Disney has announced several new policies that you will want to know for your next trip to a Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort park.
While we’ve already discussed the new Smoking Policy, we’ll take another quick look at it here. But we’ll begin by discussing new limitations on Strollers (including a new Policy banning Stroller Wagons). We’ll also look at new rules surrounding the bringing of loose and dry ice in the parks, as well as when each policy goes into effect.
Stroller Size and Stroller Wagons
Beginning May 1
, Disney is adjusting the guidelines on stroller sizes. It will be required that strollers be no larger than 31″ (79cm) wide and 52″ (132cm) long. In Walt Disney World, guests can already rent a single or double stroller upon arrival, and Disneyland Resort will soon offer a double stroller for rental in addition to the single strollers.
Note that wagons are not allowed in the parks, and also starting May 1, stroller wagons will not be permitted.
Smoking
As we shared previously, effective May 1st, smoking areas will no longer be present in Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort theme parks. This policy will also apply to water parks, the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, and the Downtown Disney District in California.
Designated smoking areas will be available outside the entrances of the aforementioned areas and at Disney Springs in Florida. Guests who have room or dining reservations at a Disney Resort will also have access to smoking areas at the hotels.
Note that, according to the Walt Disney World website, vaping will also be limited to the designated smoking areas.
Loose and Dry Ice
Effective immediately
(our publishing date is March 28, 2019) loose and dry ice are no longer permitted in the parks.
If you bring a cooler or cooler bag with you, reusable ice packs are recommended instead.
You can view the park rules for Walt Disney World by clicking here, and for Disneyland by clicking here.
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What are your thoughts on these new policies? Please let us know with a comment!
Gina says
Anyone have ideas how a family staying in a value resort will freeze reusable ice packs? We always relied on loose ice available in the resort ice machine to fill our little cooler when heading out to the parks. We are going in August so the ice melts really quickly.
Katie f says
Thank goodness those wagons are out! Why would you ever need that?!
Nancy says
Wonder what the thought process is behind the no ice policy? Not complaining, just curious.
DIANE CORBIN says
Way to go Disney!!! I hate the long wagons. They take up a lot of room. I hate cigarettes and the smoke. Thank you!
William Wells says
Stroller news is terrific. It has always been a problem, particularly on the resort buses. I see these strollers roughly the size of a mini-van with storage for enough supplies for an antarctic expedition taking up three seats and half the aisle. You are going to an amusement park, they have water, food, restrooms, everything you might need.
Teri Kraus says
Yaaaay to the no smoking rules. And I hope the designated areas are far away so we dont have to walk through smelly smoke.
Niki says
I’m glad about the stroller wagons. On my last trip to WDW I saw more than a few taking up tons of space right at the front of the parade route. Granted, some was to hold space for kids, but even after the kids sat down there would have been much more room for others without the stroller wagon.
Beverly Sutterfield says
Can someone explain the logic behind the no ice rule!!
Sarah says
Wonderful news on all counts (especially the smoking and the stroller wagons / huge strollers). I get so tired of these massive strollers running people over; one person and her giant stroller bowled over my 8yo daughter last year as we walked through the underpass (with the flow of traffic) by Haunted Mansion to Small World. Did she apologize? No, but she yelled at me for my daughter being in the way, and then she kept on running past us. Thankfully, my child wasn’t hurt other than a bruise on her foot.
Louise says
Yes, I’m going to say it…..so glad to hear the news on the strollers, as adults that visit Disney without kids I wish they would offer 1 day every 3 months that would be stroller and scooter free. I get so tired of being run in to with both of those.
Tara says
I’m looking at the park rules page and cannot see any changes other than stroller dimensions. I just bought a VEER stroller/wagon hybrid for the sole purpose of our Disney trip. It is smaller than my city select double stroller. I’m REALLY hoping I can still use this.
Ellen says
So excited about the smoking limitations inside the parks! But I wonder why the ban on loose ice? Any ideas?
Lou-Anne says
Yea!!!!!!!!! on all accounts
Jan says
No smoking is a great new rule. I hope it applies to capping too. Last month someone was capping in the line at Toyland. Several guests admonished him – even his wife!
