Michael Turner
Bring a compact clear bag (recommended maximum: 12″ x 6″ x 12″) or a soft daypack no larger than 12″ x 12″ x 6″. All bags are subject to security inspection; oversized luggage can be refused entry or required to be stored in on-site lockers.
Permitted personal items typically include small purses, diaper bags, sealed baby food, prescription medications (in original containers), compact cameras, and small water bottles. Prohibited articles frequently listed: weapons, alcohol, glass containers, large coolers, drones, folding chairs, wagons, and helium balloons. If an item is borderline, expect staff to make the final determination at the gate.
On-site secure storage: lockers are usually available near the entrance and range roughly from $8 to $15 per day depending on park and locker size; some locations accept credit or mobile payment. If you plan to bring larger luggage, verify locker dimensions in advance or leave bulky items in your vehicle or hotel.
Packing tips to shorten entry lines: place liquids and medications on top for easy inspection; keep prescriptions in original packaging and carry a photo ID; use a clear bag to speed visual checks; avoid bringing multiple large bags. Arrive at off-peak hours or at park opening when security queues are shortest.
Bringing a daypack into the marine theme park
Bring a compact, soft-sided daypack (10–20 L, roughly 12–15 in / 30–38 cm high); large duffels, wheeled suitcases and oversized coolers are discouraged and may be refused at the gate. All bags undergo handheld inspection; expect staff to ask you to remove liquids and food for separate screening. Weapons, alcohol, glass containers and propane grills are prohibited.
Pack only essentials: refillable water bottle, sunscreen, small first-aid items, prescriptions, power bank, poncho and lightweight snacks. Leave high-value jewelry and extra electronics in your hotel or vehicle; rental lockers are available near the entrance for larger items. For family trips consider choosing kid-friendly luggage designed for theme-park logistics: best luggage when traveling with kids. For a compact rain or sun shield that fits inside a small pack, see best umbrella company for supply teachers.
Permitted bag dimensions for park entry
Use one clear bag no larger than 12 x 6 x 12 inches (30 x 15 x 30 cm) for fastest throughput; opaque personal bags should not exceed 14 x 14 x 6 inches (35 x 35 x 15 cm).
Diaper bags and medically necessary carriers may be larger but will undergo inspection at the security checkpoint. Soft-sided packs with external frames, coolers, large duffels or rolling suitcases are commonly refused.
| Bag type | Maximum dimensions (in) | Maximum dimensions (cm) | Entry note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear bag (recommended) | 12 x 6 x 12 | 30 x 15 x 30 | Fastest screening; single compartment preferred |
| Personal/opaque bag | 14 x 14 x 6 | 35 x 35 x 15 | Subject to manual search; avoid bulky items |
| Diaper / medical bag | No strict limit | – | Allowed with inspection; keep only necessary supplies |
| Large bags / coolers | Over 16 x 16 x 8 | Over 40 x 40 x 20 | Often denied entry; plan alternative storage |
Measure bag height, width and depth at the outermost points (including straps and external pockets). If in doubt, choose a transparent 12 x 6 x 12 in (30 x 15 x 30 cm) tote or a small waist pack to avoid delays during screening.
Acceptable bag contents: food, baby supplies, and medications
Pack only sealed, non‑alcoholic food items, infant supplies (formula, jars/pouches, diapers) and prescribed medicines in labeled, original containers; keep those items accessible for inspection.
- Food – what to bring
- Commercially sealed snacks and single‑serve items (granola bars, chips, cookies).
- Prepackaged sandwiches, vacuum‑sealed meals and factory‑sealed fruit cups.
- Baby food jars and squeezable pouches; unopened or resealable containers preferred.
- Soft‑sided coolers with reusable gel ice packs only – no loose ice, dry ice or large hard coolers.
- Do not include glass bottles or alcoholic beverages.
- Baby supplies – specifics
- Infant formula, expressed breast milk and bottled breastmilk: keep in clearly labeled containers or sealed bags; frozen packs or gel packs OK to maintain temperature.
