3 Popular Items Banned at Disney World That You Can Stil Bring to Universal

We’ve all been there: you pack for your Disney trip thinking you’ve thought of everything, only to get stopped at security and told your beloved gear has to go. And no, it’s not always obvious what’s allowed and what’s not.

What really throws people off is that there are things that are banned at Disney World that are totally fine at Universal Orlando. So today, we’re calling out three things we’re begging Disney Adults to leave at home when they’re headed to a WDW hotel—or at the very least, stop trying to sneak into the parks.

Selfie Sticks and Hand-Held Extension Poles

We get it. You spent a fortune on matching shirts, Minnie ears, and your Park Hopper tickets, and you want that perfect castle selfie with your group. But Disney has banned selfie sticks (and anything similar, like handheld extension poles) for a while now—and they’re serious about it. Security will take it or send you back to your hotel to drop it off.

This one catches people off guard because Universal still allows them with restrictions. As long as you’re not whipping it out on a ride or swinging it around in a crowd, you’re probably fine at Universal. But at Disney, it’s a no-go from the second you walk through bag check. We’re begging you: don’t try to sneak it in or argue with security. Just use a short arm and a solid group pose, or ask a Cast Member—they’re usually happy to help you snap a photo.

Stroller-Wagons

If you’re the designated parent or stroller pusher in your group, this one’s especially important. At Disney World, stroller-wagons are banned. Not just the big ones. Not just the plastic ones. All of them. If it looks like a wagon, it’s not getting past security.

This rule has been in place for a while, mostly to keep walkways clear and make things safer during crowded times. Over at Universal? Totally different story. They still allow stroller-wagons in many cases, which can make it confusing if you’re hopping between parks. But Disney’s rule is firm, so if you’re park-hopping with kids, make sure you’ve got a Disney-compliant stroller before you hit the hotel lobby or the bus stop.

Horns, Whistles, and Artificial Noisemakers

This one might seem random, but if you’ve ever been in a resort hallway with someone’s toddler blasting a toy whistle at 7am, you understand. Disney bans any kind of artificial noisemaker in the parks, and while the rule technically applies to the parks, we really wish more people took the hint and left these behind at the hotel too.

We’re talking air horns, megaphones, giant clappers, and even the random party toys people sometimes bring for birthdays or group trips. Look, we love a celebration, but nobody wants to be hit with a foghorn before their first cup of Joffrey’s.

Universal doesn’t specifically call these items out the same way Disney does, but it’s still just basic courtesy to keep the noise to a minimum, especially in shared hotel spaces.

The Bottom Line

A lot of people assume Disney and Universal have similar rules—and for the most part, they do. But these three items are big exceptions. And while some guests might think Disney’s being overly strict, these bans exist to keep everyone safe and make the guest experience better. So if you’re staying at a Disney resort or heading to the parks soon, double-check your gear before you pack it all up.

We’re always looking out for the latest Disney World updates, so stay tuned to us here on AllEars!