Disneyland is cracking down on guest behavior as the park introduces updated rules aimed at reducing ride disruptions and improving safety. The changes focus on proper storage of “loose articles” on rides.
This comes after an increase in ride shutdowns in fiscal year 2025 due to guest behavior. Guests generally account for 10% of rides stopping; however, last year saw that number increase to 13%, according to Natalie Katzka, director of attractions engineering services at Disneyland.
Park officials say this increase influenced the decision to update enforcement policies.
“Stow it, Don’t Show it”
One of the most important changes involves phones and loose items. Guests must now secure personal devices before boarding certain attractions, with Cast Members doing a visual check before ride vehicles move.
The policy has been nicknamed “Stow it, Don’t Show it.”
The exterior of Disneyland’s Space Mountain – YouTube, LMG Vids
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Other loose items that will need to be securely stored or placed in ride storage include backpacks and large reusable cups. This policy has been dubbed by some guests as the “Stanley Ban.”
This rule targets a known cause of ride interruptions. Dropped items often require staff to stop operations while they clear the track or ride area. These pauses can affect multiple ride cycles.
Cracking Down on Ride Disruptions
The goal behind Disneyland’s push to rein in loose items on rides is pretty straightforward: fewer interruptions, safer operations, and a smoother experience overall.
The policy is being rolled out on select attractions where unsecured items pose a bigger risk. Disney hasn’t shared a full list of impacted rides, but it’s clear the focus is on faster, more intense experiences where even a small mistake can cause a delay.
A photo from Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance via Disney Parks website
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Parks across the industry have been dealing with the same issue—guests glued to their phones while on rides. Whether it’s filming, snapping photos, or trying to capture the “perfect” moment, it can create real problems behind the scenes.
All it takes is one dropped item or one unexpected stop, and suddenly it’s not just that ride affected. The delay ripples outward, backing up nearby queues and slowing things down for everyone else.
Guest Reaction
Not everyone is pushing back on the change. Some guests actually welcome it, arguing that tighter enforcement should keep rides running more smoothly and cut down on unnecessary shutdowns. Others say they’d rather stay off their phones anyway and just enjoy the park without distractions.
At the same time, there’s a clear frustration from another group of visitors. Disney parks already lean heavily on the mobile app for reservations, wait times, and even ordering food, which means guests are constantly reaching for their phones. Because of that, some feel it’s a bit contradictory to rely so much on the app and then expect people to put their devices away the moment they step onto a ride.
The entrance to Tomorrowland in Disneyland – YouTube, LMG Vids
Theme parks run on timing. When everything is moving the way it’s supposed to, crowds stay manageable. But it doesn’t take much to throw things off. One brief stop can start a chain reaction, pushing wait times higher across the park. That’s why there’s been a bigger emphasis lately on stopping problems before they start.
That’s the thinking behind Disneyland tightening up its rules on guest behavior. The goal is to cut down on disruptions that didn’t need to happen in the first place, with safety being the main justification for the changes.
What do you think of the new policies? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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