Michael Turner
Recommendation: Carry a compact, soft-sided daypack or a clear tote and limit items to wallet, phone, sunscreen and a refillable bottle; for valuables or bulky items, use a rental locker at the main entrance rather than attempting to store them on rides.
Park security enforces a strict list of prohibited items: outside coolers, glass containers, alcoholic beverages, weapons, drones, large tripods, lawn chairs and loose blocks of ice are not permitted. Small personal bags, diaper supplies and sealed baby formula are generally allowed but are subject to inspection by gate attendants.
Medical exceptions: Prescription medication in its original labeled container, required medical devices and prescription baby items are permitted; keep prescriptions or a doctor’s note with the medication and present them during bag inspection to avoid delays.
Expect a visual and manual inspection for any bag carried through the gates. Guests should place electronics and loose metal objects in an easily accessible pocket, have mobile tickets ready, and fold or collapse any umbrellas or strollers before the entrance checkpoint to speed processing.
Locker rentals are available near the front plaza and on major midway points; prices vary by size and day but typically start in the low single digits to mid-teens USD. For longer visits, store excess gear in a vehicle trunk or hotel safe instead of attempting to take large items into the park.
During peak attendance days, arrive 30–60 minutes before posted opening to reduce wait at security. Check the official park website or app for the latest prohibited-items list, temporary ride storage options and any seasonal policy updates prior to travel.
Personal Bag Policy at Atlanta Theme Park
Recommendation: Carry one compact clear daypack or small crossbody; acceptable maximum dimensions for clear bags are 12 in × 12 in × 6 in (30 × 30 × 15 cm), while opaque soft-sided personal items should not exceed 18 in × 14 in × 8 in (45 × 35 × 20 cm).
Allowed, prohibited and inspection rules
All bags are subject to visual and physical inspection at entry. Prohibited items include outside alcoholic beverages, weapons, large coolers, propane tanks, loose glass containers and commercial camera rigs. Hard-sided suitcases and oversized duffels are not permitted past turnstiles; smaller luggage must be checked in lockers. Medical and infant supplies are exempt when accompanied by appropriate documentation.
Storage options and rainy-day tips
Temporary lockers are available near the main entrance and at several mid-park locations; typical fees range from $10–$20 per day depending on size, with prepaid and card options at kiosk stations. Collapsible umbrellas are allowed if folded and stowed inside an approved personal item; for compact options and local purchase suggestions see best place to buy an umbrella in london and for pet-walking models consult best umbrella for walking your dog.
Official bag policy and items prohibited at park entry
Guests must carry only one personal bag and present it for inspection at entry; clear bags are strongly recommended to expedite security screening. All bags are subject to search by security personnel; failure to allow inspection may result in denied admission. Small sealed plastic bags, medical pouches, and diaper supplies are permitted but must be declared at the gate.
Prohibited items: firearms and replicas, knives and edged tools, pepper spray and chemical agents, illegal drugs, open alcoholic beverages, glass containers, large coolers and ice chests, portable cooking devices (grills, stoves), drones and radio-controlled aircraft, tents and canopies, wagons, personal scooters and bicycles, folding lawn chairs that block walkways, professional camera rigs and tripods without prior authorization, selfie sticks and monopods on attractions, and animals except certified service animals with documentation. Outside food and drink are restricted; small resealable snacks and infant/medical nutrition are typically allowed but may be inspected.
For accidental messes in private vehicles prior to entry, refer to how to clean cat puke off carpet for rapid cleanup tips so items stored in trunks remain sanitary.
Storage and alternatives for forbidden items
Options include returning prohibited items to a vehicle in the parking lot, leaving them at lodging, or using on-site locker rental (locations and fees vary by season and gate). Service counters can confirm locker locations; flat-rate and sized lockers are available near main entrances. Items abandoned at entry will be handled according to park lost-and-found procedures.
Photography and special permits
Consumer still cameras and smartphones for personal use are allowed; commercial photography, extended lenses, tripods, gimbals for paid work, and any equipment intended for resale promotion require written permission from park management prior to arrival. Requests for media credentials or special-use permits should be submitted through official park channels well before the visit.
