Michael Turner
Recommendation: Choose a soft-sided, lightweight bag under 14″×12″×6″ to speed entry and reduce handling at security. All personal items will undergo visual inspection at the entry checkpoints; expect additional screening of sealed containers and any item that looks suspicious.
Only pack the following items for a typical day: ID, credit card, phone, single small camera, prescription medication, and basic hygiene items. Leave large coolers, checked luggage and tripods in your vehicle or at lodging. Weapons, illicit substances, fireworks and drones remain strictly prohibited; glass containers increase the chance of confiscation.
For high-speed or inverted attractions, store loose items in on-ride lockers or use a compact crossbody or waist pouch to keep hands free. Park attendants will instruct when removal of a personal carrier is required and will direct temporary secure storage options near the attraction.
If special needs exist – for example medical devices, infant supplies or mobility aids – present documentation at Guest Services upon arrival; staff will advise on exceptions, screening procedures and any permitted alternatives. Contact Guest Services ahead of your visit for confirmation of specific restrictions or accommodations.
Park bag and pack guidance
Use a compact crossbody, waist pack, or small daypack; oversized luggage, coolers and hard-sided suitcases will not pass entry screening.
Security and entry
- All bags are subject to visual inspection and handheld wands at entrance checkpoints; have pockets empty and zippers open for faster processing.
- Clear bags speed up lines–transparent designs with minimal compartments cut inspection time.
- Items commonly refused at entry: weapons of any kind, fireworks, illegal substances, glass containers, personal grills, drones and large coolers.
Packing recommendations
- Carry only essentials: phone, wallet, ID, minimal cash, sunscreen, refillable water bottle (if permitted), and medication in original packaging with prescription label.
- Stow loose items before boarding rides; many attractions require guests to place bags in provided lockers or hand them to companions.
- For families: use a slim stroller with integrated storage or a small diaper bag; leave oversized diaper bags in your vehicle or at Guest Relations if space is limited.
- Use locking zippers or small travel locks for peace of mind; avoid carrying valuables you can’t comfortably keep on your person.
If you expect to need extra storage during the day, check Guest Relations for rental lockers or plan to leave large cases in your car; verify current park policies online before arrival to avoid surprises.
Theme-park bag policy: permitted bag types and maximum dimensions
Bring one compact carry item per guest – maximum external size 12 x 6 x 12 inches (30 x 15 x 30 cm); large checked luggage, full-size suitcases and oversized rolling bags will not pass security checkpoints.
Permitted styles: small purses, crossbody bags, cinch sacks, compact duffels, diaper bags and lightweight rucksacks under the stated dimensions. Clear totes are recommended for faster queues; if using a clear tote, keep it within the same 12 x 6 x 12″ envelope to avoid secondary screening.
Prohibited at entry: full-size rolling luggage, cooler boxes, large garment bags, commercial camera cases and loose crates. All carry items are subject to visual and physical inspection; have pockets zipped and contents accessible to speed the process.
If you need more capacity, use on-site locker rentals located near the main gate or leave oversized gear locked in your vehicle. For a compact rolling option suitable for road-to-park transfer (store in car or check at lockers), consider a travel-specific model such as this best duffel rolling bag for overseas travel – choose one that compresses below 12 x 6 x 12″ or fits in standard vehicle cargo.
Prohibited items you cannot carry in a pack at the park
Do not bring any of the items below in a personal bag; security personnel will confiscate prohibited objects and may refuse entry or require removal from the property.
Items commonly confiscated
- Firearms and ammunition of any kind; replicas and BB/airsoft guns included.
- Knives, machetes, axes, box cutters, multitools with exposed blades and other cutting implements.
- Electroshock devices, stun guns, tasers and chemical sprays (pepper spray, bear spray).
- Illegal drugs, controlled substances and associated paraphernalia (pipes, bongs, scales).
- Alcohol brought from outside (canned, bottled, boxed or in coolers), as well as large coolers and commercial coolers.
- Glass containers and breakable bottles.
- Fireworks, sparklers, flares, smoke canisters, fog/smoke devices and any pyrotechnics.
