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Firearms Still Prohibited at Disney World and Universal Despite Florida Open Carry Ruling
Recent changes to Florida’s firearm laws may have left some residents and visitors scratching their heads, but Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and local officials want to make one thing clear: guns and theme parks do not mix.
Last week, Florida’s First District Court of Appeal, with backing from Attorney General James Uthmeier, ruled that the state’s ban on open carry was unconstitutional. That means open carry is now legal statewide. But the ruling does not override private property rules, which means businesses like Disney and Universal still set the tone when it comes to weapons on their grounds.
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Disney reiterated its stance in a statement: “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.” Those rules apply across all four theme parks, both water parks, Disney Springs, and resort hotels.
Universal Orlando Resort’s policies are equally clear, listing “explosives, weapons, or items that could be used as or have the appearance of a weapon” as strictly prohibited.
Orange County Sheriff John Mina also addressed the new law in a video message posted to X, noting that while firearms can now be openly carried in Florida, there are still many exceptions: “You cannot carry openly or concealed in most government buildings, on college campuses, or passenger terminals at airports. 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 shopping malls, hotels, and theme parks.”
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The reminder comes after multiple firearm-related incidents in recent years at Walt Disney World, including arrests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs, and even a teenager found with a handgun at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
In short: even though Florida’s laws have shifted, Disney and Universal are keeping their “no weapons” policy firmly in place. Guests are urged to leave their firearms and similar items at home—or risk being trespassed from the parks.
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