Disneyland Is Cracking Down on Guest Behavior With New Ride Restrictions

Disneyland is done with the "stow it or don't ride it" warnings. Facing a surge in ride shutdowns caused by guest behavior, the park has officially tightened its grip on what you can (and cannot) bring onto its most popular attractions.

Data from the park shows that guest behavior now accounts for 13% of all ride shutdowns, a sharp jump from the historical 10% average. In response, Disneyland is rolling out a series of operational changes that are already making waves among park-goers.

The "Stow It, Don't Show It" Policy

The biggest change is a hard-line stance on handheld technology. On high-motion rides like Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway and the Incredicoaster, Disney cast members are now conducting visual checks. If your phone is out, they won't dispatch the ride.

The message is simple: phones must be fully secured in a bag or pocket before you board. If you're hoping to record your POV on a high-speed coaster, those days are over.

No More "Stanley" Tumblers?

It's not just phones. The crackdown extends to all "loose items," and the internet is already buzzing about a potential "Stanley ban." Oversized insulated drinkware is now being flagged as a safety risk, as items falling from vehicles are triggering emergency stops when they hit the ride's sensitive sensors.

Other "loose articles" getting the side-eye from security include:

• Hats and Headwear: If it's not strapped down, expect to be asked to stow it.
• Large Backpacks: Security is being much more aggressive about requiring guests to use ride-side storage shelves or lockers.
• Selfie Sticks: These were already banned, but security has been instructed to turn away violators immediately rather than offering a warning.

The Tech Trade-Off

The new rules have triggered a classic Disney fan debate on social media. Many guests are pointing out the irony of a park that requires an app for everything - from wait times to dining reservations - suddenly demanding phones be stowed away on rides.

As one Reddit user put it, "Disney makes everything as app-based as possible, then complains about people being glued to their phones." Others, however, are cheering the move, noting that they're tired of having their experience ruined by a stranger's glowing screen or a lost water bottle halting the ride for 20 minutes.

The "New" Entry Experience

Disneyland has also officially rolled out facial recognition technology at entry gates to help speed up lines and prevent fraud (something Universal Studios already does). While you can still opt out for a manual-entry lane, the shift is a clear signal that the park is prioritizing operational efficiency over traditional guest interaction.

Whether you think the new rules are a necessary fix for an increasingly chaotic park environment or an overreach, one thing is clear: Disneyland's "magic" is coming with a lot more rules this summer.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

2026 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.

This story was originally published May 14, 2026 at 3:00 AM.