If you haven’t been to Disney World in a while or even if you’re a seasoned pro, there have been some big changes over the past year that you miiiight not have noticed!
Are you ready to go to Disney World?
There are five key mistakes you probably weren’t even worried about making last time you visited the parks, but you sure need to note them now!
Don’t Bring The Wrong Stroller
This past May, Disney implemented a new stroller policy that regulates the size of strollers that are allowed in the parks. The new maximum dimensions are 31” (79cm) wide and 52” (132cm) long or smaller.
©Disney
If your stroller measures larger than those dimensions, Disney has their own strollers available for rent. Also note that stroller wagons are not permitted in the parks.
Click Here For Details on the New Stroller Policies.
Don’t Smoke In the Parks
Over the years, Disney has continued to reduce the number of designated smoking areas in its parks and resorts. And recently, Disney announced that they will no longer allow smoking in any of their domestic theme parks, water parks, and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
No Smoking Sign
Designated smoking areas for the theme parks have been moved outside the parks; you can consult the theme park map to find them.
Magic Kingdom Smoking Area
There are still designated smoking areas in Disney Springs and at the Disney resort hotels. Make sure you plan ahead and don’t assume the same designated smoking areas are in the same places they were on your last visit.
Click here for ALL the details on the new Disney World smoking policies.
Don’t Bring Loose or Dry Ice Into The Parks
Many guests prefer to bring their own food and beverages to the parks. While this can save you a ton of money on park food, you will want to be aware of the new policy when it comes to packaging your food in your coolers. Disney no longer allows loose ice to be carried in coolers. You must use ice packs (reusable is preferred).
©Disney
Dry ice has also been banned in the theme parks.
If you’re interested in bringing your own food into the parks, check out our informative post HERE answering all of your FAQs about bringing outside food into the Disney theme parks!
Click Here for Details on the Loose and Dry Ice Ban.
Don’t Forget To Plan Ahead To Pick Up Your ECV
Another recent rule change applies to those renting scooters and ECV’s during their visit to Disney World. Disney announced that ScooterBug will be the Disney Featured Provider for stroller, scooter, and ECV rentals. But what does this mean for other rental companies and for YOU?
Essentially, you may continue to rent from other equipment providers; however, you now need to be present at your resort when your equipment is delivered. Buena Vista Rentals, a popular service for guests needing rental equipment, recently announced a ‘meet and greet’ system where they have pre-determined times they will arrive to each Disney resort with equipment.
Read more about Buena Vista Rentals and the new ECV/Scooter Rental Policy Here!
Don’t Forget Your Straws
Over the past year, Disney has been gradually eliminating single-use plastics throughout the parks and resorts. This includes straws and lids at all food and beverage locations.
Paper Straws
If you don’t like using paper straws or trying to maneuver without a lid on your drink cup, remember to pack your own straws (reusable straws are widely available online at low cost) and/or plan to bring reusable cups with lids to transfer your drinks into.
Read More About Disney’s Single-Use Plastics Elimination Policy Here
As you can see, there’s a LOT changing in Disney World! If you haven’t been for a while, don’t forget to plan ahead so you don’t get caught by these new policies and procedures!
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The Stroller policy is NOT being enforced. Counted a ton while we were there a few weeks ago. Continuing to clog the walking lanes with double wides, what seems to be more and more scooters, and clumps of family groups who love to just stop all of a sudden in the middle of the walkway to look at a map or discuss things. Congestion and crowd issues could so much be improved with a few minor adjustments!
Why your policy is so absurd about loose ice or covers on your dring what hppens when someone bumps u in that crowded area someones going to get pretty mad when they are all wet from your drink as far as Strollers, what if people have twins are they suppose to leave one at home i thought Disney was about (kids) you just gave me and/ or my family a good reasons not to go there with children or grand children
Over the years there has been an increase in scooters in the parks. Constantly have to be alert to not get hit by one.
Would love to see a designated lane for scooters!!!
Walt Disney’s dream of an affordable park where all members of the family can participate and enjoy is no longer. I have noticed on the last few trips that the magic is disappearing.
So Sad! 😥
Sadly, Dave is right I’m waiting on the announcement when the NEW rules will be dealt with
It has been a long time since I’ve been to Disney World about 40yrs. I enjoyed myself with the rides I went on, plus I know that every year you’ve to make changes, that’s the good thing right? Well I hope I can get back down there before I get to old to do so.
