Michael Turner
Recommendation: Carry one small soft-sided bag or compact day pack per guest; large duffels, hard-shell suitcases, and coolers are not permitted and will be refused at the security checkpoint. Present only necessary items to speed entry.
Allowed items: purses, slim day packs, sealed bottled water purchased on-site, prescription medications, small camera cases and clear bags that comply with venue size rules. Not permitted: weapons, fireworks, outside alcoholic beverages, drones, large coolers, wagons, glass containers, and professional camera rigs; many handheld poles and long items are restricted on certain attractions.
All personal bags are subject to visual inspection and metal detection at the main entrance; remove electronics and metal objects and place them in a screening bin. Consolidate keys, tickets and phones in one easily accessed pocket to speed the checkpoint process.
Short-term locker rentals are located near major attractions for larger items required while riding; locker fees and dimensions vary by location. Guest Relations may offer temporary storage for medical supplies and infant necessities upon request; presentation of photo ID and a ticket or receipt might be requested.
Prescription medications, medical devices and baby formula are permitted when declared at security; keep prescriptions or a doctor’s note handy for items that require verification. Service animals that meet federal requirements are admitted; emotional support animals without documentation may not qualify for entry.
Practical tips: arrive 20–30 minutes before opening to reduce queue time, remove bulky outerwear before screening, leave nonessential valuables at lodging or in a vehicle, use on-site lockers for large items, and verify the specific park’s current bag policy on the official website or by contacting Guest Relations for event- or accessibility-related exceptions.
Daypack Policy at the Marine Park – Rules and Practical Advice
Carry a soft-sided daypack roughly 15 x 12 x 6 inches or smaller; oversized luggage, coolers and commercial containers are commonly refused at entry or redirected to rental lockers.
All personal bags undergo visual inspection and handheld metal-wand screening at gates; allow an extra 20–30 minutes during peak arrival times. Lockers are available near the main entrance and select ride zones – small units typically range $6–$10 per day, large units $12–$15; contactless payment accepted where provided.
Permitted items: sealed plastic water bottles, empty refillable bottles, infant formula, medically necessary items in original packaging with prescription or doctor’s note, compact ponchos, non-professional point‑and‑shoot cameras, and lightweight strollers. Prohibited items: glass containers, alcohol, open-flame cooking equipment, drones, weapons, professional camera rigs with detachable lenses or tripods, and unauthorized animals (service animals must have documentation). Dietary-restriction snacks for health reasons are allowed when clearly labeled.
For a compact, high-protein snack that complies with carry rules consider cooked lentils – which lentils have the most protein. Confirm final restrictions and any event-specific adjustments via the park’s official guest services or website before arrival.
Allowed daypack dimensions and site-specific rules at marine parks
Limit all packs to a maximum external size of 16 × 16 × 8 inches (40 × 40 × 20 cm); items exceeding that are subject to inspection and may be required to use on‑site bag check or lockers.
Soft-sided packs are preferred; clear bags speed security screening. Hard-sided coolers, glass containers, and loose aerosol cans are prohibited across most park properties.
Measurement method
Measure height × width × depth including straps, wheels and external pockets. Collapsible items should be measured in their expanded state if carried that way through gates.
| Park (location) | Allowed max dimensions | Hard-sided coolers | Bag check / lockers | Ride storage rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego marine park | 16 × 16 × 8 in (40 × 40 × 20 cm) | Not permitted | On-site paid lockers; complimentary temporary hold at main gate for small items | Small packs allowed in ride bins; large items must stay in lockers |
| Orlando marine park | 16 × 16 × 8 in (40 × 40 × 20 cm) | Not permitted (soft coolers allowed if empty and compliant) | Multiple locker locations; bag check available near main entrance | Lockers provided at high‑capacity attractions; bins limited in size |
| San Antonio marine park | 16 × 16 × 8 in (40 × 40 × 20 cm) | Not permitted | Paid and free locker options; staff may offer to hold items briefly | Personal items required to fit under ride restraints or in provided bins |
Practical recommendations
Use a clear, soft-sided daypack if carrying electronics or medications; keep prohibited items separate to present quickly at security. Check the specific park’s official website for updates before arrival.
