Walt Disney World in central Florida is known as the “Vacation Kingdom”, with some 20 million visitors per year. With that many guests in one place, you can understand the need for some basic rules, for the safety of everyone. Most guests are not even aware of these rules and pay them no attention. 

Here are the Top 10 Disney World Park Rules:

1. Bags

Anyone who’s been to Disney World in the last few years knows that all guests must go through bag check, before entering the park. Disney reserves the right NOT to allow any bag, parcel or other item to be brought into the parks, and to deal with any unattended object in such way as they consider appropriate. In addition, some guests may be subject to additional screening/security checks at the park entrances. 

2. Prohibited items

Such items include: alcoholic beverages, weapons, selfie sticks, glass containers (excluding small containers such as baby food jars), pets (other than service animals), and wheeled mobility devices with less than 3 wheels. In addition, no suitcases, coolers or backpacks larger than 24″ long x 15″ wide x 18″ high.  Of special note, balloons and plastic straws are not permitted in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, for the safety of the animals.

3. Common courtesy

Disney asks guests to show common courtesy to fellow guests and cast members, by not using profanity or engaging in unsafe, illegal, disruptive or offensive behavior. Also, for your safety and the safety of others, running is prohibited. Before the current Fastpass system, there used to be the Space Mountain “sprint” and the Toy Story “track meet” each morning at opening.  Having participated in both, I can tell you, it was fun and scary at the same time!

4. Attire

Proper attire, including shoes and shirts, must be worn at all times. Costumes may not be worn by guests ages 14 or older (In the past, exceptions have been made for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party).  Disney reserves the right to deny admission to or remove any person wearing attire that is considered inappropriate or attire that could detract from the experience of other guests. Visible tattoos that could be considered inappropriate, such as those containing objectionable language or designs, are not permitted.

5. Smoking

Smoking is permitted only in designated areas around the parks. In the last couple years, Disney has reduced the number of smoking areas in each park. Most guests that smoke follow these rules. This includes e-cigarettes. 

6. Children

The Disney theme parks are the ultimate playground for kids of all ages. In most cases, children are accompanied by an adult.  For safety reasons, Disney requires that guests under age 14 must be accompanied by a guest age 14 or older to enter the park. To board an attraction, children under age 7 must be accompanied by a person age 14 years or older. In addition, many attractions have a height requirement, again for the safety of all guests. 

7. Tickets

Tickets and other entitlements are non-transferable, non-exchangeable, non-refundable, revocable and void if altered. Each ticket must be used by the same person during its period of validity and is not valid for special events that require a separate admission charge. There ARE reputable ticket brokers other than Disney, where you might be able to save a few bucks. 

8. Characters

The parks are full of your favorite Disney characters, for the enjoyment of all. However, it against the rules for guests to impede the operation of the parks while posing as or portraying any character in costume. 

9. Photography

Guests are allowed and encouraged to take as many pictures and videos as they desire, but only for personal use, not commercial. On the other hand, your entrance into the parks allows Disney to use your picture, with no compensation to you.   

10. Park entrance

On especially busy days, such as holidays, Disney reserves the right to restrict/close park entrance to guests. This usually happens in phases, depending on your status as a day guest or resort guest.  In most cases, Disney will direct you to one of their other parks that still have capacity. In addition, Disney reserves the right to close their parks due to bad weather.  

Via howtodisney.com by Jimmie