Michael Turner
Recommendation: Bring a small, soft-sided day pack for the marine-themed park; maximum recommended dimensions 16×14×6 inches. Small soft packs speed security checks and fit under seats or in ride storage. Hard-shell coolers and oversized duffels will likely be refused at entry.
Security inspects all bags at entry. Prohibited items on park grounds include firearms, knives, glass containers, drones, folding chairs, commercial coolers, fireworks, illegal substances, and outside alcohol. Small sealed snacks and infant formula typically accepted for babies or guests with documented medical needs; keep supporting documentation ready to prevent hold-ups.
Paid lockers sit near the main entrance and inside major park zones; sizes and pricing vary by location. Lockers work well for large items, wet towels, and valuables. For faster screening use a clear plastic pouch for electronics and place liquids in zip-top bags.
Before each attraction remove loose items and stow them in ride bins, lockers, or a vehicle. Strollers count as personal items at security; compact folding models with storage baskets usually pass while oversized strollers may be redirected to a designated area.
Check the park’s official website or call guest services for the latest restrictions and exact size limits before arrival. Carry photo ID and any medical documentation related to outside food or medication. Follow posted signage and staff instructions to reduce entry delays and keep the visit smooth.
Bag Screening, Prohibited Items, and Storage Options
Carry a compact crossbody or clear tote; all bags will be inspected at the park entrance.
Security screening
Expect handheld metal detectors, random bag checks, and requests to open compartments. Security staff may refuse entry for items listed below or require removal/temporary storage.
- Large coolers, ice chests, picnic baskets
- Glass containers and open alcohol bottles
- Weapons, knives, pepper spray, fireworks
- Drones, professional camera rigs with long lenses or tripods
- Folding chairs, umbrellas with metal spikes, tents
- Bulky luggage, full-sized suitcases and rolling trunks
- Motorized scooters, skateboards, hoverboards
- Pets (service animals with documentation permitted)
Storage options and practical recommendations
On-site locker rentals are available near the main entrance; fees and sizes vary by location. Leave oversized bags in your vehicle or use a locker for the day.
- Use a clear bag or small sling for faster processing at security.
- Bring medications in original containers; carry a physician’s note for injectable supplies.
- Empty reusable water bottles will be refilled at water stations or dining locations.
- Strollers permitted for child transport and storage of baby supplies; collapsible models speed entry through turnstiles.
- If carrying camera gear, use compact cases and be prepared to separate large lenses for inspection.
- Purchase bulky picnic items from on-site dining or arrange a locker if transporting food for dietary needs (bring documentation when possible).
Confirm the latest prohibited-item list and locker locations on the park’s official website or mobile app before arrival to avoid surprises at security.
Park bag policy: permitted sizes, styles, and where to verify
Use a single clear vinyl tote no larger than 12 × 6 × 12 in (30 × 15 × 30 cm) or a small soft-sided bag under 14 × 14 × 6 in (35 × 35 × 15 cm) to speed entry; oversized luggage and hard-shell suitcases can be refused at security.
Permitted dimensions and handling
Measure bags with straps and handles extended. Typical acceptable maximums: clear bags: 12 × 6 × 12 in (30 × 15 × 30 cm); non-clear soft bags: up to ~14 × 14 × 6 in (35 × 35 × 15 cm). Strollers and diaper carriers are inspected separately. Medical supply bags and infant necessities are processed on-site–carry prescription or care documentation when applicable.
Permitted styles, common prohibitions, and practical tips
Commonly permitted: clear tote, small crossbody, waist pack, camera pouch, compact insulated lunch bag (within size limits), and diaper bags. Frequently restricted or refused: large rolling luggage, wagons, folding chairs, glass containers, outside alcohol, weapons, drones, professional tripods and oversized coolers. To minimize delays, use a single-compartment clear bag and place electronics and loose items where security can see them.
Verify current rules via the park’s official website (check Plan Your Visit → Park Policies), the venue mobile app, the Guest Services phone number on your ticket confirmation, or signage at the main entrance. If traveling with medical equipment or special needs, call Guest Services ahead and save the confirmation screen to your phone for gate staff.
Items banned inside rucksacks and practical alternatives to bring
Pack only small personal items; prohibited objects include knives and other sharp tools, firearms and replica weapons, glass containers, alcoholic beverages, large coolers and folding seats, drones and radio-controlled aircraft, flammable aerosols, fireworks, illegal drugs, and chemical irritants such as pepper spray.
Sharp tools and multitools: leave them at home or in secured luggage. For meals bring disposable or reusable plastic/bamboo cutlery, pre-cut sandwiches from home, or purchase utensils at food outlets.
Glass bottles and fragile containers: switch to stainless-steel or BPA-free reusable bottles and use refill stations. For toiletries transfer liquids into travel-sized plastic bottles or solid bars (soap, shampoo bars).
Alcohol and large coolers: plan to buy adult beverages and perishable items inside the park where available. Use a soft insulated pouch for snacks if refrigeration isn’t required.
Folding chairs and large seating gear: choose a compact foam seat pad or wearable camping stool that fits under seating; check ride/venue rules before bringing any portable seats.
Professional camera rigs, tripods and monopods: use a compact camera, phone with a small gimbal, or a wrist/neck strap. Consider an attachable clip or mini-tripod that folds into a pouch.
Drones, remote-controlled devices and laser pointers: substitute with smartphone video (use optical zoom or clip-on lenses) or buy professional footage from licensed vendors rather than attempting aerial capture.
