Beer at the Parks

[TropicalDIS]

I generally avoid telling my whole life story online, but I grew up in a family with an alcoholic parent and spent a lot of time as a child around people who, while being adults, were not responsible. As a result, I dislike being in environments that revolve around drinking and actively avoid them. For example, you'll never see me at a bar, a nightclub, Halloween Horror Nights, or a Saturday at Food & Wine.

There's a big difference between people who have a drink or two while strolling around, and people like the ones I'm thinking of, who show up with the specific goal of getting trashed. And they do exist - I sell them tickets and they brag about how wasted they're going to get. I've heard the radio calls for security to come deal with excessively drunk people and I've seen them being loaded into ambulances and police cars backstage.

I see and hear about a lot less of these kinds of things at the non-Epcot parks, but they do go on at DHS and DAK too.

I'm not in any way advocating for the parks to all be dry. Disney makes money from selling booze and people are perfectly willing to pay inflated prices for it at WDW, so even if people did advocate for that I seriously doubt it would happen. I don't believe that other people should have to live their lives according to my preference - but I'm not actually required to like it, nor am I required to pretend that I do.

Thank you for sharing that. Well written.

I've never seen anything happen like what you describe at Disney, but i have seen it at Baseball games, local theme parks, city events, and zoo's.

It's something I would like Disney to always be immune from as it's such a magical place, and the looks on kids faces when you even so much as discuss a possible trip there, it's a place that seems like another world to them.

Just don't think alcohol needs to more encouraged at the non-epcot parks.

 

[scrapquitler]

I just think there's a time and place for it really, for example at a bar or a restaurant rather than wandering around drinking which is something you don't usually see in the UK due local byelaws prohibiting street drinking.

Most places here in the US have laws prohibiting public drinking as well. But walking around at Disney World is on private property, so that wouldn't apply.

 

[scrapquitler]

I don't see why anyone would think that a vendor walking around selling beer is any more annoying than the vendors pushing around carts filled with ice cream treats or vendors with huge annoying bunches of 100 balloons. If you don't want to buy the product, don't buy it.

 

[ellie05]

Thankfully it's not alcohol free -- downside is you have to grab a hard-to-get dinner reservation @ BOG to enjoy beer and wine. Sigh.

For the record, there's been beer & boozy drinks available at AK and DHS for years and I have yet to have someone else drinking ruin my experience at either park. Same for Epcot, and we've done F&W several times. In fact the only time I've seen stumbling drunks was on NYE at Epcot and even that didn't ruin my day (or night, really) I just walked past them. There are MANY other behaviors that others display that can ruin my day, so maybe I'm fortunate that alcohol hasn't been one (yet?).

I 100% agree that my trips have been affected more by plenty of other behaviors than the drinking.

Ironically the drunkest people I ever seen at Disney were at the MK we were leaving they were clearly coming in and it was a family of 4 the parents were so trashed they couldn't walk straight I was really surprised that they let them in. The other time was at Epcot during an eat to the beat concert, this involved sexual harassment and I tried to find a CM and there was none near by .

I read an article recently about how "rude/unwanted" behavior has been raising in airlines it said only 23% of the incidents included people that had been drinking.

I would in a heartbeat take the islolates drunks vs all the rude people.

 

[DebbieB]

I just got back, I don't recall seeing vendors walking around selling beer, at least not calling out. One thing I did notice, they do not allow you to leave the park or Disney Springs with a drink. They stopped some people leaving the International Gateway, they had to finish it or spill it out.

 

[Tess]

One thing I did notice, they do not allow you to leave the park or Disney Springs with a drink. They stopped some people leaving the International Gateway, they had to finish it or spill it out.

This has been the Disney policy for a good many years. I fondly remember the days of walking out the gate to the monorail (and boarding the monorail to TTC) or International Gateway with a drink in hand. Within the last couple of years, our daughter was actually permitted to board the resort loop monorail with her drink in hand--I had already dropped mine in the trash thinking it was a No-No. The monorail attendant said it was fine to bring it on the resort loop. Not sure that is true Disney policy or a young guy being nice to one of his contemporaries. Count me among those who would spent more time in MK if it sold alcohol.

In keeping with the theme of the post, however, I have only ever seen the walking vendors at Fantasmic! It definitely helps with the congestion at the food kiosk areas.

 

[fbarker]

Doesn't bother me one bit. Having a beer or 2 helps me put up with actual annoying behavior, like people who stop in the middle of the road to consult their guide map and people who use their stroller/ECV as a battering ram.

Just my opinion but if you need to drink beer to "cope" then you are drinking for the wrong reason and this is a great reason for not selling it in the parks.

 

[fbarker]

We've just arrived back in the UK after our 1st trip to WDW for 5 years (went to Universal and SeaWorld on our last trip 3 years ago and missed them out this time) and I too was shocked at the amount of people wandering around all of the theme parks drinking beer and in particular the number of tipsy/drunk people at Epcot both during the day and late at night at illuminations.

