Where to eat bagged lunch at the parks?

[singitalto]

To keep within our budget I want to brown bag a couple of lunches. We always bring snacks, i figured we would bring some pb&j sandwiches

Where is a good out of the way place to stop and eat our bagged lunch at each of the parks??

[SeaWitch]

We like to head over to Aunt Polly's landing in MK. It's typically pretty relaxed over there... and if the kids need to run around - they can!
We also get a kick out of hearing the piped in music punctuated by the occasional howl from Haunted Mansion wafting across the water. :p

[Colleen A.]

We ate outside of Tomorrowland in MK. Not sure of what it is called, but there were outside table with umbrellas. We ate around 11, before the lunch rush. Wanted to be courteous to those buying lunch in the park!

Colleen

[Wiggle]

There is a nice, quiet, shaded patio with a few tables behind the Liberty Tree Tavern.

[PieInYourEye]

At the train station, upstairs, looking down on Main Street. Conveniently near the lockers. :)

[AKASnowWhite]

I'm with Wiggle....behind LTT is such a nice quiet and (shady :cool: ) spot. Rather relaxing, IMO.

[Ethelina]

I'm not sure if I got this right??? You may pack a lunch and they allow it to be brought into the parks? I'm not thinking of a cooler but a small colapsable lunch tote for kids. This is allowed? I read water may be brought in but snacks also? This would be great to keep our food budget down.

[Colleen A.]

When we were there, we'd take the lunch in with us in our backpack. No one ever stopped us. You're not "supposed" to, but they don't really bother. Now, if you were to bring in a large cooler, I'm sure they'd say something!:bounce: We'd bring in juice boxes for the kids, make sandwiches out of bagels (they hold up better than bread!) and snacks. Once the lunch is gone, there's plenty of room for souveniors!!;)

Colleen

[Ethelina]

Thanks for the info!! I wouldn't take in anything bigger than a backpack or diaper bag. But some snacks for the kids would help out alot. Do they random search anyone's backpack for security? We will have our DD who is 8 mos.

[kda]

They routinely search everyone's bags (separate line if you aren't carrying anything, so you don't have to wait). It seems that Disney is pretty tolerant about overlooking food that's brought into the parks and people aren't questioned about it.

Quite different from a nearby casino entertainment venue that seems to use the "security" concern to search everyone and prohibits absolutely EVERYTHING from being brought in.

[DocRafiki]

those sound like good recommendations.

this reminded me of a bit of tackiness i saw on my last trip to mgm... there were people eating their sack lunches under the canopy covering the entrance to the Brown Derby restaurant. It totally ruined the mood. There are plenty of outdoor tables set aside for fast food and snacks.

At DAK, I found this great place that I never saw in any of my former visits. It's hidden behind the Flame Tree BBQ and is sooooo pretty (and has LOTS of seating). You can even watch the parade from one corner of it.

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Quite different from a nearby casino entertainment venue that seems to use the "security" concern to search everyone and prohibits absolutely EVERYTHING from being brought in.

What casino would that be? Foxwoods NEVER checks anything.

[GAIL HAYDEN]

this reminded me of a bit of tackiness i saw on my last trip to mgm... there were people eating their sack lunches under the canopy covering the entrance to the Brown Derby restaurant. It totally ruined the mood. There are plenty of outdoor tables set aside for fast food and snacks.

It is this tackiness, that make me wish they would enforce their "no outside food" rule a bit more.

[Ethelina]

I'm glad to hear the security is checking bags for obvious safety issues. I'm also glad Disney can tolerate my outside food since they are already getting a good chuck of my money.

I will be sitting in areas for non-paying customers like benches. But if I seen a family sitting in the "wrong" place having a bagged lunch. I would never judge them. I would be happy for them that they are at Disney!! :p

[joanuk]

When I was on the official disney website the other day there was a comment ( in Q&A I think) that you are allowed to take your own food into the parks but they advise against large coolers because of locker space.:)

[GEM]

Just please don't eat it at one of the outside seating areas for the counter service restaurants, thus preventing someone who actually purchased their food there from having a place to sit. That has happened to us a few times.

