Michael Turner
Recommendation: Use a compact, soft-sided daypack or clear tote (a typical 15–18 litre day bag is ideal). Security inspects all carried items: remove phones, wallets and loose change for faster screening, and pack liquids in factory-sealed containers. Large framed rucksacks, bulky duffels, coolers and professional equipment cases are commonly prohibited.
Practical tips: Keep valuables in interior pockets or a money belt, and consolidate loose items into one small pouch to speed passage through checkpoints. If you require large medical supplies, store them in a clearly labeled transparent pouch and carry prescriptions or a clinician note. Declare injectable devices at the gate when asked.
On-site storage options: coin/card-operated lockers are usually available near the main entrance for temporary stowage; otherwise leave oversized luggage in a locked vehicle or at your accommodation. Check the park’s guest policy page or contact Guest Services before arrival for the latest prohibited-items list and special-event rules, and plan to arrive 30–45 minutes early on busy days to accommodate bag checks.
Allowed personal packs and entry recommendation
Carry a small daypack or waist pack no larger than 12″ x 12″ x 6″ (30 x 30 x 15 cm) to speed up gate checks and keep items ride-ready; oversized luggage increases the chance of secondary inspection and restricted access on roller coasters and water attractions.
All bags are subject to inspection at security. Typical prohibited items include firearms, knives, illegal drugs, glass containers, alcoholic beverages, coolers, drones, hoverboards, large tripods, gas canisters and fireworks. Keep medications in original packaging and have prescriptions available for verification.
Loose possessions must be secured before boarding: use a secure lanyard for phones, a zip pouch for keys and cards, or the ride’s on-board storage where provided. Consider a small lockable pouch for valuables; sling-style packs and fanny packs are easier to manage on high-speed rides than larger shoulder models.
On-site storage options exist: coin-operated lockers near the main entrance and selected attractions (sizes small/medium/large). Expect rental fees roughly in the $6–$18 range depending on size and duration; trunks, hotel safes or vehicle storage are practical alternatives for bulky items.
Families: strollers are permitted but may be checked; diaper bags and baby formula are allowed but subject to screening. Service animals require documentation and will be handled per ADA guidelines; emotional support animals are typically not accepted in ride queue areas–confirm with guest services for specifics.
Allowed dimensions, styles, and clear-bag rules
Recommendation: use a clear tote no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ (30 x 15 x 30 cm); if choosing a non-transparent bag, keep it under 16″ x 16″ x 8″ (40 x 40 x 20 cm). Wheeled luggage, framed packs, and oversized duffels will be denied entry.
Accepted styles and sizing
- Clear tote: plastic, vinyl or PVC, single compartment or with clear pockets; adhere to 12″ x 6″ x 12″.
- Small crossbody/shoulder purse: recommended max 10″ x 7″ x 4″ (25 x 18 x 10 cm) to reduce inspections.
- Drawstring/cinch sacks: allowed when soft-sided and within the 16″ x 16″ x 8″ limit.
- Insulated lunch bags and compact camera cases: acceptable if soft and without rigid frames.
- Prohibited styles: wheeled suitcases, hard-shell luggage, framed hiking packs, large duffels, and coolers.
- Measure with contents inside; use the bag’s longest, widest and deepest points for accurate dimensions.
Clear-bag specifics and screening tips
- Material requirement: fully transparent plastic, vinyl or PVC. Tinted or mesh panels may be rejected.
- Closure requirement: zippers or snaps recommended; open-top totes without a secure closure risk refusal.
- Inspection flow: transparent bags usually receive a visual check only; opaque items will be manually searched.
- Small valuables: place electronics, wallets and medications in a separate clear pouch to speed entry.
- Prohibited contents to remove beforehand: glass containers, weapons, illegal substances and outside alcohol.
- If uncertain about size or style, choose a compact clear option or a small waist pack to avoid hold-ups at the gate.
Items prohibited in bags and on rides
Do not place the items listed below in any bag, purse, pack, or on any attraction; security screening and bag checks are enforced at entry points.
| Item | Prohibited on property | Prohibited on attractions | Notes / Exceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firearms & ammunition | Yes | Yes | Only authorized law enforcement with ID. No unsecured weapons; do not store in lockers unless permitted by local law. |
| Knives, blades, multitools (cutting edges) | Yes | Yes | All cutting instruments designed to cut are banned from rides; small medical cutting tools must be declared at security with documentation. |
| Pepper spray, mace, chemical irritants | Yes | Yes | No exceptions. |
| Explosives, fireworks, sparklers | Yes | Yes | Includes party poppers, caps, and similar pyrotechnics. |
| Alcoholic beverages and kegs | Yes | Yes | Outside alcohol is not permitted; purchases from licensed vendors are allowed where applicable. |
| Glass containers | Yes | Yes | Allowed only for infant formula or prescribed medication in original packaging. |
| Large coolers, propane tanks | Yes | Yes | Small insulated lunch bags may be allowed; check on-site locker availability. |
| Selfie sticks, monopods, loose camera mounts | Allowed | Prohibited | Handheld cameras without extended mounts usually permitted; professional rigs may require a permit. |
| Drones and remote-controlled aircraft | Yes | Yes | Operate only with prior written authorization from property management. |
| Skateboards, scooters, hoverboards (personal wheeled devices) | Restricted | Prohibited | Devices may be required to be stowed or checked; riding on pathways often not allowed. |
| Hazardous chemicals, adhesives, compressed gases | Yes | Yes | Includes spray paint, benzene, lighter fluid. |
| Illegal drugs and paraphernalia | Yes | Yes | Zero-tolerance policy; law enforcement will be notified. |
| Pets | No (service animals only) | Prohibited | Service animals allowed with proper documentation; emotional support animals typically not permitted. |
Practical steps before arrival
Store prohibited items in your vehicle at the lot or leave them at home; short-term lockers are often available near entrances–use them for valuables or items not allowed on attractions. For prescription medication and syringes, keep original packaging and a doctor’s note; present to security for inspection.
