The Disneyland Resort has moved to restrict metal tumblers, including Stanley cups, on a number of its most popular attractions following a rise in ride shutdowns linked to dropped belongings and guest behaviour.

Officials at both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park report that temporary closures caused by such incidents have increased from 10 per cent to 13 per cent.

The uptick is understood to be driven in part by unsecured personal items falling onto ride systems and triggering automatic safety responses.

Attractions that rely on more advanced ride technology have proven particularly sensitive. Mickey Minnie's Runaway Railway, which operates using a trackless system, can be halted by even small objects such as mobile phones, often resulting in prolonged downtime while safety checks are carried out.

In response, cast members have been instructed not to dispatch rides if guests are seen holding loose items or placing them on their laps. Comparable restrictions are also being enforced on high-speed attractions such as the Incredicoaster, where speeds of up to 55mph, combined with loops and enclosed sections, heighten the risks associated with unsecured objects.

Engineers and safety experts have warned that heavier items, including metal bottles, can become dangerous projectiles if dislodged mid-ride. To mitigate this, Disney has installed storage shelves at ride entrances, requiring guests to leave water bottles and similar belongings behind before boarding.

The changes come amid broader concerns about the operational impact of guest behaviour, with dropped items increasingly contributing to disruption across the resort.

The measures also form part of wider efforts by Disney to improve safety and efficiency, following recent steps to tighten access to its transport network and parking systems.