3 NEW Laws That Could Impact Your 2026 Disney World Trip

There are a lot of rules — official and unofficial — when visiting Walt Disney World. Whether they’re related to travel, hotels, parks, transportation, or dining, there can be a ton to remember. Now, there may be a few more if you’re heading to the “Most Magical Place on Earth” in 2026.

Magic Kingdom

Whether you’re a Florida resident, someone road tripping to Disney World, or an air traveler already dealing with everything that goes along with *THAT*, be aware of these new rules as they might just have an impact on your trip.

Watch Those License Plates

So, this first one is expressly for Florida residents. A new law passed in October — House Bill 253 and Statute 320.061 — makes obstruction of a Florida license plate through blocking, covering, distorting, or even slightly obscuring illegal, to the tune of a second-degree misdemeanor. The bill also stresses that “substance, reflective matter, illumination device, spray, coating, or covering” that would interfere with the visibility of the plate are also banned.

Florida Make-A-Wish License Plate Design ©Disney

Penalties for knowingly driving with a covered plate include up to 60 days in jail or a $500 fine. Suffice to say, residents of the Sunshine State should make sure their plates are clearly visible, especially if they have any kind of plate frame.

To be clear, frames are permitted if they don’t cover the numbers or letters, registration decal, the word “Florida,” or any part of the plate border, so be sure to check yours.

Phones DOWN

Another potential Florida law currently making its way through the state’s legislative body would affect anyone driving to Disney World, even those with out-of-state plates.

The new bill would strengthen the state’s already stringent law regarding cell phone use by drivers, expanding the ban on texting while driving to cover holding or “supporting” a handheld device while driving.

Driving to Disney World

The proposed bill would make it illegal for drivers to call from their phone, hold it, or even rest it on their laps.

The bill specifies “Handheld manner’ means holding a wireless communications device in one or both hands or physically supporting the device with any other part of the body.” Drivers who violate the proposed law — which is similar to those on the books in 30 other states as well as Washington D.C. — would receive a $150 fine and 3 points off their licenses for their first offense, a $250 fine and 3 more points against the license for s second offense, and a $500 fine, 4 points against the license, and a 90-day license suspension for the third.

The REAL ID Saga Continues

As those who have been following the long-running REAL ID travel saga know that 2025 saw the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) finally make having a REAL ID or equivalent identification necessary to fly domestically.

©DHS.gov

However, in late 2025, the TSA announced an amendment to the rule.

According to the agency, “passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA ConfirmID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1st, 2026. Travelers will be able to pay $45 to use TSA ConfirmID for a 10-day travel period. TSA urges travelers who do not have a REAL ID to schedule an appointment at their local DMV to update their ID as soon as possible.” Keep that in mind if you’re flying into Orlando International Airport (MCO) for a Disney trip this year.

©Getty Images

If you’re planning to travel to Walt Disney World next year, keep these potential rules in mind, as they MAY have an impact on your vacation. Stay tuned to DFB for more on traveling to the Orlando area.

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