- Drones, unmanned aerial vehicles and remote-controlled aircraft.
- Large tripods, monopods and professional camera rigs intended for commercial use without prior park approval.
- Selfie sticks and extendable poles while waiting for or riding attractions; may be allowed elsewhere but are frequently prohibited on rides.
- Scooters, skateboards, rollerblades, hoverboards and similar wheeled personal-transport devices.
- Laser pointers and powerful handheld lighting devices that can distract guests or staff.
- Animals other than properly identified service animals (documentation may be requested at entry).
- Confetti, silly string, spray paint, permanent markers, adhesives and items that can damage property or create cleanup hazards.
- Large tents, folding chairs with metal spikes, poles or stakes.
Practical steps if you must travel with restricted items
- Leave prohibited objects at home when possible; for sharp tools or medical devices, carry documentation and declare them at security.
- Store forbidden items in your vehicle, hotel safe or secured locker before entering the gates – ask gate staff for locker availability and locations.
- If an item is confiscated, request a written receipt from security to retrieve it later when permitted.
- Obtain written authorization from park management in advance for commercial photography or unique equipment; bring permit when entering.
- When in doubt, contact park security or guest services ahead of arrival to confirm whether a specific item is permissible.
Medication, allergy-safe food, and baby supplies in your daypack
Keep prescription medicines in original pharmacy containers, include a photocopy of the prescription and prescriber contact info in a waterproof pouch, and place all meds in an easily reachable compartment so they can be presented for inspection without emptying the entire bag.
Temperature-sensitive medicines and sharps
Insulin and other temperature-sensitive drugs: use an insulated case with gel cold packs (no loose ice), include a disposable thermometer strip if possible, and carry enough supply for the day plus one extra dose. For refrigeration longer than a few hours, ask First Aid or Guest Services for short-term storage. Syringes and needles must be transported in a puncture-resistant sharps container with prescription labels visible; declare them to security on arrival and carry a doctor’s note when feasible.
Allergy food items and baby-specific provisions
Pack commercially sealed single-serve items when available; label any homemade snacks with full ingredient lists and a printed allergy action plan signed by a physician. Epinephrine auto-injectors and antihistamines should be in an outer pocket for immediate access; carry at least two doses if anaphylaxis history exists. For infants: bring one diaper per two hours of visit plus six extras, resealable wipes packs, pre-measured powdered formula in single-serve containers or prefilled bottles in an insulated bottle bag, disposable changing pads, and a spare set of clothing. Battery-operated breast pumps and dry storage for pump parts are permitted; bring spare batteries or a USB power bank.
Security screening: place medications, nursing supplies, and allergen-safe foods in a clearly marked, easy-open section and inform security staff as you approach checkpoints. If an item is liquid or gel above standard screening limits (breast milk, formula, liquid meds), declare it for separate inspection. If planning to ride attractions that require leaving items behind, use rental lockers or check with Guest Services/First Aid for temporary holding; otherwise keep critical meds and epinephrine on your person at all times.
Security checkpoints: what to expect when entering with a pack
Prepare the pack for inspection: unzip the main compartment, move phones, cameras, wallets and loose change into an outer pocket or a clear pouch so an officer can see them at a glance.
Typical entry sequence: ticket scan at the turnstile, a quick wand or magnetometer scan of the guest, then a visual bag check where staff open the pack and scan contents. A routine check takes about 10–30 seconds; a secondary search that requires emptying pockets and item-by-item inspection usually adds 1–4 minutes.
Pack layout that speeds throughput: keep one compartment for small electronics, one for personal items (sunglasses, keys, cards) and one for bulk items. Place items that commonly trigger attention–metal bottles, tripod legs, bulky chargers–near the top so they can be removed quickly.
Actions to take before you reach the table: empty pant pockets into the pack, remove belts or large metal jewelry if possible, have ticket or mobile pass ready in hand, and collapse chair/stroller straps to prevent snagging. In groups, send one person forward with the pack while others proceed to entry to avoid bottlenecks.
