Disneyland is cracking down on a surprising problem, and it’s not what most guests would expect.
In a move aimed at reducing ride breakdowns and improving overall park operations, Disneyland has introduced new restrictions targeting two everyday items: phones and oversized water bottles.
The changes come after Disney revealed a striking statistic—guest behavior is now responsible for 13% of ride shutdowns, up from a historical average of around 10%.
And according to Disney’s engineering team, the culprit is often something simple: loose items.
Phones, drinkware, backpacks, and other unsecured belongings have increasingly been falling from ride vehicles, triggering safety shutdowns that can delay operations for hours and impact hundreds of guests at a time.
To combat the issue, Disneyland is implementing stricter enforcement on select attractions.
One of the biggest changes is at Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, where a no-phones policy is now being strictly enforced. Cast Members are reportedly ensuring that all devices are fully secured before dispatch—and the ride will not begin if a guest is visibly holding a phone.
While the attraction may seem relatively gentle, its trackless ride system is highly sensitive. A dropped phone can be run over by another vehicle, potentially damaging the ride system and forcing a shutdown.
But phones aren’t the only concern.
Over at Incredicoaster, Disneyland is addressing a newer—and more unexpected—trend: oversized insulated water bottles, including popular brands like Stanley.
These large metal bottles may be convenient for staying hydrated in the parks, but on a high-speed coaster reaching up to 55 mph with inversions, they can quickly become dangerous projectiles if not properly secured.
To solve this, Disneyland has introduced a new system where guests must leave loose drinkware behind before boarding. Dedicated shelves have been installed at the loading area, allowing riders to safely store their items until the ride ends.
The goal behind both changes is simple: prevention.
By eliminating common causes of ride interruptions, Disney hopes to improve “uptime”—keeping attractions running smoothly and reducing the likelihood of unexpected delays.
Still, the updates highlight a broader shift happening across theme parks.
As rides become more advanced and technology-driven, they also become more sensitive to disruptions. Even small items like a dropped phone can have a ripple effect, shutting down complex systems and impacting thousands of guests throughout the day.
And Disneyland isn’t alone in this approach.
Other parks, including Universal, have already implemented even stricter “loose article” policies, requiring lockers and metal detectors on major attractions.
For guests, the takeaway is clear: what you bring on a ride matters more than ever.
While the new rules may feel like a small inconvenience, they’re part of a larger effort to keep attractions running efficiently—and to ensure that one dropped item doesn’t ruin the experience for everyone else in line. Because at the end of the day, the goal isn’t restriction, it’s keeping the magic moving.
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