Allowed size, materials, and weight recommendations
Recommended maximum exterior dimensions: 16 x 12 x 6 inches (40 x 30 x 15 cm); aim for 14 x 10 x 5 inches (35 x 25 x 13 cm) or smaller for unrestricted access to rides and queues.
Preferred materials: lightweight nylon or polyester shell with mesh ventilation panels and water-resistant coating; a clear PVC pouch for small electronics or receipts speeds security screening. Avoid rigid frames, hard-shell cases, metal studs or heavy hardware that may be rejected at ride entrances or require additional inspection.
Target total load: keep under 10 lb (4.5 kg) for full-day comfort; optimal carried weight is 5–7 lb (2.3–3.2 kg). Place heaviest items low and close to the spine to reduce bounce and shoulder strain during walks and while standing in lines.
Closure and organization: use full-zip compartments with internal pockets and a zippered mesh sleeve for wet items. Small lockable zipper sliders or a lightweight cable lock are sufficient for short-term locker use; avoid bulky padlocks that add unnecessary mass.
Hydration and electronics: soft hydration reservoirs are acceptable when emptied prior to restraint-based rides; keep a compact waterproof phone pouch or dry bag for cameras and phones. Remove large water bottles before boarding major coasters and transfer them to provided lockers if needed.
On-ride storage strategy: if the pack exceeds ride-stow dimensions, use ride-side or central lockers. Typical locker interior approximations: small 11 x 7 x 6 inches (28 x 18 x 15 cm), medium 14 x 10 x 12 inches (36 x 25 x 30 cm), large 18 x 12 x 20 inches (46 x 30 x 51 cm) – availability and sizes vary by attraction.
Packing checklist for minimal weight: compact rain shell, sunscreen sachets, slim wallet, spare charger or power bank < 8,000 mAh, folded map or mobile ticket, 1–2 small snacks, and sealed travel-size hygiene items. Leave bulky souvenirs, full-size water bottles and heavy camera bodies in lockers or lodging.
Security screening: what staff inspect inside personal bags
Guests should present personal bags with all compartments unzipped and items visible for inspection.
On-entry inspection procedure
Initial scan: staff visually inspect exterior, request that all compartments be opened, and may ask for pockets, pouches and hidden seams to be emptied for a quick visual check. Handheld metal detectors and gloved tactile checks are commonly used.
Hands-on check: small items are removed and shown, larger items (coolers, camera rigs, folding chairs) are opened for staff inspection, and tightly wrapped or taped containers are unwrapped so contents are identifiable.
What staff look for inside bags
Weapons and sharp tools: knives (folding, fixed blade, multi-tools), brass knuckles, improvised weapons, ammunition, and replica firearms.
Alcohol and drugs: sealed or open alcoholic beverages, illegal narcotics, and drug paraphernalia; prescription medication should be in original labeled packaging to avoid delays.
Hazardous materials: fireworks, explosives, flammable liquids, large aerosol cans, and chemically reactive substances.
Prohibited accessories: selfie sticks, monopods, professional tripods, commercial camera rigs without prior approval, large umbrellas and folding seats that obstruct pathways or ride safety.
Electronics and batteries: loose lithium cells, unprotected battery packs, or visibly modified power supplies; staff may request batteries be shown or carried separately for easier screening.
Medical devices and supplies: EpiPens, inhalers and syringes are inspected; keeping prescriptions and physician notes accessible speeds verification.
Secondary screening and outcomes: selected bags may be emptied for a full search, wand-checked, or subject to a pat-down by same-gender staff. Prohibited items are confiscated or must be removed from the property (returned to a vehicle when possible); possession can result in denial of entry or ejection and, in some cases, law-enforcement notification.
Practical tips: organize small items into clear pouches, keep medications and IDs in an outer pocket, avoid overpacking sealed containers, and present bags open at the front of the line to reduce wait times.