- Disposable diapers, diaper rash cream (small tubes) and baby wipes in resealable bags.
- Bottles, nipples, sippy cups and feeding utensils; small bottle warmers that do not require open flames are acceptable only if battery‑operated–check onsite if unsure.
- Breast pumps and accessories are permitted; store pump parts in a separate, labeled pouch for inspection.
- Medications – packaging and documentation
- Keep prescription medications in the original pharmacy container with patient name, drug name and dosage instructions.
- Bring a copy of the prescription or a physician’s note for injectable drugs, syringes, insulin pens or controlled substances.
- Epinephrine auto‑injectors (EpiPen), inhalers and glucagon kits are permitted; store them with labeling and any dosing instructions.
- Insulin should be kept in an insulated case or cooler with gel packs; if refrigeration is required, check with Guest Services on arrival for storage options.
- Needles and sharps must be carried in puncture‑proof containers and declared to security at entry.
- Screening and packing tips
- Place all food, baby items and medications in clear zip‑top bags to speed up inspection.
- Label containers with name and dosage or feeding instructions where applicable.
- Keep medications and infant feeding items near the top of the bag for easy access during security checks.
- If carrying injectable devices or controlled meds, tell security staff immediately upon arrival and present supporting documentation.
- For special dietary or medical needs, contact Guest Services before your visit to confirm any required documentation or available accommodations.
- Items to avoid bringing
- Glass containers, alcoholic beverages, large hard‑shell coolers, open‑flame cooking gear and unauthorized medical waste disposal items.
Remove these prohibited items from your bag before arrival
Remove and dispose of any listed items from your carry bag prior to reaching the gate to avoid confiscation and delays.
Sharp objects: knives, multitools, box cutters, razor blades and scissors – leave in your vehicle or discard; folding pocketknives are commonly seized.
Weapons and self-defense gear: firearms, ammunition, stun devices, pepper spray and brass knuckles – do not place these in luggage brought to the park; return them home or store securely off-site.
Alcohol and illicit substances: bottles, cans, open containers, and any illegal drugs – remove and dispose of before arrival; possession leads to denial of entry.
Glass containers and breakables: glass bottles, jars and fragile ceramics – transfer contents to plastic/metal containers or leave items behind.
Compressed, flammable or pressurized items: aerosol cans, butane/propane canisters, lighters with fuel, camping fuel and fireworks – discard safely at home or at a designated hazardous-waste drop-off.
Cooking and camping gear: portable grills, stoves, fuel bottles, large coolers and open-flame devices – leave these in your car or at your lodging; many entrances prohibit bulky thermal containers.
Electronic hazards and remote devices: consumer drones, long monopods, professional camera tripods and selfie poles – store outside the venue or check with the event’s media office for permitted equipment.
Aerosolized personal items: large cans of spray sunscreen, industrial deodorants or insecticide sprays – replace with travel-size, non-aerosol alternatives or keep in vehicle.
Hazardous hobby items: glass vials, needles (unless prescribed), hobby glues with solvents and gas-powered model devices – return to home storage or transport with proper documentation for medical supplies.
Perishables and strong-odour foods: uncooked meat, bulk raw seafood and open fermenting items – avoid bringing; for ideas on high-protein prepared snacks, consult which meats have the most protein.
Practical discard and storage options
Before arrival: remove prohibited objects and 1) leave them locked in your vehicle, 2) return them to your accommodation, 3) dispose of nonhazardous trash in a public bin, or 4) arrange secure shipping for valuable items you cannot keep with you.
At the gate: expect screening and possible on-the-spot confiscation; items surrendered may not be retrievable. For prescribed medical supplies that resemble prohibited items, carry documentation and notify staff at screening.
Medical and ADA exceptions: carrying prescription meds and medical devices
Keep prescription medications and medical devices in original, pharmacy-labeled containers and carry a signed physician’s note stating medical necessity, device name, and contact information.
Documentation: bring printed and digital copies of a physician’s letter, prescription labels, and a one-page medication list with generic names, doses, administration times and known allergies. Include a photo ID and emergency contact. If device-specific paperwork exists (manufacturer manual, battery specs), keep it accessible.
