All The Things That Can Get You In Trouble At Disneyland

Last updated on September 10, 2026

There’s a reason Disneyland is known as the Happiest Place on Earth. Packed with rides, parades, shows, and great food, it’s the place to go for clean, safe, awesome family fun in Southern California!

But to keep Disneyland clean, safe, and awesome for everyone, there are some rules that need to be followed. 

And really, who could complain? Disneyland rules were designed to keep your kids safe and the atmosphere G-rated. Break any of the rules, and you just might find yourself being asked to leave the park (or at least warned) by a cast member.

So, what are the rules?

We’ve rounded up 21 things that can get you into trouble at Disneyland and why you need to avoid them.

Disneyland Rules

Here are all the things that are not permitted or might get you in trouble at the Disneyland Resort. 

1. Big Strollers

If you are visiting the parks with little kids, note that strollers larger than 31” wide and 52” long are not permitted.

If you are looking for Disneyland stroller rules, also note that wagons – any kind of wagon, including stroller wagons – are not permitted. Much like trying to board a plane with carry-on luggage, there is a checkpoint at Security and if your stroller is too big, they simply won’t allow you to bring it into the park.

2. Coolers

One of the many things that make Disneyland a cool theme park is that they allow you to bring your own food into the park. This is a huge convenience – not to mention money-saver – for families!

However, there are some rules to be aware of when it comes to carrying those snacks and lunch items. Small, soft-sided coolers are acceptable, but anything larger will not be permitted through the gates. Keep your cooler down to about the size of a 6-pack and you’ll be fine!

3. Bringing Alcoholic Beverages

While Disneyland does allow you to bring your own food and drinks into the parks, alcohol is strictly prohibited. However, there are plenty of places you can go to enjoy alcoholic drinks at Disneyland, including both theme parks, Downtown Disney, and bars inside the Disneyland Resort hotels. 

4. Entering Cast Member Only Zones

It’s always tempting to get a peek behind the scenes, but going through a door that says Cast Members Only is a surefire way to get in trouble at Disneyland. Stay where the magic is and don’t try to sneak backstage.

5. Selfie Sticks

Want a great family photo? You’ll have to get it the old-fashioned way: by taking one up-close or asking someone else to take it for you. Selfie sticks are not allowed inside Disney parks.

In the beginning, they were only banned on rides (which makes perfect sense! You wouldn’t want to be sitting behind somebody when their selfie stick gets bashed on a moving coaster!) but in 2015 the sticks were banned altogether. Disney cites safety concerns for the rule.

6. Folding Chairs

From A Christmas Fantasy Parade to Fantasmic!, there are some amazing parades and nighttime spectaculars at the parks. So it makes sense to want to claim your spot early to ensure an awesome view.

But don’t even think about bringing a folding chair. It may have seemed like a good idea, but portable chairs block foot traffic and Disney doesn’t allow them. Your best bet it is to bring a lightweight blanket to sit on, or claim a spot on the curb.

7. Adults Wearing Costumes

Don’t you just love it when you see a cute little toddler running around Disneyland all decked out in a poofy princess dress and elaborate wig and jewels? It’s cute for kids, but if you’re over age 14, don’t even try it. Leave the costumes to the kids because adults are not allowed to wear them.

Part of the whole “happiest place on Earth” experience is for kids to get to see and meet their favorite Disney characters. They don’t want adults in half-baked outfits walking around the parks and making people wonder who really works at Disneyland and who’s just a visitor. That would be confusing! It also poses a danger to kids, if you stop and think about it.

The one exception to the No Adults Wearing Costumes rule is if you attend the Oogie Boogie Bash at DCA during Halloween Time at Disneyland. For that event, costumes are encouraged.

8. Inappropriate Clothing or Tattoos

While we’re talking about what you can and can’t wear to Disneyland, let’s talk about inappropriate clothing.

