A Disney vacation in the Walt Disney World Resort is a magical experience. There is plenty to enjoy, from attractions to Disney character experiences, immersive shopping and dining locations, and fun activities to participate in. But to make Walt Disney World a magical place, rules must be followed.
Awareness of the Disney rules can help you to avoid complications and a compromised experience. Stick within the rules, and you will have nothing to worry about. Here are the rules to follow to help you ensure your Disney vacation will be a success.
Remain inside ride vehicles.
If you’ve visited Disney Parks, you’ll know the phrase, ‘Please keep your hands, arms, feet, and legs inside the ride at all times.’ The instruction is valid for all Disney attractions, whether thrilling and fast rides like Big Thunder Mountain Rail Road or a slow and immersive ride like “it’s a small world.” Safety is a top priority within Walt Disney World. The Walt Disney Company aims to ensure that all Guests are safe so that they can enjoy a magical Disney experience.
But what if you break the rule? Not only are you putting yourself at risk, but potentially other Guests too. Doing so could also result in being asked to exit the theme park you are visiting. Each Disney attraction is filled with cameras so that the control desk can check the safety of Guests and its smooth running.
Some items are prohibited.
In keeping with safety, there are several items that you are prohibited from having around the Walt Disney World Resort. Please leave firearms, knives, weapons, and ammunition at home. Marijuana and other illegal substances are also prohibited. Other items not to use in the Walt Disney World Resort include drones, horns, skateboards, explosive items, folding chairs, and selfie sticks. Toy guns, swords, and other weapons are also not permitted in the Disney Parks, so tell your little ones to leave them behind when packing for your Disney vacation.
There is a dress code.
Plan on wearing comfortable clothing and shoes in Walt Disney World, and you won’t need to worry about violating the dress code. However, you must ensure that you and the rest of your party do not wear inappropriate attire. Doing so can result in you being removed from or denied entry to the Disney Parks.
Inappropriate attire includes:
- Clothing with obscene language or images.
- Clothing with excessive tears.
- Anything that exposes excessive portions of the skin.
Clothing mustn’t touch or drag on the floor. Additionally, objectionable tattoos must be covered.
Save costumes for parties.
While it’s fun to dress up when visiting the Disney Parks, costumes are not allowed to be worn by Guests over the age of 13. There are, however, two exceptions to this rule – Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Disney Villains After Hours. Guests attending the events in Magic Kingdom are permitted to dress in costume. Just make sure you don’t plan on signing autographs or posing for pictures as your character!
Don’t enter the water.
Following incidents with alligators in Lake Buena Vista, Guests are prohibited from entering any body of open water. When spending time at the Walt Disney World Resort hotels, you’ll become familiar with the roped netting that runs along the end of all lakes that stop Guests from entering the water. Instead, enjoy the view across Seven Seas Lagoon, Bay Lake, Lago Dorado, Barefoot Bay, and the Sassagoula River, or travel across them via boat.
All Guests must pass through security.
Whether visiting a Disney Park or Disney Springs, expect to pass through security. You’ll be pleased to know that this won’t entail waiting in a long line while Disney security checks your bags. Instead, special scanners are used at the entrance of each Disney Park, including the International Gateway at EPCOT and several locations at Disney Springs. The scanners allow for a continuous flow of traffic through them. You’ll be directed to the bag check area if your bag needs to be checked. Otherwise, you proceed to the entrance.
Scanners are also placed at the Disney Monorail entrance at the Magic Kingdom Park Resorts. Before boarding the Disney Monorail at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, you will pass through the scanners. Once you arrive at Magic Kingdom, you can proceed to the ticket gates.
There are limits on strollers.
Many Guests use strollers when visiting the Walt Disney World Resort. However, the type and size of strollers can be restricted to the Disney Parks. If your stroller is larger greater than a width of 31″ and length of 52″, you will not be permitted to use it on Disney property. It would be best to leave stroller wagons at home as they are prohibited.
Adults must accompany kids.
When visiting the Walt Disney World Resort, expect the need to supervise your children at all times if they are under the age of 14. Once you reach the age of 14, you are practically deemed an adult. As such, you can explore the Disney Parks and Resorts without other supervision.
You can’t smoke here!
Smoking, including electronic cigarettes, is only permitted in designated smoking areas around Walt Disney World. You can expect to find smoking areas in each Disney hotel, near each Disney theme park and water park, and Disney Springs entrance. Guests can smoke in these areas only. Similarly, all Guest rooms in the Walt Disney World Resort hotel are smoke-free. If you are staying in a Disney Deluxe Resort or a Disney Vacation Club Resort and have access to a balcony, smoking is not permitted from your balcony.
So, are you ready for a magical Disney experience? Awareness of the Disney rules will help to make that possible. Remember to leave prohibited items at home. Plan your outfits to meet the dress code. Stay safe inside the Disney Parks. Follow the rules, and you’re in for a treat!
