Michael Turner
Recommendation: Guests should carry a compact day bag no larger than 12 x 6 x 12 inches and secure all loose items before boarding thrill rides; larger luggage is best left in a vehicle or placed in on-site, fee-based storage.
Entry protocol: All personal bags are subject to visual inspection and metal-detection screening at the gate. Prohibited items typically include firearms, knives, fireworks, illegal substances, glass containers, large coolers, personal grills and drones. Permitted items usually cover purses, diaper bags, medically necessary supplies and sealed baby food – medical supplies may require documentation at guest services.
Storage options and rider rules: Fee-based lockers are located near the main entrance and at major ride clusters; availability is limited on high-attendance days. Many roller coasters and water attractions prohibit unsecured loose articles; place valuables in a locker or use zippered pockets, clips and short straps designed to stay attached during motion. Staff can advise on on-ride storage boxes where provided.
Practical tips: Use a small clear pouch for rapid security checks, keep identification and any allergy/medical information in an external pocket, and fasten water bottles/cameras with straps. Families with infants should pack only essentials in one diaper bag for easier movement. Carry minimal cash and rely on contactless payments when possible.
Confirm current rules with the venue’s official website or guest services prior to arrival; policies can be updated and exceptions for medical needs are handled at the entrance.
Bag policy for the Pennsylvania chocolate-themed attraction
Guests must use soft-sided daypacks no larger than 16 x 16 x 8 inches; hard-sided containers, coolers, wagons and large luggage are prohibited at entry.
All items are subject to visual inspection and handheld wands; expect random X-ray screening at main entry. Oversized items will be directed to return to vehicles or to on-site locker facilities.
Allowed: small sealed snacks, factory-sealed bottled water (up to 1 L), prescription medications in original packaging, disposable diapers, compact cameras, compact umbrellas (closed). Prohibited: glass containers, alcohol, professional camera rigs, weapons, non-collapsible chairs, charcoal grills, drones.
On high-speed attractions loose articles must be stowed in ride-provided lockers or left with non-riders. Secure small valuables in zippered pockets or internal pouches; use carabiner clips inside bags rather than external attachment while on rides. Hydration reservoirs are acceptable if completely enclosed in the bag and the drinking tube secured under clothing when boarding rides.
Locker rentals are available at the main entrance, midway area and water zone; typical rates (subject to change): small $8–$10, medium $12–$15, large $18–$22. Lost locker assistance handled at Guest Relations; unclaimed contents are disposed of after the venue’s retention period.
Medical exceptions: EpiPens, insulin and other essential supplies allowed with original labeling; staff may request verification. Service animals processed per ADA guidelines with dedicated screening lanes.
Recommended pack contents: photo ID, credit/debit card, compact phone power bank (≤100 Wh), travel-size sunscreen, zip-lock for wet items, lightweight poncho. Avoid bulky garments that require separate stowage and hard-cased gear that may be refused.
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Lost & found and guest assistance located at Guest Relations near the main entry; report missing items promptly and retain transaction receipts for locker rentals.
Allowed pack sizes and styles at entry
Recommendation: select a clear vinyl tote no larger than 12 x 6 x 12 inches for fastest screening; alternatively use a soft-sided daypack with external dimensions under 16 x 12 x 6 inches (≈20 liters) to reduce inspection time.
Acceptable styles
Clear totes, mesh shoulder bags, compact sling bags, waist packs and small soft-sided daypacks are the preferred options. Hard-shell cases, large duffels, wheeled luggage and picnic coolers commonly trigger refusal or extended searches. For theft-resistant choices, consider best anti theft travel totes.
Packing and screening tips
All packs are subject to visual and physical inspection; keep electronics and liquids in clear zip pouches for quick access. Collapsible umbrellas are permitted when closed and stowed; avoid umbrellas with exposed spikes or sharp tips – see compact, sturdy options at best umbrella for self defense. If items exceed recommended dimensions, store them in a vehicle or off-site storage instead of attempting entry with oversized luggage.
Prohibited Items Inside Bags and Enforcement Procedures at the Venue
Leave firearms, knives (fixed-blade and larger folding blades), explosives, fireworks, illegal drugs, glass containers, alcoholic beverages, drones, commercial-grade cameras with removable lenses, oversized coolers, tents, folding chairs, and unapproved remote-control devices off-site; security personnel will confiscate prohibited items, deny admission, or involve law enforcement for criminal violations.
Screening procedures at entry points: visual bag inspections, manual searches, handheld metal detectors, stationary metal walkthrough scanners, and random secondary checks. Trained security staff and uniformed officers conduct spot checks along main queues and near high-capacity attractions. Canine teams and CCTV support detections of concealed items or suspicious behavior. When a prohibited item is located, standard outcomes include immediate surrender and disposal, return to vehicle, off-site storage (when available), confiscation without refund, or arrest for illegal possession.
