What's banned at Disney World? What guests should know before visiting.
A TikTok video of guests lounging inside a fountain at EPCOT has raised the ire of Disney fans and stoked social media discussion on guest behavior at Walt Disney World.
"We expect everyone who enters our theme parks to follow the rules, and the overwhelming majority of our guests do so every day without issue," Disney spokesman Avery Maehrer told USA TODAY, specifically addressing the EPCOT incident.
From Universal Orlando Resort to Six Flags Magic Mountain, all theme parks have guest policies and codes of conduct published on their websites. Cedar Point, for example, prohibits "unruly or disruptive behavior that interferes with guests' enjoyment of the park." Disney World similarly bans "engaging in any unsafe act or other act that may impede the operation of the Walt Disney World Resort or any part thereof."
It's easy to see why misbehavior would be barred, but there are numerous other things Disney World bans to help ensure the safety and experiences of fellow guests. Here are a few that first-timers may not know about.
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What's banned at Disney World?
Costumes on older teens and adults. Guests under the age of 14 are welcome to dress up as their favorite Disney characters all year round, but older guests may only wear costumes during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. In the past, they were also allowed to dress up for Disney Villains After Hours, but that particular event hasn't returned since the pandemic.
Acting like a Disney character while in costume. Even when guests can dress up, they must follow certain rules on attire and behavior. They may not sign autographs, pose for photos or otherwise engage with other guests or impede operations while dressed as Disney characters.
Improper attire. Disney reserves the "right to deny admission to or remove any person wearing attire that we consider inappropriate or attire that could detract from the experience of other guests." Additionally, clothing that drags on the ground and "visible tattoos that could be considered inappropriate, such as those containing objectionable language or design" are not allowed.
Selfie sticks. Selfie sticks and hand-held extension poles for cameras are banned at all Disney World theme parks and water parks. Monopods and tripods that don't fit in a standard backpack or extend over 6 feet aren't allowed either.
Plastic straws and balloons at Animal Kingdom. Plastic straws and balloons are also banned at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and at Disney water parks. They are allowed at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios and other Disney resort hotels.
Wagons and wagon-style strollers. While wagons may seem convenient for carting kids around, they can cause congestion in parks and clog up the flow of guests. That's also why personal strollers larger than 31 inches in width and 52 inches in length aren't allowed. The exception to the wagon rule is for guests with medical needs.
Trailer-like objects. "Any trailer-like object that is pushed, pulled or towed by an Electric Conveyance Vehicle, wheelchair, stroller or person" is not allowed. This would include standing boards that can be attached to strollers so older kids can stand on them while younger siblings are being pushed around.
Folding chairs. More than a few guests have thought of bringing a small collapsible stool to rest on while waiting in line for attractions, and several such devices are sold online, but they are not allowed in the parks. They could not only disrupt the flow of foot traffic but could cause fellow guests to trip up.
Glass containers. Small glass containers, like baby food jars, are allowed in the parks, but larger containers are not. They are, however, allowed in Disney World resort hotels and Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.
Protest signs. "Unauthorized events, speeches, or use of any flag, banner, sign or other material for commercial purposes, or as part of a demonstration" is not allowed.
Hanging towels from hotel balconies. Guests may not hang "any clothing, towels, bedding or other similar items over or on balconies at a Disney resort hotel." The same goes for hanging things from fire sprinklers. It's worth noting for guests staying on property that Disney reserves the right to enter any of its hotel rooms for "maintenance, safety, security or any other purpose, even if the Room Occupied sign is displayed on the room door."
Marijuana and marijuana-enriched products. Even if guests use marijuana for medical purposes at home, it's not allowed at Disney World.
Trespassing. "Unauthorized access or entry into backstage areas or areas designated only for cast members" is prohibited.
Feeding birds. Despite what Mary Poppins sang, guests may not feed the birds. "Feeding, petting, touching, harassing or harming any wildlife, including birds, is prohibited," according to the resort
Things that aren't on the list. Other banned items and actions may be found under Disney World's property rules online, but the list isn't exhaustive. In addition to what's spelled out online, the resort reserves the right to ban any item "that we determine may be harmful or disruptive, in our sole and absolute discretion.
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What happens if you break Disney rules?
Unintentional, minor infractions are addressed accordingly. For instance, an adult who unwittingly wears a costume to a park may be asked to change or cover up. Wagons that are brought to the parks will be turned away, unless they are for guests with medical needs.
More serious offenses face stiffer consequences.
"We reserve the right to deny admission, prevent entry or require a person already admitted to leave the Walt Disney World Resort or any part thereof, without refund, liability or compensation, for failure to comply with any of these rules, for unsafe, illegal or offensive behavior, to ensure safety, security or order, or if we consider that the circumstances otherwise so require, in our sole and absolute discretion," Disney World asserts online.
Unsafe, illegal and offensive behavior aside, the resort also asks guests to "please show common courtesy to fellow guests and our cast members" by avoiding profanity, disruptive behavior, "jumping lines or saving places in lines for others."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Know what's banned at Disney World before visiting the parks