The list of things that are banned at Walt Disney World range from the obvious (weapons, illegal drugs) to the amusing (selfie sticks), but it looks like this week, Disney has added quite a few new items to its list of items that are not allowed inside its parks, some of which have been long requested by frequent park-goers. Here is everything that has now been added to the list of things that are banned at Disney Springs:
Smoking
Image: Disney
The biggest change that was announced this week was a new ban on smoking at Walt Disney World, Beginning on May 1 2019, smoking areas will no longer be available inside Walt Disney World or Disneyland theme parks, water parks, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex or Downtown Disney in California.
And though guests cannot smoke inside these areas, there will be places outside the entrances to the areas listed above, and at Disney Springs in Florida. Smoking areas will also continue to be available at Disney Resort hotels.
Though the use of e-cigarettes and vapes were previously banned in Disney parks as well, many guests have used these items in designated smoking areas, where the ban on these items was not strictly enforced. However, now that these areas are being phased out, the ban on e-cigarettes and vapes will likely be more strictly enforced as well, since there won’t be any “smoking” areas for guests to use these devices in.
Image: Disney
This is definitely a big change for Disney parks, but it is one that many have been clamoring for over the years. Disney historians may remember that when Disneyland first opened in 1955, smoking was permitted throughout the park. However, as society became more aware of the dangers of smoking (and secondhand smoke) Disney has drawn down smoking areas over the years. Of course this is the first time there has been an outright ban on smoking at Disney Parks, but this move doesn’t seem totally out of left field given the changing attitudes about smoking over the years.
Wagon-style and oversized strollers
Though many guests already know that wagons are already banned inside Disney Parks beginning May 1, stroller wagons (such as the Keenz) will also no longer be permitted inside the theme parks. These extra-large wagons have grown in popularity over the past few years, and are often considered a safety hazard as they take up a lot of space and unfortunately can block pathways, causing traffic and guest flow issues when the parks are busy.
In addition, Disney will also be more strictly enforcing stroller size rules, with strollers required to be no larger than 31″ (79cm) wide and 52″ (132cm) long. This new size restriction covers the majority of single and double-sized strollers (even jogging strollers), and most guests won’t be affected by these new guidelines.
Strollers have always been a hot-button issue among frequent park-goers, and the restricting of some of the larger and more obstructive models seems like a decent compromise that will ensure that parents still get to use these devices, and guests won’t have to worry about getting their feet run over.
Loose or dry ice
Image: Disney
Though most of these new guidelines go into effect in May, one banned item that is not allowed in the theme parks beginning immediately, is loose or dry ice. Neither of these items are permitted under any circumstances (we’re guessing they could create a slipping hazard for guests), but if you want to pack a lunch or need to keep something cool (like baby food or formula) reusable ice packs are still permitted.In addition to the safety concerns, the ban on dry ice and loose ice should also make the bag check process a little bit faster as well.
While there will always be those that are upset whenever Disney bans a new item, for the most part these new banned items make a lot of sense. Though the shift to making Disney parks smoke free is the most dramatic change, it is one that seems to be in line with current trends, and that, along with the ban on large strollers and dry/loose ice should help keep Disney parks fun, safe, and accessible for all.
