That is a good question. I was wondering the same thing. We are there in 2 weeks and with an 18 month old we need to be able to take the dreaded cherrios, etc. and a couple of small milks in sippy cups. Anybody with the story on the handling of the "searches" will be greatly appreciated.
I'm interested in this answer too. A big part of our budget was having snacks (individually wrapped Rice Crispie bars, fruit rollups, poptarts etc. along sowhen the kids needed a quick sugar boost it wasn't $10-15 every time. Hope we still can....mplsmom
Though I have not been there myself since all this started, I did read here on the boards that CM's have not said anything about snacks that they see in people's bags.
We were there September 18-24 and we had no problems bringing in fruit snacks and juice boxes and water. I think that only bother you if you have sandwiches or a whole picnic lunch. We actually had a little cooler that strapped to the stroller. We just opened our diaper bag, camera bag, cooler, and purse and they just looked inside and did not say a word to us. I don't think that you will have a problem bringing in snacks.
We were there from the 15th to the 21st and never had any problems. We had snacks and juice boxes and a water bottle. One guard looked in our backpack and looked at our daughter, laughed and said "I see you brought the kiddie snacks, got to keep the little ones happy." We laughed and went on our way. I am sure they know that people bring snacks in.
The rules state that you can take in your own water and snacks for people with special diets, so I wouldn't worry about snacks for kids under 2 at all. I'm sure you'll be okay with the other stuff, too. The security guards have completely different goals than the people who set the "no food" rule.
My kids are older ages 11-7 and they all had their own fannie packs with snacks and a water bottle. They were all packed in ziploc bags plain to see and nobody ever commented on them. When you march around for 8 to 15 hours per day, you have to keep the kids fed and park snacks just don't do it for us.
Just got back, and we brought snacks and water, and were not given a hard time at all! It's funny though, it seems like we bring them, but don't eat them.......
Thanks to all who posted their actual experiences. The snacks saved me at least $60 last trip and were much appreciated my boys. 37 days to go - mplsmom
We were there the 22nd to the 30th. While eating at Pecos Bill's outside, we saw a family sit down next to us at a table and open their packs and pull out a whole lunch of sandwiches, chips, drinks and desserts. Obviously, they weren't stopped from bringing that in, and I know you're not suppose to bring a whole lunch in.
For those who've been recently, I'm interested to know if these security checks create a big bottle neck getting into the parks. We will be there 12/23-12/30 and plan on doing early entry each day and switching parks mid-day.
There always seems to be a lot of congestion at park opening with monorails stations packed and a line to get in the gate. How much time does the security checks take from park time? Will they "pre-check" your back pack if you arrive early? Will it be a significant delay considering the normal crowds at Christmas?
My fiance and I were at WDW on the 11th and stayed until the 15th...we were searched but never did any security comment on teh food we brought into the parks.....Honestly I think they are much more concerned with something else you may bring in! SO food they could probably care less about IMO.
The lines were not very long at all to get searched and go to the parks.....btu then again we were there at slow season, and even slower season after the 11th when people couldn't get to Disney, it's probably different now.
On Sunday we saw a security gaurd remove 4 cans of beer froma diaper bag and toss them in the trash. We thought it was ridiculas that someone would try to bring beer into MK let alone any themepark.(wouldn't it be awfully warm?!!) We brought water everyday and no one seemed to mind. The security lines are not really backed up at all. However, there are fewer gates open for admission (probably due to low attendance) so just getting your ticket through seemed to take longer. Don't let any long lines concern you, we waited for nothing except Fantasy Land rides this past weekend.
The "security" checks don't take long at all. NONE of the security guards looked closely at my bags. I thought it was a waste of time. I know there are a lot of guests to check but they wouldn't have caught anything in my bags unless it had a flashing sign on it. All I had to do was unzip and they glanced at the top. I guess it's just suppose to be a deterrant (sp) for possible terrorists or to look like they've stepped up security. Don't get me wrong... I did not mind the checks one single bit. I want things to be as safe as possible too. I just think it was a joke. Just like the way they have beefed up security at the gates to the resorts. We had to show photo ID's plus our confirmation to get in. Yet, anyone can get on a bus and go right on in. To answer the question...don't worry about the checks. They will not take away any valuable touring time unless they change things befor you go. (9/21-10/03)
Thanks for the response on my question within a question. Also, thanks mrs.pixiedust for the tip on the photo ID and confirmation at the gate. I will make sure both are readily available.
We were there from Sept 15-22. The security checks didn't take long at all but the parks were pretty much empty. Some checks were very thorough while others just peeked inside. We know someone who works at Guest Services at one ot the parks and she said they have found some pocket knives.