Bring a lunch

[GinnyFavers]

Let me clarify my use of the word "tacky" and what I was referring to, lest those of you with tuna packs and sandwiches think I'm being mean (you absolutely fall into my list of reasonable food in the parks).

I saw a family of 8, young, old, mostly young, spread out over 3 benches, with fried chicken, which was getting crumbs all over the ground and attracting ducks I might add, big plastic containers of I guess it was potato salad or cole slaw, full size family size bag of chips which the kids were in and out of and also getting food on the ground, styrofoam plates, paper napkins, several of which were on the ground and obviously not going to be picked up any time soon, and plastic cups with their own ice from the cooler, pouring drinks from 3 different 2-litre soda bottles off one of the benches.

This whole picnic took up a good deal of space not only on the benches but out into the walkway past them.

I dunno, it just seemed really over the top to me. If Disney's going to allow this, fine, they should put in adequate picnic facilities instead of having this go on along the walkways that are meant to be clean and landscaped, not full of dropped food.

I guess I assumed everyone knew to be discreet and polite? Perhaps it's a culture clash, I always thought the walkways in the Magic Kindom were for strolling and resting and viewing the castle, not a living space, which is what it felt like these folks had turned it into - their personal camp site.

 

[melomouse]

LOL, GinnyFavers, I knew EXACTLY what you meant, but realize that everyone here defines "tacky" differently!

I've seen that family myself....ITA w/ your response to the OP way back on p.1!

 

[engle]

I arrived for EMH before 8am at MK. My first meal was planned for 2:30. I love to eat and KNEW I couldn't make it until 2:30 so I brought a sandwich along. The thought of greasy fast food makes my stomach turn (fries, pizza, burgers, etc!!). I ate my sandwich while walking through Fantasyland at 9:30am. While I was there for 5 days, I ate at V&A chef's table, Crystal Palace, Tusker House, Biergarten, Raglan Road, Hoop De Doo, Trail's End and Ohana. My DH and I spent nearly $1500 on food and drinks. I don't really think the money is the issue and I certainly didn't use up and items reserved for table or counter service.

If it is allowed, Disney certainly doesn't have a problem with it!! So everyone calm down about a few sandwiches!!

 

[bellsandwhistles]

I would disagree with you that the above rules "unoffically" discourage outside food. I believe the rules above offically make the parks a safer place. In fact, if Disney wanted to discourage food these rules would be the perfect place to do so, but they haven't done so at all in my opinion.

Let me clarify....I didn't mean that their posted rules made it safe to say "unofficially" although since it came right after the list of Disney rules I understand why you thought that's what I meant.

I meant that there was nothing "official" as someone else posted, but "unofficially" I think as RustyScupper states, Disney would prefer people bought their highpriced fare and did not bring in outside food. I think Disney would prohibit outside food/drinks if they thought they could without backlash and enforcement issues.

 

[merryweather's twin]

I thought this would clear this up.... I found it on a different site. I think it is very clear that unless you have a special diet this is a no no!!! I am suprised that this is not common knowledge....I hope this helps . (http://en.allexperts.com/q/Walt-Disney-World-234/bring-food-park.htm)

Here is the official answer for you:

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Thank you for contacting WALT DISNEY WORLD!

With the exception of food items for guests with specific dietary restrictions, we do not permit guests to bring food and beverage items into our theme parks.
Generally, however, plastic bottles for water, juice, etc. are allowed.

We hope this information is helpful, and we look forward to future opportunities to entertain you.

If you have questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact us.

Please include your full name, E-Mail address, and reservation number if applicable on all correspondence, and allow up to 80 hours for response to E-Mail.

Thank you - and have a DISNEY day!

Sincerely,

William Ferguson

On Line Guest Service
WALT DISNEY WORLD Reservations
P O Box 10,100
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0100