Bringing outside food in?

kimmg

Mouseketeer
Joined
Dec 1, 2010
Messages
99
My DS is gluten intolerant and when we've gone to DLR we usually bring a small cooler with some snacks and food for him, just in case he doesn't want what's available where we go. We also usually bring bottles of water we stow in the bottom of the stroller since we all drink lots of it. Does WDW allow you to do the same? Are there any limitations? We'd like to bring in things like fruit, veggies, string cheese and maybe sandwiches pre-made for him.
 
Yes, you can. They don’t provide picnic facilities though.
Here’s a quote from the Disney website:
Can food be brought into Walt Disney World Resort hotels and Theme Parks?

Guests are allowed to bring food items—such as snacks or foods that do not require heating—into any Walt Disney World Resort hotel. If you have food items that need to be refrigerated, please ask the front desk at your hotel to have a refrigerator placed in your room. Refrigerator may require an additional charge. Guests are allowed to bring food items—such as snacks or foods that do not require heating—into any Walt Disney World Theme Park. Inform a Security Cast Member of any food items when you enter the Theme Park. Learn more on our Special Dietary Requests page.

Security will look through your bags, but they are not searching for food items. They are looking for weapons, alcoholic beverages and things that could present a danger, such as glass bottles.
 
My DS is gluten intolerant and when we've gone to DLR we usually bring a small cooler with some snacks and food for him, just in case he doesn't want what's available where we go. We also usually bring bottles of water we stow in the bottom of the stroller since we all drink lots of it. Does WDW allow you to do the same? Are there any limitations? We'd like to bring in things like fruit, veggies, string cheese and maybe sandwiches pre-made for him.

as long as nothing in glass containers or achol you can bring food into the park just be aware they will have you open the cooler before you enter along with any bag. They also might make you remove anything under the stroller if they can't see the bottom but if it just water bottles then you be fine.
 

Something to keep in mind though is that WDW is very different from DLR when it comes to handling food allergies from what I've read of DLR. Everything I've read says that DLR is much more limitted than WDW. At WDW you can find gluten free foods at all sorts of CS and snack locations. That not only includes the fresh fruits and vegetables as well as frozen treats like the Mickey ice cream and popsicles but also brownies, cookies, breaded chicken tenders, gluten free hot dog and hamburger buns, gluten free pizzas and french fries baked to keep them safe (not stuck in the fryer so there's no cross contamination). You might be pleasantly surprised at just how many options there really are for him.
 
My DS is gluten intolerant and when we've gone to DLR we usually bring a small cooler with some snacks and food for him, just in case he doesn't want what's available where we go. We also usually bring bottles of water we stow in the bottom of the stroller since we all drink lots of it. Does WDW allow you to do the same? Are there any limitations? We'd like to bring in things like fruit, veggies, string cheese and maybe sandwiches pre-made for him.

one more thing - at any counter service restaurant (and some carts ) you can get free ice water (it's tap, but it's fine) to refill a water bottle. We bring insulated water bottles and refill as needed. Usually the counter will give you a large 16 oz cup with plenty of ice cold ice and water. Saves $$$$ over the course of a vacation. Plus, it's much easier to carry a single water bottle than a whole bunch of filled ones.
 
We traveled to WDW in May with our son, who has a gluten allergy. WDW is, 100%, the most accommodating place I've encountered for guests with food allergies. Every TS and CS has gluten-free food options. At every TS, the chef personally came to our table to explain what he could make for us, or to provide a tour of the buffet to show-off the gluten-free items. Chef Mickey's even offers gluten-free Mickey waffles. I never for a second felt that anything he was eating would be unsafe for him.

A few other thoughts:

1. For TS, call WDW Dining and add the gluten allergy onto your reservation. You can also email them a form listing all of your TS reservations, and they will make sure the chef knows about the allergy before your arrival.
2. WDW Guest Services has lot more info, including a list of CS locations in each park that can accommodation food allergies.
3. CS meals may take longer than your are accustomed to because they cannot pre-plan for your arrival.

Others' experiences may vary, but I couldn't imagine WDW being more sensitive and accommodating to those with food allergies such as a gluten sensitivity.
 