Rolunalu says
Its about time! I have two daughters & I never assumed it would be okay to board any Walt Disney transportation with an open stroller loaded to the max !!!!! I carried my daughters and rented a stroller from Disney for the days I was going to be visiting the parks. I visit Disney 5 times a year since the 1970s… I am now in my early 50’s and this past weekend I was horrified to see how many double, triple, and wagon strollers there were! Even huge-size coolers ! I mean seriously! Just wrong for the rest of us who actually have consideration for our fellow park goers. Open strollers on the monorail!!!!!! And dare to complain, the stroller villains will rudely lash out! Smoking areas ridiculous as well. I am so happy with this news!!!!! Yay for setting these new and improved guidelines! Ignore any trolls who complain about these changes!
Manny Oliveez says
I take the grandkids to Walt Disney World often. The wagon strollers worked great for them. Not only did it fit the two toddlers but it held all our kid supplies, cooler bag with water and snacks, and all our Disney purchases for our extended family of 13. The wagon stroller may be taller but the footprint is smaller than some of those huge double strollers that are so wide. We have some fond memories of the wagon stroller. Sorry to see it go.
Mike says
How sad. As if smoking was the only thing bad for your health. They should look at the food they are serving if they are truly health conscience. They should have smoking areas inside the park and out of the way of the other guest . I was planing on going in June but I guess universal will get my business! Will just visit the Disney springs area . So long Disney
Betzy says
Happy on both fronts. People weren’t using the designated smoking areas anyway. It will be interesting on the vaping front, you can’t tell they’re doing it sometimes.
DFB Sarah says
Tara, here’s the link to the Disney Parks Blog post with info. There may be more here than you’re able to see on the website.
Rhonda says
Disney is saying that we have to have cooler packs for our cooler bags, well I Hope that they will be selling them. I bought one of their cooler bags that they sold in Disney spring for our trips. We use it every time we are there especially for our pool time. I think that it is only fair for them to sell them.
Paul says
I don’t agree with the stroller rule because they want the parents to spend more money on renting a stroller from Disney world. I don’t trust their strollers because they are not clean. You have kids throwing up and the young ones have a accident in the strollers. Oh and I was there in February and the security is out of control. It’s over kill. Why do I have to go though security to get on the monorail? I understand that but why do I have to go though security again to get into the parks.It makes no sense. That’s why it cost so damn much to have a magical day at Disney.
Pamela Dorsey says
Finally. Thank you, WDW and Disneyland!
Wendy says
My City Mini Double fits in the guidelines, I’ve seen so many HUGE stroller and the people trying to fold them for bus travel. I feel sorry for them.
I just don’t get the whole “make your kids walk” argument. “We did when we were kids at WDW”, well yes, you very well may have. BUT the parks weren’t as crowded, not as large and you maybe didn’t feel like you had to spend all day there to get your “moneys worth”
I have a 3yo and a 10month old, we NEED a stroller. Not just for them to rest in, but for their safety. I can’t carry a 10month old in a carrier all day in the September heat and the 3yo could get crushed in a sea of people.
The Disney parks were built so EVERYONE could have a great day out, parents and children. This mean there will be strollers.
Now, My issue is with the people who rent scooters who have never used one in their life and think WDW is the place to learn, they have no idea how they work and press the wrong buttons constantly and can’t manouver them at all. They are down right dangerous.
The ice isn’t an issue for most people. Who uses ice anymore anyway? Here in Australia ice hasn’t been used for decades. It’s a safety issue, Security can’t be messing about looking into coolers full of ice. Use an Icepack. Simple.
Katie f says
Yeah I think the new stroller regulations specifically ban the VEER wagon. Poor company is going under. I can’t think of any other use to warrant the price than theme park use.
Tracy says
I absolutely APPLAUD Disney for all of the mentioned changes!!! Bravo!
Truong says
The no loose ice is for easier cooler checks. It’s difficult to check coolers filled with loose ice and water for contraband.
Bruce says
Great changes. Now let’s restrict the electric scooters.
