Disney World Pool Hopping And Other Rules

By Hannah Risser
Posted on February 28, 2023

Disney Parks embrace whimsy and fun, but the best way to ensure that everyone can have fun is to outline some parameters and rules to keep folks safe, and find the balance between fun and chaos.

Cinderella Castle

You may think some of Disney’s rules are common sense, but not everyone may see certain things as potential issues.

Pool Hopping

Resort pools are a perk meant to be enjoyed by the guests staying at that particular resort. In order to ensure that resort guests can enjoy their pool without overcrowding, Disney only allows guests staying at that resort to use the pool.

This is why you’ll need a Key Card or MagicBand to tap into your resort’s pools. Limiting who can use resort pools also keeps them from becoming overcrowded; wouldn’t you be disappointed to pay for a Disney resort and miss out on the pools because of crowds?

Obstructing Traffic/Loitering

Guests should not loiter or obstruct traffic in a way that interferes with other guests’ experiences or gets in the way of park operations. This includes obstructing sidewalks, entrances, driveways, patios, vestibules, stairways, corridors, halls or landings.

In addition, folding chairs are not allowed in any theme park, water park, at the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, or in Disney Springs. This means if you are hoping to catch a fireworks show or nighttime spectacular you’ll need to plan your viewing spot ahead of time and be prepared to stand!

Protesting or Demonstrations

Protests, demonstrations, and handing out materials are not allowed in the parks. Unauthorized events, speeches, or use of any flag, banner, sign or other material for commercial purposes, or as part of a demonstration is completely prohibited.

This includes influencer meet-and-greets or other events. Disney does allow organized events like Dapper Days, but social media influencers can’t host official meet-ups without making special arrangements with Disney. You also can’t hand out any sort of flyers, music, business cards, or other promotional materials.

Bringing Disruptive or Potentially Harmful Items

Guests cannot enter Disney parks with firearms, ammunition, knives and weapons of any kind. Self-defense or restraining devices are also banned. You are allowed to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks into the parks, but glass containers aren’t allowed (excluding small containers such as baby food jars), except in the Disney Resort hotels and Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.

Other prohibited items include selfie sticks, hand-held extension poles for cameras or mobile devices, flags, and banners. You’ll also need to leave your horns, whistles, large megaphones, artificial noise makers back at home.

Wearing Costumes

Costumes may not be worn in Disney theme parks, water parks or ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex by guests ages 14 or older. This is to prevent non-Disney employees from engaging with other guests or impeding operations while posing as or portraying any character in costume.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a special, separately ticketed event where guests 14 and older can wear costumes into the park. There are other times when costumes can be allowed, like while on the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser or during other Halloween or holiday events. Guests will still need to comply with certain guidelines, like no posing or signing autographs for other guests and no masks.

Sneaking into Cast Member Only Areas

Unauthorized access or entry into backstage areas or areas designated only for Cast Members is strictly prohibited. Disney works hard to create an immersive experience for guests, and sneaking into a backstage area can ruin the effect.

Additionally, these areas may contain certain operating equipment and other machines that could be dangerous for those not trained to handle them. Plus, there isn’t really anything exciting going on back there! You’re better off staying “on stage” and enjoying all that the parks have to offer.

Stroller Limitations

Disney does allow strollers but they must conform to certain dimensions. Strollers must be 31″ (79 cm) in width or less and cannot exceed 52″ (132 cm) in length. Stroller wagons are also prohibited.

If you’re planning on using Disney transportation like the trams or buses, your stroller also needs to be able to fold up. You’re more than welcome to rent a stroller from Disney or another outside company, or you can bring your own as long as it meets their criteria. You can read more about strollers at Disney World here!

Respecting Wildlife

There are plenty of animals within the Disney parks, both in and outside of Animal Kingdom. To keep the wildlife safe, Disney prohibits the feeding, petting, touching, harassing or harming any wildlife, including birds.

You’ll probably see some Disney ducks and bunnies wandering around the parks! Of course there are also more exotic animals over in Animal Kingdom, and even though they may look friendly, be sure you’re only interacting with them through your eyes. This is for our safety as well as the safety of the animals.

Basic Courtesy

Finally, this is just a general guideline that is very important for everyone to follow. Disney asks that guests show common courtesy to other visitors as well as Cast Members by not using profanity or engaging in unsafe, illegal, disruptive or offensive behavior. This includes jumping lines or saving places in lines for others! Disney also prohibits running throughout the parks, as there’s a high chance of collisions which we’re sure everyone would prefer to avoid.

Main Street, U.S.A.

These guidelines are all in place to create a better experience for all guests! When everyone takes the time to follow these rules, it ensures the parks remain a safe place for everyone to enjoy.

Curious about how the pros do Disney? This video spills our secrets on how to still have the best day ever even when the parks are crowded!