Ride-specific rules: when packs must be left off attractions
Leave all personal bags in lockers or designated station cubbies before boarding these ride categories:
- High-speed coasters with inversions (inverted, floorless, flying, wing, loop) – No loose items permitted on trains; any pack secured to the rider can interfere with restraints or become a projectile. Store items in station lockers or operator-provided bins.
- Launched coasters – Rapid acceleration increases risk of contents shifting or ejecting; packs must be stowed off-platform.
- Wooden coasters and out-and-back designs – Frequent jolts and lateral forces can dislodge loose items; leave packs in station cubbies or lockers.
- Drop towers and free-fall attractions – Vertical acceleration can pull straps and zippers; bags are not permitted on the ride vehicle.
- High-G spinning and pendulum flats (top-spins, giant frisbees, rotor-style) – Centrifugal force will expel unsecured objects; small personal items should be secured in pockets with zippers or left in station storage.
- Water rides, rafts, splashdown coasters – Non-waterproof packs must remain in dry lockers; predisposed wet rides require water-resistant pouches or leaving items ashore.
- Dark rides with tight restraints or under-vehicle clearance – Anything that could change rider profile or slip beneath safety bars must be stowed off-vehicle.
Station storage options and practical notes
- Common solutions: coin/card lockers, free ride-side cubbies, supervised bins at the operator station. Follow posted signage for which option is provided per attraction.
- Typical locker fee range: $5–$20 for small/standard; $10–$30 for large or prolonged rental – fees vary by park and season.
- Use small locked pouches or waist packs for essential items when allowed; all pockets must be zipped and straps tucked inside the pouch to prevent snagging on restraints.
- Operators may perform random checks at the station; compliance with posted ride rules is mandatory for access to the vehicle.
Quick pre-ride checklist
- Empty loose pockets; place keys, phones, wallets in a locker or operator bin.
- Remove or secure hats, loose sunglasses, lanyards, and dangling straps.
- Store hydration bottles and selfie sticks off-ride; telescoping devices are banned on most attractions.
- For required medical items: keep them in a small, clearly labeled zippered pouch and notify the ride operator before boarding.
- Confirm signage at the ride entrance; if the ride station provides cubbies, use those rather than leaving items unattended in queue areas.
On-site storage solutions: lockers, rentals, and safeguarding belongings
Rent a day locker at the main gate plaza for PIN-locked, full-day storage and faster access between rides.
Locker locations: primary clusters sit at the front entrance, near the family area, and adjacent to the water-attraction zone. Small lockers fit phone, wallet, keys; medium units handle a light coat and daypack substitute; large/oversized units accept bulky items and portable coolers. Expect typical rental ranges: $8–$20 per day depending on size and location; peak-season pricing may be higher.
Payment methods: most kiosks accept credit/debit cards and contactless payments; a minority of outdoor coin-operated units remain at secondary entrances. Electronic lockers use a PIN or QR for access – photograph the QR and locker number immediately after rental.
Packing recommendations: place electronics in a waterproof pouch, separate valuables in a zippered internal compartment, and store medication in labeled containers. Remove loose change and sharp objects that could damage other guests’ property. Use a small cable lock for additional security on lidded lockers when metal loops are available.
Short-term rental alternatives: private vendors near the parking lot often offer hourly rates, larger cubic-foot units, and shipping services for oversized items. Compare total cost (rental fee plus convenience surcharges) before committing – third-party kiosks may require ID and a refundable deposit.
Lost & Found and retrieval
Report missing items immediately at Guest Relations; provide admission time, attraction area, and item description. Standard retention periods generally range from 14 to 30 days; shipping of recovered items typically incurs handling and postage fees. Keep admission proof and locker receipts/photo evidence to speed recovery.
On-ride and transit tips
For rides with on-board storage bins, place small valuables in a sealed pouch and lock with a short cable to the bin when possible. For guests using rides without bins, leave fragile or high-value items in a rented locker or convert to wearable storage (money belt, neck pouch) that fits under clothing and fastens with a concealed zipper.
