicles (Including Drones)
If you were planning on bringing a remote-controlled vehicle or drone to capture some cool aerial shots or have some fun in the park, think again. Disney’s policy strictly prohibits the use of any remote-controlled devices within the parks, including drones, RC cars, and helicopters.
While you may find remote control toys for sale at some Disney parks, they’re meant to be played with outside the park gates. These rules are in place to maintain the safety and enjoyment of all guests, so leave the RC toys behind and stick to enjoying the park attractions.
4. All of Your Medication
Yes, you should absolutely bring any essential medications with you for your day at the park, but it’s a good idea to pack only what you’ll need. Instead of bringing a full bottle of prescription meds, consider packing a small, travel-size container with just enough to get you through the day.
In the unlikely event that your bag gets lost or stolen, you’ll still have backup medication waiting for you at your hotel.
Pro Tip: If you’re prone to headaches or muscle aches after a long day of walking, pack some ibuprofen or aspirin in a small container. We’ve found that chewable children’s ibuprofen can be much more convenient to carry and use than liquid versions.
5. Valuables
As tempting as it may be to wear your favorite jewelry or bring expensive accessories, it’s better to leave your valuables back at your hotel. Disney World is an exciting and busy place, which can make retracing your steps to recover lost items almost impossible.
There’s no need to risk losing precious items like expensive sunglasses, rings, or tech gadgets when you can simply store them safely in your hotel room.
Instead, embrace the Disney spirit and rock a pair of stylish sequin Minnie ears or other fun accessories that fit right in with the magical atmosphere.
6. Perishable or Easily Damaged Consumables
Items like crayons, lipstick, chocolates, and soft gum are best left out of your park bag. Not only do these items melt easily in Florida’s hot weather, but they can also create a mess if they spill or leak. If you do bring consumables like sunscreen, be sure to store them in a cool spot in your bag (near a water bottle or at the bottom) to keep them from turning into a gooey mess by midday.
If you’re traveling with kids, pack small, easy-to-manage snacks that won’t melt, and consider investing in durable snack containers to prevent any mess.
7. Pets (Unless They’re Service Animals)
We know that many people love to travel with their furry friends, but pets are not allowed inside the Disney World parks unless they are certified service animals. It’s best to leave your beloved pets at home or, better yet, give them a vacation of their own at Best Friends Pet Care, located near Magic Kingdom. This pet-friendly facility offers plenty of amenities and care for your dog, cat, or other small animals while you enjoy your Disney day.
8. Costumes for Adults
Disney loves a good costume, but there are strict guidelines for what is and isn’t allowed inside the parks. If you’re over the age of 12, full costumes are not permitted (with the exception of special events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party). This is to avoid any confusion between park guests and official Disney characters.
Children, however, are more than welcome to dress up as their favorite Disney characters! And if you’re an adult looking to show your Disney fandom, consider DisneyBounding—a popular trend where guests wear outfits inspired by Disney characters without crossing into costume territory.
Just remember, if your DisneyBound outfit pushes the limits of looking like a full costume, you may be asked to change.
9. Alcohol
While Disney parks do sell alcoholic beverages at various locations, you are not allowed to bring your own alcohol into the parks. This policy ensures that Disney can regulate the consumption of alcohol within its grounds for the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
Feel free to pack snacks and non-alcoholic drinks to save a bit of money, but if you’re looking to enjoy an in-park beverage, there are plenty of delicious options available for purchase, from craft beer to signature cocktails.
10. Wrapped Gifts
Disney is one of the best places to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions, but wrapped gifts are not allowed through the security checkpoints. This is because security officers need to inspect all items in your bag, and pre-wrapped gifts make it impossible for them to see what’s inside.
Instead, leave your gifts unwrapped in your bag, and consider bringing a gift bag or tissue paper to assemble your present once inside the park. It’ll make for a magical reveal without any security hiccups.
By keeping these items out of your park bag, you’ll be ready for a stress-free day at Walt Disney World. Be sure to check out our other packing guides for tips on what to bring for the best Disney vacation experience.
With a little planning, you’ll have everything you need—and nothing you don’t—to make your park day practically perfect in every way!