Medical and child-care exceptions are permitted but strictly verified: prescription medications, insulin, syringes, inhalers, EpiPens, baby formula, and breast-milk must be in original packaging with physician’s note or prescription label when applicable; declare these items at the gate for inspection. Sharp medical devices should be sheathed and kept separate from other contents. Any item requiring special handling should be documented and pre-arranged with guest services when possible.
| Item category | Common examples | Typical enforcement action |
|---|---|---|
| Weapons & dangerous tools | Handguns, rifles, brass knuckles, large knives, tasers | Immediate confiscation; law enforcement notification; denial of entry or ejection |
| Explosives & incendiaries | Fireworks, flares, smoke grenades | Confiscation and disposal; arrest for illegal possession |
| Illegal substances | Marijuana (where not authorized), cocaine, non-prescribed pills | Confiscation; law enforcement involvement; possible arrest |
| Alcohol & glass | Bottles, glass beer containers, boxed wine | Confiscation or requirement to return to vehicle; no refunds |
| Recording & remote devices | Drones, professional cameras with detachable lenses, remote-control cars | Confiscation or denied use; some items prohibited entirely |
| Large gear & comfort items | Oversized coolers, full-size tents, bulky folding chairs | No entry; required removal from venue or storage off-site |
| Hazardous materials | Compressed gas canisters, large batteries, corrosive liquids | Immediate confiscation; hazardous-materials protocol |
| Permitted with verification | Prescription meds, baby formula, EpiPens, medical syringes | Gate inspection; documentation required; allowed after verification |
Recommended operational steps to avoid problems: pack necessary medications separately with labels, use clear see-through small purses for quicker inspections, store prohibited bulky items in vehicle or at on-site lockers when available, and consult guest services ahead of arrival for unusual equipment or medical needs to obtain written approval.
How security inspects bags at entry checkpoints
Place personal bags on the inspection table, empty pockets, and remove loose items before reaching the line to speed up screening.
Typical inspection steps
- Initial visual check: staff glance into the main compartment and exterior pockets without touching fragile items.
- Manual search: front-line agents will ask to open all compartments; zippers and internal pockets are inspected by hand or with gloved fingertips.
- Electronic screening: some entries use X-ray conveyors for small items or handheld wands for guests; expect a brief pause if an alarm is triggered.
- Wanded or walk-through screening of the guest may follow a bag search if an indicator appears or on random checks.
- Secondary inspection: suspicious or sealed containers may be opened for verification; anything that cannot be safely inspected may be refused entry or retained.
Recommendations to minimize delays
- Organize contents into one main compartment and a small pouch for essentials (tickets, ID, medication) so staff can view quickly.
- Keep medications in original, labeled containers and carry a doctor’s note for injectable devices or prescription syringes.
- Place food, drinks and toiletries in clear plastic bags or near the top for immediate display.
- Remove bulky items (umbrellas, toys with metal parts) from the item before the inspector asks to avoid re-packing in line.
- If a private screening is needed for medical or privacy reasons, request it politely at the checkpoint; staff commonly provide a sheltered area for that purpose.
Average inspection time: expect roughly 10–30 seconds for a visual check and 1–3 minutes for a detailed manual search. Items found to violate entry rules are either returned to a vehicle, surrendered, or disposed of according to venue policy; retrieval procedures vary by property.
On-site lockers and short-term storage
Use rentable lockers at the Front Gate or water-area plazas for items not intended on attractions; availability is limited on holiday weekends and during peak summer hours.
Locations & access
Self-service locker kiosks are located at the main entrance plaza, adjacent to the water attraction complex, and near several major coaster plazas. Rentals activate with a PIN or QR code displayed on the kiosk receipt; retain that receipt or a screenshot for access. If a locker malfunctions, report to Guest Relations or to the nearest staffed kiosk for immediate assistance.
Sizes, pricing, payment and rules
Common locker dimensions: small (~10×6×18 in) for phones/wallets, medium (~15×10×18 in) for shoes/jackets, large (~15×15×18 in) for larger duffels. Typical daily rates range from about $8–$20 depending on size and season. Payment methods accepted: major credit/debit cards and contactless mobile wallets. Lockers operate during attraction hours; overnight storage is prohibited and items left after closing are transferred to Lost & Found (claim window commonly 30 days). Complimentary unsecured bins exist at select rides for small items; those bins are monitored but not locked, so do not use them for high-value items. Accessible storage accommodations are available through Guest Relations for visitors with mobility or medical needs.
What to pack for rides, shows and water attractions
Use a small daypack with a waterproof compartment and an internal zip pocket; place valuables in a waterproof phone pouch (IPX7/IPX8 preferred), plus a power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh) and a short charging cable with multi-tip adapter.
Clothing: one quick-dry swimsuit per person, a full change of clothes (underwear included), lightweight towel (microfiber, ~24×48 in), water shoes with secure straps, and a thin hooded layer for air-conditioned indoor venues.
Sun and hygiene: broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30+ water-resistant, SPF lip balm, travel-size hand sanitizer (60%+ alcohol), compact wet wipes, and a small deodorant stick.
First aid and minor fixes: adhesive bandages (various sizes), blister cushions, antiseptic wipes, single-dose pain reliever packets, antihistamine tablets, safety pins and a few extra hair ties.
Electronics and media: waterproof phone pouch or dry sack for electronics, small portable speaker or compact binoculars for shows, earplugs for sensitive ears, and printed or offline copies of tickets and ID stored in a clear zip pouch.
Wet-item management: two heavy-duty resealable bags (one gallon, one quart) for swimsuits and wet towels, plus a dry sack to separate damp items from clothing and electronics.
Organization and ride safety: keep small valuables in an internal zippered pouch with a wrist strap, secure keys and small change on a short carabiner, carry a quick-release lanyard for tickets, and position heavier items low and close to the pack’s back panel to reduce bounce on roller coasters.
Hydration and extras: collapsible water bottle (500–1000 ml) for refills, compact snacks (protein bars, electrolyte packets), and a small trash bag for used items; avoid overfilling–aim for a bag that remains comfortable during long lines and rides.
