Michael Turner
Recommended size: choose a daypack or crossbody under 20 liters (roughly carry-on dimensions) to avoid delays and fit under ride seats. Typical guest loads: phone, wallet, keys, lightweight rain layer, small first-aid kit, sunscreen, sunglasses, compact power bank and a refillable water bottle (empty at security, then refilled at water stations).
What to carry in original packaging: prescription medications, EpiPens and any controlled prescriptions – keep supporting paperwork or labels accessible. Store loose cash and ID in a zipped compartment; use a small lockable pouch for passports or high-value items. Consider a clear one-gallon bag for items that need quick visual inspection.
Commonly prohibited items: firearms, knives beyond small pocket knives, explosives/fireworks, illegal drugs, drones, large glass containers and outside alcohol. Professional camera rigs, full-size tripods and bulky coolers are frequently restricted; leave oversized luggage at hotel or use on-site lockers near the main entrance.
Security and timing tips: expect a bag search and possible pat-down at gates – add 5–20 minutes to arrival time during peak periods. If minimizing queue time is a priority, travel light, pre-organize medications and tickets on a single accessible surface, and place small loose items in exterior pockets for instant retrieval.
Park bag policy and practical packing tips
Carry a single small-to-medium day bag; place prescription medications, medical devices, valid ID and a phone power bank near the top for quick retrieval during security screening.
All bags undergo inspection at entry gates. Expect a metal-detector walkthrough and visual or manual searches of personal items; avoiding prohibited objects speeds passage.
Prohibited items include firearms, knives, explosives, fireworks, illegal drugs, large coolers, open alcohol containers and hazardous materials. Glass containers are discouraged and may be refused.
Food intended for dietary or medical needs is allowed but subject to inspection; sealed snacks for the day are preferable to bulky meals.
Refillable water containers must be empty at security; refill stations and complimentary cups of water are available inside the park at quick-service locations.
Portable lithium-ion battery packs are permitted when secured in carry items; loose cells and damaged batteries should not be carried. Extended monopods/selfie sticks, drones and standard tripods are restricted in many areas and on attractions.
Gate-area lockers provide short-term storage for oversized purchases or luggage left at arrival. Visit the main entrance locker kiosks for rates and availability.
Families should pack a compact disposable rain poncho, small first-aid kit, wet wipes and a spare outfit for young children. Use clear resealable bags for liquids and a labeled pouch for medications and allergy injectors.
Label personal items with contact details and organize contents into 2–3 pouches (electronics, documents, snacks) to minimize handling during inspections and reduce wait times at security lines.
What dimensions are allowed and how to measure them
Recommendation: Choose a compact daypack no larger than 18″ x 14″ x 8″ (46 x 36 x 20 cm) measured with straps and external pockets included.
Reasoning: That size generally fits ride storage bins and walk-through security without extra screening; items larger than about 20″ x 15″ x 10″ (51 x 38 x 25 cm) are more likely to be flagged for additional inspection or refused entry.
Step-by-step measuring method
1. Prepare the bag. Empty all compartments, zip and fasten every pocket and strap. Extend shoulder straps and any top handles to their natural position.
2. Height measurement. Lay the pack upright on a flat surface. Measure from the lowest point of the base (including feet or protective corners) to the highest external point (top zipper, handle or extended strap anchor). Report the larger figure if a removable top flap is present.
3. Width measurement. Measure across the widest horizontal section, including side pockets, buckles and external attachments. For irregular shapes, measure at the midpoint and at the widest bulge; use the larger value.
4. Depth (thickness) measurement. Measure from front face to back face at the base where the pack sits. Include protruding pockets, hydration sleeves and rigid frames. For soft packs, press to the intended packed profile and measure while compressed.
5. Include all add-ons. Account for attached items such as water bottles, tripods, external pouches, or roller wheels – these count toward overall dimensions when attached during entry.
6. Measure when packed. Place typical daily contents inside, zip up, then re-measure. Many problems occur because the empty dimension is fine but the packed profile exceeds limits.
7. Record and convert. Note measurements in both inches and centimeters (multiply inches × 2.54 = cm). Keeping a photo of the measuring tape against the bag is useful if asked by security staff.
Practical sizing guidance
Choose from these quick-reference sizes: small sling 14″ x 10″ x 4″ (36 x 25 x 10 cm) for minimal essentials; standard daypack 16″ x 12″ x 6″ (41 x 30 x 15 cm) for a phone, wallet, water bottle and light jacket; compact recommended size above (18″ x 14″ x 8″) for extra items without risking delays. Anything around or exceeding 20″ x 15″ x 10″ should be avoided.
