Michael Turner
Short answer: Small personal bags are allowed; all bags undergo security inspection at park entry. Large luggage, coolers, and items that pose safety or nuisance risks are prohibited and may be refused at the gate.
Practical guidance: choose a compact daypack, sling bag, or crossbody that fits comfortably on the chest or under an attraction seat. Avoid oversized duffels and rolling suitcases; bulky gear often requires return to a vehicle or storage at a hotel. Pack light to speed up screening and reduce time spent stowing items for rides.
Prohibited and restricted items: firearms and weapons, fireworks, outside alcoholic beverages, illegal substances, large coolers, drones, glass containers, and motorized personal transporters (hoverboards). Service animals with documentation are accepted per ADA rules; common medical supplies and prescription medications are permitted but subject to inspection.
Ride rules and storage: many attractions require loose items to be placed in ride bins or secured in pockets; some high-intensity rides will not allow any personal bags on board. Use ride lockers where provided or leave larger items with a companion who remains off the attraction.
Final tips: keep identification and any medication in an easy-access pocket, photograph important contents before arrival, and verify the park’s current bag policy and prohibited list on the official site or by contacting Guest Relations prior to travel to avoid surprises.
Park bag policy and security
Use a compact soft-sided daypack or clear tote to speed security inspections; oversized luggage, hard-shell coolers and rolling suitcases are frequently refused at the entrance.
Screening and commonly prohibited items
All personal bags undergo visual and/or physical search. Items typically prohibited include firearms and other weapons, illegal drugs, alcoholic beverages, glass containers (with the usual exceptions for infant food and prescribed medication), fireworks, drones, hoverboards and self-defense sprays. Keep prescription medications in their original containers and present them if requested during screening.
Packing and ride storage recommendations
Secure loose items in zippered pockets or attach a small pouch to clothing with a carabiner; leave large totes with a non-riding companion when boarding attractions. Favor a single clear bag for faster entry, carry only phones, wallets, a compact poncho and sunscreen sachets, and use interior zip compartments for valuables. Verify locker availability and locations on the park’s official site before arrival if temporary storage is desired.
Park bag policy: allowed sizes, types, and exceptions
Recommendation: Carry one soft-sided bag no larger than 16 x 16 x 8 inches; a clear bag sized 12 x 6 x 12 inches is recommended to speed security screening.
Allowed sizes and types
All bags are subject to inspection at entry. Typical acceptable categories and suggested dimensions are provided for planning.
| Item | Suggested maximum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Purse / waist pack | 10 x 6 x 4 in | Compact, fits on most rides and seating areas |
| Soft-sided bag | 16 x 16 x 8 in | Standard personal carry; likely to be searched |
| Clear bag | 12 x 6 x 12 in | Expedites entry; recommended for fast passage |
| Diaper / medical bag | No formal limit | Permitted after inspection; label medications and supplies |
| Small soft-sided cooler / food container | Soft-sided only | Non-alcoholic food allowed after inspection; glass prohibited |
Prohibited items and exceptions
Prohibited items include firearms, knives with blades above local legal limits, illegal drugs, fireworks, drones, open alcoholic containers and glass bottles. Exceptions granted after inspection: prescription medications (in original containers), injectable emergency meds (EpiPen), medically necessary equipment and labeled baby formula or breast milk. Documented service animals are permitted; emotional support animals are typically not authorized.
Practical advice: Use park locker rentals if present or leave oversized luggage in a locked vehicle or lodging. For ride-side security, place small valuables in zippered pockets or carry them in the recommended clear bag to reduce handling during screenings.
Prohibited items commonly found in bags and how to avoid them
Remove firearms, ammunition, knives (fixed or folding blades), pepper spray and other defensive aerosols, stun devices, fireworks, illegal drugs, and loose hypodermic needles before arrival; store these items locked in a vehicle trunk or at your lodging.