If an item is found during screening
Security may refuse entry, confiscate items, or require removal to a vehicle. Request a receipt for surrendered property. Disputes are resolved at the security office; refusal to comply may lead to denied entry or ejection.
Personal hygiene items typically allowed on property should be clean and dry; for example, reusable silicone scrubbers must be washed before use – see how to clean a silicone body scrubber for cleaning guidance.
Security checks: what to expect when entering with a daypack
Recommendation: Arrive 30–45 minutes before your ticketed entry, have pockets emptied and electronics accessible for removal to speed inspection.
Expect all bags to pass through an X-ray conveyor; items that produce unclear images will be pulled for a manual search. Security officers may use a handheld wand or a walk-through metal detector for guests, and secondary screening is limited to targeted checks when alarms occur.
If a metal alarm sounds, remove belt, coins, keys and large jewelry on request; a brief pat-down may follow and will be conducted by an officer of the same gender upon request. Electronic devices are often asked to be powered on for a quick verification.
When prohibited objects are discovered, staff options include disposal, return at exit, or temporary surrender to Guest Services for later pickup. To avoid loss, place disallowed items in your vehicle or in park lockers before arrival.
Some attractions require stowing loose items in ride-side lockers; expect to pay a small fee or use card payment. Soft-sided bags fit lockers more efficiently; to reduce locker space use best luggage vacuum bags for extra clothing or bulky textiles.
Medications and medical devices should be carried in original packaging with prescription labels and declared to security if requested. Infant formula and medically necessary liquids are typically inspected but handled separately from general liquid rules.
Peak entry delays typically add 10–40 minutes during midday and weekends; use mobile ticketing lanes when available. To move through screening faster, pack minimally, place electronics on top, use a single-compartment clear bag, and have tickets/ID ready in hand.
Where to store personal bags: lockers, rental storage, and park policy
Locker sizes, locations and pricing
Use on-site lockers at the main entrance and mid-park kiosks for short-term secure storage. Typical capacity options: small (~10–15 L) for phone/wallet, medium (~20–35 L) for a light day satchel or jacket, large (~40–65 L) for bulky items and multiple purchases. Typical price ranges seen at major parks: $6–$12 for small, $10–$18 for medium, $15–$25 for large; hourly rates are rare, most kiosks charge a flat day fee. Payment methods usually include credit/debit and contactless; some accept cash but expect card-first operations.
How to rent, park policy and practical tips
Rent at a self-service terminal or Guest Services desk: select size, pay, and receive a key or PIN and a claim receipt. Lockers operate during park hours only; items left after closing may be removed and held as lost property. Staff-run rental storage at Guest Services accepts oversized luggage and equipment, issues a numbered claim ticket, and will require ID for retrieval.
Prohibited items for any on-site storage include explosives, pressurized containers, open flammables, and illegal substances; storage agreements commonly state the park is not liable for loss, theft, or damage, so keep passports, large amounts of cash, and irreplaceable valuables on your person. If storing electronics, remove batteries where required and photograph serial numbers before deposit.
Operational tips: pick a medium unit if you expect souvenirs; photograph the locker number and keep the receipt until retrieval; set a memorable PIN rather than relying on a paper key; plan returns at least 30 minutes before closing to avoid retrieval problems. For groups, consolidate items into one locker to save fees; for frequent access, use a small crossbody or waist pack to hold immediate essentials and leave bulky items in storage.
Carry a compact daypack with only immediate essentials; lock bulky items and valuables in your car trunk
Pack what you will use inside the amusement park for one day; leave large luggage, coolers, extra shoes and nonride-friendly equipment secured in your vehicle.
What to carry on your person
Tickets and ID: mobile pass plus a printed backup in a small waterproof sleeve.
Phone and power: phone, 10,000 mAh power bank, one short charging cable; keep devices in a zippered pouch or waterproof phone case.
Hydration and sun: 16–24 oz refillable bottle (empty if required at entry), travel-size sunscreen (3–4 oz) and SPF lip balm, compact hat or packable visor, sunglasses with strap.
Medications and health items: daily meds in original containers, epinephrine auto‑injector accessible, small first‑aid kit (bandages, antihistamine single doses), 2 oz hand sanitizer.
Weather and ride readiness: thin disposable poncho or compact waterproof shell (folded to pocket size), microfiber towel (12″ x 12″), small zip pouch for loose coins, keys and locker card.
For children: 6–8 diapers per child, travel wipes, spare change of clothes in a sealed bag, small quiet activities to occupy lines.
What to leave in the car
Large coolers, full-size umbrellas, folding chairs, bulky jackets and blankets, spare footwear and large luggage; these take up space and are awkward on rides.
Perishable picnic food and glass containers; store in a cooler in the trunk and remove any vivid odors before leaving the vehicle.
Extra electronics and optics you won’t use in the park: DSLR lenses, gimbal rigs, drones, tripod legs – keep these out of sight in the locked trunk.
Valuables not needed for the day: excess cash, jewelry and spare keys; lock them in the trunk or leave at home to reduce theft risk.
Temperature‑sensitive items (insulin, certain medications): do not leave in a hot car; carry in an insulated case on your person or with a companion who stays out of the vehicle.
