Walt Disney World and the Orange County sheriff are reminding visitors and residents that firearms are still not allowed at theme parks.
Guns Not Allowed at Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort
Florida’s First District Court of Appeal, with support from Attorney General James Uthmeier, ruled last week that the state’s ban on the open carry of firearms is unconstitutional. But private businesses like Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort can still restrict weapons on their property.
In a statement to Florida Politics, Disney said, “Guests are not permitted to have firearms, ammunition, knives, or weapons of any kind at Walt Disney World Resort. All Guests are expected to comply with Walt Disney World Resort Property Rules.”
The Walt Disney World Property Rules state, “Firearms, ammunition, knives, and weapons of any kind are prohibited.” These items are once again listed on the prohibited items list, alongside self-defense items like mace and pepper spray, and other potentially dangerous items.
Walt Disney World Resort includes the four theme parks, two water parks, Disney Springs, and hotels.
Universal Orlando Resort policies list “Explosives, weapons, items that can be used as or have the appearance of a weapon” under prohibited items.
Orange County Sheriff John Mina also released a video on X about the open carry change.
“Although firearms can now be carried openly in Florida, you cannot carry openly or concealed in most government buildings, on college campuses, or passenger terminals at airports,” Sheriff Mina said. “It’s very important that you understand the law. And it’s important to understand that private property owners can still prohibit anyone from carrying firearms onto their properties and trespass anyone who violates that rule. That includes any private residents or businesses or places like shopping malls, hotels, and theme parks.”
Read more about Florida Statute 790.06(12).
There have been multiple incidents of guests bringing guns to Walt Disney World in recent years, some claiming to have forgotten they had the firearm in their bags. Examples include a guest with a gun in a cooler at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, another Hollywood Studios guest arrested for having a gun in his backpack, a man at Disney Springs arrested for carrying a gun without a serial number, a man who lost his handgun on his vacation and claimed it was stolen by Cast Members, and a 15-year-old boy with a handgun at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
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