Michael Turner
Yes – visitors may bring a compact daypack for personal items; expect mandatory security screening at the main entrance and plan to leave oversized containers in on-site lockers or your vehicle.
Security checks are visual and hands-on: staff will open pockets, remove electronics for separate inspection and may request you unzip or empty compartments. Prohibited items typically include firearms and other weapons, fireworks, illegal drugs, glass bottles, outside alcohol, large coolers, drones, full-size tripods, and selfie sticks with extended poles.
Pack smart: place medications, prescription inhalers and photo ID in an easily accessible pocket; protect phones and cameras in separate clear pouches for quicker screening; keep liquids to a minimum and secure loose snacks in resealable bags. If traveling with a stroller or bulky baby gear, use park lockers near the entrance or the resort’s luggage services for larger items.
For up-to-date lists and any temporary restrictions tied to special events or health advisories, consult the park’s official website or mobile app before arrival; arrive 30–45 minutes earlier than planned if you expect a thorough inspection or are visiting during peak season.
Use a small soft-sided daypack or clear pouch; all bags are inspected at the park entrance and oversized luggage is discouraged.
Security will screen every carried item, so choose a slim pack that fits comfortably under a stroller seat or beneath an attraction bench. Wheeled suitcases and large duffels are often refused on pedestrian paths and create delays at entry. Keep medications in original packaging and have prescriptions available for verification.
Security screening and prohibited objects
Expect bag checks and metal detectors. Firearms, knives, pepper spray, illegal drugs (including cannabis where state law permits), glass containers, drones, and large coolers are prohibited. Selfie sticks and tripods are frequently restricted on rides and some walkways; stow photographic equipment when queueing. Empty reusable bottles before entry and refill at water stations inside.
Packing priorities and on-site storage
Pack a compact rain poncho, sunscreen, phone battery pack, ID, minimal snacks, and any necessary child supplies. Use a clear bag for faster inspection or a crossbody/fanny pack for quick access. Locker rentals are available near park entry and on the Esplanade for larger items you don’t need during attractions; consider leaving bulky gear there to move faster through queues and parades.
Allowed dimensions and recommended sizes
Recommendation: Use a soft-sided daypack no larger than 18 x 14 x 6 in (45 x 35 x 15 cm); target a capacity of 15–25 L for easiest screening and minimal hassle while moving around the park.
Size guide: Small – 5–10 L (10 x 6 x 4 in / 25 x 15 x 10 cm): phone, wallet, light jacket; ideal for short visits or if carrying a separate souvenir bag. Medium – 15–25 L (16 x 12 x 6 in / 40 x 30 x 15 cm): single-day essentials, small water bottle, compact camera, snacks. Large – 30–40 L (20 x 14 x 10 in / 50 x 35 x 25 cm): diaper supplies, extra clothes, larger purchases – expect slower security checks and difficulty storing on some attractions.
Volume-to-item checklist: 15 L fits a 500 ml bottle, thin raincoat, sunscreen, and phone charger. 25 L fits a 1 L bottle, lunchbox, compact DSLR, and a light sweater. 35+ L accommodates a foldable stroller cover, full change of clothes and medium souvenir box; consider leaving this in a car or locker for faster lines.
Construction recommendations: Pick a soft, compressible model with quick-access main zip and an external mesh bottle pocket. Avoid rigid frames, oversized side pockets or wheels; these increase search time and can snag on queues. A low-profile chest or waist strap improves comfort and keeps the bag secure on rides.
Packing tips for smoother entry: Put liquids and electronics in an easily reachable outer pocket for screening, keep sharp objects in checked luggage or vehicle, and use a small foldable tote (10–15 L) tucked inside a larger bag for unplanned souvenirs instead of upgrading to a much larger pack.
Items banned in bags and permitted alternatives
Do not bring firearms, ammunition, knives with exposed blades, brass knuckles, batons, explosive materials, fireworks, flares, illegal drugs, controlled substances without prescription, drones, hoverboards or devices with exposed lithium batteries, and open glass containers.
Replace glass bottles with sealed plastic or aluminum water bottles; use small soft-sided insulated coolers that meet the venue’s size limits rather than hard coolers; swap aerosol sprays for pump or stick sunscreen and solid deodorant; choose battery-operated handheld fans instead of fuel or pressurized models.
For sharp tools needed for medical reasons, carry the items in original packaging with a physician’s letter and present them at security screening. For food allergies, pack commercially sealed items or factory-sealed single-serve portions and keep prescription medications in labeled containers.
Instead of large camera rigs, bring compact mirrorless or point-and-shoot cameras; if carrying professional lenses or tripods, check ride and photography-area restrictions in advance and be prepared to store equipment at guest services if required.
If alcohol, fireworks, or other prohibited items are discovered at the security checkpoint, leave them at your hotel, secure them in a locked vehicle parked off-property, or discard them before entry; do not attempt to conceal restricted items in personal bags.
