Hi Kendra!
Welcome to planDisney! I am so glad you found us to ask your question. Over the years, my husband and I have carried a wide variety of backpacks into the Disney theme parks.
After years of traveling to Walt Disney World, I am now of the “the smaller, the better” mindset. While I still will carry my cute Disney Dooney & Bourke backpack with my travel umbrella (for both sun AND rain), my metal water bottle, my hand sanitizer & wipes, & my sunglasses case, I have definitely pared down the amount that I carry!
To answer your question, any bags, coolers, or backpacks taken into the theme parks must be
no larger than 24" long x 15" wide x 18" high. It's important to also note that loose or dry ice is not permitted in the theme parks, so if you want to keep something cold in your bag or purse, I suggest using reusable ice packs or packing ice in a sealed Ziploc bag.
Currently, guests are being security screened while wearing their backpacks. If you have anything metal inside the bag, it will need to be removed and carried at arm’s length in front of you (my umbrella, for example, is something I have to take out of the bag for security). My husband also carries a larger backpack that has a metal frame around the top, so he has to carry the entire bag out in front of him. If you forget, it’s no big deal, you just might get pulled aside for a quick check of your bag.
I hope this helps you with your planning for your October vacation! Please visit us again with other questions that you might have!
Happy Traveling,
Tracy