D says
I thought Disney was a family place and a place for all to feel welcome. I understand on some degree about these issues but in al reality as my own when you travel with a special needs child it isn’t that easy. They charge enough money that they should accommodate. I get it as to the people that take advantage and think that they are the only people walking the park but the stroller size is a bit much
Sue S says
I’d like to know what this world is coming to I’m a non-smoker and I am so sick and tired of other non-smokers thinking that they can rule the world did you not realize diabetes has a higher cost in healthcare than smoking I’m not saying smoking is good. But it’s all the people that don’t smoke that go through all the smoking areas and turn your nose up do they not see the sign that it says smoking area. It’s probably the ones that walk through it with their children that were complaining and thank God about the waggon andStrollers I am so tired of getting pushed and ran over by a them, Also like the post above me look at all the high fat food they serve and high sugar content and the size and the quantity that serve Should also be banned if Disney is so health-conscious really Disney.
Sue S says
I think it’s wrong that they’re taking smoking other than the parks
John says
It’s about time. I was a bus driver at Disney for 12 years. Having to fool with guest that have these large strollers that are a pain even when folded. They should have special direction lines that strollers and scooters/wheelchairs should follow.
Smoking should have been outlawed a long time ago. It should be completely outlawed for all cast members.
Nancy says
The problem with stroller wagons is they are pulled not pushed the majority of the time. Disney has always had a policy that wheeled coolers be pushed not pulled. It is a safety issue. We all know how well people follow that rule! As far as the ice, it makes it difficult for security to search the cooler properly. Technically they are to be able to see and check to the bottom of all containers/purses/etc. Dry ice can be a safety issue…it burns on contact.
They need to have designated smoking areas inside the parks. Just flag them and put signs so those do not want to be in the vicinity can detour and smokers can find them. Disney has been HORRIBLE at planning the smoking areas. They put them in areas where people were going to complain; thus justifying cutting down on the areas and now eliminating them.
While Disney is banning things… Have cast members and security stop people from riding kids on the scooters, or worse driving them. Anyone under 16 is not allowed to ride or drive one.
Rob says
Wendy said, “The ice isn’t an issue for most people. Who uses ice anymore anyway? Here in Australia ice hasn’t been used for decades. It’s a safety issue, Security can’t be messing about looking into coolers full of ice. Use an Icepack. Simple.”
Well, no. Not so simple. If a family is staying at a hotell without freezers in every room, how do they freeze icepacks? Not really so simple.
Ice is typically available from hotel ice machines, but now banned from the parks. Why?
Does the new rule also apply to cooler jugs filled with ice at the beginning of the day?
Is this really about boosting sales of overpriced cold beverages in the parks? And, yes, I know that all Disney park food service locations provide small cups of cold water at no charge.
Rob says
The Disney Rules say this: “Loose and dry ice is not permitted in our parks. Reusable ice packs are recommended.”
So, if loose ice is no longer permitted in the parks, does this mean that all Disney food service outlets witin the parks will henceforth no longer serve cold drinks with loose ice in the cups?
This seems unclear.
Jen says
So the smoking ban just means you are going to have more smokers trying to sneak cigarettes in the park… this is a stupid policy. Just give smoking guests a place to go.
Andi says
The ice/dry ice issue is certainly a security one. Too easy to stash stuff underneath. And the dry ice requires special precautions.
From what I understand, bagged cubes will still be allowed. If you are staying on property, you can just fill up Ziploc bags and be in compliance.
Courtney says
I am soooooooo excited about the stroller restrictions!! On a busy day in the parks it’s hard enough getting around without having to worry about dodging the really large strollers. This is a welcome change!
donna says
Possible Solution for loose ice. ONce in Park get several free waters and ask for Ice in them.
Susan says
Disney,as with all big corporations, never does anything without the bottom line in sight. I’m sure that the stroller and ice rules are so that you will use THEIR strollers and, should you forget about the ice ban, I’m sure they will have all the ice packs you can need…for sale!
Jeannette A. says
I am extremely pleased with the stroller wagons ban. People park them sideways for shows and parades hogging up a lot of real estate with them. Don’t want to rent then buy something smaller to haul your kids around in.
I am pleased over the non-smoking ban too. I have seen people smoking in the parks but not in the designated area. I don’t want to smell it or hold my breath as I walk by someone breaking the rules.
Ice issue get a cup of ice from a cast member where they sell foundation drinks to fill up your cooler that way.
Barbara says
Bravo, Disney! We are so tired of the massive strollers and wagons, as well as having to walk past/through smoking areas. (Blizzard Beach was especially bad for smoking.) This is wonderful news! We hope scooter rules are on the way…
susan rothman says
In September I will be going to the Polynesian Hotel for my 21st time.