[SeaWitch]

With all this talk about tackiness... I guess I should add to my earlier post. :D

We do like to go to Aunt Polly's but we always purchase a drink and sometimes an ice cream.... I don't think we would feel right about taking over a table if we were only bringing in our own food. Plus, we don't make a big production out of the food items that we do bring in... we bring it in a small collapsable cooler tucked inside our backpack, etc.

No harm - no foul!

[Debbie]

I saw a number of the square coolers on "wheels" (collapsible handles like the luggage) at the parks last week. :rolleyes: We had loads of snacks with us in the backpack, and yes, they check everything: backpacks, waist/fanny packs, diaper bags, camera bags. . . Very reassuring, but it can be time consuming, too, at certain times of the day. That could fluster some commando type plans :p lol.

[GAIL HAYDEN]

I believe that is only for the water parks.


Q. May I bring my own food and beverages in to the Water Parks?

A. Coolers of a size that may be safely carried are permitted. No glass containers or alcoholic beverages allowed. There is no storage areas for coolers.

[GEM]

Actually, I don't even think it's true for the water parks anymore, is it? Didn't they switch to a "no cooler" policy - or maybe I'm wrong. :confused:

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Not sure Gem, but, it is still listed on their site.
I write every so often asking them to enforce the no outside food policy, but, to no avail.

[AKASnowWhite]

Originally posted by GAIL HAYDEN
I write every so often asking them to enforce the no outside food policy, but, to no avail.

I guess I don't understand the *why* behind a no-outside-food policy?!?! My feeling is that if someone chooses to carry their own snacks/lunch around with them that's their choice. I don't see where that would have an adverse effect on MY day at the park?!?

As for us, we usually carry only water bottles, and a few light snacks.....but that's because we aren't willing to lug a whole load of stuff around the parks with us.

[singitalto]

The reason I was asking for an "out of the way place to eat" was because I don't want to eat at the tables belonging to a restaurant. I was thinking of a nice park bench in a quiet area. I guess a few people don't care and sit at the outdoor restaurants tables and make it look bad for the rest of us who want to eat a quick lunch in the shade!!

I have never brought lunch into the parks(we were in the parks 25 days from 9/00 to 9/01 due to our first AP's). I just wanted stay within budget so we could buy the AP's again and have another 25 days in the parks this year!!!

[Ethelina]

If Disney does take the advice from concerned patrons about "NO OUTSIDE FOOD"and make it policy, I wonder what the babies will eat??? LOL.... I can't see how Disney could enforce it!! But maybe they sell baby food in the parks?? I don't know. I have never looked.

[Colleen A.]

I, personally, do not think there is anything wrong with bringing food into the park...as long as you are not eating it on an attraction (like Small World), you are not sitting at a table meant to be used by a patron of a restaurant or counter service, or not bringing in a 5 course meal! :rolleyes: I have seen people a few years ago with a blanket, spread out under a tree, and having themselves a picnic! That's a bit much!:eek: We have brought in juice boxes for the kids, bottled water and PBJ sanwiches and have eaten them on benchs or that umbrellaed table outside of TomorrowLand (not near any counter service area!:bounce: ). When you are talking about buying lunches, on a daily basis, for 5 people, it does add up. The day we bought hog dogs and sodas cost us over $20.00!! Disney should realize that people do have to budget their money to be able to bring a family on vacation to their parks. And, if they would think about it, whatever money parents don't spend on lunches will end up buying souveniors!! Either way, their "hand" is in the parents pocket!!:earseek:

Colleen

[GAIL HAYDEN]

I guess I don't understand the *why* behind a no-outside-food policy?!?!

Because many people make a mess, in addition to the comments here.
Yes, it is expensive to eat in the parks, however, in the good old days, people used to stash the food in a locker and when meal time came, used to leave the park and eat the food.
As to baby food, that has always been exempt from the rule, as has water and baby bottles. But, they do sell baby food at the nursing stations.
It is very annoying to purchase food and try to find a place to sit when you have many people eating outside food at tables intended for use by people who actually purchased food at the restaurant.
BTW, the guards are not there to check for food, their purpose is security, food, poses no threat. It is not their job, (nor are they interested), to "police" for food.
Coolers on wheels is really pushing the issue, IMHO.

[the4moores]

I agree that I would not sit at a table intended for patrons of a restaurant but if Disney enforces the no outside food rule then that doesn't mean that it will be easier for you to find a table. It just means longer lines at counterservice and more people trying to find seats. Since these people can't bring their own food in then they have to eat somewhere.