What to expect during bag inspection at the park gates
Bring a soft-sided daypack, unzip every compartment and place medications and valuables in a clear pouch for immediate viewing at the entrance.
Typical screening steps
Security staff will direct guests into a queue where personal items are either placed on a conveyor for X‑ray or opened for manual inspection. Guests usually walk through an archway metal detector; some locations add a handheld wand sweep. Inspectors will ask to open pockets, remove loose food containers or drink vessels that block visibility, and present any medical devices or prescription medication for verification.
How to prepare for fastest entry
Organize pockets and pouches before you arrive: keep electronics, wallets and loose coins in one accessible pocket; put liquids and gels in a single clear bag. Remove belts with large buckles and place stroller items in a separate tote for quicker checks. If a private screening is needed, request a discreet area from staff; show prescriptions or doctor’s notes for medical supplies. Expect single-person inspections to take roughly 15–45 seconds when items are ready, and allow an extra 10–30 minutes during peak mornings, parades or holiday periods. If prohibited items are found, staff may require surrender, disposal or return to a vehicle.
Where to store daypacks within the park (lockers & Guest Services)
Store bulky daypacks in on-site daily lockers at the main entrance; reserve Guest Services for valuables, medical devices, prescriptions and oversized items that won’t fit locker dimensions.
- Primary locker locations: main entrance/Esplanade banks, secondary banks near select lands and exit plazas.
- Common locker sizes (approximate):
- Small: 30×25×40 cm – jacket, poncho, small personal items
- Medium: 43×25×40 cm – compact daypack or camera bag
- Large: 43×35×40+ cm – rolling carry-on or large tote
- Typical fees: expect roughly $8–$25 per day depending on size; card and mobile pay frequently accepted.
- Access rules: first-come, no reservations; one-day rental covers multiple entries/exits that same day using the issued code/QR; retain receipt for re-entry.
- Payment & refunds: most kiosks issue an electronic receipt; refunds for unused time uncommon – confirm at kiosk or Guest Services.
- Prohibited for storage: open alcoholic beverages, hazardous materials, and perishable food; sealed retail purchases usually allowed but check staff guidance.
Guest Services procedures
- Present photo ID when dropping off valuables or prescription medication; staff logs items and issues a claim stub.
- Short-term holds are generally complimentary for same-day pickup; longer-term storage or shipping of lost items may incur fees.
- Medical devices and refrigerated medications: request the medical storage option and confirm temperature control availability before leaving the item.
- Lost & Found: items left at lockers may be transferred to Lost & Found; file a report online or at Guest Services as soon as possible.
Practical tips
- Label your storage with a phone number or park ticket number when possible.
- Place electronics in waterproof pouches or zip bags; wet folding umbrellas are ideal candidates for locker placement – see best umbrella for storms for options that collapse compactly.
- If feeling unwell after consuming wine or other drinks, consult medical staff at Guest Services and review guidance such as can red wine cause bloating.
- If lockers are full, leave non-essential valuables at your hotel or ask Guest Services about same-day holds.
Packing checklist for a full day: water, snacks, and charging options
Bring 1.5–2 liters (50–68 fl oz) of water per adult for a full day; use a reusable bottle 20–34 oz (600–1,000 ml) and refill at water stations or request free ice water at quick-service counters.
- Hydration by temperature
- Mild (60–75°F / 15–24°C): ~1.5 L per person.
- Warm (75–85°F / 24–29°C): 2–2.5 L per person.
- Hot (>85°F / >29°C): 3+ L per person; include electrolyte tablets or sports drink packets.
- Bottle recommendations
- Stainless steel insulated bottles keep drinks cold 4–8 hours; 20–24 oz models balance capacity and weight.
- Collapsible silicone bottles save space once empty.
- A filtered bottle is useful for uncertain sources; replace filter per manufacturer intervals.
Pack three snack rounds: breakfast nibble, mid-morning boost, and a hearty afternoon option to avoid long lines or overpriced food stalls.
- Snack types & quantities
- 2 protein bars (200–300 kcal each) or 1 protein bar + 1 nut/seed pouch (3–4 oz / 85–115 g).
- 1 serving trail mix (4 oz / ~115 g ≈ 450–600 kcal) for shared energy.
- 1 sealed sandwich or wrap if consumed within 3–4 hours and stored in an insulated pouch with a gel ice pack.
- Handling perishables
- Perishables such as cheese, deli meat, yogurt: safe ≤4 hours with one small gel ice pack in an insulated bag; discard after extended exposure to heat.
- Avoid glass jars; use resealable plastic or vacuum-sealed pouches.
- For dietary restrictions, bring clearly labeled substitutes and any medication (antihistamine, prescribed injectors).
