EPCOT's Most Unexpectedly Banned Items

Getting ready for your next trip to EPCOT?

If you’ve started packing your bag, you might want to hit pause for a minute. As you can imagine, Disney has a long list of rules and restrictions to keep the parks safe and enjoyable for everyone, but some of the items on the banned list might catch you off guard. There are a few things you definitely don’t want to accidentally bring with you, so let’s have a look at some of EPCOT’s most unexpectedly banned items.

Leave Your Selfie Stick at Home

Yes, selfie sticks are still a thing, and no, they’re not allowed in Disney parks. These handy camera extenders might seem like the perfect way to capture your entire group in front of Spaceship Earth, but Disney banned them a few years ago due to safety concerns.

It’s easy to see why: No one wants a surprise poke from a rogue selfie stick while waiting in line for Frozen Ever After. Plus, imagine the chaos if someone tried to whip one out mid-ride on Test Track. If you want a great group shot, don’t worry because Disney PhotoPass photographers have you covered.

Whistles and Other Noise Makers

Ready to blow the whistle on this rule? You’ll have to do it somewhere else. Horns, whistles, large megaphones, and artificial noise makers are strictly prohibited in the parks.

While it might sound fun to rally your group with a whistle, it’s probably for the best that these are banned. EPCOT is already alive with the sounds of music and laughter. Adding loud whistles or megaphones into the mix, well that’s a big ol’ no from the boss Mickey Mouse.

No Remote-Control Toys

Bought one of those adorable remote-control cars or droids at the parks? You’re going to have to wait until you get back to your resort to test it out. Disney prohibits drones, remote-control toys, and other similar devices inside the parks.

While you might think piloting a BB-8 around the World Showcase sounds like a blast, it’s also a logistical nightmare for park operations, and probably a tripping hazard for unsuspecting guests. So, if you’re picking up a droid from Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, just know it’ll have to wait until you’re out of EPCOT to roll into action.

Sorry, Heelys Are Out

If you’ve been holding onto a pair of Heelys since middle school (no judgment here!), it’s time to rethink your EPCOT footwear choice. Shoes with built-in wheels might help you zoom from the Land Pavilion to France in record time, but they’re not allowed in the parks.

Disney is all about keeping guests safe, and Heelys (or any wheeled footwear) pose a risk of accidental collisions or tumbles. Stick to comfortable walking shoes and save the skating for home.

Loose Ice

At first glance, this one’s a bit of a head-scratcher. Loose ice is a no-go at Disney parks. You might wonder, “What’s the harm in a little crushed ice in my cooler?” It turns out, loose ice can slow down the bag-check process and create unnecessary spills.

Instead, Disney recommends reusable ice packs to keep your snacks and drinks chilled. And if you forget, don’t worry as there are plenty of places in EPCOT to grab a cool drink when the Florida heat starts to kick in.

These bans might seem a little surprising, but they all to serve the purpose keeping EPCOT a safe, enjoyable, and magical experience for everyone. So, before you pack for your next visit, you might want to double-check Disney’s prohibited items list.

In the meantime, stay tuned to AllEars for all your Disney World news!