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We traveled to WDW in May with our son, who has a gluten allergy. WDW is, 100%, the most accommodating place I've encountered for guests with food allergies. Every TS and CS has gluten-free food options. At every TS, the chef personally came to our table to explain what he could make for us, or to provide a tour of the buffet to show-off the gluten-free items. Chef Mickey's even offers gluten-free Mickey waffles. I never for a second felt that anything he was eating would be unsafe for him.

A few other thoughts:

1. For TS, call WDW Dining and add the gluten allergy onto your reservation. You can also email them a form listing all of your TS reservations, and they will make sure the chef knows about the allergy before your arrival.
2. WDW Guest Services has lot more info, including a list of CS locations in each park that can accommodation food allergies.
3. CS meals may take longer than your are accustomed to because they cannot pre-plan for your arrival.

Others' experiences may vary, but I couldn't imagine WDW being more sensitive and accommodating to those with food allergies such as a gluten sensitivity.
If you forget which thread this information is in, you will find it in post 3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread.
 
We traveled to WDW in May with our son, who has a gluten allergy. WDW is, 100%, the most accommodating place I've encountered for guests with food allergies. Every TS and CS has gluten-free food options. At every TS, the chef personally came to our table to explain what he could make for us, or to provide a tour of the buffet to show-off the gluten-free items. Chef Mickey's even offers gluten-free Mickey waffles. I never for a second felt that anything he was eating would be unsafe for him.

A few other thoughts:

1. For TS, call WDW Dining and add the gluten allergy onto your reservation. You can also email them a form listing all of your TS reservations, and they will make sure the chef knows about the allergy before your arrival.
2. WDW Guest Services has lot more info, including a list of CS locations in each park that can accommodation food allergies.
3. CS meals may take longer than your are accustomed to because they cannot pre-plan for your arrival.

Others' experiences may vary, but I couldn't imagine WDW being more sensitive and accommodating to those with food allergies such as a gluten sensitivity.

not to go OT, but Disney absolutely SUCKS when it comes to people with Diabetes who need to know an exact carbohydrate count for food items that are not prepackaged. It's been a multiyear FIGHT to get them to even acknowledge that this is a problem for us. Some of their food items are very obscure, especially in Epcot or a restaurant like Boma, so it's hard to figure out a comparable carb count when you can't even identify the actual food. LOL. They could do 100% better in this regard. I'm glad they are so helpful for other needs. They're not for us.
 
Something to keep in mind though is that WDW is very different from DLR when it comes to handling food allergies from what I've read of DLR. Everything I've read says that DLR is much more limitted than WDW. At WDW you can find gluten free foods at all sorts of CS and snack locations. That not only includes the fresh fruits and vegetables as well as frozen treats like the Mickey ice cream and popsicles but also brownies, cookies, breaded chicken tenders, gluten free hot dog and hamburger buns, gluten free pizzas and french fries baked to keep them safe (not stuck in the fryer so there's no cross contamination). You might be pleasantly surprised at just how many options there really are for him.

DLR is pretty awesome about it too IME, though WDW seems to be a little easier to find with a few more items like the desserts and breaded chicken strips. We usually don't have a problem, though I always just feel better having some of his favorites in case something runs out or is closed. I'm an overplanner like that. :goodvibes

one more thing - at any counter service restaurant (and some carts ) you can get free ice water (it's tap, but it's fine) to refill a water bottle. We bring insulated water bottles and refill as needed. Usually the counter will give you a large 16 oz cup with plenty of ice cold ice and water. Saves $$$$ over the course of a vacation. Plus, it's much easier to carry a single water bottle than a whole bunch of filled ones.

That's great to know. :thumbsup2 They do that at DLR too but they always give you the tiniest cups and we go through a ton of water since it's mostly what we drink. I probably drink a gallon most days.

We traveled to WDW in May with our son, who has a gluten allergy. WDW is, 100%, the most accommodating place I've encountered for guests with food allergies. Every TS and CS has gluten-free food options. At every TS, the chef personally came to our table to explain what he could make for us, or to provide a tour of the buffet to show-off the gluten-free items. Chef Mickey's even offers gluten-free Mickey waffles. I never for a second felt that anything he was eating would be unsafe for him.