If an alarm or question arises, step aside calmly, show original packaging or receipts for unfamiliar devices, and request a private screening if you prefer. Noncompliance or refusal to follow instructions can result in denied entry.
For faster re-entry after a full search, reseal pouches and place frequently inspected items in the same top pocket every time; consistent placement reduces repeat searches on return to the line.
Options for storing large or extra bags: lockers, rentals, and strollers
Use on-site locker rentals for oversized gear
Use the entrance-area locker bank for items that won’t fit in a small daypack; lockers typically sit within 100–300 ft of the main gate and operate from park opening until park close. Expect sizes and price ranges shown in the table below; kiosk payment accepts major cards and contactless wallets. Store items that need no temperature control (extra shoes, jackets, bulky souvenirs, non-perishable gifts).
| Locker type | Internal dimensions (approx.) | Typical price (per day) | What fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 12″ × 9″ × 15″ | $6–$9 | Phone, wallet, small camera, water bottle |
| Medium | 16″ × 12″ × 18″ | $8–$12 | Medium tote, compact stroller accessories, light jacket |
| Large | 24″ × 18″ × 20″ | $12–$18 | Duffel, large purse, collapsible stroller |
| Oversize | 30″ × 20″ × 28″ | $18–$30 | Suitcase, cooler, multiple bags |
Use a solid lock for valuables; reference best luggage locks for the money when choosing one. Remove perishables and medications that require refrigeration before leaving items in lockers.
Rentals, off-site storage and vehicle tips
Stroller rental booths near the entrance generally offer single strollers ($12–$20/day) and double strollers ($20–$30/day). Most rental units accommodate children up to 50–60 lb; request a wristband or tag to match stroller to renter. Stroller parking is available at major attractions; fold and secure small items inside when leaving a unit unattended.
Off-site luggage-storage services in the nearby town provide staffed drop-off for $6–$15 per item per day; choose locations with extended hours if you plan to store items for early entry or late-night return. Hotel bell service will often hold baggage free for guests; confirm hold limits and pickup ID requirements at check-in.
If leaving gear in a vehicle, lock items in the trunk or use a covered cargo area and avoid visible valuables. For vehicles with air suspension that will carry heavy loads or rooftop boxes, verify suspension components before a long drive – see this guide on how to test the air suspension compressor relay to reduce risk of failure when transporting luggage.
Packing checklist for a smooth entry and quick access to must-have items
Recommendation: Keep a small front-pocket pouch with photo ID, entry ticket screenshot or printout, and one payment card for instant retrieval at the gate.
ID & ticket copy: Save ticket screenshot offline, print one copy, and place both inside the front pouch; include a photocopy of government ID in a separate sealed sleeve.
Phone & power: 10,000 mAh power bank, short flat USB cable (USB-C or Lightning), and a compact phone stand; charge all devices to full before departure.
Sun and weather protection: Travel-size SPF 30+ sunscreen (1–3 oz), collapsible brimmed hat, and a single-use rain poncho folded inside a resealable bag to shield electronics.
Medications: Daily prescriptions in original containers, a clear zip pouch labeled with dosage times, and a photocopy of the prescription or physician note for quick verification.
First-aid & hygiene: Ten adhesive bandages, two single-use antibiotic ointment packets, 2 oz hand sanitizer, 8–12 wet wipes, and a disposable tissue pack.
Snacks & hydration: One sealed protein or granola bar (nut-free if sharing), one electrolyte powder sachet, and a collapsible water bottle for refills from hydration stations.
Documents & emergency info: Small laminated card with emergency contact, allergy alerts, and meeting-point coordinates; tuck a copy of insurance details into the same pouch as ID.
Organization system: Use 2–3 color-coded zip pouches (electronics, health, documents); place the most-used pouch in the outer compartment; keep heavy items closest to the back panel to reduce bounce.
Quick-access setup: Lanyard with ticket and ID, slim wallet for front-pocket storage, and a single easy-open pouch for receipts, change, and small purchases.
Tech & small-safety extras: Tiny multi-tool (blade removed if restricted), retractable key reel, RFID card sleeve, and a coin pouch with $20–40 in small bills for vendors that prefer cash.
