Bringing food into animal kingdom

[bubdillon]

We're coming to WDW in the beginning of April spring break. Does anyone know how strict they are at AK for us to bring in snacky food?

 

[amcazier]

I am not sure, but I know we just went and my wife had a lot of food in the stroller.

 

[chris7]

I think the official policy says no food. But, we brought sandwiches into every park. We usually just put them at the bottom of the backpack. I know security must have seen the food at least once, but no one ever said anything.

 

[CourtneyandRyan]

We brought food in too. They always check your bags - but they are checking for more harmful things, ie- weapons and such. They overlook the food.

You should be fine.

 

[MickeyNicki]

We brought snacks for the kids in all the parks.

I see families bringing in full lunches they packed themselves.

 

[bicker]

Disney relies on their guests to voluntarily comply with their rules regarding food in the theme parks. Here's the official policy:

Dear Brian

Thank you for contacting the Walt Disney World Resort.

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.

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.

Thank you!

Sincerely,

Bano Carlos
WDW Online Communications

PLEASE NOTE: All information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to your visit.

This was the same policy three years ago. I just reconfirmed with Disney that the policy hasn't changed.

 

[mill4023]

Despite their official policy, we've never had a problem bringing in snacks and water. We did have a security guard pretend we were in trouble though when he saw the water bottles in our backpack. I think he had DW worried for a minute before he laughed and told us to have a nice day.

 

[karibritt01]

The only thing not allowed is straws, because they can be harmful to the animals. We had to throw away all the straws with our juice boxes before entering, as well as the ones on our cups from RF cafe.

 

[sarahlovesmickey]

we brought tons of snacks into AK when we went and the security person didn't bat an eye over it. I think that they are fine with it.

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

We usually have some granola bars in our bags when we go to Disney parks and there's never been a problem.

You'd probably have a harder time "sneaking" in a couple of Subway subs, though....

 

[Lucky82061]

You can bring in whatever snacks/drinks you want except for anything with a straw. Apparently they are harmful to animals. Also you can not eat while you are on any of the animal trails (maharajah jungle trek and pangani) and all food must be closed up. Those are the only two things I saw them enforce last week

 

[bicker]

The security guards will never police operational policy. Their job is exclusively to concern themselves with things that are dangers (to people, animals or property), such as knives, guns, glass bottles and straws.

 

[jenv]

We have brought a soft sided cooler the last 3 years to the parks and have never had a problem. We have packed sandwiches, chips, soda, water, juice boxes and snack food and have never had any problems with security what so ever. I think even though its a policy its really hard to enforce. Disney has security for other reasons then if someone sneaks in a PB & J. This past trip we did Disney Dining so we didn't have as much food with us but I do know that we have saved a bundle of money packing our lunches and snacks. Especially drinks!!! I can't imagine having four kids or something like that and afford food down there. Even though its affordable enough it would be really costly.

Have a great trip!!

Jennifer~WI

 

[disnut8]

Disney does have that official policy but they have to have something in place so people aren't bringing in a full Kentucky Fried chicken bucket with two family size sides. I haven't seen anyone bring in more major than sandwiches. One security guard even told the family in front of us that they were eating better than him.

The rule for the straws is there and should be followed. The Dawa bar doesn't even have plastic drink stirrers, they are a wood material. A drinking straw is made out of plastic. If an animal sees it, it'll want to eat it. The last time I checked, plastic wasn't on my diet. I didn't want to get too environmental but it just happens. Sorry.

 

[mrzrich]

We usually have some granola bars in our bags when we go to Disney parks and there's never been a problem.

You'd probably have a harder time "sneaking" in a couple of Subway subs, though....

Actually...no, I brought in a sub for lunch one day. Guard made a joke and said "This looks delicious! My lunch break's at 11:30...where can I meet you?"

Disney can't enforce a rule against food and drinks because some people will go without due to cost or stubbornness.

The first person to die from low blood sugar or dehydration because Disney wouldn't allow them to bring in their own food would be a legal nightmare.

This is from the website:
Q. Are there any personal items I should not bring with me into the Theme Parks?
A. Items that you may not bring into the Theme Parks include, but are not limited to:

* Items with wheels, such as wagons, skateboards, scooters, inline skates, shoes with built-in wheels, two-wheeled or three-wheeled conveyances, strollers larger than 36" x 52", suitcases, coolers, or backpacks with or without wheels larger than 24" long x 15" wide x 18" high (coolers required for medication may be stored in a locker or at Guest Relations), and any trailer-like object that is pushed or towed by an ECV wheelchair or stroller
* Alcoholic beverages
* Weapons of any kind
* Folding chairs
* Glass containers (excluding baby food jars and perfume bottles)
* Pets (unless they are service animals)
* In Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park (for the safety of the wildlife), balloons, straws and drink lids are not permitted.


I realize it says "not limited to" but if they were restricting food, it would definately say food.

 

[bicker]

Evidently not. What you're seeing is the dichotomy between operational policies (no outside food) and security policy (no weapons). This list you've provided reflects the security policy. The policy I posted is an operational policy.

 

[Freyja]

We´ve brought water, juice and snacks into the parks without problems. This year I think we might even pack a couple of Pb/J´s for the kids.

 

[mickaholic4077]

I've brought in food and drink since 1991 and I have never been stopped at the entrance to the parks.

 

[kg66]

We just got back last week, and packed sandwiches, drinks and snacks, everyday we were in the parks, and one day the Security Guard asked my Hubby if he was moving in! Never any problems other wise.

 

[smilesx4]

Hi, we bring in food every year too. The guards always say something funny, but have never said no.

We usually have 2 soft coolers with sandwiches, coolaide, water, cookies, chips and fresh fruit. The boys each have a fanny pack with snacks. Even though we take in enough food to feed an army, we STILL spend about $40 a day on food! We just cannot resist the smells at the parks or the icecream But also when we go we have 4 kids and 4 adults, so there are alot of folks to feed.