Prohibited items in personal bags and enforcement procedures at the park
Leave weapons, illegal drugs, open alcohol and glass containers at home; possession will result in confiscation and denied entry.
- Weapons and related items: firearms, ammunition, explosives, knives and blades (including folding knives and machetes), pepper spray, stun guns, zip guns and any item intended to cause harm.
- Illicit substances: illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, and unattended or suspicious chemical containers.
- Alcohol and controlled beverages: opened bottles, kegs, hard seltzers and similar alcoholic products brought from outside the park.
- Restricted electronics and devices: consumer drones, commercial-grade cameras or lenses when professional filming without permit, handheld selfie poles on certain rides, large tripods and gimbals that obstruct walkways.
- Prohibited food and wildlife hazards: uncooked meat, bait, balloons, confetti, and items that could be fed to animals or cause harm to wildlife.
- Large coolers, glassware and bulk containers that violate park rules or create safety hazards.
- Personal transportation devices banned by the park: hoverboards, electric scooters that are not permitted on pedestrian paths, and non-approved motorized vehicles.
- Other items subject to local regulation or park policy: fireworks, sparklers, flammable liquids, and any item that staff determine presents a safety risk.
On-site enforcement and typical outcomes:
- Visual and physical inspection of personal bags at main gates and secondary entry points; random secondary checks in high-traffic areas.
- Hand-held metal detectors or walk-through screening deployed at times of heightened security; refusal of entry if screening is failed.
- Confiscation or surrender options: prohibited items may be retained and destroyed, returned to a vehicle, or surrendered to law enforcement depending on severity and local law.
- Escalation for illegal items: possession of weapons or illegal drugs may lead to arrest, citation, denial of future entry, and forfeiture of tickets.
- Temporary holding and storage: small items sometimes accepted for temporary secure storage if park offers lockers; subject to availability and fees.
- Staff authority: security and management have final say on whether an item is allowed; refusal to comply can result in ejection without refund.
Practical compliance recommendations:
- Check the park operator’s official prohibited list online before arrival; policies vary by location and special events.
- Place prescription medications in original containers and carry related documentation; declare medical devices at entry for inspection.
- Use a clear day bag and separate items that may trigger searches (metal objects, liquids) to speed inspections.
- If transporting professional camera gear or drones for permitted work, obtain written media or filming authorization in advance and carry the permit on-site.
- When prohibited items are discovered, comply with staff instructions: options typically include returning items to vehicle, using a locker, or surrendering them per park policy.
- For questions about specific items (medical needs, service animals, or equipment), contact park security or guest services prior to arrival to avoid denied entry.
Lockers, bag check and rental locations with pricing and hours
Reserve locker space via the official app or at a kiosk near the main gate when arriving to secure valuables; lockers operate during park hours and sell out on high-attendance days.
Locker locations, sizes and typical rates
Primary locker banks sit at the front entrance and at major ride hubs and water-play zones. Common size tiers and usual daily rates: small (phone/wallet): $6–$8; medium (daypack-sized items): $8–$12; large (strollers, multiple bags): $12–$18. Wet-item or waterproof lockers near splash areas may carry a $2–$5 surcharge. Access is allowed from park opening until gate close; lockers are released at closing with no overnight retention.
Bag screening, storage policy and guest services
All bags undergo security screening at the entrance; permanent complimentary storage for personal items is not provided. Left-luggage solutions require paid locker rental; lost-item or long-term holding requests should be directed to Guest Services at the main plaza. Refunds, lost-key fees and liability limits are listed at each kiosk and on the park app.
Stroller, wheelchair and electric conveyance (ECV) rentals are available at the Guest Services/rental counter beside the main entrance. Typical rental fees: single stroller $22–$35/day, double stroller $35–$50/day, manual wheelchair $12–$20/day, ECV $55–$85/day. Photo ID and a credit card hold are standard requirements; most rental counters open with the park and stop issuing returns roughly 30–60 minutes before closing. Stock is limited; reservations via the app (where offered) reduce the risk of unavailability.
Medical supplies, baby items and ADA accommodations: what to carry and required documentation
Carry all prescription drugs in original pharmacy bottles; place injectables (insulin, EpiPen) in a labeled container and accompany them with a physician’s note on clinic letterhead that lists diagnosis, medication name, dosing schedule and necessity for public use.