Disneyland wants to be a clean, family-friendly environment. Afterall, you wouldn’t want your kids to see a guy wearing a t-shirt with curse words on it, or some lady with her cleavage spilling out of her top. Clothing with objectionable material, including obscene language or graphics is prohibited, as is clothing that exposes excessive portions of the skin.

On a similar note, if you have foul language or an obscene image tattooed onto your body be sure to cover it up! If a Disney cast member sees it, they’re going to ask you to cover it up or leave the park.

9. Foul Language

Can you even imagine Mickey dropping an F-bomb?

Of course not! So don’t even think about doing it either. This is Disneyland; there are kids everywhere, not to mention innocent Princesses and Minnie Mouse. Disneyland is as G-rated as a place can get, so leave your R-rated curse words behind and keep it clean! No foul language, please.

10. Bare Feet

In case you have the urge to kick off your shoes and walk around the parks in your bare feet, don’t do it! Disney has a rule that shoes must be worn at all times

11. Shoes with Built-In Wheels, Skateboards, Scooters, and Rollerblades

Sure, they’ll make getting from one ride to the next quicker, but wearing shoes with built-in wheels can get you kicked out of the park. If you or your kids own this fancy footwear, do yourself a favor and leave them at home. For safety reasons, Disney does not allow shoes with built in wheels to roll through the parks.

The same goes for skateboards, razor scooters, and rollerblades. 

12. Smoking

Used to be you’d round a corner at Disneyland and come face to face with a cloud of smoke. Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks each had several designated smoking areas, and they were always busy.

Those days are long gone. To the chagrin of some (smokers) and delight of others (non-smokers), Disney did away with all smoking areas inside the parks, Downtown Disney, and even the Esplanade in 2019. If you’re a smoker, you’ll have to exit the parks completely if you need to light up.

13. Vaping

All that stuff I just said about smoking? Ditto for vaping.

14. Flash Photography

If you’re going to take photos on a ride, make sure your flash is off. Disneyland has many dark rides, and flash photography can be distracting to other riders. So be sure to follow the rules and not take any flash photos when you’re not supposed to.

15. Commercial Filming or Photography

Take as many videos and photos of your friends and family as you want for fun or to post on social media, but filming for commercial purposes without prior permission from Disney is strictly prohibited. 

16. Holding Your Group’s Place in Line

It may seem like a bright idea to have one member of your family hold your place in line while everyone else goes on another quick ride or grabs a snack, but this could actually get you kicked out of the park! Disney considers this the same as cutting. Holding your group’s place in line and letting them join towards the end is a huge no-no.

17. Hopping Off Mid-Ride

Hard to believe this actually happens, but people have been known to hop out of their seat mid-way through a slow moving ride in hopes of getting closer to the attraction. Obviously, this is a big no-no. No matter how badly those animatronic kids on It’s a Small World or Captain Jack Sparrow on Pirates of the Caribbean are calling to you, remain in your seat or be prepared to get kicked out of the park!

18. Feeding the Birds

You might see a cute bunch of ducks floating in the pond beside the Cinderella’s Castle and feel the overwhelming need to share your popcorn with them. Fight the urge! This is actually against the rules at Disneyland.

Although no doubt your intentions are good, feeding, petting, and touching wildlife is prohibited.

19. Fighting

Fighting is surefire way to not only get kicked out of the park, but also get banned for life! If you find yourself confronted or in the midst of a disagreement with another guest, call Security. Once it escalates to raised voices or fists, it will be too late!

20. Knives or Weapons

At a family-friendly place such as Disneyland, this should go without saying! Knives, guns, or weapons of any kind will get you stopped before even making it through the security checkpoint.

21. Leafletting, Demonstrations or Speeches

Leave your political agenda at home, Disneyland is no place to push your views. In fact, even just trying to display a banner or flag will get you kicked out faster than you can say “election.”  Keep Disneyland a fun, bipartisan place and save expressing your political beliefs for a more appropriate venue.

Final Thoughts: Disneyland Resort Rules & Policies

Disneyland takes safety and the comfort of their visitors very seriously. Following these rules will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, and preserve the magical experience for kids.

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