We couldn't remember beer being sold at Disney in the past, only at Universal and SeaWorld and were quite surprised.

I like a beer as much as anyone but don't think it goes with both the heat and the family theme of WDW.

Well said!!!

 

[princess jasmine 76]

Wow, so empty, last two years when we went he wouldn't have had room to move; never seen him.

I was surprised myself by how few people were in the background of the picture when I went back and retrieved my photo. That was in 2010 during normal H.S. operating times, and we always travel from one week prior to Thanksgiving, then leave just after Thanksgiving. The last few years we were packed like sardines. Last November was an absolute madhouse and the busiest I can ever remember it being, but since it was the last Osborne Lights showing, I went back to H.S. for a second night and stayed an hour past park closing and by the grace of a ho-ho-holiday miracle took quite a few (final!) pictures with a low crowd similar to the one I posted earlier.

 

[KrazeeK120]

Just my opinion but if you need to drink beer to "cope" then you are drinking for the wrong reason and this is a great reason for not selling it in the parks.

I don't NEED it, but it makes things easier! There's nothing wrong with adults enjoying alcoholic beverages in moderation (notice I said "a beer or 2," not 16), and there's nothing wrong with Disney selling alcoholic beverages. There's a lot at Disney aimed squarely at kids...it's nice to have something for the adults as well. Plus it's fun to try different beers from around the world at Epcot. As long as people are being responsible (which 99% are), I don't see what the issue is. Even the occasional drunk is less annoying than typical everyday rude guest behavior (as I mentioned in my initial post).

 

[tarheelmjfan]

The only time I've seen anyone get totally out of line, due to alcohol, at Disney was at Epcot on NYE. It was a very uncomfortable situation for me. If we ever go during NYE again, I won't leave DH's side for a second. Lesson learned.

 

[AngiTN]

Just my opinion but if you need to drink beer to "cope" then you are drinking for the wrong reason and this is a great reason for not selling it in the parks.

Ever heard of a joke? or something said tongue in cheek?

 

[dnkmmw]

Just my opinion but if you need to drink beer to "cope" then you are drinking for the wrong reason and this is a great reason for not selling it in the parks.

So if someone drinking to help relax is the wrong reason to drink, what is the "right" reason?

 

[Toon crazy]

I personally don't drink. But I don't mind those who enjoy a beer or two indulging themselves. Have fun relax and enjoy your vacation, let others enjoy their vacation. As long as no one is being hurt who cares?

 

[AngiTN]

I know personally I drink beer or wine because I like the taste (which is why I never drink Bud, Bud Light, Miller, Miller Lite, Coors, etc)
I rarely drink hard liquor because I don't like the taste, unless the taste of the liquor is hidden, so I figure, why drink it
Not that I think there is anything wrong with a drink to help relax, there isn't.
But I do tend to agree that if you NEED a drink to relax there could be a sign of some sort of problem. Notice, could, not is. And stress on NEED. I don't believe that was what PP was implying either.

 

[anniemae]

I don't see why anyone would think that a vendor walking around selling beer is any more annoying than the vendors pushing around carts filled with ice cream treats or vendors with huge annoying bunches of 100 balloons. If you don't want to buy the product, don't buy it.

I think some people feel it "cheapens" Disney. If you sell alcohol, people may get out of hand. Stumbling around drunk is great if that's what you want to do, but do it somewhere other than Disney. At least that is what I think people are saying. If someone buys an ice cream, that does not impact me at all. But if someone buys a bunch of drinks, gets drunk and starts cursing and being rude in front of the kids, that could impact me. Not saying I agree or disagree, just what I think could be bothering people.

I don't think anyone is bothered by someone having a drink or two, or people have a drink at dinner, those folks are not the problem. The problem is the ones who over-indulge and get belligerent and confrontational. I personally have not witnessed this at Disney, but many have. I did notice lots of people carrying drinks around WS in epcot last summer, nobody drunk, just sipping drinks while walking around. Does not bother me at all.

Has anyone else noticed beer vendors walking around the parks? I personally have not.

 

[AngiTN]

No, I've never seen a beer vendor walking around any park.

And honestly, the percentage of guests that are problem drunks in the parks is so minuscule I can't see it as a problem. Does it happen? I'm sure. Does it happen often, I believe it does not. Not even 1 a day. Purely my opinion, I have no fact other than the large amount of time I've been at the parks. Notice emphasis on PROBLEM drunks. If someone is drunk and no one notices does that even count?

 

[dnkmmw]

I know personally I drink beer or wine because I like the taste (which is why I never drink Bud, Bud Light, Miller, Miller Lite, Coors, etc)
I rarely drink hard liquor because I don't like the taste, unless the taste of the liquor is hidden, so I figure, why drink it
Not that I think there is anything wrong with a drink to help relax, there isn't.
But I do tend to agree that if you NEED a drink to relax there could be a sign of some sort of problem. Notice, could, not is. And stress on NEED. I don't believe that was what PP was implying either.