A few other thoughts:

1. For TS, call WDW Dining and add the gluten allergy onto your reservation. You can also email them a form listing all of your TS reservations, and they will make sure the chef knows about the allergy before your arrival.
2. WDW Guest Services has lot more info, including a list of CS locations in each park that can accommodation food allergies.
3. CS meals may take longer than your are accustomed to because they cannot pre-plan for your arrival.

Others' experiences may vary, but I couldn't imagine WDW being more sensitive and accommodating to those with food allergies such as a gluten sensitivity.

Thank you so much! Disney really is the best place for gluten intolerace/celiac! I called them last week about special dietary lists and they wanted me to call back in a couple weeks since they were changing a lot of their gluten free products. So I'll do that and have a list in a couple weeks. We're staying at GKTW so they provide a lot of our meals and I'm not sure how much spending money we'll be provided from MAW so I'm still working on what TS places to try. :eek: We're extending our trip though so I should make a couple. It's just so hard to choose.:surfweb:

not to go OT, but Disney absolutely SUCKS when it comes to people with Diabetes who need to know an exact carbohydrate count for food items that are not prepackaged. It's been a multiyear FIGHT to get them to even acknowledge that this is a problem for us. Some of their food items are very obscure, especially in Epcot or a restaurant like Boma, so it's hard to figure out a comparable carb count when you can't even identify the actual food. LOL. They could do 100% better in this regard. I'm glad they are so helpful for other needs. They're not for us.

That's really too bad, especially considering how many people are diabetic. I hope they improve that soon. My step-mom is diabetic and I'm sure she'd appreciate it on her trips to DLR too.

Thanks again for all the help. I'd love some ideas for good ADR's for somewhat kid friendly GF dining. popcorn::
 
I called them last week about special dietary lists and they wanted me to call back in a couple weeks since they were changing a lot of their gluten free products. So I'll do that and have a list in a couple weeks.

WHAT?!?!?!?! OMG!!! :scared1: Please let us know what GF products they're doing away with and what new ones they're going to carry. I know I shouldn't be scared since I know they'll continue to have good stuff but I do not like change. Who knows, maybe this'll be a good thing so that my child who also can't have eggs will have a couple more options. I girl can hope, can't she?
 
WHAT?!?!?!?! OMG!!! :scared1: Please let us know what GF products they're doing away with and what new ones they're going to carry. I know I shouldn't be scared since I know they'll continue to have good stuff but I do not like change. Who knows, maybe this'll be a good thing so that my child who also can't have eggs will have a couple more options. I girl can hope, can't she?

I heard this too and it may not be a "good" change. But more places are going to serve quinoea (sp):rolleyes1.

My big concern is this change is not up to the Chef's but up to a bean counter in a back office. It sounds like GF items carried will go to the lowest bidder. (Cardboard is GF right? LOL)

Maybe there is a better GF hamburger bun that is cheaper than those horrible ones they have now-I mean if we are dreaming.......:wizard:
 
I heard this too and it may not be a "good" change. But more places are going to serve quinoea (sp):rolleyes1.

My big concern is this change is not up to the Chef's but up to a bean counter in a back office. It sounds like GF items carried will go to the lowest bidder. (Cardboard is GF right? LOL)

Maybe there is a better GF hamburger bun that is cheaper than those horrible ones they have now-I mean if we are dreaming.......:wizard:

I am nervous but I'm trying to stay positive about it until we actually see what they're doing. With all of the changes we've been seeing lately that appear to be primarily all about the dollar and cutting back on customer service, it's have to not be nervous. I know that even the dining cancellation policy seems as though it'll hurt just about everybody on this particular board so I can't help but think that they changes will be to bring in cheaper products rather than products that can be eaten by more people.

I wouldn't mind more quinoa but my kids don't care for the stuff. I enjoyed the quinoa salad with palm hearts at Cape May's dinner buffet. I need to try different recipes so my kids will eat it.

I'm going to try to not think about it until we've got something confirmed about what exactly they're doing. I'll try. I may not be successful but I'll try. Deep breaths......
 