[GAIL HAYDEN]

I agree that I would not sit at a table intended for patrons of a restaurant but if Disney enforces the no outside food rule then that doesn't mean that it will be easier for you to find a table. It just means longer lines at counterservice and more people trying to find seats. Since these people can't bring their own food in then they have to eat somewhere.

That does not necessarily follow. Disney would open more service counters and add seats if that presented a problem.

[Debbie]

Well, since I saw several different people with the tag along backpacks/square coolers on wheels last week, it doesn't appear that Disney has any intention of enforcing the "no food" (or coolers) allowed. I couldn't be bothered to d. . .r. . .a. . .g something along (what to do on rides?) but obviously some people don't mind. (but I agree, Gail, it was a bit much!)

As to seating, I've never had a problem finding a place to eat my meals (counterservice) even in the middle of summer. As to the snacks, they are usually eaten in line; sandwiches maybe on a park bench, or, if we have bought drinks, at an outside table. Sounds a lot like what you've done, Colleen.

I did notice last week that there appeared to be more garbage around, but I don't think that that was because more people are taking in food, but rather, there seems to be fewer cast members to do the clean up that we are used to.

[AKASnowWhite]

While I see what you are getting at Gail, I'm not sure I fully agree. People who are inconsiderate enough to drop their trash and leave a mess in the parks will do so regardless of where their food came from!

I still feel that if someone is willing to haul their *stuff* around with them all day, that should be their choice. Some people have dietary limitations where it may just simply be more practical to pack their own rather than deal with Disney dining. Some may wish to have a healthier more varied selection at a reasonable cost, while others simply may not be able to afford it. And if you have a kid (or spouse!) that will only eat yogurt or cereal for lunch every day (I know - extreme, but believe me!!!) what are you supposed to do?

And as previously noted, it's still money in Disney's wallet. Either thru more $$ spent on souveniers, longer stays at resorts, pricier dinner meals, photos from rides (such as Splash for example.....)

Just one persons opinion....

[figgy4me]

Originally posted by Debbie
I did notice last week that there appeared to be more garbage around, but I don't think that that was because more people are taking in food, but rather, there seems to be fewer cast members to do the clean up that we are used to.

Sounds like to me just more patrons that have no manners. Trash/garbage should be place in the available trash cans. Why do people think that they are just supposed to throw it on the ground?

[GAIL HAYDEN]

AKASnowWhite
I respect your opinion. Honest. However, while I agree with you to a certain extent on littering, the thought was to confine food consumption because of litter, food crumbs and bird attacks (which we have ALL seen).
And if you have a kid (or spouse!) that will only eat yogurt or cereal for lunch every day (I know - extreme, but believe me!!!) what are you supposed to do?
I have never had that problem, nor would I have tolerated it. Sorry, that is just me. :) My kids ate what was put in front of them or they did not eat. They were not picky eaters.
I do, indeed, see the point about expense, but, I also think they need to draw the line somewhere. Like I said before, the roller coolers are way over that line. Who wants to trip over one of these things ( I assume they are the ones you drag behind you)?

Sounds like to me just more patrons that have no manners. Trash/garbage should be place in the available trash cans. Why do people think that they are just supposed to throw it on the ground?

Because it is too much of an effort for many to walk that 12' to a trash can. They walk by it anyway, but, I guess the litter is just too heavy to carry. Littering is one of those things that really annoys me. You cannot believe the looks I get when I tell someone they have dropped something. Hey, it gets their attention. LOL.

[Kay1]

Maybe my post is off topic, but what about the people who actually make it to the trash can then stick gum to the side of it? Please don't do this, it tempts some kids and they may stick it in their mouths.

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Oh, that is gross!!!!! I can see where it would tempt a child, but, I guess the parents need to be really vigilant. I hate it stuck under the tables at restaurants too. I guess it is better stuck to the sides than spit out on the sidewalk, not much, but ...........

[abbyndrewmom]

I happen to agree if people are going to litter they are going to litter whether they bought their food in the park or out, don't tell me you have never seen a tray of food or plastic cups left on a table from within one of the counter service restaurants.

