Walt Disney World and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office are reminding guests that the resort’s strict weapons ban remains firmly in place, even after Florida officials announced changes to how the state will handle “open carry” laws.
Earlier this week, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier issued a guidance memo to law enforcement agencies following a District Court of Appeals ruling that deemed a ban on the open carry of firearms unconstitutional. Uthmeier stated that “open carry” is now considered the “law of the state.”
Despite this change, Walt Disney World emphasizes that firearms and weapons of any kind remain prohibited at all theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs, and all resort property. Guests who bring weapons onto the private property risk being trespassed.
Orange County Sheriff John Mina addressed the ruling in a video statement, reminding the public 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 business, or places like shopping malls, hotels, and theme parks.”
The First District Court of Appeal has ruled that Florida’s ban on Open Carry of firearms is not valid. Sheriff Mina wants to make sure that our Orange County residents and visitors understand their rights and responsibilities.
— Orange County Sheriff's Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) September 15, 2025
Watch the video below, and if you own firearms,… pic.twitter.com/2pdZ0Ibl2p
In his memo, Uthmeier also clarified that “the Court’s decision neither considered nor implicated Florida’s law listing certain locations where the carrying of firearms – open or concealed – may be unauthorized.” He added that “the same holds true for private property owners, who maintain long-standing legal prerogative to compel individuals carrying firearms to leave their premises.”
Disney reiterated its position in a statement to Florida Politics, confirming that the court decision does not impact the existing ban on weapons at Walt Disney World.
The Walt Disney World website clearly states the following rules regarding weapons and screening procedures:
“All persons, bags, parcels, clothing and other items may be subject to screening/security checks.
We reserve the right not to allow any bag, parcel or other item and to deal with any unattended object, bag or luggage in such way as we consider appropriate.
Firearms, ammunition, knives and weapons of any kind are prohibited.”
The resort continues to use a combination of visible and behind-the-scenes security measures to help ensure that every guest enjoys a safe and welcoming environment during their visit.