Banned items for bags and practical packing alternatives
Recommendation: leave firearms, knives, fireworks, drones, large coolers and glass containers at the hotel; pack a compact crossbody or waist pouch, a collapsible water bottle, sealed snacks and prescription meds in original packaging instead.
Prohibited items commonly confiscated at security
Firearms and ammunition – all types, incl. replicas and BB/airsoft guns.
Bladed tools and sharp objects – pocketknives, fixed blades, box cutters, large scissors; any item intended to cut or stab.
Self-defense devices – pepper spray, mace, stun guns, tasers and similar incapacitating sprays/devices.
Explosives and incendiaries – fireworks, sparklers, flares, smoke devices, fuel canisters and camp stoves.
Alcohol and illegal substances – open or sealed alcoholic beverages, recreational drugs and drug paraphernalia.
Glass containers and large insulated coolers – glass bottles and bulky ice chests; small soft-sided insulated pouches are tolerated more often.
Drones, remote-controlled aircraft and professional aerial equipment.
Monopods and selfie sticks – rigid extenders for phones/cameras; many rides and indoor areas prohibit them.
Unapproved personal transportation – hoverboards, non-ADA motorized scooters and similar devices not cleared by Guest Services.
Non-service animals and items likely to create safety hazards (open flames, large tripods, loose chains/spikes).
Practical alternatives and specific packing tips
Hydration: use a collapsible silicone bottle or small sealed plastic bottle; if security requires empty containers, refill at water stations located throughout the park.
Food: favor individually wrapped, non-perishable snacks (granola bars, sealed fruit cups, protein packets) over coolers; purchase hot meals from on-site dining to avoid refrigeration needs.
First aid and meds: keep prescription medicine in pharmacy-labeled containers and carry a copy of the prescription when feasible; EpiPens/insulin should remain accessible in a small pouch.
Photography: choose a compact mirrorless/camera or smartphone; bring a travel tripod that folds to under ~12 inches or use a wrist/neck strap; store larger camera rigs in lockers or hotel room.
Valuables and cash: use a slim money belt, neck pouch, or small crossbody that sits close to the body; use on-site locker rentals at the main entrance for bulky or restricted items – inquire at Guest Services for current sizes and fees.
Mobility and oversized gear: arrange hotel storage or check with Guest Services for ADA accommodations and equipment storage options rather than attempting to carry large items into the entry area.
If uncertain about a specific item, leave it with luggage at the hotel, in a locked vehicle, or confirm acceptability with official Guest Services before travel.
How security bag check handles daypacks at park entrance
Present daypack unzipped with electronics, small metal items and loose liquids removed and placed in the provided bins for X-ray screening; expected throughput per bag on the conveyor: 10–30 seconds, with a manual search adding roughly 60–180 seconds if alarmed.
- Standard sequence: visual inspection → X-ray conveyor → wanding or handheld metal detector if alarm triggered → targeted manual search if needed.
- If a manual search is required, guests are asked to step to the side while staff opens compartments; locked containers must be unlocked on request or opened by staff (locks may be cut at staff discretion).
- Large camera bodies and lenses are typically placed in their own bin for clearer X-ray images; memory cards should stay in protective cases. For card recommendations see best digital camera compact flash card.
- Prohibited items discovered during inspection generally present three options: surrender for disposal, return to a vehicle, or refuse entry with item retained; on-site long-term storage is not provided at most entrances.
To minimize delays:
- Use one exterior pocket for quick-access items (wallet, phone, keys) and leave it empty when approaching the checkpoint.
- Place liquids, gels and medical supplies in a single clear resealable pouch and declare prescription medicine if requested.
- Avoid multiple small cases inside the main pack; consolidate chargers, batteries and cables into one pouch for faster inspection.
- Travel with TSA-style or detachable straps that allow easy opening; expect staff to request access if zippers or seals obscure contents.
If an alarm occurs, expect brief additional screening: a staff wand sweep and targeted hand search typically resolve the situation within a few minutes. Staff will communicate the reason for the hold and next steps; disputes can be referred to Guest Relations after processing.
Rules for carrying food, bottled water, and prescription medicine
Pack prescription medications in original pharmacy containers with clear labels and carry a signed clinician note for injectable drugs, controlled substances, or temperature-sensitive therapies.
Sealed single‑serve bottled water and commercially packaged snacks are allowed; glass containers are prohibited. Soft coolers and insulated pouches are acceptable if small enough to pass security inspection and contain only non-prohibited items.
Medication handling and temperature guidance
Store insulin and other temperature‑sensitive meds in an insulated case with frozen gel packs; keep meds isolated from direct contact with ice packs to avoid freezing. Maintain manufacturer guidance for storage temperatures and present pharmacy labels or a clinician letter on request. Carry sharps in an FDA‑approved sharps container and declare syringes at the security checkpoint.
