You may be in the most magical place on earth, but even in the place where your dreams can come true, there are rules and policies that you need to follow.

Over the years, Disney’s list of banned items and activities has grown and, while some of them you can probably guess (like weapons and illegal substances) others are a bit more surprising. And, that’s what we’re covering today!

Selfie Sticks

First up are selfie sticks. When these gadgets first became a household name around 2014, you could spot one almost everywhere you looked in Disney World. And, while they were great for capturing a family photo when there wasn’t a PhotoPass photographer around, many Disney-goers also used these to record fireworks shows from up above the crowds, and even record rides.

Many guests were so transfixed by their phone screens hovering in front of their faces as they walked that they’d (whoops!) potentially hurt themselves or others not paying attention to their surroundings. So, by the summer of 2015, Disney officially added the selfie stick to the list of banned items because of the potential hazard that it posed to guests.

Click HERE For 8 WEIRD Disney World Rules and Why They Exist

Costumes

When you think of Disney, you probably think of kids running around in their favorite princess or pirate costume, so it might be surprising to hear that costumes are actually on the list of banned things in the Disney Parks, water parks, and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Though, this rule does have a caveat — it only applies to guests ages 14 or older.

Now, there are some very specific circumstances where this rule can be broken. Disney makes exceptions to this policy and allows guests of all ages to wear costumes for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Disney After Hours BOO Bash, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and Villains After Hours events. But, even these costumes still have to follow some rules (like no props that resemble weapons).

Disney also made an exception to the rule back in 2020 throughout the Halloween season because Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So, guests of all ages could enter the parks in costume (again, with some limitations).

And, what’s the reason behind this? As you might imagine, some guests can create some really elaborate (and impressive) costumes that resemble the Disney characters and Disney doesn’t want guests (especially kids) to mistake other guests in costume for actual characters. They want to ensure that when you’re meeting Belle, you’re actually meeting the real Belle in the parks, so this rule helps to ensure character integrity and the safety of guests.

Check Out 5 Weird Things That Will Get You Kicked Out of Disney World HERE!

Folding Chairs

Have you ever been in the parks waiting in a long line or camping out on Main Street, U.S.A. for a parade and thought, “I really wish I had a chair right about now?” Well, sadly that’s just a pipe dream because folding chairs are actually on the list of banned items in Disney.

So, you may desperately want a chair while watching a parade after walking around the parks for days, but Disney does not allow guests to bring these into the parks for safety reasons. Enjoy sitting on that curb!

Click HERE To Learn About 6 Things You Shouldn’t Bring on Your Next Disney Trip!

Plastic Straws

If you’ve been to Disney World recently, you’ve probably noticed that it can be hard to stumble upon plastic straws and even plastic lids nowadays. That’s because Disney committed to reducing single-use plastics around Disney destinations worldwide back in 2019, and ever since we’ve been seeing paper straws introduced at most locations and plastic lids no longer offered for the most part. But, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom you’re not actually allowed to use plastic straws at all and you’ll be asked to throw it out if you’re caught with one.

Why? Well, the plastic straws and lids pose a threat to the wildlife that can be found all over the park. So, to prevent the plastic from landing in an animal enclosure, all plastic straws are banned (and you won’t find any here).

Now, if you’re not a big fan of the paper straws and the mush that they can turn into after a few minutes sitting in your drink, you can always opt to bring your own reusable straws into the park! You can find a ton of different Disney designs on reusable straws online (like this Baby Yoda one here), and they usually come with a cleaning brush that you can use in your resort or between drinks to keep them clean. Plus, we’ve even seen these on sale in Disney World from time to time.

Check Out The WILDEST Thing You’re TOTALLY Allowed to Bring Into Disney World

Balloons

Speaking of things that you can’t bring into Disney’s Animal Kingdom, one item that you see all over Disney World is actually banned here — balloons! And, this rule even applies to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney Water Parks, and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex too. So, yes, you can spot a balloon around almost any corner in Disney World, but NOT in these locations because of this rule.

What could possibly put these precious Disney souvenirs on the naughty list? Well, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge the rule exists for the safety of the animals — if a balloon were to make its way into an animal habitat, it would present a serious choking hazard for them. And, at the Water Parks and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, the balloons pose a safety risk to other guests.

But, rest assured, if you happen to find yourself in one of these places holding a balloon, you won’t have to pop it — Cast Members will hold the balloon at the front of the park or in the baggage area of the hotel.

Check Out The 30 Things You Won’t Regret Buying in Disney World HERE!

Banners and Flags

Banners and flags (specifically political ones) have been on the list of banned items in Disney World for quite some time now. The rule started way back in the ‘60s to keep protests from happening in Disneyland and has stayed in place ever since.

And, while you may never think to give up precious luggage space for a banner, some guests have tried to bring them into the parks. In fact, there was one specific instance that got a lot of media attention a few years ago where a guest displayed large political banners in Magic Kingdom at the Main Street Train Station and at Animal Kingdom’s Expedition Everest.

Disney also bans any speeches, handing out pamphlets, or any other sort of demonstrating on Disney property.

Learn About 6 Times Disney Dealt with a PR Nightmare HERE!

Spreading Ashes

Believe it or not, spreading ashes made from human remains (and really ashes of any kind) has had to be added to Disney’s banned list over time because, yes, this is ACTUALLY a problem in Disney World and Disneyland. Over the years, quite a few people have been caught spreading a loved one’s ashes at various places in the parks. And, interestingly (or maybe not so interestingly), the Haunted Mansion is the top spot that most people try to sneak the ashes in to be dumped.

Now, this is strictly banned in all Disney Parks and you’ll be escorted out if you are found doing this. But, besides that, Disney really isn’t a great place to lay anyone to rest — the attractions are cleaned regularly, so your loved one will likely be swept up by the end of the day.

Check Out The CREEPIEST Stories From the Magic Kingdom!

Drones

Also on the list of banned items are drones, so you won’t be able to get any footage high up in the sky when you’re visiting.

Some parts of Disney World are official no-fly zones (including the Magic Kingdom, sections of Epcot, and some of the resort areas). And, even if you’re not in a no-fly zone, Disney security still won’t let you fly a drone for security reasons.

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Artificial Noisemakers

Disney World can already be a pretty loud place even without guests providing their own background music. That’s why Disney has banned horns, whistles, large megaphones, and other artificial noisemakers from the parks.

These can take away from the parades, shows, and entertainment that Disney has going in the parks. Plus, could you imagine if someone in line behind you gave their kids a noisemaker to keep them busy while waiting for an attraction?

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Skateboards and Rollerblades

The only thing getting around the parks on wheels NOT part of the park experience is guests requiring mobility devices and kids in strollers at Disney World! Skateboards, scooters, in-line skates, and shoes with built-in wheels are all banned from the parks and resorts. Though there are some exceptions to the rule, as bicycles are permitted within designated Disney Resort areas (and you can even rent them!).

Now, this one might sound a bit odd at first, but if you’ve ever been to Disney World during a crowded day, then you probably can already guess why these are banned. Getting around the parks on wheels could pose a huge safety risk to both you and other guests.

Check Out 100 Things That Will BLOW YOUR MIND About Disney World HERE!

So, when you’re packing your bag, be sure to keep this list in mind so that you don’t end up bringing anything that won’t be allowed in the parks. And, hey, leaving those eight items at home is sure to make your luggage just a bit lighter (okay, well maybe not the straws)!

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Check out our latest video and then comment below: Are there any other items you think should be banned in the Disney parks?

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