Common prohibited items and quick alternatives
Glass containers – switch to sealed plastic or aluminum bottles purchased on-site. Open alcohol – consume or dispose of before arrival and purchase beverages inside. Large coolers and folding chairs – leave in the car or ship to nearby lodging; use compact, soft-sided lunch kits that meet park rules. Selfie sticks, tripods and professional camera rigs – rent on-site or arrange equipment storage at nearby facilities. Drones, laser pointers and remote-controlled toys – leave at home. Vaping devices and spare lithium batteries – store in a locked room or vehicle; tape battery terminals or keep batteries in original packaging when transport is necessary.
How to avoid accidental packing
Use a three-step routine: (1) empty all pockets and spread contents on a table; (2) cross-check items against the venue’s official prohibited list on your phone; (3) place allowed substitutes (sealed plastic bottle, compact towel, medical supplies in labeled containers) in your bag. For prescriptions, keep medication in original labeled containers and carry a physician’s note for injectables or controlled substances; store sharps in an approved rigid sharps container. If a prohibited item is discovered at security, offer to return it to the vehicle or accept surrender to avoid delays. For special equipment or unclear cases, contact guest services ahead to arrange permits or short-term storage.
What to expect at bag checks and metal detectors at park entry
Arrive 30–45 minutes before scheduled entry; peak mornings and late-afternoon entry windows can add 10–25 minutes per person for security screening.
Screening procedures
Walk-through metal detectors are standard; an alarm triggers a secondary scan with a handheld wand and possible pat-down. Personal items–keys, loose change, phones, sunglasses, hats–should be placed in trays for X‑ray imaging when provided. Large bags and packs are opened fully: staff will inspect main compartments, interior pockets and any sealed containers. Shoe removal is rare and only requested if the detector indicates a problem.
How inspections are handled and how to speed things up
Typical metal-detector clearance takes 5–10 seconds; a handheld scan or quick bag check adds 20–60 seconds. To minimize delays, consolidate small items into a single clear pouch, keep prescription medication in labeled original packaging, and separate food or liquids that might require closer inspection. If prohibited items are found, options usually include immediate disposal, return to a vehicle, or surrender; discovery of firearms or illegal substances will result in denial of admission and likely notification of law enforcement. Mobility aids and strollers are visually inspected; service animal behavior and leash control are assessed but documentation is rarely requested unless a question arises.
Food, beverages, baby supplies, and prescription medication: packing and inspection-ready rules
Keep all prescription medicines in original pharmacy-labeled containers and place them in an easily accessible pouch for security checks.
Prescription medications and injectables
Labeling: pharmacy label, dosage instructions, and a contact number for the prescribing clinician. Carry only the amount required for the day plus a small backup dose. For controlled substances, keep a printed copy of the prescription or a doctor’s note.
Temperature-sensitive medicines: use an insulated case with frozen gel packs; keep gel packs frozen until inspection (thawed packs may be inspected). For insulin pens/vials, carry a thermometer strip if available and store in a separate compartment to avoid accidental crushing.
Injectable supplies: transport needles/syringes in an approved sharps container. Present sharps and syringes separately at the gate and show prescriptions or clinician documentation if asked.
Baby food, formula, milk, and supplies
Formula: pre-measured powdered formula in single-serve resealable bags speeds service-line feeding; ready-to-feed bottles are acceptable but will be inspected. Keep bottles and prepped feeds in an insulated bottle bag with frozen gel packs.
Breast milk: store in clearly labeled, sealed containers inside a separate clear resealable bag for inspection. Frozen milk holds up longer; pack frozen packs in direct contact with milk containers.
Diapering and small items: keep diapers, wipes, ointments, a disposable changing pad, and a change of clothes in a waterproof pouch. Place frequently needed items near the top for quick access during checks.
General food and beverage tips: prefer factory-sealed non-perishable snacks and single-serve packages; avoid glass containers and strong-smelling prepared meals. Empty reusable water bottles can be refilled at water stations; sealed bottled water and factory-sealed drinks are typically acceptable but may be opened for inspection. Pack liquids for infants and medicines in separate clear bags to speed the inspection process.
At entry: present medical and baby-related items separately and state their purpose if asked. Expect staff to open insulated containers and inspect contents; having labels, prescriptions, and a short note from a clinician reduces delays.
