Disney has always enforced strict rules at its theme parks to ensure a family-friendly experience, from restrictions on what guests can bring in with them to the famed “Disney Look”for its Cast Members. Many of these rules have been relaxed since Disneyland’s debut in 1955, but there are a still of host of things that will get you barred or ejected from Disney theme parks. It’s unlikely that many of Theme Park Tourist’s readers will fall foul of these rules. But we still thought it might be fun to take a look 10 things that are banned from Disney parks today.
10. Skateboards
Fancy doing your best Bart Simpson impression during your next visit to Disneyland or Walt Disney World? Don’t have a cow, man, but that skateboard will have to stay in the car – along with your inline skates and shoes with built-in wheels. In fact, with the exception of strollers and wheelchairs, just about anything on wheels is banned from Disney’s parks. That includes scooters, wagons and suitcases and strollers above certain minimum dimensions (92x132cm for strollers, 61x38x46cm for suitcases).
9. Folding chairs
Waiting to watch one of Disney’s parades can be a brutal affair. Families gather an hour or more in advance, lining the pavements of Main Street, USA and waiting in the beating sun for Mickey and his friends to come past. Wouldn’t it be lovely to have a folding chair with you to make that wait more bearable? Tough luck – they aren’t allowed. Probably understandably, given the amount of precious room they would take up.
8. Costumes
It can be tempting to dress up as a Disney princess or character during your visit. But do that, and you’re liable not to be allowed into the park (unless you are aged under 10). Of course, there’s a fine line between an outfit and a costume…but Disney bans anything that could even potentially be viewed as a costume.
7. Revealing clothes
Image: Disney
Want to wear jeans that are torn in multiple places, or a transparent top? Forget it. Disney bans clothing made with “offensive material” (i.e. transparent), as well as items that are “excessively torn”. Forget wearing a bikini top, a g-string or any other skimpy items, too – unless you’re at a Disney water park, of course.
6. “Offensive” clothing
Bought yourself a clever t-shirt with a slogan on it from an online store? Think twice before wearing it to a Disney park. Some Cast Members may judge “offensiveness” levels differently, but anything that is even remotely liable to cause offence to another guest could get you thrown out.
5. Topless guests
Yes, we know…it can get really hot at Disney parks, particularly on a summer’s day when you’re racing from one ride to another. Dare to take your top off, though, and a Cast Member will pounce on you instantly. You’ll be asked politely to cover up…or leave.
4. Pets
It won’t have escaped your attention that many of Disney’s most famous characters are animals. Mickey Mouse himself is a rodent, and he has a pet dog, Pluto, too. But when it comes to Disney’s parks, real-life animals are not invited (with the exception of service animals). You can bring a cat or dog to the parks – but you’ll have to leave it in a kennel.
3. Segways
Disney explicitly bans “wheeled mobility devices with less than 3 wheels and devices that cannot maintain stability and balance when stopped, unpowered or unoccupied” from its parks. The aim is clear – the company does not want Segways rolling up Main Street, USA. One woman with muscular dystrophy challenged Disney’s ban in court, but a California judge ruled against her. Among the evidence that Disney submitted? That “in 2010, the owner of the company that makes Segways, died when he apparently lost control of his Segway.”
2. Alcoholic beverages
Disney’s theme parks have relaxed their attitudes to alcohol over the years, with many table service restaurants now serving up alcoholic beverages. Still, Disney doesn’t tolerate drunkenness – and it’s certainly not about to allow you to bring your own booze in with you.
1. Weapons
You’re liable to be harassed by a wicked witch, face plundering pirates and even encounter Darth Vader himself during your Disney theme park visit. But don’t even think about defending yourself with a weapon. Since September 11, Disney parks are protected by extensive bag searches and their entrances. Bringing a knife of any kind or – even worse – a gun is really not recommended.