(Snip)

That's great to know. :thumbsup2 They do that at DLR too but they always give you the tiniest cups and we go through a ton of water since it's mostly what we drink. I probably drink a gallon most days.
I calculated it out for us one year; 10 days in the park x about 6 bottles of water a day (we were there in July) x 3.75 a bottle x 4 people... is a LOT of money we saved simply by drinking tap water. And their tap water, at the quick service areas is filtered and tastes no different than any other water.

(snip)
That's really too bad, especially considering how many people are diabetic. I hope they improve that soon. My step-mom is diabetic and I'm sure she'd appreciate it on her trips to DLR too.
Actually, it's really only relevant to people who are insulin dependent and dose their insulin based on carb content - which isn't every person with Diabetes (most type 2 people do not manage in this way). So it's really not a huge number of people when all is said and done. Disney does seem to do a good job steering people to traditional "diabetic sugar free foods" which isn't relevant to people with type 1 usually, and I've heard that many are offered fruit over cake for instance, which can many times have the same sugar content, healthier, but same carb content. So we're really talking a small minority of people with Type1 and other insulin dependent type2s who count carbs, but still it's important.
 
It might also have to do with the fact that Disney has gotten two new food sponsors oven spray and Chiqata. Not say that what their doing but they did say they would start offering their products in the restaurants. I don't think it has much to do with saving money may be a little not everything Disney dose or changes has to do with saving money. How many places if you say you have allerges will they send a chef to your table. Not saying Disney perfect but if you take them and compare them to other places their most of the time will come out on top. The changes would not have anything to do with the food it could just be the way they get handled may be tey trying a better system. I could be wrong which is proberly the case so let see what happens let have a positive out look and hope for the best.
 
It might also have to do with the fact that Disney has gotten two new food sponsors oven spray and Chiqata. Not say that what their doing but they did say they would start offering their products in the restaurants. I don't think it has much to do with saving money may be a little not everything Disney dose or changes has to do with saving money. How many places if you say you have allerges will they send a chef to your table. Not saying Disney perfect but if you take them and compare them to other places their most of the time will come out on top. The changes would not have anything to do with the food it could just be the way they get handled may be tey trying a better system. I could be wrong which is proberly the case so let see what happens let have a positive out look and hope for the best.

The chef's/managers I have spoken with have said the changes are a cost cutting measure. This is not "bashing" WDW in anyway-it is just sharing information. And I will leave it at that.
 
I am nervous but I'm trying to stay positive about it until we actually see what they're doing. With all of the changes we've been seeing lately that appear to be primarily all about the dollar and cutting back on customer service, it's have to not be nervous. I know that even the dining cancellation policy seems as though it'll hurt just about everybody on this particular board so I can't help but think that they changes will be to bring in cheaper products rather than products that can be eaten by more people.

I wouldn't mind more quinoa but my kids don't care for the stuff. I enjoyed the quinoa salad with palm hearts at Cape May's dinner buffet. I need to try different recipes so my kids will eat it.

I'm going to try to not think about it until we've got something confirmed about what exactly they're doing. I'll try. I may not be successful but I'll try. Deep breaths......

Yeah, I am not crazy about the cancellation policy either. I have been told there will be some "leeway", but I worry that to will be abused making it harder for some of us.

In the interest of staying positive I offer you an allergy free treat :mickeybar

:woohoo:
 
The chef's/managers I have spoken with have said the changes are a cost cutting measure. This is not "bashing" WDW in anyway-it is just sharing information. And I will leave it at that.
I was not trying ti start a fight or attack you I didn't even have your post in mind in my option it was not a coast saving measure but you have more info then me. I have respect for you I was just sharing what I thought the changes would be I even said I might be wrong. Sorry if you took my post the wrong way I was not saying you was bashing Disney I need even mention your post it was my option that it was not a coast saving measure I am wrong then since you talked to Disney about it.
 
I was not trying ti start a fight or attack you I didn't even have your post in mind in my option it was not a coast saving measure but you have more info then me. I have respect for you I was just sharing what I thought the changes would be I even said I might be wrong. Sorry if you took my post the wrong way I was not saying you was bashing Disney I need even mention your post it was my option that it was not a coast saving measure I am wrong then since you talked to Disney about it.


I am not fighting, nor do I feel "attacked". I am just sharing the info I have been given.
 

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