- Mar 13, 2024
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Planning a trip to Disney World can be stressful, and you don’t need any more stress added to your plate once you get there, which is why you’ve probably already read over the “prohibited items” list several times just to be sure.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
And because you were doing that, you might have missed some things that AREN’T on that list that you actually can bring to the parks! It may seem illegal to bring these things, but trust me, it’s perfectly fine and can actually save you some time and hassle during your park day!
One of the best money-saving tips for your Disney World vacation is to bring your own food and drinks from home. Theme park food can get very expensive, so if you’re okay with skipping out on some of the more iconic or adventurous Disney foods, you’re allowed to bring your own sandwiches, sports drinks, snacks, and more!
Bring your chips!
However, there are a couple of rules when it comes to bringing your own food — you cannot bring glass jars (unless it is baby food, that’s okay), and bringing alcohol is prohibited (unless you are bringing your own wine to select Disney Springs restaurants where corkage fees will apply).
Disney Springs
Along with bringing your own food and drinks, you can also bring your own water bottles, and we HIGHLY recommend you do! Around the parks and resorts, you can find refillable water stations with filtered water, so you’ll be hydrated wherever you go. Many quick-service restaurants also offer free cups of ice water if you ask, so not only will you be hydrated, but you’ll also be able to stay nice and cool.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Magical Guides-Disney-Princess-FreeSip-Owala-Ariel-IMG_1917-5712-x-4284-700x525.jpg
Ariel Owala Water Bottle
And if you’re bringing your own food and drinks, you’re going to need a way to keep them cold. You won’t be able to fill up a Disney merchandise bag with ice and bring it with you — loose ice is not allowed. But what you can do is fill up a resealable bag with ice and use it throughout the day. You can also bring two water bottles to the park — one for ice and one for drinking!
Ice Machine
And, of course, you’re going to need a place to carry all of your food, drinks, and ice, which is why you should bring a cooler! You won’t be able to bring a large cooler for a family of 12, but what you can bring is a smaller one that can even fit on your back like a backpack! Coolers must be less than 24″ long x 15″ wide x 18″ high, so before you go, make sure to measure!
©Amazon
Since wagon strollers are prohibited in the Disney parks, you may have assumed that double strollers are also not allowed, but that’s not the case! As long as your stroller is less than 31 inches wide and 52 inches long, it is okay to bring it into the park. Even if you only have one child, a double stroller can be a great way to carry other items!
Strollers in Disney World
This one comes with a stipulation — no, you cannot bring your pets to the Disney parks, but service animals are allowed. If you have a trained service animal, they are allowed to come with you to the parks, but there are rules for them too. If you want to bring your pets to Disney, there are actually pet-friendly hotels on Disney property, like Art of Animation, Fort Wilderness, and the Yacht & Beach Club Resorts!
Disney’s Art of Animation
You might be surprised by what you can bring to Disney World, but it’s always best to be prepared — look at the prohibited items list, ask a Cast Member, or read our posts because at Magical Guides, we’re always giving you the latest Disney news, updates, tips, and tricks!
What are some “illegal” things you bring to the Disney parks? Let us know in the comments!
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
And because you were doing that, you might have missed some things that AREN’T on that list that you actually can bring to the parks! It may seem illegal to bring these things, but trust me, it’s perfectly fine and can actually save you some time and hassle during your park day!
Outside Food & Drink
One of the best money-saving tips for your Disney World vacation is to bring your own food and drinks from home. Theme park food can get very expensive, so if you’re okay with skipping out on some of the more iconic or adventurous Disney foods, you’re allowed to bring your own sandwiches, sports drinks, snacks, and more!
Bring your chips!
However, there are a couple of rules when it comes to bringing your own food — you cannot bring glass jars (unless it is baby food, that’s okay), and bringing alcohol is prohibited (unless you are bringing your own wine to select Disney Springs restaurants where corkage fees will apply).
Disney Springs
Water Bottles
Along with bringing your own food and drinks, you can also bring your own water bottles, and we HIGHLY recommend you do! Around the parks and resorts, you can find refillable water stations with filtered water, so you’ll be hydrated wherever you go. Many quick-service restaurants also offer free cups of ice water if you ask, so not only will you be hydrated, but you’ll also be able to stay nice and cool.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Magical Guides-Disney-Princess-FreeSip-Owala-Ariel-IMG_1917-5712-x-4284-700x525.jpg
Ariel Owala Water Bottle
Ice
And if you’re bringing your own food and drinks, you’re going to need a way to keep them cold. You won’t be able to fill up a Disney merchandise bag with ice and bring it with you — loose ice is not allowed. But what you can do is fill up a resealable bag with ice and use it throughout the day. You can also bring two water bottles to the park — one for ice and one for drinking!
Ice Machine
Coolers & Cooler Bags
And, of course, you’re going to need a place to carry all of your food, drinks, and ice, which is why you should bring a cooler! You won’t be able to bring a large cooler for a family of 12, but what you can bring is a smaller one that can even fit on your back like a backpack! Coolers must be less than 24″ long x 15″ wide x 18″ high, so before you go, make sure to measure!
©Amazon
Double Strollers
Since wagon strollers are prohibited in the Disney parks, you may have assumed that double strollers are also not allowed, but that’s not the case! As long as your stroller is less than 31 inches wide and 52 inches long, it is okay to bring it into the park. Even if you only have one child, a double stroller can be a great way to carry other items!
Strollers in Disney World
Animals
This one comes with a stipulation — no, you cannot bring your pets to the Disney parks, but service animals are allowed. If you have a trained service animal, they are allowed to come with you to the parks, but there are rules for them too. If you want to bring your pets to Disney, there are actually pet-friendly hotels on Disney property, like Art of Animation, Fort Wilderness, and the Yacht & Beach Club Resorts!
Disney’s Art of Animation
You might be surprised by what you can bring to Disney World, but it’s always best to be prepared — look at the prohibited items list, ask a Cast Member, or read our posts because at Magical Guides, we’re always giving you the latest Disney news, updates, tips, and tricks!
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WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
YOU CAN, TOO.
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Magical Guides-Guide-Covers-Fan-11-11-24-2.png
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
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What are some “illegal” things you bring to the Disney parks? Let us know in the comments!