This could possibly be my last time.
Disney ss become to politically correct. Enough of these liberal ideas.
They might lose half of their European visitors. They deserve it. The
smoking designated areas were fine. You will find butts all over the park now.
Ned says
Last Dec. I had all the skin taken off the back of my ankle by a stroller. Your worst enemy in the Parks is a person with a double-wide stroller in one hand and a cell phone in the other. WATCH WHERE YOU’RE GOING!
Smoking increases health insurance costs for everyone…it’s not just a politically correct choice to ban it…it’s an intelligent one.
Any Quick Serve food location will give you a free cup of ice, or water.
Sebastian says
It makes me sad as a disabled person to see so many mean-spirited comments about people using electric scooters. They enable people to enjoy Disney that otherwise would be unable to do so….when people say ‘I wish they’d ban scooters too’, that’s saying that you wish disabled people were banned. It may not be your intent, but that’s how it looks. Many disabled kids rely on strollers too – yes, having a stroller ram into you is no fun, but being disabled is even less fun. Remember that.
For the record I’m a disabled person who wouldn’t use a scooter because I have dyspraxia and my coordination isn’t good enough, but they are real lifesavers.
I applaud the smoking ban as smoking seriously endangers people with conditions such as asthma and cystic fibrosis. Caring for others isn’t a ‘liberal idea’, just being an empathetic person.
Wendy Pavlovski says
The new smoking ban is just crazy. I am a former smokers and there is no way I could of went without a cigarette for 8-12 hrs. People are going to be very moody and downright miserable. Another thing I have an issue with what happens to the children of these smoking parents. Those kids will be exposed to hundreds if not though of smoker at one time instead maybe 20. Just because someone smokes it doesn’t mean there kids are exposed to second had smoke. I never smoked in my house or car. But if I was a smoker they would be breathing in hundreds if not thousands people smoking. It is not like you can just leave your child in the park and say be back in 10 mins you wait here…just unreasonable… The new stroller rule I do agree with the amount of stroller and size of them is just crazy. I personally so not understand why any child over the age of 4 would need to be in a Stoller unless they have special needs. The loose ice thing seems a little much. I understand the reasoning behind it and I never bring a cooler. Maybe allow people to make their own ice packs with loose ice in freezer bags so the ice is contained and inspection of the coolers could still be done
Wendy Pavlovski says
I do not believe they should be putting people that have successfully quit smoking by vaping should be treated like smoker. Quitting smoking was very hard to do even with vaping. They are not the same thing. Therefore should not be treated like smokers. Vaping does not produce any harmful second hand chemicals. I think it will deter people from using this very helpful antismoking tool… Just my thoughts
Vicki says
I don’t have young ones anymore, but I thought the wagons were a great idea. They are no wider than those dreadful Disney double strollers and they provide room for stuff, multiple kids, and even impromptu nap space. Plus they are foldable so easier to get in and out or transportation. Am I missing something?
Dont drink alcohol says
Second hand smoke in EXTERIOR locations shows no evidence of being harmful. In internal structures is where there is solid research that it harms others. So those scared of getting sick it is unwarranted. If you can find research that says otherwise please post here so I can reference it.
Marie says
Great news! I, too, am tired of being run over by “monster strollers” and “semi-trailer wagons”. Most of the time, they don’t even have kids in them- Or they stuffed a 12 year old into! Whatever happened to strollers are for toddlers and little ones??
Now if they could just figure out how to correct the SCOOTER problem. People who clearly do not need them, kids driving them, and we had park employees tell us the biggest problem is that the majority of people who rent those things at WDW have NEVER driven one before! And now, they have started honking at the crowds walking, expecting us to clear a path so they can pass us???? Crazy, conceited, self-centered behavior.
Thank you Disney for taking the first steps… now let’s finish cleaning up the problem. It’s a safety hazard for the pedestrians, and it seems lawsuits are inevitable.
George says
Second hand smoke and vaping clouds STINK! People that do either just don’t have a clue how obnoxious it is. And what about the population that has respiratory issues? It’s okay to make them pull out inhalers because SMOKERS AND VAPERS are selfish and think they can walk through literally thousands of people polluting the air?