- Storage & waste
- Small resealable bags for opened items keep things tidy and reduce odor.
- Bring a compact trash bag to consolidate wrappers until proper disposal.
Phone and device power: one high-capacity power source, two cables of different lengths, plus a cable organizer.
- Power bank specs
- 10,000–20,000 mAh recommended: ~1.5–4 full smartphone charges depending on model and efficiency.
- USB-C PD 18–30 W supports fast charging for most phones; include at least one USB-A port for older cables.
- Cables & accessories
- Short cable (15–30 cm) for charging while using device; long cable (90–120 cm) for resting on benches or charging from a table outlet.
- Multi-tip cable (USB-C / Lightning / Micro‑USB) reduces the number of single-use cords.
- Battery case or slim battery wallet is a lightweight alternative for a single device.
- Practical tips
- Carry the power bank in an easy-access pocket but not next to liquids or coolants.
- If planning to recharge at a lodging or vehicle later, pack a compact wall charger or car USB adapter.
- Keep power bank charged overnight and aim to start the day at 70–100% capacity.
- Water: reusable bottle 20–34 oz, additional electrolyte packets for hot days.
- Snacks: 2 protein bars, 1 trail mix pouch, optional sandwich in insulated pouch + gel pack if consuming within 3–4 hours.
- Charging: 10,000–20,000 mAh USB-C PD power bank, short + long cables, multi-tip adapter.
- Extras: resealable bags, small trash bag, napkins/wet wipes, hand sanitizer, any required medications.
Carrying medical supplies and required documentation
Keep prescription medications in original pharmacy containers with matching photo ID and a signed physician letter stating diagnosis, medication name, dosage, route (oral/injectable/inhaled), and emergency contact information.
Photocopies and digital backups of prescriptions, the physician letter, and a concise personal medical action plan (one page) should be stored separately from medication. If prescriptions are not in English, include a translated copy or a brief translation note from the prescribing clinician.
Documentation checklist
Always have these items together and readily accessible:
| Document | What it must show | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy label | Patient name, drug name, dosage, prescribing clinician | Verifies legitimacy of prescription |
| Physician letter | Dated, clinic letterhead, brief indication, administration instructions, contact number | Provides authority for nonstandard items and emergency use |
| Action plan | Allergy/anaphylaxis or chronic-condition steps, emergency dosing | Speeds treatment by staff or emergency responders |
| Digital copy | Photos or PDFs stored offline on phone | Backup if physical documents are lost |
Handling specific medical items and storage
Insulin: keep pens/vials in manufacturer packaging with pharmacy label; use an insulated pouch with gel ice packs and a small thermometer strip if temperature-sensitive storage is required. Request refrigeration from Guest Services for multi-day needs; short-term use with cold packs is acceptable.
Epinephrine auto-injectors and inhalers: retain original box or prescription label; store at ambient temperature but avoid direct sunlight and hot cars. Replace any auto-injector past expiration date; note lot numbers on your documentation.
Sharps and needles: transport in an FDA-approved sharps container. If a container is unavailable, segregate used sharps in a hard-sided, puncture-resistant container and surrender to First Aid or Guest Services for disposal at the earliest opportunity.
Portable oxygen and electronic medical devices: bring the physician prescription and device specifications (cylinder size, flow rate, battery life). Notify Guest Services ahead of arrival about large or powered equipment so power access or accommodation options may be arranged.
Controlled substances: carry only the quantity needed for the visit, with matching prescription labels and a physician letter. Local regulations vary; keep a copy of the prescribing state’s documentation and your ID with the medication.
Emergency preparation: list two emergency contacts, the prescribing clinician’s phone number, allergy list, and current medication list (drug names and dosages). Store one paper copy with medications and one digital copy on your phone.
FAQ:
Can I bring a backpack into Disneyland?
Yes. Guests are allowed to bring backpacks and personal bags into Disneyland, but all bags are subject to inspection at the park entrance. Avoid bringing large suitcases or oversized luggage; if you arrive with bulky items, consider storing them at your hotel or in park lockers. Before you travel, check the official park website for any recent updates to bag policies or temporary restrictions.
What items are allowed or prohibited in a backpack at Disneyland, and are there size or camera restrictions?
Common personal items such as water bottles, sunscreen, a change of clothes, medications, snacks for children or special diets, and basic camera gear are typically permitted. Security will screen bags for safety; items commonly prohibited include weapons, fireworks or explosives, illegal drugs, glass containers, large coolers, and selfie sticks or full-size tripods. Small, non-commercial cameras and handheld stabilizers are usually fine, but professional photography equipment or setups intended for commercial use may require prior permission. If you need to bring an oversized bag or specialized equipment, arrange storage at your lodging or contact the park’s guest services before your visit. For the most accurate and current list of banned items and any size limits, consult the official Disneyland policy page before you go.