Food, water and allergy items – practical tips
Pack allergy-friendly meals in resealable containers and keep emergency epinephrine accessible in a clearly labeled case. Baby formula, breast milk and baby food are permitted; expect separate screening for liquids exceeding standard carry limits. Refillable bottles are allowed but may be inspected or asked to remain sealed until inside the park.
| Item | Allowed? | Packing recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Prescription meds | Yes | Original labeled containers + clinician note; insulated case for temperature‑sensitive drugs |
| Injectables & syringes | Yes | Declare at entry; use sharps container; carry documentation |
| Bottled water | Yes (sealed) | Prefer single‑use plastic or aluminum; refillable bottles acceptable but subject to inspection |
| Homemade meals | Allowed (non-restricted) | Use leakproof containers; avoid glass; compact coolers recommended for perishables |
| Baby food/formula | Yes | Declare during screening if quantities exceed typical single‑serve limits |
| Glass bottles/containers | No | Replace with plastic or aluminum alternatives |
Best ways to store a pack on rides, in lockers, and during parades
Leave a full daypack in a paid locker for any water attraction or high-speed coaster; unsecured items are the most common cause of loss or ride stoppages.
On-ride stow methods
- Short family rides (simulators, gentle flats): place a small crossbody or zip pouch under the seat or in the vehicle’s internal bin; keep electronics in a sealed plastic sleeve to prevent rattling and moisture damage.
- High-thrill coasters and drop towers: do not wear a full pack on the ride. If regulations permit a small item, wear it front-facing with both chest and waist straps fastened and all zippers closed; remove loose accessories (hats, sunglasses) and store them in a locker.
- Water rides: use a locker or waterproof dry bag. For phones/wallets taken aboard, use a marine-grade dry pouch with neck lanyard; place pouch between clothing layers rather than in an exterior pocket.
- Ride bins and cubbies: fold items so they sit flat and seal liquids to avoid spills; loop straps through a single attachment point and tuck excess webbing inside the bag to prevent snagging.
- If a party member stays off-ride to hold items, assign a single responsible person and place small valuables in a zippered inner pocket or money belt to reduce pickpocket risk.
Lockers and parade viewing storage
- Select locker size by planned contents: small for phone, wallet, keys, sunglasses; large for shoes, towels, spare shoes, rain poncho, souvenirs. Place wet items on top and use a thin towel between wet and dry gear.
- Use a clear zipper pouch for chargers and batteries so contents are visible quickly during retrieval; label the pouch with initials and phone number.
- Lockers usually accept card or cash; photograph the locker number and aisle marker on arrival and again after stowing items to avoid delays when returning.
- During parades: leave bulky bags in lockers when possible. If carrying a bag while watching, wear a small waistpack or front-worn pack with RFID-blocking sleeve for cards; position it between knees when seated and keep zippers facing inward.
- For groups reserving space early, one person may hold communal gear in a single larger locker to reduce repeated trips; rotate retrievals so only short walks are needed during parade breaks.
- Secure valuables with small cable locks or zip ties inside the locker if the day involves water rides or long queue waits; take photos of locked contents for insurance or recovery purposes.
Prevent theft, water damage, and shoulder strain while using a daypack
Use an anti-theft daypack with lockable zippers, a detachable rain cover, a padded hip belt and sternum strap; limit packed weight to 10–15% of body mass to minimize shoulder load.
Anti-theft tactics
Keep valuables inside an internal zippered pocket close to the spine and carry passports/cards in an RFID sleeve. Route zippers so they face the body and install a small cable lock through main pulls when seated. Choose slash-resistant materials and reinforced straps; test the strap weave by applying lateral force before a visit. Never leave the bag unattended on a chair or bench; when dining, thread the strap around a table leg or use a portable lock to anchor it to a stroller or bench. Conceal high-value items – no visible cameras or wallets – and separate cash and cards into two locations.
Water protection and load management
Store electronics in waterproof dry bags (example: 1–2 L pouches for phone + power bank) and seal documents in ziplock freezer bags. Pack a compact umbrella and a lightweight rain cover stowed in an exterior pocket; for a compact, durable option see best umbrella for baja shelf. Use silica gel packets for prolonged humidity protection and wipe zippers with a silicone cloth after exposure to moisture. Distribute heavy items close to the back panel and place softer items at the bottom to prevent shifting; compress with internal organizers or packing cubes to keep load stable.
To reduce shoulder strain, wear both straps with the sternum strap adjusted to chest height and the hip belt tightened to transfer 20–30% of weight to hips when load exceeds 5 kg. Swap carrying positions during long queues: remove and carry as a crossbody sling for 5–10 minutes every hour, or use park lockers/left-luggage for bulky items during shows and rides.
