Bringing food into the park.

[At Least Many]

I can't make the search work on my tablet, so I apologize if there is a searchable thread on this already.

I've read the rules which states no food or drinks can be brought in, that you can store food in lockers and picnic. But I have friends telling me they pack snacks and stuff in the stroller baskets and are able to take them into the parks. So which is it? We'd be bringing dry stuff, non-perishables and bottled water.

 

[keltiesmom]

When we went last year we took food and drinks into the parks. If I remember correctly you can't bring glass or lunch fixings, it has to be assembled before you go in.

 

[seagodess]

The official rule says your not supposed to. However they never stop people for bringing in water bottles and snacks and such.

 

[figment_jii]

They aren't terribly fussy about the "no food or drink" rules. I've brought in snacks and other munchies (primarily for toddlers) and drinks/water bottles and it hasn't been an issue. As the PP said, no glass containers, no alcohol, and no foods that need to be prepared. So yes, you can generally bring in a prepared sandwich, but you cannot bring in the individual components to be put together inside the park. Also, knives or large sized coolers are not permitted.

The list of some of the prohibited items can be found here:
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/faq/parks/#parks-q12

 

[jmac323]

We bring a small cooler with sandwiches, snacks, water and juice in every day when we are there.

 

[smiles33]

We brought a small soft-sided cooler with snacks and drinks. It fit easily under the stroller or in DH's ECV. Like others have said, you can bring sandwiches, but not sandwich components (e.g., loaf of bread, mustard, cheese, turkey slices).

 

[brymommy]

Can we bring in like baggies of carrots/goldfish/fruit?

I have celiac and was planning on bringing protein bars and snacks for myself as well as snacks for the kids like above. Is that generally ok?

 

[Sally_fan]

Can we bring in like baggies of carrots/goldfish/fruit? I have celiac and was planning on bringing protein bars and snacks for myself as well as snacks for the kids like above. Is that generally ok?

Yes!

 

[firefly87]

Can we bring in like baggies of carrots/goldfish/fruit?

I have celiac and was planning on bringing protein bars and snacks for myself as well as snacks for the kids like above. Is that generally ok?

Yes, you can. We have never had a problem bringing lunch/snacks/drinks into the park. Ever. We've brought in grapes, sliced apples, goldfish, string cheese, trail mix, packaged cookies, pre-made sandwiches, Uncrustables, wraps, bottled water. Never ever had a problem.

I don't think you can bring a hard sided cooler. We've always used the soft sided ones. They do look thru your bags & coolers during the security check. Sometimes the security employees comment on how good our food/snacks look!

 

[bcla]

Can we bring in like baggies of carrots/goldfish/fruit?

I have celiac and was planning on bringing protein bars and snacks for myself as well as snacks for the kids like above. Is that generally ok?

I'm pretty sure that even if they were enforcing the policy as stated, there is a published exception for special dietary needs.

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/faq/dining/#dining-outside-food

Can I bring food into Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park?

If you wish to bring your own food and enjoy an outdoor meal in an ideal setting, there is a complimentary Picnic Area conveniently located outside the Main Entrance to Disneyland Park.

With the exception of food items for Guests with specific dietary restrictions, food or beverage items are not permitted into either of the Disneyland Resort theme parks.
Do I need to make reservations for Downtown Disney restaurants?

And I find it interesting that WDW has an official policy that's pretty similar to what we expect at Disneyland.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/faq/parks/outside-food-and-drink/

Q. Can I bring my own food into theme parks and Disney Resort hotels?

A. Guests are allowed to bring food items—such as snacks or foods that do not require heating—into Disney theme parks. Inform a Security Cast Member of any food items when you enter the park.

If you are concerned that we may not offer foods that you are able to eat, learn how to make Special Dietary Requests.

I've never had an issue at DL. They've searched our cooler at security. I've dropped a bag of snacks boarding a ride and a CM retrieved it and tossed it back to me. I've had a full McDonald's bag in plain sight. I've spilled a can of Coke and a CM saw it and said that it was no problem and she'd have someone clean it up. As long as you're reasonable there's no enforcement. They'll only enforce as a pretense for something else or if you're totally unreasonable.

 

[Disneyland1084]

I went to Disneyland last summer and never had an issue with bringing my own food and snacks.

 

[sharksfinatic17]

We were just there in early January - you can bring in lunch and snacks no problem.

 

[Dot2Vegas]

We always pack plastic water bottles, snacks and fruit. We have also packed lunches before in a cooler bag that can fit into our backpack. We've never had any trouble bringing it in.

 

[PocahontasLookALike]

I've only ever seen people with glass jars stopped. But we've brought tons of food in. Premade sandwiches, chips, pretzels, trail mix, bottles of water!

 

[awdsmama]

We've taken water bottles, granola bars, gogurts, caprisuns, never questioned.

 

[nannyz]

The only time I ever saw anyone stopped was when a guy tried to go in pulling a wheeled hard-side cooler behind him. Really???

 

[SMD]

I've been people with those cheap Mylar-like bags you buy at the store to transport frozen food stopped. And I've seen people with a 12-pack of water bottles in their stroller but only 4 people stopped. Basically, snack size portions for individuals are fine. A Costco sized chip sampler for one family probably won't fly.

 

[bcla]

I've been people with those cheap Mylar-like bags you buy at the store to transport frozen food stopped. And I've seen people with a 12-pack of water bottles in their stroller but only 4 people stopped. Basically, snack size portions for individuals are fine. A Costco sized chip sampler for one family probably won't fly.

The cooler that I brought was tiny. On the outside it's about the size of a six pack. I think you could probably fit in a six pack if stretched. I've never had an issue with this one.

Given that they have a policy that specifically allows for a small soft-sided cooler no bigger than can accommodate a six pack, it's pretty obvious that it's implied one can bring in beverages even if the official policy says no.

 

[ThumperWabbt]

We watched some people ahead of us in line have 6 cans of beer taken away, but they got to keep their soda and food. Dude looked like he wanted to cry

 

[Gisele]

We watched some people ahead of us in line have 6 cans of beer taken away, but they got to keep their soda and food. Dude looked like he wanted to cry

Too funny man!