Hiya Rebecca,
Welcome back to planDisney! We are honored that you continue to visit us to help plan your magical vacations! I have seriously considered bringing a cooler when I visit the Most Magical Place on Earth several times. There is something super tempting about being able to store my favorite snacks from the Theme Parks in there for later that is very appealing to me. While I haven’t made that leap yet, I can help you with an answer to your question!
According to the
Walt Disney World Property rules, all coolers (both with and without wheels) must not be larger than 24” long x 15” wide x 18” high. In my experience, most smaller soft-sided cooler bags fit these criteria. You mentioned bringing reusable ice packs, which is a fantastic way to keep your food cool since loose ice is prohibited. However, I also want to remind you that glass containers (excluding baby food jars), outside alcoholic beverages, and plastic straws (at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park) are also prohibited.
I hope that was helpful, Rebecca. Before I let you go, did you know you can rent
lockers (first come, first served) at Walt Disney World Resort? Lockers are available in small and large (jumbo sizes are available at Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT only). These are great, so you don’t have to tote your cooler around in the Florida sun all day. Depending on how large your cooler is can also be a great place to store other items you don’t want to carry all day. I love to use the lockers as an excuse to buy lots of merchandise during the day, so I don’t have to hear Prince Charming complaining about carrying my purchases around.
Happy Planning, and please come back and see us if you need anything else!
Ashley F.