Dave — We’re still seeing tons of wagons in the parks, too.
So many things have changed, the Christmas decorations aren’t near what they were, prices are overall all just out of line. We planed a trip soon but NO parks! We are in our mid 70’s and are too old to go on a lot of what they require. Still do EPCOT and AK now and then. This will be our 47th trip since ‘75 and a lot has changed, like $15 got a martini!!! LOL!!!! Now they took BV scooted away for another company that I REFUSE to use.. thanks WDW
As a mother of twins I definitely need my stroller. I have a umbrella stroller that is double but it isn’t too big. I took it in August and was able to go. It is smaller than other because it’s a umbrella stroller. Now, when I had my other stroller I had to take which is much longer because I have another child who is 19 months apart from my twins I absolutely had to bring it. This was a couple of years ago. That is the only way we could get through the parks. I have 2 a little bit older and they really wanted to still be able to go. I am very confused as to what the complaints are about strollers? Who is complaining? I don’t have to worry about it too much anymore but I spend top dollar to stay on property, I am not going to use Disney’s strollers to have to pay for them. Where would I be storing my other stroller I would have to bring to transfer to a Disney stroller? That seems insane to ask parents of multiples not to come to your parks because that’s exactly what is happening. If it’s the adults who are complaining who don’t have any children…if I remember which I do because I just watched the documentary series on Disney +, WALT wanted families to be able to enjoy the parks. Oh and that’s just my tidbit on strollers. The Magic is disappearing and it’s sad. Hope every has a magical day!
I didn’t renew my ticket this year because of all the construction. Things I would got to like coke exhibit are no more. Disney is losing it’s fun stuff. I was escorted out of disney because I have an esa cat. Only dogs and horses were the rule. The management was very nice about the incident. But this just adds to my reason for not renewing my ticket. Too many stupid rules.
you can ask for a lid- they wont put it on- but they will give it to you
To Paul above……this is NOT Disneyfoodblog policy this is Disney policy. Don’t blame AJ. LOL!!
My daughter uses a Citi Mini twin stroller at the parks. The dimensions are compatible with the new requirements. If Disney guests were mindful of their surroundings & considerate of others, it would certainly make for a better experience!
On our recent trip to the Magic kingdom, my 92 year old mother was run into from behind by a Disney issued stroller pushed by a young clueless woman who could barely see over the top. No apology was issued, the woman’s partner took over and quickly scooted away. No matter what size stroller or wheelchair they require, they can’t legislate the rudeness and lack of manners that exist in crowded theme parks.
Responding to Debbie. The ECV does not bump into people; people walk right in front of the ECV like it was invisible. Rent one for a day to find out how hard it is to avoid people who just do not look. There should be a designated lane for pedestrians. It is easier for people with good healthy legs and feet to get around than someone in a scooter due to old age or illness.
All of the problems being described can be easily solved if Disney stoped there money grubbing policy of overselling park attendance to the point of mass overcrowding. Would make it more difficult to book a stay, but at least it might be an enjoyable one!
I have been going to Disney for 30 years. I am very happy with the new stroller policy since in the past I have been pushed and run over with oversized strollers. Also the electric scooter is becoming a problem, too many. From my last visit there were very few handicapped riding scooter s, many use them to carry their purchases. And yes, having a designated smoking area outside the park, great idea. Cutting out smoking all together better idea. The cost of living is up everywhere I choose to spend my money at Disney World.
Paul, nothing against twins, but the side by side vs the front/back 2 seater is the problem. Double wide take twice as much space walking down paths, one behind ea other is narrower as half the width! As far as scooters, they are tough as they are lower profile hidden behind people so many don’t see as its not a 5-6 ft person. A specific path lane from busses exit to park entrance and then within park would make things much more efficient. Its getting so crowded with them that I have seen several have to wait for another bus as the amount ea can hold is 2-3. Almost to outfitting special busses with half hookups for scooters and half seats for families with them. Handicapped/scooter bus??
My wife and I will be staying on property in April for our 19th trip to Disney. Countless times I have seen children ejected from their stroller because parents get the stroller wheel stuck on something. If I had a dollar for every stroller that has run up my shin or ankle this trip would be paid for. Strollers are a must for parents with small children but must take responsibility with how they maneuver these ” weapons on wheels” . No one does it on purpose but the pain from a collision is no different!
Paul – You can get double length strollers, one kid behind the other & you don’t block the footpaths.