When traveling to Disney World, you may wonder, ‘what to do with bags at Disney World?’ Unlike Universal Studios, Disney World allows guests to bring small bags and carry them on most rides. However, for some rides, your bags are best stored elsewhere.
Having a bag to carry all your stuff while you explore Disney World is helpful. But when going on the rides and you can’t bring them with you, here are your options:
- On most rides, especially those that move slowly or have spacious seating, you can carry your backpack, handbag, or pouch.
- At Kali River Rapids, you can store the bag in a free locker.
- You can store the bag in the cubies at Avatar Flight of Passage.
- On some rides, there’s a storage pouch or space where you can store your bag, but a big backpack or tote might not fit.
- There are also lockers to rent at each theme park.
This article provides a detailed guide on what you can do with your bag on Disney World rides and where you can store them. While Disney World allows backpacks and even suitcases up to a particular size, this article assumes you’ll carry a small backpack or handbag onto the rides. Any large backpack or suitcase should be left back at your hotel room or with someone not going on the ride.
Can You Bring a Backpack to Disney World?
According to Disney World property rules, guests can bring bags, suitcases, and backpacks equal to or smaller than 24 x 15 x 18 inches (length x width x height). This includes both wheeled and non-wheeled suitcases and backpacks.
You might need snacks, water, cameras, a rain poncho or umbrella, sunscreen, sunglasses, medication, or other necessary stuff. But, of course, you can’t carry everything in your pockets, so a backpack or purse is the best option.
Although Disney allows backpacks and suitcases up to 24 inches in length, some bags may be large for some of the rides, even within the size limits. So it’s best to leave any large backpacks in your hotel room.
Can I Take My Bag on Rides at Disney World?
Fortunately, you can take a bag (like a small backpack, handbag, or diaper bag) to most attractions at Disney World. Depending on the ride, you can keep it on your back, lap, or between the feet. Many rides also have pouches in the front of the seat where you can keep your stuff, including a small backpack.
If visiting Disney World with kids in strollers, you may think about leaving your backpack in the stroller. However, this is not a good idea if the stroller is unattended, as your bag can get stolen. If you leave the bag in the stroller, take out any valuable items and carry them with you.
Rides That You Shouldn’t Take Your Bag On
Some attractions at Disney World aren’t built for taking any bags with you or even your electronics because you may get soaked. Yes, I’m talking about the famous Kali River Rapids in Animal Kingdom, where you’re bound to get drenched. Thankfully, there are free lockers at the entrance of this attraction where you can store your bag and belongings.
For this particular ride, I’d recommend keeping your phone and camera in the lockers too. It’s an intense and wet ride that can get your gadgets wet, so caution is better.
Splash Mountain is another ride where you can get wet. However, there are no free lockers at this attraction. You can take your bag on the ride, but I’d recommend keeping it in your lap with your arms wrapped around it so you don’t lose it. But if you want to keep it in a locker, you can rent one at the park entrance and then experience the ride.
Soarin’ at Epcot is also an exception where you may be unable to take your bag because the vehicle storage pouch is relatively small. However, if your backpack or handbag doesn’t fit in the pouch, you can leave it on the floor, and the Cast Members will move it to the side for you to pick up once the ride finishes.
On Avatar Flight of Passage, you’re supposed to store all belongings, including bags, in the cubies provided.
Rides That Have Bag Storage
On most rides that are slow or have space, you can quickly bring your backpack even if there isn’t storage space on board. However, some rides that go fast have storage pouches. These include Big Thunder Mountain Rail Road, Rock n Roller Coaster, Mission Space, Expedition Everest, and Dinosaur, among others.
You can always ask a Cast Member for guidance on taking a bag with you on the ride and how to store or properly place it.
Conclusion
You won’t find many people at Disney World without a backpack, as carrying a small bag to keep all your essentials is a big convenience. You should be able to take your bag to most attractions, with a few exceptions.
So what should you do with your bag in Disney World? Take it with you on rides that allow it, and use lockers or storage pouches for other rides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should You Carry a Backpack With You at Disney World?
Disney World allows backpacks in its theme parks if they don’t exceed the size limit (24 x 15 x 18 inches). It can be convenient to carry a backpack to the parks if you have things like water bottles, snacks, medicine, a camera, or other items that might be bulky in your pockets.
Can You Carry Your Phone on Rides at Disney World?
You can carry your phone to almost all attractions at Disney World. However, on rides with water, you should have your phone in your pocket or a waterproof case with a neck strap. You can also keep your phone in your backpack or fanny pack if you’re wearing one.
It’s best to keep your phone in pockets with zippers, whether in your clothes or backpack, to keep it safe while riding at attractions.
