The EPCOT bag policy allows backpacks, purses, fanny packs, coolers and other bags as long as they are no larger than 24 inches long by 15 inches wide by 18 inches high. You can also bring your own food and nonalcoholic drinks, including a refillable water bottle, with a few restrictions.
All bags and personal items are subject to security screening when you enter EPCOT, so I try to bring only what I actually need for the day.
EPCOT Bag Policy and Size Limit
| Item | EPCOT rule |
|---|---|
| Backpacks | Allowed up to 24″ × 15″ × 18″ |
| Purses and crossbody bags | Allowed |
| Fanny packs | Allowed |
| Coolers | Allowed up to 24″ × 15″ × 18″ |
| Food | Allowed for personal consumption with restrictions |
| Water bottles | Allowed if they meet Disney’s container rules |
| Loose or dry ice | Not allowed |
| Glass containers | Generally prohibited, with limited exceptions such as small baby food jars |
Disney’s rule applies to bags whether or not they have wheels. Anything larger than the maximum dimensions isn’t permitted inside the theme park.
You can check Disney’s current Walt Disney World property rules before your trip because Disney can change these policies.
Can You Bring a Backpack Into EPCOT?
Yes. Backpacks are allowed at EPCOT.
There isn’t a special EPCOT backpack rule separate from the overall Disney World bag policy. As long as the backpack is no larger than 24″ long by 15″ wide by 18″ high and doesn’t contain prohibited items, you can bring it into the park.
I personally wouldn’t bring a backpack anywhere near that maximum size unless I really needed the space. A smaller daypack is much easier to carry through World Showcase, restaurants and attraction queues for an entire day.
If you’re deciding what actually belongs in the bag, my EPCOT packing list is the more useful guide for that.
What Happens to Your Bag at EPCOT Security?
Everyone entering EPCOT goes through Disney’s security process.
Disney says its security measures can include security-screening technology, bag checks, uniformed law-enforcement officers and specially trained security dogs.
I wouldn’t worry about trying to memorize a special technique for getting through security faster. Disney doesn’t publicly detail every part of its security procedures, and a Cast Member can inspect a bag whenever additional screening is necessary.
The simplest way I prepare is to make sure I’m not carrying anything prohibited and keep the contents of my bag reasonably organized.
What Can’t You Bring Into EPCOT?
Some of the items Disney specifically prohibits inside its theme parks include:
- Firearms, ammunition, knives and other weapons
- Pepper spray, mace and other self-defense devices
- Fireworks and other explosive or flammable objects
- Alcoholic beverages brought in by guests
- Most glass containers
- Selfie sticks and handheld camera or phone extension poles
- Loose or dry ice in coolers
- Bags and coolers larger than 24″ × 15″ × 18″
This isn’t every rule Disney has, so I would use Disney’s official property rules rather than an old packing list if I’m unsure about an unusual item.
Can You Bring Water Into EPCOT?
Yes. You can bring your own nonalcoholic drinks into EPCOT.
I almost always bring a refillable water bottle rather than buying bottled water throughout the day.
The important restriction is the container. Disney generally prohibits glass containers in the theme parks, so I would bring a plastic or metal refillable bottle instead.
Can You Bring Food and a Cooler Into EPCOT?
Yes. Disney currently allows guests to bring outside food and nonalcoholic drinks for their own consumption.
The food can’t require heating, reheating, processing, refrigeration or temperature control, and Disney asks guests not to bring food with pungent odors.
Coolers are also allowed as long as they remain within the same 24″ × 15″ × 18″ size limit.
Loose ice and dry ice aren’t permitted. Disney recommends reusable ice packs instead.
Disney also asks guests to tell a Security Cast Member about outside food when entering the park.
Can You Take a Backpack on EPCOT Rides?
For most EPCOT attractions, I keep my bag with me rather than putting it in a park locker before every ride.
Depending on the attraction and ride vehicle, loose belongings may go in a storage compartment, inside the bag itself or wherever a Cast Member instructs you to secure them.
This is another reason I prefer a reasonably compact backpack or crossbody bag. It is much easier to manage than a nearly maximum-size backpack once I’m getting on and off attractions all day.
Disney specifically tells guests using eligible mobile devices for attraction photos to keep their phones safely stored in a bag, pocket or attraction-vehicle compartment, including when riding attractions such as Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
I would always follow the Cast Member’s instructions at the individual attraction rather than assume every ride has exactly the same storage setup.
EPCOT Locker Sizes and Prices
If I bring something I don’t want to carry all day, EPCOT has keyless locker rentals available on a first-come, first-served basis.
EPCOT currently has three locker sizes:
| Locker | Size | Current price |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 12″ × 10″ × 17″ | $10 per day |
| Large | 15.5″ × 13″ × 17″ | $12 per day |
| Jumbo | 17″ × 22″ × 26″ | $15 per day |
The jumbo locker is especially useful to know about because Disney currently offers that largest size only at EPCOT and Magic Kingdom.
Locker rentals are good for the day for a one-time charge. Disney says availability is first come, first served.
You can see the current dimensions and prices on Disney’s locker rental page.
What Bag Would I Bring to EPCOT?
Disney allows a fairly large backpack, but I don’t think bigger is better for a normal EPCOT day.
If I’m carrying a water bottle, sunscreen, portable charger, poncho and a few small items, I prefer a compact backpack or crossbody bag. If I’m going extremely light, a fanny pack works too.
The important thing is that you don’t need a special Disney-approved type of bag. Backpack, sling, purse, crossbody or fanny pack can all work. The actual policy is about the bag’s size and what you put inside it.
For EPCOT, the rule I remember is simple: keep the bag at or below 24″ × 15″ × 18″, leave prohibited items at home, use reusable ice packs instead of loose ice, and expect your belongings to go through Disney’s security screening when you enter.