Locker and storage options for oversized bags and valuables
Primary recommendation: store oversized luggage at a hotel front desk or a third‑party luggage service before arriving; on‑site solutions are limited and tend to accommodate only small valuables.
- Hotel/front‑desk storage – Most Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg hotels will hold suitcases and extra gear at no charge for same‑day park visits. Request a tag, note pickup name, and keep a photo of the tag number.
- Third‑party luggage services – Companies such as LuggageHero/Vertoe operate nearby; typical rates: $5–$12 per item per day. Drop‑off windows typically 8:00–20:00; require ID and a booking QR code.
- Coin/electronic lockers (nearby businesses) – Common sizes and typical pricing:
- Small: ~12×12×12 inches – $3–$7/day (phones, wallets, small cameras)
- Medium: ~18×12×18 inches – $6–$12/day (purses, compact daypacks)
- Large: ~18×18×36 inches – $10–$25/day (duffels, stroller bags)
- Vehicle storage – Place oversized items in a locked trunk, out of sight. Park in well‑lit areas, remove all visible valuables, and avoid leaving passports or prescription meds unattended.
- Guest Relations / Park office – Limited safe‑deposit for small valuables (phones, keys, IDs) is sometimes offered; availability, hold duration, and liability policies vary by location–ask at the Guest Relations window on arrival.
- On‑ride/attraction bins – Many attractions provide small cubbies or bins sized for wallets, sunglasses, and small cameras only. Larger gear will not fit and must be stored elsewhere prior to queue entry.
Valuables handling and protection:
- Place passports, cash, and high‑value electronics in a portable lockbox or an RFID‑blocking travel wallet. For camera gear and lenses, use a hard case with a TSA‑style combination lock.
- Attach a luggage tag with contact details and a temporary identifier (e.g., last 4 digits of phone); take photos of contents and tags before handing items over to any storage provider.
- For items requiring insurance (expensive camera kits, professional gear), consider supplemental liability or umbrella coverage; see best umbrella insurance strategy for guidance on policy choices and declared‑value limits.
- For aerial devices, check regulatory and carrier rules prior to travel; storage requirements and prohibitions differ by transport mode – reference: are drones allowed on cruise ships for common restrictions that also apply to many attractions.
Practical packing and timing tips:
- Drop oversized items off early (hotel or locker) to avoid afternoon peak lines; allow 20–30 minutes extra for drop‑off and retrieval.
- Label electronics with a removable sticker that includes an email and local phone number; store serial numbers in a cloud note accessible from another device.
- If hiring a storage service, confirm liability limits and request a written receipt listing item descriptions and declared values.
Packing checklist for comfort, ride compliance, and quick access
Recommendation: pack a compact daypack or crossbody with at least one zippered exterior pocket and an internal mesh organizer to separate ride-safe items from quick-access essentials.
Ride-compliance kit
Waterproof phone pouch (IPX7 or higher) with detachable lanyard; retractable tether for keys or small electronics; slim zippered pouch for loose change and locker coins (4″ x 3″); low-profile carabiner clip (rated 1–2 kN) to attach items to belt loop or bag strap; soft neoprene sunglasses strap; compact pouch for removable ride items (approx. 6″ x 4″). Store all small loose items inside the internal mesh compartment prior to boarding.
Comfort & quick-access essentials
Sun & cooling: SPF 50 travel tube (3 oz), foldable sun hat, lightweight cooling towel (12″ x 30″) that fits rolled in an exterior pocket. Foot care: single-use blister kit with 10 moleskin strips and one small roll of athletic tape. Hydration & snacks: collapsible bottle (empty at security if required) or small insulated bottle under 17 oz, and two protein bars in resealable bag. Quick-access carry: wrist wallet that holds 2 cards + ID + small cash, slim 5,000 mAh power bank with short USB-C cable, waterproof card sleeve for mobile pass, single-use hand sanitizer (1 oz), disposable rain poncho folded flat. Keep the wrist wallet or card sleeve in the external zip pocket for ride-line scans and contactless payments.
