Carrying a bag around Disney World allows you to store snacks, portable chargers, sunscreen, and other essentials you’ll need throughout the day. However, when it’s time to head on the ride, where should you put your bag? Keep your belongings safe by learning what to do with your bag on a ride at Disney World with these tips.
Understanding the Bag Policy at Disney World
There are many extra items you may need to bring to Disney World as you walk through the parks, especially if you have little ones. Find out what Disney World’s bag policy entails to carry all of your items without hassle.
What Types of Bags You Can Bring
At Disney World, guests can bring bags and backpacks under a specific size limit, typically 24 inches long, 15 inches wide, and 18 inches high. For example, FloridaGifts offers Disney drawstring backpacks that are perfect for holding your belongings and abiding by security guidelines. Larger bags, as well as suitcases or rolling cases, can’t go into the parks due to safety concerns.
Bags and Security Checkpoints
Before you even get through the front gates, every bag must go through a security screening. This allows security personnel to check for prohibited items, such as glass containers or loose alcohol. Preparing your bag ahead of time for a swift security check can save you time and stress.
How Park Policies Vary by Location
Keep in mind that Disney World parks, like Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom, have the same rules but slight differences in application. For example, Animal Kingdom will be stricter regarding packaged food and other items to prevent potential disruptions to the animals housed nearby. If you’re unsure what items the park permits, ask a cast member at the gates and safely store any prohibited effects in your car or hotel room.
What To Do With Your Bag on Roller Coasters
Some of the most anticipated rides at Disney World are their fast, thrilling roller coasters. If you plan to make a stop at one of these attractions, secure your belongings before they slip off during the ride.
Bag Storage Options on Roller Coasters
For roller coasters like Space Mountain or Expedition Everest, you’ll need to stow your bag securely. Each ride includes a small compartment or netting for loose items, typically located directly in front of or beside your seat. Double-check that the space is large enough to accommodate your bag and zip, pin, or clasp any openings before boarding.
Using Lockers for Larger Bags
If your bag is too large or you’re worried about limited in-ride storage, consider using the locker rental services. Lockers are available throughout the parks and near specific rides, like Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. These lockers offer a secure way to store your items temporarily while you enjoy the thrill rides.
Holding Smaller Items and Essentials
You may have your phone or wallet in your pockets. Coaster seatbelts and restraints usually allow enough space for small, secure storage. If you don’t want these items in your pants or jacket, consider using a fanny pack or similar compact option to keep your belongings close and safe.
Managing Bags on Water Rides
Water rides at Disney World, such as Splash Mountain or Kali River Rapids, are a great way to cool off under the Florida sun, but they could damage your technology. Protect your items by keeping your bags safe during the ride.
Waterproofing Your Belongings
Before strapping down on the raft or gondola, start by preparing your bag with waterproof protection. Use zippered plastic bags or waterproof covers to shield items like phones, wallets, and cameras from water damage.
Ride-Specific Bag Options
Some water rides, like Splash Mountain, feature designated storage spots within the ride vehicle. These storage areas are often splash-resistant, though not completely waterproof. Place your items in these receptacles and always double-check the security of your items before the ride begins.
Protecting Bags With Disposable Ponchos
Disposable ponchos keep you and your family covered on the ride, including any bags you’re wearing that day. These ponchos are a simple way to shield your belongings on splash-heavy rides.
Tips for Storing Bags on Gentle Attractions
Gentle attractions, such as “it’s a small world” or the Carousel of Progress, offer a more relaxed experience. While less intense, these rides could make unexpected turns that could shift your loose bags in movement. Find out what to do with your bags on a ride at Disney World, no matter how fast you’re riding.
Using the Designated Floor Space
Gentle attractions typically allow guests to keep their bags with them. Usually, you can store them on the floor between your feet or adjacent to your seat. Follow any instructions the cast members may have in regard to storing your bag.
Ensuring Bag Stability
Even on peaceful rides, it’s a good idea to double-check bag placement. Moves like sudden starts or stops, though uncommon, can displace your belongings if they aren’t in a secure spot. Consider hugging your bag close to your body or between your legs to prevent your items from sliding.
Keeping Bags Accessible
For these laid-back attractions, you may find time to take out your phone for photos or take a water break. Keep items like water bottles or light snacks in easily reachable compartments to offer your little ones a snack and enjoy a relaxing ride.
Staying Bag-Free for Heightened Convenience
Sometimes, the best approach to handling your bag is to not bring it on the ride at all! Disney World offers a variety of services and features that enable guests to go completely bag-free.
Using Rider Swap
If you’re part of a group and certain members aren’t riding, use Disney’s Rider Swap feature. This option allows one person to remain with the bags while others ride on the attraction. This saves the group from the hassle of storage altogether.
Using Mobile Storage Solutions
Some guests will use compact, wearable solutions like wrist wallets to hold smaller essentials. These alternatives keep your hands free, and you won’t need to constantly dig through your backpack to find your belongings.
Planning With a Lightweight Approach
If you don’t have a lot of items to bring with you, plan ahead for a lightweight day at the park. Enjoy your day by wearing cargo pants, jackets with deep pockets, or even a lanyard pouch to carry only the absolute necessities.
Disney World offers services to keep your belongings safe throughout your visit. But, in case any of your items go missing, be sure to alert a cast member so that they can check around the area and visit the onsite lost and found to retrieve your effects. By properly storing your items and keeping your bags safe, you’ll be able to enjoy the rides with your family without worry.