We have gone 4 times in the last 3 years and have 4 children. We have always packed a large backpack with water, lots of snacks, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, sodas, juice boxes, etc. Never had any problem bringing them in. Of course, it does take a little extra time getting through the security and is pretty heavy for the first couple of hours, but well worth it. Just the water alone could save you $30 a day. Sometimes we go out to Tom Sawyers Island to have lunch, other times any old picnic bench will do. At first, my husband felt uncomfortable bringing in food. However, after he saw what lunch would have cost, he was happy! LOL. We do have a family policy that we get to buy one snack during the day. Who doesn't deserve a frozen banana here or there??