Michael Turner
Choose a compact soft-sided daypack or a waist pack and present it for inspection at the security checkpoint; oversized luggage and hard-sided suitcases are likely to be refused.
Guests should expect a full bag search at every entrance. Prohibited items typically include firearms and other weapons, illegal drugs, fireworks, glass containers, drones, folding chairs, large coolers and outside alcohol. Medical supplies and baby food are allowed after inspection; keep prescriptions in original packaging and notify the screener.
For days focused on roller coasters, use paid lockers located near major thrill attractions or secure valuables in a parked vehicle. Recommended contents list: government ID, payment card, phone, compact rain poncho, travel-size sunscreen, and prescription medication in original containers. Carry an empty reusable bottle through screening to refill at hydration stations inside the park.
Expect longer entry lines for peak dates and special events; plan an extra 30–45 minutes for security screening. For exact prohibited-item lists, locker locations, locker pricing and any size restrictions, review the official rules for the specific park location before travel.
Personal bag rules at the theme park
Recommendation: carry a compact clear bag no larger than 12 x 6 x 12 inches; small sling bags or waist packs reduce delays at security and are accepted for all major attractions.
- Security checks: all soft and hard-sided bags are inspected at entry checkpoints; larger packs may be refused at gates or required to be stored.
- Allowed items: prescription meds, infant supplies, cameras, sealed non-alcoholic beverages and factory-sealed snacks. Keep prescriptions in original containers.
- Prohibited items: weapons, glass containers, personal fireworks, drones, large coolers and illegal substances.
- Ride procedures: loose personal items must be stowed in on-ride lockers or left with a non-rider; smaller pouches worn at the waist are accepted on most coasters.
- Lost-and-found: label important gear with contact info; claim period varies by park department.
Operational tips:
- Use a waist pack or crossbody for quick-access essentials; select a model with zippered compartments and water-resistant fabric.
- Choose an ergonomically designed carry option to protect the lower back – reference best backpack for back support when selecting a support-focused bag for long days.
- Service animals and medical devices are accommodated; have documentation ready and carry any animal carrier cleaned to sanitary standards (see how to clean a feral cat for carrier-cleaning guidance).
- If planning to keep larger gear, rent a park locker near major attractions; lockers are located at selected ride entrances and operate on a per-ride or daily rental basis.
Final checklist before arrival: straps secured, valuables zipped, liquids within allowed limits, meds accessible, and a compact plan for storing items during high-speed rides.
Allowed bag types and clear-bag size limits at the theme park
Use a clear, resealable bag no larger than 12″ × 6″ × 12″ (30 × 15 × 30 cm) for fastest entry and full compliance with the park’s clear-bag rule.
Accepted clear bags: fully transparent plastic or vinyl bags with dimensions up to 12″ × 6″ × 12″ (30 × 15 × 30 cm). Resealable sandwich-style bags are also acceptable for small items and electronics.
Non-clear exceptions: one small clutch or wallet (maximum roughly 6.5″ × 4.5″ / 16.5 × 11.5 cm) is permitted in addition to a clear bag. Medical supply bags, diaper bags, and prescription medication carriers are allowed beyond the clear-bag limits when presented for inspection and, if requested, accompanied by documentation.
Other permitted carriers: slim camera cases, fanny packs, drawstring cinch sacks and compact tote bags are tolerated when compact; larger soft-sided duffels and full-sized suitcases are typically refused at the gate.
Prohibited items that affect bag acceptance: oversized luggage, hard-shell trunks, wagons, coolers exceeding personal-size limits, glass containers and any item that could conceal a prohibited object. All containers are subject to visual and physical search by security staff.
Practical tips: consolidate essentials (ID, tickets, sunscreen) into the clear bag; place medications and baby supplies in a clearly labeled separate pouch for quicker checks; consider on-site locker rental or vehicle storage for bulky items. Keep dimensions measured and visible to avoid delays at entry.
What to expect during security screening of day bags
Place loose items and small electronics in an outer compartment or a clear pouch before reaching the checkpoint to speed the visual search.
Typical screening steps: staff will ask to open compartments, inspect pockets, and visually confirm contents; some lines include walk-through metal detectors or handheld wands – expect an additional manual check if the alarm activates.
Time estimates: a quick visual bag check usually takes 30–90 seconds; a wand scan adds about 1–2 minutes; a full manual search or secondary inspection can take 3–7 minutes per person or group.
Items handled separately: umbrellas with metal tips or long shafts are removed from the bag and inspected – compact folding umbrellas are quicker to examine; see best uv blocing umbrella for a compact option that fits side pockets.
Food and sealed beverages: commercially sealed bottles are typically shown and returned; open containers and large coolers receive closer inspection and may be rejected based on venue rules.
