Hi there, Christie!
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! You are in the final countdown for your upcoming
Walt Disney World Resort vacation and I am so very excited for you! Before you know it, you will be on your way down Main Street, U.S.A. making the most magical of memories!
Thank you for stopping by with your question about clarification on some of the
park rules! The last thing you want to do is have an issue at the entrance to the theme parks, so I am glad you are thinking (and planning) ahead! I wanted to be absolutely certain for you, so I checked with a Cast Member and they confirmed to me that the cooler itself is what needs to fit within the size guidelines and that the extended handle will not be an issue for you upon arrival. I also do want to clarify that the cooler does NOT need to be soft-sided and that you can bring in a hard-sided cooler, if you prefer, as long as it is within the size restrictions! But, also be advised that no loose ice can be brought into the theme parks, so the recommendation is to use reusable ice packs to keep anything cool within your cooler.
As you are doing your final preparations for your magical vacation, make sure you have the
My Disney Experience Mobile app downloaded to your smartphone. On it you will find a ton of useful information such as updated wait times, transportation schedules, park maps which will be so helpful during your days at the theme parks!
I know you are going to have the most incredible time and I wish you nothing short of magical memories made! Say hi to Mickey for me!
Stephanie