For the most part, I agree. I do think a lot of people at Disney World like to have a drink to relax because they are on vacation. It's not that they need to, but I think most people do things differently when on vacation. I don't normally eat out twice a day when not on vacation, but usually do on vacation. Heck, at food and wine events, I was drinking wine before 10 a.m. a few days! Anyway, I think it's obvious that I don't see an issue with having alcohol at the parks, but I understand there will always be people who take issue with it.

 

[Sorcerer17]

I look at it this way; People are going to drink regardless if alcohol is available in the parks or not.

Personally, I think it is BETTER that the parks serve alcohol, mainly because you won't run into situations where folks "pre-game" at the resorts, walk into the parks drunk, or try and smuggle alcohol into the park itself.

Next time you are in WDW, really take note of the age of the majority of guests (not just the parents) and you'll realize why Disney sells alcohol in the parks.

 

[HopperFan]

Doesn't bother me one bit. Having a beer or 2 helps me put up with actual annoying behavior, like people who stop in the middle of the road to consult their guide map and people who use their stroller/ECV as a battering ram.

Just my opinion but if you need to drink beer to "cope" then you are drinking for the wrong reason and this is a great reason for not selling it in the parks.

I think the point here was the number of drunks is minimal compared to the number of guests cutting people off, hitting other guests with their stroller or ECV and exhibiting annoying behavior. No analysis is needed.

We've just arrived back in the UK after our 1st trip to WDW for 5 years (went to Universal and SeaWorld on our last trip 3 years ago and missed them out this time) and I too was shocked at the amount of people wandering around all of the theme parks drinking beer and in particular the number of tipsy/drunk people at Epcot both during the day and late at night at illuminations.

We couldn't remember beer being sold at Disney in the past, only at Universal and SeaWorld and were quite surprised.

I like a beer as much as anyone but don't think it goes with both the heat and the family theme of WDW.

Beer, ice cold especially, goes VERY WELL in the heat and is often the choice of alcoholic drink for many when out in the hot sun.

Family theme? Disney is for EVERYONE, no age is too young or too old. Yes there is no swearing or nudity or other taboo behaviors but there has always been alcohol served in table services, all the bars/lounges, in the parks, sold in the gift shops. They pride themselves on pairings in many restaurants. It is part of the Disney business model.

Honestly I think the biggest perk to staying on property is the DDBD .... Designated Disney Bus Driver. Folks can have drinks at their meals, enjoy new flavors while wandering Animal Kingdom, check out all the different wines and beers in Epcot, drink a whole bottle of wine at a nice resort dinner, have an afternoon of pool and umbrellas drinks before heading out .... without worrying who in the party was going to drive since they have Disney transportation.

I just think there's a time and place for it really, for example at a bar or a restaurant rather than wandering around drinking which is something you don't usually see in the UK due local byelaws prohibiting street drinking.

YUP, beer/alcohol has been available at Disney as long as I can remember as the new parks opened, but always in restaurants and Disney Springs. Drinks are part of the "festival" atmosphere here in the US ... sporting events, concerts, outdoor festivals etc. As long as you remain "on the property or designated festival area" you are permitted to walk around with drinks.

As stated by other, wandering around generally drinking is not permitted due to open container and public drunkenness laws .... but at Disney you are at one place, a private location and it not considered public at all. Many prefer this style of drinking and entertainment to sitting in a pub or bar. Moving about can often prevent one from getting as drunk as they would sitting in a bar. Time and place? This is a place where this is acceptable, legal and enjoyable for many. Disney does restrict it from the MK and that is perfectly okay.

The only annoying drunk I've ever run into at WDW was in MK, standing next to me at the Boo to You parade. He was really into it though and knew all the lyrics, haha. He was just loud and couldn't sing, and would yell to his friends standing right next to him. Other than him, I've never witnessed anything too bad. Epcot F&W will see some tipsy people, but it's no big deal.

Knew all the lyrics - gets a pass!

I'm not in any way advocating for the parks to all be dry. Disney makes money from selling booze and people are perfectly willing to pay inflated prices for it at WDW, so even if people did advocate for that I seriously doubt it would happen. I don't believe that other people should have to live their lives according to my preference - but I'm not actually required to like it, nor am I required to pretend that I do.

Said perfectly here. We ALL have things we are comfortable and uncomfortable with and it is up to US to choose where/when we go. You handle this perfectly for you. I know even in a family where drinking is not a problem, there are still places we would avoid if it were out of control.

-------

In a private business they can operate as they wish and it is up to US to decide if we wish to visit those businesses. If one has a problem with alcohol being served, then just visit MK or visit the other parks at opening and leave by noon when guests may begin enjoying a beer or drink. Or vacation elsewhere.