Are you allowed to take drinks in to parks ?

[magicmouse2]

On previous trips we have taken 3 or 4 cans of soda into the parks in a rucksack and never been stopped. Could we take a collapsible cooler in and store about 12 cans in a locker ? or would they not allow this when they search your bags ??? Thought this would be a good way to save cash for a family of 6. but if it is a problem I wont bother. I just dont want to stock up on to many cans of soda at Publix if we cant take them in the parks with us. I know food is not allowed, and I wouldnt want to take my own food in anyhow.

 

[califred]

Ive seen people post recently that families have gone in with a big cooler on wheels. So I think you'll be fine! People take in snacks too.


I plan on taking in water b/c I drink bottled water and I'm not paying 3 dollars a piece for it.

 

[Mickey527]

This past trip in May with my niece and nephew who are 4 and 2 we found it a necessity to bring in our own drinks.
They are not allowed to drink soda and there are not many juices that they like, so their mom packed juice boxes and water for them.
We were staying at my DVC so we had a large freezer. Every night we put some water bottles into the freezer and in the morning we packed them next to some cold juice boxes. The juice was nice and cold and by the time they finished the drinks the water bottles were thawed enough to drink. We did get some smoothies and some whips, but we were fine with drinks.
You cannot bring glass bottles into the parks, but if you bring the juice boxes and plastic bottles they won't stop you. Also, the ready mixed Gatorade freezes well.
I wouldn't have the nerve to bring a wheeling cooler, but a small cooler would be fine. We used a diaper bag for our drinks and since we had a stroller with a basket we didn't have to lug it all over.
Peggie

 

[Ohiomommy]

Was just at MK Saturday and saw people with all kinds of small coolers. Even saw one family making sandwiches at a table down from Dumbo. Saw another couple with what looked like a suitcase/duffle bag thingie on wheels. I really don't think they will mind you taking in some soda.

 

[barnum42]

Technically I believe you are not allowed to bring food or drink into the parks - I assume the suits think it comes out of their profit share if you do not buy food and drink in the park. I assume as far as the front line cast members are concerned it's just more trouble than it's worth to enforce this particular edict.

If you want to save on drinks and do not want to cart the liquid around I have read that you can ask for free ice water at the counter restaurants. If you do not like tap water bring along something to add to the water for flavour.

 

[propchick]

My very best easy tip for saving drink money:

Bring or buy a CLEAR plastic bottle of water, large enough to be a couple of serving's worth, but small enough to carry comfortably (you can do this with a single-serve bottle, but as long as you're doing the work, why not have some for later?). On your way out of your hotel check near the breakfast buffet or coffee area for tea bags. If your hotel doesn't have them, just about every counter service food place in the parks does, and they're always FREE. Grab one bag of the flavor you want, open your water, carefully fold the bag and insert it into the bottle, and carefully screw the lid back on, being sure that the bag is at least touching the water, and that you've got the string screwed on with the cap, so the bag won't fall. Now peel the label off the bottle as well as you can, and leave your bottle out where the sun can get to it. (Don't worry about actually keeping it in direct sunlight. The Florida sun will get to it, lol!) Whenever you think about it, give your bottle a gentle swirl.

After 30-45 minutes, you'll have a nice full bottle of freshly brewed sun tea!

 

[janedo]

I've never actually done this but intend to try this year instead of lugging around a bag full of drinks. ..we saw individual sachets of kool-aid in publix - and intended taking a selection of those, an empty water bottle (to mix) and some plastic cups. Every time someone wants a drink, brew some up at a water fountain! Will this work or will the water still taste foul through the kool-aid?

 

[DMRick]

If your hotel doesn't have them, just about every counter service food place in the parks does, and they're always FREE.

The tea bags are free?? I thought you told the gal at the register you wanted tea and she handed you a hot cup and charged you. I thought all the items at the beverage area were for guests who paid for them. Have you asked and they told you the tea was free? I've paid for them, and was not told it should be free.

 

[propchick]

Yep, I asked the first time, because I figured they'd charge me like 50 cents for just the tea bag, but they said, "Oh, help yourself!" I still double-check everytime, but I've never yet been charged for one.

ETA: If you get a cup, and hot water, you'll be charged. For some reason, if you want just the tea bag itself, they'll give it to you free.