Medication and medical device specifics
Acceptable items: prescription oral meds, inhalers (with prescription label), injectable emergency meds (EpiPen), insulin vials/cartridges, glucometers, spare lancets and a sealed sharps container. Portable oxygen tanks and portable oxygen concentrators are usually permitted if accompanied by a medical authorization letter describing flow rate and need; bring extra batteries and tubing. Some parks may request visual inspection of contents; keep items in an easily accessible bag and present documentation at security.
Baby supplies and handling at entry
Permitted infant items: formula (powder or ready-to-feed), breast milk, baby food jars/pouches, labeled bottles, sealed snacks, disposable diapers, wipes, breast pumps and gel ice packs. Store breast milk and formula in a soft-sided cooler or insulated bag for easier inspection; frozen gel packs are permitted for transport of perishable infant food. Pre-measured powdered formula in single-serve packets speeds security checks. Stroller sun shades and clip-on umbrella shades are useful – see best place to buy an outdoor umbrella for a compact option for strollers.
Bring a printed list of ingredients for homemade baby food or allergy-sensitive formula; sealed commercial packaging eliminates the need for lengthy inspection. For breast pumps, bring tubing and a small cooler if expressed milk will be stored; request access to nursing rooms at Guest Relations for private pumping and refrigeration options.
Service animals that are individually trained to perform tasks for a disability are allowed in public areas; emotional support animals typically do not meet the public-accommodation definition. Staff may ask only two brief questions: whether the animal is required because of a disability and what task it has been trained to perform. Vaccination records for the animal may be requested at entry in some locations; carry a copy of current vaccination certificates and a leash/harness.
Mobility devices: manual wheelchairs, powerchairs and mobility scooters are permitted on park grounds. Extremely wide or oversized devices may be restricted from certain attractions; Guest Relations provides information on transfer assistance, accessible seating and rented mobility equipment. For attraction access programs or a guest assistance pass, register at Guest Relations upon arrival with a form of identification and any medical documentation requested by staff.
Documentation checklist to carry: physician letter for injectables/oxygen, prescription labels, current vaccination record for service animal, printout of allergy/feeding instructions for infant, and contact information for prescribing clinician. Keep digital copies on a phone and paper copies in a sealed envelope for quick presentation.
Packing checklist for rides, shows and water attractions
Recommendation: carry a small waterproof electronics pouch (rated IPX7/IPX8) plus a 3–5 L roll-top dry bag for valuables and a 1-gallon resealable plastic bag for wet clothing.
Electronics: one waterproof phone pouch with neck lanyard; a 10,000 mAh power bank (wrapped in a secondary zip pouch); one short USB-C or Lightning cable; headphones with a secure clip. Store devices inside the waterproof pouch or dry bag while on water attractions.
Clothing & footwear: lightweight quick-dry shirt and shorts, an extra underwear/top in a sealed plastic bag, and water shoes with heel strap (no flip-flops for high-speed rides). Pack a compact microfiber towel (30 x 60 cm) that folds to the size of a paperback.
Sun & rain protection: reef-safe SPF 30+ lotion in a travel-size bottle (≤100 ml if carrying on planes), a brimmed hat with chin cord, and a disposable rain poncho (keeps seats dry and packs flat). Sunglasses on a retainer strap or clipped into a secure pocket.
Ride-ready items: small carabiner to clip wallet or water bottle to a stroller or rail; elastic band or zip tie for loose straps; low-profile fanny pack or crossbody with zipper for tickets and credit card; avoid loose hats, scarves, coin-filled pouches and anything that can fly out at high Gs.
Wet-item handling: fold wet swimsuit into the 1-gallon resealable bag to isolate moisture; use absorbent travel towel between wet items and electronics; carry a few labeled plastic bags for separating wet gear from dry gear during the day.
Hydration & snacks: reusable 20–32 oz water bottle (empty if planning to pass through security), single-serve electrolyte powder packets, and two resealable snack bags with high-energy items (nuts, granola bars). Avoid glass containers.
Security & quick access: keep photocopy of ID and emergency contact card in a waterproof card sleeve; place cash (small bills) and one credit card in the inner zip compartment of the dry bag; fasten the dry bag to a stroller or locked locker while on intense coasters.
