Planning a trip to Disney World is exciting, but the first few moments before entering the park can be unexpectedly stressful—especially if you’re pushing a stroller. More and more families are finding themselves delayed at the entrance because of a stroller-related policy that’s catching people off guard.
It’s not actually a brand-new policy, but for first-timers and even some returning guests, Disney’s stroller procedure feels like a curveball. The security process, especially when compared to other parks like Universal Orlando, is more detailed—and if you don’t know what to expect, it can slow you down in a hurry.
Two Lines, One Parent
When you arrive at security, you’ll be directed into one of two lines: one for regular guests, and one for strollers or wheelchairs. What surprises most people is that Disney expects just one adult to accompany the stroller through that line. The rest of the party should go through the regular line.
This setup is meant to keep things moving efficiently, but in the rush of the moment, families often try to stay together. That’s when things back up. If both parents push through with the stroller, they’ll be told to separate. That small moment of confusion can lead to minutes lost and flustered tempers.
Security Gets Thorough
Disney doesn’t mess around with safety. Once the stroller is in line, security will give it a thorough inspection. You might be asked to remove your child and walk through the metal detector separately. Bags will also go through screening, and if something sets off an alert, be ready for everything inside to be pulled out and checked.
One dad said his whole diaper bag had to be emptied because of a small metal fan clip. Another family got delayed over a metal Band-Aid container. These are the kinds of little things that can become big hold-ups.
Know Before You Go
The best way to avoid problems? Pack smart. Know what’s in your bag, especially if it contains metal objects. Disney has a long list of prohibited items, and even things that seem harmless can trigger a more in-depth inspection.
And most importantly—listen to the security cast members. They’re there to help, and following their directions will make everything smoother.
It Feels New, Even If It Isn’t
This stroller line rule isn’t new, but for many parents, it feels like it came out of nowhere. Maybe it’s the contrast with other parks like Universal, where guests just walk through metal detectors with their strollers and kids. But Disney’s method is all about keeping things safe, even if it means slowing down a little at the start.
So if you’re heading to the parks with a stroller, keep this in mind. Only send one adult through that special line, double-check your bag, and stay calm. A smoother start to your Disney day might just be one stroller check away.
FAKE NEWS!!!
The inspection does not apply 100% to every one in line most strollers are NOT THOROUGHLY CHECKED
Most get a pat or a quick glance and are sent on their way
I have a mobility scooter with a secured backpack and it is completely EMPTY and unzipped and I tell the “security “ person exactly this and tell them to please check THEN at a different park or different time some “security” person says the backpacks are to be removed ABSOLUTELY NOT it takes time to secure it and they are available on my scooter to hold merchandise that I purchase or popcorn buckets AND if it is completely EMPTY it definitely does not need to be removed I am 75 years old and enough of this harassment
Wow, Doris, slow your roll. Now, I go to Disneyland, not WDW (why do all these articles seem to only focus on Florida?), so our security is different. We don’t have separate lines for strollers. Sure wish we did. But I also have a mobility scooter with a pouch on the front (part of the scooter). That doesn’t get removed, although it gets checked. I usually hang my backpack on the handlebar and remove it for security. THEIR RULES. I know how security works and don’t expect special treatment because of age or disability. They are invariably pleasant and efficient. I unzip the backpack and make sure it’s ready for them. And it takes less than 30 seconds for a thorough search.
Maybe if you were less antagonistic, they’d be as pleasant as they are to me.
I am not antagonizing they can be jerks allowing Volkswagen sized strollers that are totally packed to the rim for a weeks vacation sometimes including ice chests
My husband has had to walk thru radar with an unfolded beach towel and my very small phone charger Mickey case with two chargers in it have been removed this it absolutely ridiculous and uncalled for my back pack is complete empty unzipped and open for them to reach in side it is secured to the back of my scooter which takes time and I WILL NOT REMOVE IT PERIOD It’s harassment and idiotic