[Wiggle]

Innocent question here...I'm truly curious, and I hope I'm not coming across as ignorant, but aren't we Americans used to throwing away our own meal trash in fast food restaurants....but in European fast food restaurants, the trash is usually left on the table and then bussed by the restaurant workers? (How does it work in Canada?) If that is the case, could that explain the issues with trash at the seating areas in the parks? Not that people are lazily leaving their trash behind, but that is the norm in their culture?

[cinlee3]

It seems that some here have the opinion that if you bring your own food, you are more apt to leave your trash. (in other words, you can't afford Disney (because you must bring your own food) therefore you are a pig).

As for walking around or having the food not contained in certain areas, haven't you seen people walking with purchase popcorn, turkey legs, hot dogs, etc? I suppose those people never drop anything or leaves their trash, Do they?

Turn it around another way - I think people who bring their own food are more conscientious - they don't want their children to get hungry or thirsty and would like something quickly available so they don't get cranky - Just another way to look at it

:rolleyes:

There, I said it. Now I will duck for cover.

[AKASnowWhite]

Originally posted by cinlee3
There, I said it. Now I will duck for cover.

I'm ducking with you! I'm feeling a bit sorry for the original poster...I'm willing to bet they didn't expect this big of a debate!

Anyway, the way I see it is, this is the Budget Board. People here are looking for ways to cut costs....to get the most for their money. I don't see it as being cheap, or unable to *afford* to eat park food....I see it as being frugal, and even responsible with the resources we have. (And in this case, much more nutritionally sound!)

While I have never packed and carried an entire meal into a park, I really see nothing wrong with it. Even if someone chooses to haul around a wheeled cooler. I own one, and find it to be a great convience when we go to the kids ball games, the beach and family outings. However, pulling it thru WDW is not my idea of *vacation fun*!!! (But again, that's my choice) Quite honestly I think a park patron has as much right to pull a wheeled cooler as anyone with a stroller or wagon heaped with kids and all their various belongings. At least with the cooler you won't have some toddler/preschooler pitching a fit and tossing their *stuff* out into an innocent bystanders legs!

And everyone, no matter who they are (or who they THINK they are!!!) has a personal responsibility to pick up after themselves. I would hope that they would not throw their wrappers and garbage on the floor at home, or leave gum stuck to their own picnic table......

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Snowwhite,
Perhaps a moot point here, but, wagons are not allowed. I don't think that coolers on wheels should be either. I think things that you push in front of you are allowed, dragged things are not.

[AKASnowWhite]

hmmmm.....perhaps I am mistaken about the wagons...but I recall seeing people with the big plastic Little Tykes-style wagons with 2 seats in them (one front facing, one rear....)....maybe it was at a different park.

But you know, if *ankle-bruiser-stroller-pushers* had to PULL wagons instead, then they'd have no one to run over but themselves!!! (another post, I'm sure.....;) )

BTW...I really do hope you enjoy your upcoming trip....:D

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Snow White,
Thank you for your good wishes. I fully intend to enjoy myself to the max!!!!!!
I think the problem with the things that are pulled rather than pushed is that some people have no clue that they are dragging something and zig zag all over the place and can create a trip hazard for the folks walking behind them. Have you ever been in an airport with people pulling the luggage and not paying attention? Now, imagine that at DW. But, you are totally correct, they would bash themselves instead, but, how many would they trip first? LOL

[Clover9990]

Agreeing completely with AKASnowWhite here. If Disney didn't allow outside food to be brought in, there would have been no way, shape, or form we could have afforded our Seasonal Passes we just purchased for our family. Since we live just 2 hours from Disney, the only things we have to worry about using money for is gas, food, parking, and the occassion souvenir...and food is the most expensive incidental of all of those! By eating breakfast on the road on the way to WDW, bringing sandwiches and snacks for lunch, and bottled water, we save a ton of money.

I can understand people wanting Disney to strictly enforce rules about people not picnicing on the grass and whatnot, but IMO, there are bigger fish to fry than to constantly complain to Disney about people bringing in outside food.

[robinb]

I just returned from DLP and there were signs that clearly said "No picniking." and that tables were provided outside the gates. Don't the US Disney parks also provide picnic tables outside the gates?

[GAIL HAYDEN]

If Disney didn't allow outside food to be brought in, there would have been no way, shape, or form we could have afforded our Seasonal Passes we just purchased for our family.

