You can bring backpacks, purses, crossbody bags, diaper bags and other normal bags into Disney World. Bags used inside the theme parks and water parks cannot be larger than 24 inches long by 15 inches wide by 18 inches high. Disney does not require clear bags.
That same basic Disney World bag policy applies at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Your bag may also be screened when you enter, so what you put inside it matters just as much as the bag itself.
Disney World Bag Size Limit
Disney’s current maximum bag size for its theme parks and water parks is:
24 inches long x 15 inches wide x 18 inches high
(61 cm x 38 cm x 46 cm)
The rule applies to suitcases, backpacks, coolers and other bags, whether or not they have wheels.
That means a normal daypack, Loungefly-style backpack, purse, diaper bag, tote or crossbody bag should have no problem based on size alone. It’s oversized luggage and very large coolers that are more likely to exceed Disney’s limit.
You can verify the current measurements in Disney’s official Walt Disney World Resort Property Rules.
No, Disney World Does Not Require a Clear Bag
You do not need a clear backpack or clear purse to enter Disney World.
This is one of the biggest differences between Disney World and some stadiums, concert venues and sporting events that only allow transparent bags.
Your Disney World bag can be opaque, patterned, leather, fabric or another normal material. A regular backpack or purse is fine as long as it complies with Disney’s size and prohibited-item rules.
If you’re actually shopping for something comfortable to carry all day rather than checking the policy itself, I have a separate guide to choosing the best backpack for Disney World.
What Happens to Your Bag at Disney Security?
Disney says all people, bags, parcels, clothing and other items may be subject to security screening.
The resort uses a combination of security-screening technology, bag checks and other measures. I wouldn’t expect that every zipper and compartment will automatically be opened during every visit, but you should always be prepared for Disney security to inspect your belongings if needed.
Disney also reserves the right to refuse any bag or item even if it isn’t specifically named on the prohibited-items list when Disney considers it harmful or disruptive.
Can You Take a Backpack Into Disney World?
Yes. Backpacks are allowed at Disney World as long as they remain within the 24 x 15 x 18-inch limit.
There’s no separate Disney rule requiring backpacks to be a particular style or material, and they don’t need to be clear.
Personally, I wouldn’t come close to the maximum allowed dimensions for an ordinary park day. A smaller backpack is much easier to manage in crowds, restaurants and attraction vehicles, especially if you’re carrying it from morning until fireworks.
What About Purses, Crossbody Bags and Fanny Packs?
Purses, crossbody bags, waist packs and similar small bags are allowed too. Disney doesn’t publish a separate “purse policy” requiring them to follow different dimensions.
The same maximum bag dimensions and prohibited-item rules apply.
For someone who only needs a phone, wallet, sunscreen and a few other essentials, I actually find a smaller bag much easier than carrying a large backpack around Disney World all day.
Can You Bring a Bag on Disney World Rides?
For most Disney World attractions, you don’t need to rent a locker simply because you’re carrying a normal park bag. You’ll generally keep your belongings with you and follow the storage instructions for that particular attraction.
TRON Lightcycle / Run is the notable exception. Disney uses complimentary double-sided lockers in the attraction queue for bags and loose belongings that can’t go onto the Lightcycle with you.
Small items such as a phone, glasses or wallet can fit in the small compartment built into the ride vehicle. Disney specifically recommends keeping an eligible phone with you in that compartment if you want it to automatically link your TRON attraction photo and video.
On any attraction, follow the Cast Member’s instructions about where to place your bag rather than assuming the setup will be identical from ride to ride.
Coolers Follow the Same Size Limit, With One Extra Rule
Coolers can come into the Disney World theme parks as long as they don’t exceed the same 24 x 15 x 18-inch maximum.
However, loose ice and dry ice aren’t permitted inside the container. Disney recommends reusable ice packs instead.
If you’re packing lunch, snacks or food for children, my Disney World outside food policy explains the separate rules about what you can actually put inside the cooler.
Water Bottles Can Go in Your Bag Too
You don’t need to buy all of your drinks after entering the park. Refillable water bottles can be brought with you, which is one reason I like using a bag with an exterior bottle pocket.
The important exception is Disney’s general restriction on glass containers, aside from small exceptions such as baby-food jars.
My Disney World water bottle policy covers bottle materials, filling stations and bringing outside drinks in more detail.
Does EPCOT Have a Different Bag Policy?
No separate larger or smaller bag-size limit applies just because you’re visiting EPCOT. The Walt Disney World property rule limiting bags to 24 x 15 x 18 inches applies across the Disney World theme parks.
There are still EPCOT-specific questions about security entrances, lockers and what you might want to carry during festivals, so I’ve kept those details in my separate EPCOT bag policy rather than duplicating that entire guide here.
Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom Use the Same Basic Limit
You don’t need a different backpack for each Disney World park. Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom use the same resort-wide 24 x 15 x 18-inch maximum for bags inside the theme parks.
There can be park-specific restrictions on certain items, though. Animal Kingdom, for example, has additional rules prohibiting plastic straws and balloons that don’t apply identically everywhere else at Disney World.
The Disney Springs Rule Is Slightly Different
Disney’s published 24 x 15 x 18-inch bag restriction specifically says it applies to the theme parks and water parks. The rule doesn’t list Disney Springs in that particular size restriction.
That doesn’t mean anything goes at Disney Springs. Disney’s general property rules still allow security screening of bags and give Disney the right to refuse an item it considers unsafe or disruptive.
If you’re carrying a normal backpack, purse or shopping bag, this distinction probably won’t matter. I just wouldn’t describe Disney Springs as having the exact same published bag-size rule when Disney’s current wording doesn’t say that.
For a normal park day, the rule is easier than it sounds: you don’t need a clear bag, ordinary backpacks and purses are allowed, and anything you carry into a theme park or water park should stay within 24 x 15 x 18 inches.
