Disney Stroller Rules Changes: Important News for Families

Planning a family Disney trip? We’ve got the scoop on the new Disney stroller rules to help you navigate the parks with ease.

Does this sound familiar? Here’s a peek at how lots of Tampa Bay area families pack up for a day at the Walt Disney World Resort:

MagicBands: Check.
Sunscreen: Check.
Mickey ear hats: Check.
Stroller…

Pause here a moment, because we need to talk strollers. Specifically, Disney recently announced some new rules to provide a more enjoyable experience for everyone who visits by, among other things, easing guest flow and reducing congestion. That includes the sizes and types of strollers allowed in the parks. Before you pack it, let’s make sure your kids’ wheels fit the new Disney stroller rules.

Rolling with the New Disney Stroller Rules

Time to throw some facts your way. Beginning May 1, 2019, here at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California:

• Strollers must be 31” (79cm) wide and 52” (132cm) long or smaller
• Stroller wagons, whether pushed or pulled, will not be permitted at any theme park or water park or at indoor venues at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

So, what does this mean for you? Most single strollers should fit the revised parameters easily. If you have a side-by-side double stroller, you might want to break out the tape measure to make sure it complies with the size requirements. You just may find that it actually does comply. The specs for this BOB side-by-side stroller, for example, state that it measures 30.5” wide, just within the guidelines.

Alternatively, a tandem stroller might be a safer bet. This Graco model checks in at 20.5” wide and 36” long – well within the required dimensions.

Tips for Strolling at Disney

Now that we have the Disney stroller rules down, here are some tips from your friendly neighborhood Disney mom to help make strolling in the parks a little easier.

Park and ride – Stroller parking areas abound in the theme parks. We usually stashed our stroller in one of the parking areas and then hit several attractions before returning later. It’s better than continually retrieving and moving the stroller, in my opinion. Just know that Cast Members move strollers around within the parking area so your stroller may relocate a bit.

Reclining seat for the win – Our stroller featured a reclining seat that allowed our son to lie down flat. We just put that thing down, found a quiet spot to sip on a soda, and let the little dude drift off to sleep. Mom and Dad got a break while our little one got some z’s.

Easy folding is your friend – Disney stroller rules also require you to fold that puppy before you hop on certain modes of transportation. If your stroller folds quickly, you’ll save yourself a lot of aggravation trying to board the parking lot tram. Just trust me on this one. I speak from experience.

Beyond Disney Stroller Rules

Disney also announced a couple of other rules changes that could affect families:

• Effective March 28, 2019
  Loose and dry ice are not permitted in the parks. They recommend reusable ice packs instead.
• Effective May 1, 2019
  Smoking areas will no longer be present in domestic theme parks, water parks, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort. Guests may use designated smoking areas outside of the parks, at Disney Resort hotels and at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort.

Have questions about the new Disney stroller rules, or any of the other changes? Stop by the Disney Parks Moms Panel and ask me a question! I’m happy to help you plan your magical Disney day.

Kathy K . is a member of the Disney Parks Moms Panel. Panelists receive compensation for their participation in the Disney Parks Moms Panel.