Bringing food into the parks?

[anniemae]

Also, in AK there are nice bench areas in full shade right outside the Dinosaur exit.

 

[AllieBoo]

Sorry, but I have to disagree with the previous poster's statement that you have to sit outside in the glaring sun at MK to eat a packed lunch. We always go in the summer and we often bring in lunch. We have found nice shady spots in Frontierland, in the boardwalk area next to the water. One of our favorite spots is on Tom Sawyer Island, where there is a nice covered gazebo that used to be a seating area for a restaurant that is now closed.

 

[Klayfish]

Sorry, but I have to disagree with the previous poster's statement that you have to sit outside in the glaring sun at MK to eat a packed lunch. We always go in the summer and we often bring in lunch. We have found nice shady spots in Frontierland, in the boardwalk area next to the water. One of our favorite spots is on Tom Sawyer Island, where there is a nice covered gazebo that used to be a seating area for a restaurant that is now closed.

We've never done Tom Sawyers island...for lunch or just to visit it. Our kids have, but with our babysitter. In MK, if it's off peak hours, we eat at Cosmic Rays. If it's peak, we usually go to Tomorrowland Terrace. How long does it take you to actually get to that spot at Tom Sawyers island (assuming you're starting at the entrance to it)? Is it quick/easy access?

 

[AllieBoo]

We've never done Tom Sawyers island...for lunch or just to visit it. Our kids have, but with our babysitter. In MK, if it's off peak hours, we eat at Cosmic Rays. If it's peak, we usually go to Tomorrowland Terrace. How long does it take you to actually get to that spot at Tom Sawyers island (assuming you're starting at the entrance to it)? Is it quick/easy access?

Yes, it's up towards the front of the island, so easy access. When you get off the boat, you just go to the right and it's just around the corner.

 

[Klayfish]

I guess that's the part I'm wondering, since I've never done it. I've seen the boat, but don't really pay attention to it. How often does the boat go back and forth? How long is the ride? Just wondering if it's a long journey instead of just walking to Tomorrowland Terrace.

 

[FortWildernessLoopy]

We do this every trip (save the one in the fall when we're dining in the parks). We're locals and frankly cannot afford their prices most of the time, even for QS. I usually pack 2 sandwiches each. rice crispy treat, trail mix, fruit snacks and water. You can easily stash your small cooler in a locker, but w just put it in a back pack and carry it with. Depending on when you eat, it gets lighter throughout the day, lol. We don't have difficulty finding places to eat, either. We rarely go inside, but we don't usually go in the middle of summer either. When you have your eyes trained to look for them, you will spot all kinds of places to have a picnic.

 

[AllieBoo]

I guess that's the part I'm wondering, since I've never done it. I've seen the boat, but don't really pay attention to it. How often does the boat go back and forth? How long is the ride? Just wondering if it's a long journey instead of just walking to Tomorrowland Terrace.

The boat goes back and forth often, not sure exactly, but would guess every 10 min or so. The ride is probably less than five minutes.