Ahoy, Danielle!
Welcome aboard planDisney! You are asking exactly the kind of question that makes embarkation day go a whole lot smoother. Nothing takes the wind out of your sails faster than packing something you planned to use, only to find out it has to stay behind at the terminal.
When it comes to
personal flotation devices, Coast Guard–approved personal flotation devices like swim vests, water wings, and flotation devices sewn into bathing suits can absolutely be brought onboard. These types of flotation devices are permitted in the pools and at both Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay.
Unfortunately, life vests that use CO2 cartridges, including the belt-style self-inflatable life jackets you mentioned, are
prohibited and cannot be brought onboard. The same goes for larger items like floats, rafts, and pool noodles. I know that may not be the magical news you were hoping for, especially if you already have a preferred flotation device that works well for your crew.
The good news is that Disney does provide life jackets in a wide range of sizes onboard the ships and at the beaches on
Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay. You’ll usually find them conveniently located near the pool areas and beach activity spots, so they’re easy to grab when needed. If you’ve booked a
Port Adventure, you can also check with your excursion guide. While I can’t guarantee availability on every single excursion, we’ve found that most of the Port Adventures we’ve participated in offered complimentary life jackets, and in some cases, wearing one is required depending on the activity.
I hope this
helps you feel confident about what you can and cannot bring when it comes to flotation devices. Knowing the rules ahead of time helps avoid surprises at the port and keeps your embarkation day running smoother than a perfectly timed splash into the pool.
Sea ya real soon as springtime magic carries us from one adventure to the next,
Dustin