With growth comes change. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re probably aware that Star Wars Galaxy Edge is opening in Disney Parks in 2019. This means there will be massive amounts of people (crowds like you find the week between Christmas and New Years) visiting the Disney Parks in the months (and years) to come. In an effort to tame some of the chaos and better protect guests, there are some major Disney Parks Policy Changes going into effect May 1, 2019. 

Major Disney Parks Policy Changes

If you have small children, or if you are a smoker, you need to be aware of the Disney Parks policy changes that will begin May 1, 2019. These changes will be enforced at the Walt Disney World Resort as well as the Disneyland Resort. So, what is actually changing?

Stroller Size Restrictions

This new policy is going to upset a lot of people. As of May 1, 2019, strollers can be no larger than 31″ (79cm) wide and 52″ (132cm) long. In addition, stroller wagons will no longer be allowed inside the parks. In the past guests have been able to use the large stroller wagons if they had two handles allowing them to be pushed.  With these new policy changes, ALL stroller wagons are restricted from the parks. These wagons tend to cause a lot of congestion throughout the parks and at times restrict the flow of foot traffic.

Disney is pretty serious about these restrictions so if you think your stroller is too big, measure it BEFORE you go. Cast Members will be prepared to measure any strollers that appear to be too big. If you are unsure about your stroller, I recommend you play it safe and rent one from Disney. No one wants to be turned away at the gates due to a stroller issue.

Smoking & Vaping Restrictions

Attention smokers and vapers! Beginning May 1, 2019 you will no longer be allowed to smoke ANYWHERE within the parks. In the past there have been designated smoking areas inside the parks. This will no longer be allowed in ANY Disney Park after May 1st. This includes all theme parks, water parks, the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, and Downtown Disney in the Disneyland Resort. There will be designated smoking areas located OUTSIDE of these areas as well as in Disney Springs and at the Disney Resort Hotels.

Ice Restrictions

You can no longer bring loose ice or dry ice into any of the Disney Parks. This means if you are bringing a cooler to the parks you must leave the ice at home. Disney will allow you to bring ice packs to keep your items cool, however, loose and dry ice are no longer allowed. If you need to obtain ice while you are inside the parks, the complimentary cups of ice will still be available.

Thoughts on Changes

Everyone has an opinion. While I know there are many people rejoicing at these new restrictions, there are those who are going to be upset. I truly believe Disney is enforcing these new policies in an effort to maximize the guest experience. The restriction on large strollers makes complete sense to me. I can recall many times when I was unable to walk down Main Street USA due to the massive congestion caused by these strollers. The smoking restrictions are completely understandable to me as well. I am a little confused about the ice restriction, however, Disney must have a reason for it. What are your thoughts on these changes? Do you think this will better enhance the guest experience? Are you upset? We would love to hear from you.