The point is they don't allow outside food, they just don't enforce it. And.....I totally agree, it is expensive to eat inside the park.
I do envy your locale to WDW. :)

[epcotfan]

Originally posted by Wiggle
Innocent question here...I'm truly curious, and I hope I'm not coming across as ignorant, but aren't we Americans used to throwing away our own meal trash in fast food restaurants....but in European fast food restaurants, the trash is usually left on the table and then bussed by the restaurant workers? (How does it work in Canada?) If that is the case, could that explain the issues with trash at the seating areas in the parks? Not that people are lazily leaving their trash behind, but that is the norm in their culture?

Here in Canada we dispose of our own fast food garbage. But then again there are people from all over the world (USA & Canada included) that won't pick up after themselves. A person that won't pick up after themselves at home won't do it at Disney either.

[Clover9990]

Originally posted by GAIL HAYDEN

I do envy your locale to WDW. :)

Hehe- I know...sometimes I take it for granted, when I moan about having to wake the kids up at 5:30am so we can get to the park at opening, but I know that we are very lucky to live so close to the World! :cool:

[BethR]

THANK YOU! Thank you ALL for carrying on a very civil and friendly thread on what can turn unto one of our "hot" topics.
You have proven that this topic can be discussed without nastiness and judgementalism (is that a WORD? :) )
You all are great!
Hope that you are having a wonderful Labor Day holiday! :)

[disneymom3]

How do we know that the no outside food rule is really a policy. Before our first trip a few years ago, I called the main # and asked if we could bring food intp the parks and was told yes! Now I know the CMs who answer the phone are known for their differing answers to the same question, but how do we know what the official policy is?

I have to say that you really don't want to be in the same line as us when my two year old suddenly decides he is hungry if I can't bring in some fruit snacks and cereal bars!

For the lunch thing, we do sometimes bring a full lunch, but we leave it in a small cooler in our car and then when we head back o our resort for the midday break, the kids can eat right away. That makes the break shorter too as we only have to fit in nap and not lunch!

[GAIL HAYDEN]

How do we know that the no outside food rule is really a policy

Because, I have written to Disney a number of times and that is what their answer has been each and every time.

[travelitis]

I'm thinking of packing a couple of meals this trip, but I'm leaving the cooler in the van. We'll eat while we park hop. My kids will have fanny packs with snacks to ward off whining from hunger. I'll also be carting the food for my 4 yr. old, (p.b. sandwich and a particular cereal) because it's just not worth fighting about her being picky. We're doing 5 character meals where she'll barely touch food, so I have a hard time paying $3-$5 for a pb kid's meal at other places.

[MrsPete]

I think that Disney is being inconsistant, which is a bad thing. If the rule is "no outside food," they should enforce that rule. If the rule is "you can bring small snacks," they should announce that fact and allow it. Personally, I don't care either way, but it should be clearly announced so that it's equal for everyone.

Even if they didn't allow small snacks, people could still have coolers in their cars. They could to out of the parks and "tailgate" if they wished.

Finally, I think the "Disney food is expensive, so I have a right to break the rules" is a poor argument. If it's a rule, you follow it. If you find it too strict, you don't visit that establishment.

[AKASnowWhite]

Originally posted by MrsPete
I think that Disney is being inconsistant, which is a bad thing.

I do agree with you that if indeed they have a well published rule (about anything, not just food) it should be enforced. However, "inconsistant" seems to be the norm for Disney. Have you ever tried to call WDW and get a question answered? You can talk to 10 different people, and you'll get 10 different answers. It's quite frustrating actually.

[Ethelina]

I totally agree with Disney being inconsistant. I am reading money-saving tips on page 24 in the 2002 Birnbaum's Official Guide. Here's their quote " Carry sandwich fixings and have lunches alfresco when possible (keeping in mind that outside food is not welcome inside Disney theme parks). No harsh words like OUTSIDE FOOD IS FORBIDDEN or ANYONE WITH SNACKS WILL BE SHOT! No wonder they don't enforce "policy". They are giving you hints to bring food. Do they really want me to get close enough to my car so I can leave?? No, they want you to stay and spend your money inside the parks. Even if I don't spend money on food, I know I will spend enough on other things to make up for the loss. Good marketing!! This is just my observation and I'm poking fun. I am enjoying reading this thread. Yes, I will be bringing my pb&j sandwiches!!