Fireworks, combustible materials and flammable aerosols: leave at home. For atmosphere or weather protection bring disposable rain ponchos and sealed hand warmers instead of personal pyrotechnics.
Pepper spray and other defensive chemicals: use a loud personal alarm, whistle or compact safety light. For legitimate medical sprays or inhalers carry them in original labeled containers and keep them readily accessible for inspection.
Prescription medications, EpiPens and medical supplies: keep items in original pharmacy-labeled packaging and carry a copy of prescriptions or physician notes when possible. Store medications in a clear pouch at the top of your bag for quick access during screening.
Baby supplies (formula, breast milk, baby food): pack separately in a clear, labeled pouch and declare them at security checkpoints if inspection is requested. Use insulated bottle carriers for temperature-sensitive items.
If unsure about a specific object, leave it in a vehicle or hotel room and rely on on-site retailers for replacements; packing light and using compact, nonmetallic alternatives speeds entry and reduces confiscation risk.
Medical and baby bags: what documentation to carry and what staff will inspect
Bring original prescription containers with pharmacy labels, a signed physician’s letter on office letterhead stating diagnosis and medical necessity, a printed medication list with dosages and administration times, a photo ID matching the prescription name, and a digital photo or scanned copy of each prescription and doctor note stored on your phone.
For injectable treatments (insulin, EpiPen, syringes) include the prescription label or pharmacy printout and a short nurse/doctor note explaining use and disposal. For oxygen, nebulizers or other devices carry the supplier’s order and a clinic contact number. For minors, pack a pediatrician note and either the child’s medical card or birth record when medication is prescribed in the child’s name.
Milk, formula and baby food should be clearly labeled with child’s name and date. Use sealed bottles, vacuum containers or sterile bags for expressed milk; frozen packs or gel coolers kept with ice packs are acceptable. Keep breast pumps in a separate, easy-to-open pouch and carry battery or charger if electric. Single-serve sealed formula and commercial baby food pouches simplify inspection.
Security staff perform a visual bag inspection, may request to open containers, and might swab liquids for testing. Expect checks of prescription labels, confirmation that injectable syringes correspond to a valid prescription, and inspection of refrigeration packs for medical items. If privacy is preferred, request a private screening; staff commonly comply and can escort to a designated area or guest services desk.
Label every item with the patient or child’s name, keep documentation both paper and digital, store medications in original packaging, and separate medical supplies from general items for faster inspection. Arrive early to allow time for checks, and keep emergency medications accessible during queues and on rides where permitted by park staff.
Security screening for daypacks: what to expect and tips to speed up entry
Bring a clear, single-compartment daypack and place phones, wallets, sunglasses and small bottles in outer pockets for instant visibility.
Typical checkpoint sequence: ticket/QR scan, staff request to open the bag, visual inspection of all compartments, handheld metal-wand sweep or walk-through detector if required, and a swab test on suspicious containers in some locations. Inspectors may ask you to remove loose items, empty pockets, or turn the bag inside out for a quick check.
Prepared inspections usually take 20–45 seconds per person; unprepared bags can add 2–4 minutes. Lines lengthen sharply at park opening, show start/end and mid-day meal times.
Practical steps to speed entry: use a clear quart-size pouch for liquids and place it on top; store chargers and power banks in an external pocket; keep keys and coins in a small pouch rather than loose; have tickets and IDs ready on your phone with screen brightness up; consolidate multiple bags into one carry item per person.
If a private check is needed, request a separate area. For items not permitted, common options at the gate are return to vehicle, disposal, or temporary package hold/lockers provided by the facility – plan for one of these to avoid delays.
For groups, send one person ahead to scan or open all bags while others line up. Avoid bulky organizers and excessive hardware on straps that can trigger wand scans; a simpler bag layout reduces the chance of secondary inspection.
On-site storage and locker options: rules for leaving bags during rides and shows
Store day packs in ride-area lockers or at staffed coat-check points; use ride-side bins for loose items before boarding and collect receipts or electronic codes for retrieval.
Locker sizes, costs and locations
Typical locker dimensions: small ~12×7×17 in (30×18×43 cm); large ~17×11×18 in (43×28×46 cm). Units come as coin-operated or electronic; commonly encountered price range $4–12 per use, daily rentals $8–15, refundable deposits $1–5 for coin lockers. Locker clusters usually found at the main entrance, adjacent to major attractions, and near show plazas; map icons on the park app indicate exact positions. Kiosk and app rentals require retention of barcode or PIN – photograph the receipt and save the confirmation email or screenshot.
Ride- and show-specific procedures and practical tips
Ride stations enforce removal of loose items; attendants direct guests to either ride-side cubbies, chained bins, or nearby locker banks–items left on vehicles risk damage or loss. Show plazas commonly prohibit leaving bags on aisles or in front rows; designated storage zones or lockers serve as the approved option. Staff perform inspections of stored property when safety concerns arise; items left unattended remain the owner’s responsibility, so valuables should stay in a hotel safe or locked vehicle.
Label every pack with name and phone number, photograph contents before stowing, and place small electronics in waterproof zip pouches. For shade or picnic setups, consider compact sunshades – see a compact option at best uv parasol umbrella or a sturdier park-side choice at best heavy duty deck umbrella. Policies differ by venue; check storage rules at nearby attractions such as the best aquarium in louisiana before planning multiple stops.
