Hi there, Yvette!
Welcome to planDisney! One of my favorite Disney quotes is from Edna Mode, the fashion designer for superheroes in The Incredibles. She says "Luck favors the prepared!" and I totally agree! Preparing the right things to bring into the Disneyland Resort can make a huge difference in your day at the parks.
According to the
Permitted Items list, coolers larger than "6-pack sized" are not permitted inside the theme parks. If I have a snack that I want to keep cold then I usually pack it in my regular backpack with a reusable ice pack (loose ice is also not allowed). This has worked really well for me and makes it so I can carry my regular backpack in the parks. I have also used a small, soft-sided insulated lunch box to keep snacks cool inside my backpack! We often bring crackers, carrots, grapes, yogurt, and other things to munch on during the day, and a reusable ice pack has been great for keeping those things at the right temperature.
If you're looking to bring a cooler larger than 6-pack size you're welcome to
rent a locker outside of the parks. The largest lockers can fit a cooler up to 19" wide x 24" high x 31" deep and they're located just outside the main entrance of Disneyland Park. This is a great option if you want to bring a picnic to enjoy in Downtown Disney!
You don't need to worry about packing a lot of water because cold water is always available in the parks thanks to the
Water Bottle Filling Stations! Just bring a good reusable bottle and you're good to go. If you run low on snacks and need something besides a churro or popcorn (which are both awesome) you can always check out the
fruit carts around the parks. Sometimes a light, fresh snack just hits the spot!
I hope you'll be able to stay cool and comfortable when you visit the parks, Yvette!
Keep moving forward!
Amanda