Bringing food into the parks---what's over the line?

[Teri Zolman]

I asked about this when I called to change a PS today. The castmember said that it was not encouraged, but as long as it was not in a glass container (except baby food) and was in a small cooler you would not be bothered. She just said use common sense and don't bring perishables, etc. She said alot of people bring things in for medical reasons. That is why I asked. I have to eat something with medicine several times a day. I hope this helps. The guid map by the way does not say anything about not bring food in. One thing that it does say is to be courtious and respectful to others and no profanity. I wonder if they will try to enforce this. Especially the over zelous parents that cut in Character lines. Sorry this is so long.

 

[jann1033]

Originally posted by Teri Zolman
[. I wonder if they will try to enforce this. Especially the over zelous parents that cut in Character lines.

on another thread, they mentioned if you tell aCM about line cutters they will "remove" the problem people

 

[mom2alix]

the to each his own crowd. Personally, I wouldn't bring in anything that I wouldn't be willing to take into my local Applebee's (i.e. snacks and drinks for the toddler), but that's also because I don't want to have to haul it around. This is our first trip to have to carry a diaper bag and I'm sure I'm going to miss those "just stick your ID and resort card" into your pocket and go days!



IMO, if they're willing to haul it around and they're not infringing on me, who cares? If Disney wants to enforce it, they will. I'm just there to enjoy my family vacation, not worry about what others are doing.

 

[Mad4Dizne]

While we haven't brought in any food/drink into any park...yet...(before starting our family). We are glad that Disney is understanding with this matter and frankly with the prices to get into the parks.. I think most people need to pack snacks/drinks for the kids. I am wondering now that I saw the posting regarding Universal (planning on stopping for a day or two before Disney)if I will have any problem bringing in little one's formula/baby bottles?????

Has anyone had any experience with this???

Thank-you!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by Mad4Dizne
While we haven't brought in any food/drink into any park...yet...(before starting our family). We are glad that Disney is understanding with this matter and frankly with the prices to get into the parks.. I think most people need to pack snacks/drinks for the kids. I am wondering now that I saw the posting regarding Universal (planning on stopping for a day or two before Disney)if I will have any problem bringing in little one's formula/baby bottles?????

Has anyone had any experience with this???

Thank-you!!!!!!!!!!!

Generally baby food/formula has never been an issue.

 

[cola]

Originally posted by Mad4Dizne
..... I am wondering now that I saw the posting regarding Universal ... if I will have any problem bringing in little one's formula/baby bottles?????
Has anyone had any experience with this???

As posted before, I was at Universal in Spetember and had no problems with taking in food or water bottle. They probably have the same glass rules as Disney though.

Originally posted by jann1033
cola: off topic but where did you get the Brita bottle

not much help - I got it in Australia, they're very easy to get out here, think it was about $4US

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

amazon.com sells Brita bottles for 7.99, free shipping for orders of 25.00 or more. Also on ebay they have a two pack listed right now for 10.99.

 

[fiveforall]

We are a family of five and have found that most of the portions served at Disney are so large that two of us can share them quite easily. Also, I'm of the mindset that it's my vacation so I'm not going to do any work(like fixing meals). However, we do bring snack size cookies and crackers and frozen juice boxes in. These are emergency stashes for the kids. Sometimes a line is longer than it appears and we have to appease the little ones.

What is over the top? Last year I saw a family spread a blanket in the middle of a walkway at Epcot and have a picnic of Walmart chicken and sides. I thought that was just rude. I could have cared less that they brought food in. But I do think folks should limit it to what can fit in a fanny pack or small backpack. I fear that soon Disney might START truly not allowing small things in.

 

[sue1013]

I've been going to WDW since every year since 1982 and am shocked while reading this thread the number of people that bring in food. Not because I think there's something wrong with it. It just would never occur to me to do so. I'm also of the mindset I'm on vacation that means not having to take care of the family meals.
Whatever works for you but I am surprised.

 

[El Coqui]

sue1013, I wish that I could have the ability to buy what I wanted at the parks, It has taken me quite a few years to scrape the vaction money I have put aside to have my family enjoy what I believe is one of the greatest places to visit in the world. The last time I was at wdw was when my eldest was 3 years old.(1989) Now I have 3 additional children since then and have never taken them to orlando. Yes, I am sure that it will be a tad embarrasing not having to buy all that they ask for, but is it really embarrasing enjoying the faces I will see from them. I have set aside monies for them since the beginning of the year putting away 7.50 per week per child of their allowances. My wife and I have taken all my lose change and put them in a large glass container. We have bought little carry packs to take to oralndo in december. (Yes December time with Mickey for the Holidays) We will be their from Dec 20-Jan 17th. I know this vacation is costly for me as I do not reside in the States. 6 roundtrip tickets, A minivan rental for 28 days. and resort stays of 28 days. So yes I feel and know that I will not have the luxury of buying foods at the parks. My children understand this ( They are very smart for their ages and I am truly blessed because of their understandings and sacrifices we will make.) I have put this money aside and planned on this vacation for almost 4 1/2 years.
Is it worth my savings to enjoy this with my family. YESSSSS!!!!!

I thank all those folks here who have shown that there are ways to save at the parks. God bless you all and keep the information coming through.

Sue1013 you are a very fortunate person and blessed. God bless you always.

El Coqui

Originally posted by sue1013
I've been going to WDW since every year since 1982 and am shocked while reading this thread the number of people that bring in food. Not because I think there's something wrong with it. It just would never occur to me to do so. I'm also of the mindset I'm on vacation that means not having to take care of the family meals.
Whatever works for you but I am surprised.