Screening procedure: declare medications and devices to security staff on arrival. Staff may inspect containers and devices; request a private screening if you prefer. Allow extra time at the entry gate to complete verification without rushing.
Sharps, syringes and injectables: insulin syringes, glucagon kits and other prescribed injectables are accepted when accompanied by prescription labels or pharmacy vial. Transport used needles in a rigid, puncture-proof sharps container; loose needles will be rejected. If you have no commercial sharps container, bring a labeled, puncture-resistant substitute and seal it before screening.
Temperature-sensitive medications: transport insulin and biologics in an insulated pouch with gel cold packs; avoid freezing. Unopened insulin should be refrigerated (2–8°C / 36–46°F); opened vials/pen cartridges are typically stable at controlled room temperature for manufacturer-specified days (commonly up to 28 days) – verify the exact storage instructions for your product. Carry a compact thermometer if precise temperature control is required for long visits.
Portable oxygen and CPAP devices: portable oxygen concentrators and CPAP machines are generally permitted. Bring device labels, proof of medical necessity, and spare batteries or power adapters. Secure loose connectors and pack hoses in a way that allows staff inspection without disassembly of sealed components.
Mobility devices and batteries: power chairs and mobility scooters usually pass entry after inspection. Identify battery type (sealed lead-acid, gel, lithium-ion) with visible manufacturer labels. Non-sealed or wet-cell batteries may require prior approval; contact Guest Relations before arrival for devices with unusual batteries or custom modifications. Tape exposed terminals or use terminal covers to prevent short circuits.
Service animals and ADA accommodations: service animals trained to perform tasks for a disability are allowed when their handler can answer two brief questions: whether the animal is required because of a disability and what tasks it performs. Vaccination records, current ID tags and a harness or vest reduce entry delays. For other accommodations (accessible seating, ride access, assistance), contact Guest Relations ahead of your visit to arrange specific support.
Practical tips: carry a small labeled pouch for medications you need during the visit; keep a backup dose and copies of documentation in a second location. If a device is critical (e.g., insulin pump, continuous glucose monitor), bring manufacturer contact info and spare supplies. When in doubt about a particular item or battery type, call Guest Relations before travel to confirm acceptable procedures and avoid surprises at security.
Security screening, locker rentals, and alternatives to carrying a pack
Use a clear bag or rent on-site storage at the entrance to speed security checks and protect valuables from water rides.
Security procedure: all guests and carried items are subject to visual inspection and metal-detection screening. Have loose items (sunglasses, keys, wallets) accessible for quick removal and scanning; expect random handheld-wand checks when an alarm occurs. Peak-entry times (park opening and shortly after midday) produce longer lines for screening.
Locker locations and logistics: kiosks are usually located at the main gate and adjacent to major water attractions. Lockers are electronic (PIN or RFID) rather than coin-only at most parks; payment accepted by card and contactless methods. Typical price range: $7–$20 per day depending on size and proximity to attractions. Hold receipts or screenshot QR codes to reopen rentals; share PIN only with trusted companions.
Locker-size guidance: choose small for phones/wallets, medium for towels and a change of clothes, large for coolers or multiple bags. Use a waterproof pouch inside the locker for electronics and important documents to guard against condensation and accidental splashes.
Alternatives to carrying a pack: compact crossbody bags, waist pouches, or clear vinyl totes that match park clear-bag rules reduce screening time and fit under ride restraints. Stroller storage: utilize under-seat pockets and attachable pouches for baby items; many strollers can be parked near ride boarding areas while keeping essentials in a small day bag. For purchases, use the park’s merchandise-hold or package-pickup service to avoid carrying bags all day–present receipts and photo ID when collecting items.
Water-ride strategy: leave electronics and non-waterproof gear in a locker or use single-use waterproof phone sleeves sold in park shops. If sharing a locker among multiple people, place a visible label with the owner’s name and contact number to prevent mix-ups.
