5 Laws You Need to Know Before You Travel to Disney World in 2024

Planning a trip to Disney World can be overwhelming.

From making your Advanced Dining Reservations to researching Genie+ and figuring out what to pack, there is a lot to do to get ready for the trip. You might even have read up on some of Disney’s rules and policies  — you don’t want to get to security and be turned away with your selfie stick! But, did you know that some of Florida’s laws might affect your trip, too? Don’t let these catch you off guard while you’re in Disney World!

No Texting and Driving

While this is common across most of the U.S., it’s worth it to take note of Florida’s specific rules related to cell phone use in your vehicle.

According to Florida Statute 316.305, “A person may not operate a motor vehicle while manually typing or entering multiple letters, numbers, symbols, or other characters into a wireless communications device or while sending or reading data on such a device for the purpose of non-voice interpersonal communication.”

That means more than just texting is prohibited! Not sure how to get to where you’re going? Line up your GPS before you put the car in drive. Want to jam out to Disney tuned to get pumped on the way to the parks? Get your playlist set up before you start driving (or have your bestie play DJ, that is).

Open Container Laws

Florida also has some rules when it comes to open containers, both in your vehicle and in public spaces.

According to Florida Statute 316.1936, “Possession of open containers of alcoholic beverages in vehicles is prohibited.” Additionally, there is an open container law that makes it unlawful to have alcoholic beverages in public spaces.

That means that you cannot have open containers, which Florida defines as “any alcoholic beverage that is immediately capable of being consumed,” in Uber’s, passenger seats, sidewalks, and more. While areas like Disney Springs are private property and you can walk around with a drink, you can’t walk down to the convenience store next to your hotel with a drink in hand.

Also, it goes without saying, don’t drive drunk.

Bring Proper Identification

Speaking of alcohol, if you want to drink, make sure you have the proper identification to prove you’re of age! You have to be 21 to drink in Florida, and you need to have a way to prove it.

While some servers might not ask for an ID if you clearly look of age, Disney’s official rule is that anyone who wants to drink an alcoholic beverage must have a proper form of identification. Acceptable forms of ID include:

• U.S. state driver’s license (includes U.S. territories*)
• U.S. state ID (includes U.S. territories*)
• U.S. military ID
• Original passport
• Copy of passport (either on paper or captured on a mobile device), along with a government-issued photo ID** that can verify the person and birth date shown on the copy
• NEXUS card issued by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (Canadian Guests only)

Guests visiting from outside of the U.S. are required to present both a valid passport as well as another form of government-issued photo ID from their country of origin.

It might seem like a good idea to leave these forms of ID locked in your hotel room and bring a photocopy instead, but you might get denied an alcoholic beverage without them.

Don’t “Affect the Peace and Quiet”

You might think that Disney World is a magical place where you can do whatever you want, but please behave in a considerate manner.

According to Florida Statute 877.03, it is a misdemeanor to “commit such acts as are of a nature to corrupt the public morals, or outrage the sense of public decency, or affect the peace and quiet of persons who may witness them, or engage in brawling or fighting, or engage in such conduct as to constitute a breach of the peace or disorderly conduct.”

This spans a lot of scenarios but generally means you should keep the peace while you’re there. That means no brawling, and please, keep your clothes on.

Don’t Feed Alligators

Lastly, you’re not just going to see wild animals on Kilimanjaro Safaris. Wild birds, lizards, insects, and more are all over Florida.

While you might not see an alligator in the wild, keep in mind that they are not all that uncommon in Florida. According to Florida Statute 372.667, “feeding or enticement of alligators or crocodiles unlawful,” so don’t try to share your lunch with them if you do encounter one!

Feeding wildlife shows them that humans are a food source rather than something to fear, and the last thing you want in Disney World is for an alligator to walk up to you while you’re enjoying your lunch.

Some of these might seem obvious, but you never know when you’ll be in a situation you weren’t expecting while on vacation. Stay up to date on the laws, and in the meantime, stay tuned to AllEars for all the latest Disney news.

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Are any of these laws different from where you live? Let us know in the comments below!