 

[jann1033]

el coqui..Just a thought especially since you have small children (if I understood you right) do not hesitate to split meals..we always did when ours were younger as it was difficult enough getting them to eat anything due to the excitment and not wanting to stop a second to eat! I thought it was crazy to waste all that food and money and have them eat 1/3 of a meal and throw the rest away. thinking over it, I think that is why I never brought anything either..if never dawned on me to do it plus I always limited snacks ( on vacation or not)so they would eat a healthy meal at meal times. ( I know you can get healthy snacks but I wanted them to eat normal meals and somehow if some other little kid is eating an ice cream bar, carrot sticks just would not do!): ) we always drank water if we were thirsty since we limited soda..I don't remember the taste being terrible but some here say it is. We have always saved for vacations also. everyone does not come to WDW with a truck load of money .

 

[sue1013]

el coqui
You did not take my post as it was written. I said I was surprised the number of people that bring in food. Also stated I did not think there was anything wrong with it. Maybe you should concentrate on what was written and not add your own twist to it. What was written was what I meant nothing more!!! I'm not into insulting others!!!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by sue1013
el coqui
You did not take my post as it was written. I said I was surprised the number of people that bring in food. Also stated I did not think there was anything wrong with it. Maybe you should concentrate on what was written and not add your own twist to it. What was written was what I meant nothing more!!! I'm not into insulting others!!!

Sue,
I think there may be a language barrier here. The poster is not from the US. I really don't think the poster took your post to be insulting or meant to upset you. Your post, btw, was very nice and I found nothing insulting in it.

 

[jgates]

Originally posted by skiwee1
As of last year they stopped allowing anything in Universal including your own water! There were signs everywhere stating that. My mom had one plastic bottle of water in the stroller cup holder and the guard made her toss it out.

I apologize if this duplicates anyone elses comments- I have not had time to read thru all the pages yet - but situations like this can be very dangerous to someone like me - a diabetic. I can not always afford the time you need to take to wait in a food line that is 30 people long! By that time it could easily be too late. Bottled water not being allowed could also be dangerous to anyone! If you have the bottle in your possession you will probably drink out of it without thinking. Without and facing the prospect of paying them $$ for water, you could easily not drink enough and become dehydrated in the Florida heat.

 

[jann1033]

I have a young friend who is diabetic and always carries something in her purse just in case. If they made a stink about it I'd mention it to the local newspaper....that would be like not letting medication in. but I wouldn't think they would be that dumb.

 

[El Coqui]

sue1013, Please do not anger yourself by my writing, I am merely saying that you must be very blessed to do what you can do. You seem very anger because you did say you were "shocked" not surprised. You did say "surprised" but at end of you reply. I post what you say below. I cannot twist words that are said by people. Many people cannot have what you have. Many people cannot have what I have. Only God can give us what we have. I can concentrate and understand people anger. I understand you do not insult others, but you are fortunate to have what you have that is all. But I am curious to why you say
"and am shocked while reading this thread the number of people that bring in food. "
"It just would never occur to me to do so. "
"Whatever works for you but I am surprised."
Thank you.
Please do not anger yourself, I am trying to understand.
El Coqui


I've been going to WDW since every year since 1982 and am shocked while reading this thread the number of people that bring in food. Not because I think there's something wrong with it. It just would never occur to me to do so. I'm also of the mindset I'm on vacation that means not having to take care of the family meals.
Whatever works for you but I am surprised.

Originally posted by sue1013
el coqui
You did not take my post as it was written. I said I was surprised the number of people that bring in food. Also stated I did not think there was anything wrong with it. Maybe you should concentrate on what was written and not add your own twist to it. What was written was what I meant nothing more!!! I'm not into insulting others!!!

 

[Michelina]

When my family and I went to WDW last August we packed a cooler of sandwiches and sodas and little chip bags just for a change one day. We kept the cooler in the mini-van and around 12:30 when it was crazy busy in the parks we went out, relaxed in some blessed air conditioning and comfy seats and ate! It was amazing how good ham and cheese on a kaiser roll tasted after days of park food!
As for what is "over the top" I say whatever makes it inconvenient, if you don't mind lugging around an entire roast beef more power to ya! I might giggle but what's it to me?

 

[ariden]

When I took my son to DL & CA a year ago my cousin who lives down there packed in all her own food but we bought all of ours in the park. It didn't really annoy me but since we were staying with her & her family I was more annoyed that an offer wasn't made or that she made no mention of packing in her own food.
I am notorious for carrying snacks with me almost always- usually granola/energy bars and fruit snacks. It has saved me many times with grouchy children- being able to offer something to take the edge off hunger and improve attitudes. Our biggest problem is not wanting to take the time to stop to eat because we are having so much fun- so snacks on the go are perfect for us.
Will probably pack some of my regular snacks in our backpack for the parks but will most likely not go so far as packing an entire meal

 

[HaleyB]

The actual Disney policy will allow you to bring food into the park for special needs. I have a diabetic adult and a extreame food allergy child in my family. We can not go unless we bring in food, so we always have. We have never been asked to not take the food into the park. One or two times I did have to say we had medical reasons (right after 9/11) but more recent times I have not even been asked. I go to Disney Land and the major theme parks in CA yearly at least and to WDW as often as I can.

 

[MyDisneySig]

I have read all seven pages of this thread

Is anybody gonna tell what "canned corn" is all about???