Medical supplies and infant necessities: present prescription labels or explain necessity to the screener; expect staff to perform a visual check and, if needed, an inspected-only return-to-holder procedure rather than confiscation.
Prohibited items discovered on-site will be handled according to venue policy – options usually include disposal, return to vehicle, or temporary storage if available; firearms or weapons require immediate notification of law enforcement and will not be permitted.
Privacy and secondary searches: a private screening area is available on request for any pat-down or detailed bag search; companions may request a same-gender staff member for personal searches.
To minimize delays, keep pockets empty of keys and loose coins, stow large electronics near the top for quick access, and select bags that allow full visibility of contents without disassembly.
Commonly prohibited items in packs and safe alternatives
Leave pocketknives, firearms, pepper spray, glass bottles, hard-sided coolers, drones, selfie sticks, tripods, folding chairs, open alcoholic beverages and propane or charcoal grills at home or locked in a vehicle; instead use park lockers, guest services storage, or checked trunks for items that cannot be carried.
Sharp implements and tools: knives (including multitools with blades), box cutters, machetes and similar objects are not allowed. Replace with nail clippers, tweezers, battery-powered grooming devices or single-use plastic utensils purchased on-site for minor needs.
Aerosols and chemical irritants: pepper spray, bear spray, compressed gas canisters and large spray paints are prohibited. Alternatives include compact personal alarms, loud whistles, and reporting any safety concern to staff for on-the-spot assistance.
Glass containers and large cooler restrictions: glass soda or beer bottles and oversized hard coolers are denied entry. Use sealed plastic or stainless bottles, insulated soft-sided lunch bags, or purchase beverages and meals at food outlets located throughout the property.
Remote-operated devices and large camera mounts: drones, model aircraft, monopods longer than permitted limits, and heavy tripods are barred. Swap to a handheld smartphone gimbal, compact gorillapod-style mini tripod under the site’s length rules, or use the park’s professional photo services for ride and portrait shots.
Open-flame and cooking equipment: portable stoves, charcoal grills, fuel canisters and similar gear are forbidden. Plan meals ahead, choose from on-site dining, or bring ready-to-eat cold items stored in allowed soft coolers or insulated pouches.
Sporting and workplace tools: baseball bats, golf clubs, pickaxes, large wrenches and professional construction tools are not permitted. Opt for lightweight inflatable toys where permitted, borrow or rent necessary equipment off-site, or leave tools secured in a vehicle and access them after visiting.
Controlled substances and recreational drug paraphernalia: illegal drugs, unsealed prescription medications in original labeled containers are required for medical use only; any prescription should remain in its pharmacy-labeled container. For medical needs, carry documentation and consult guest services for temporary storage or emergency assistance.
Pets and animals: only trained service animals allowed with proper documentation and behavior control. Arrange alternative pet care or boarding prior to arrival; support animals without documentation will be refused entry.
Where to store personal packs: lockers, ride restrictions, and guest services
Store personal packs in on-site paid lockers or at Guest Services; deposit bulky items before queuing for major coasters and water rides.
Locker locations, sizes, and cost
Lockers are positioned at the main entry plaza, close to primary roller-coaster plazas, and near large water-attraction hubs. Typical locker tiers: small (fits phone, keys, wallet), medium (fits small daypack or light jacket), large (fits bulky duffel or multiple items). Price ranges observed across parks: small $6–$10, medium $9–$15, large $12–$22; some locations offer hourly or all-day options. Payment usually accepts credit/debit and contactless; cash acceptance varies. Lockers operate during park hours; retrieve items before park closes to avoid overnight fees.
Ride-specific storage rules and practical tips
Most high-speed coasters and drop towers require loose articles to be placed in ride-side free bins or paid lockers at the attraction entrance. Water attractions commonly require that porous packs be stowed; waterproof pouches or sealed plastic containers are permitted on some raft rides only when explicitly allowed by signage. Observe posted ride signage at queue entry for item restrictions–ride attendants will direct whether a personal pack must go in a provided bin or an external locker. For risk reduction, transfer phones and small valuables to zippered pockets with tethers or use a wearable money belt while boarding.
Quick operational tips: Photograph locker number and take the receipt barcode photo; keep emergency meds on your person in a labeled, zip-closed pouch if allowed; avoid leaving irreplaceable items in communal bins.
Guest Services and special handling – Guest Services offers temporary solutions: secure short-term storage for forgotten items, lost & found processing, and limited medical-item storage (refrigeration available only for prescription meds with ID/prescription labeling). For mobility devices and strollers, Guest Services will advise on designated storage or retrieval locations near main pathways. Lost-item claims require ID and a description; hold times vary by park policies. For guaranteed assistance with sensitive items, request a manager at Guest Services upon arrival and obtain a written receipt for deposited property.
