Expensive Food Trend

[mermaidwannabe]

I like the idea of taking ziplocs of snacks into the parks and then sharing meals, but I thought DL was really strict on taking food and drinks in?? Or maybe that's SeaWorld and the Zoo? I'm getting my research mixed up, I think.

 

[mAlien13]

I like the idea of taking ziplocs of snacks into the parks and then sharing meals, but I thought DL was really strict on taking food and drinks in?? Or maybe that's SeaWorld and the Zoo? I'm getting my research mixed up, I think.

Disney's official policy differs from their practice. We always take food and drinks in and have never had a problem. We pull our own soda out when we eat (not at the sit-downs, there we drink water ) and have never had an issue with that either.

The one thing I can tell you, no glass!! No bottles or containers that are made of or contain glass will be allowed in the parks. I have heard other stories about people having to throw food away, but I have never seen it happen and never had it happen in DLR or WDW during our many visits.

 

[mommaU4]

I like the idea of taking ziplocs of snacks into the parks and then sharing meals, but I thought DL was really strict on taking food and drinks in?? Or maybe that's SeaWorld and the Zoo? I'm getting my research mixed up, I think.

I've never had a problem and this is what I typically take in with me:

Smuckers uncrustables for the kids (frozen so then they thaw while there)
trail mix
crackers (wheat thins, or peanut butter crackers)
cookies
fruit snacks
granola bars
water bottles

Everything is in an individual snack size, so I don't think they care. I wouldn't try to bring in a cooler, or a full lunch. I doubt they'd like that.

Like I said, after eating a large breakfast at the hotel, that's enough to tide us over during lunch, so then all we need to buy in the park is dinner.

ETA: I've heard that Sea World and the Zoo is much more picky about what people bring in because of the animals and things getting into their cages. Not sure if that's true, but that's what I was told.

 

[mAlien13]

The bottom park of our backpack doubles as a soft sided cooler. We have it full of drinks and bring in one of the large Ziplock bags filled with snacks. They've never even blinked.

Of course, they may be more focused on the big bag of extra shoes and ponchos....

 

[pixiewings71]

You can take food in, things like sandwiches even but you can't take the fixings or a large cooler. If you wanted to do the cooler thing they do have lockers outside the park that you can put a cooler in and then go there to have lunch. But snacks, ready made sandwiches, bottles of water, soda, tea are all ok. Just no glass.

 

[mermaidwannabe]

Thank you for clarifying! That's going to help me save bigtime since we are staying at HOJOs and taking afternoon breaks. I think we'll just eat breakfast, have snacks and a Mickey Bar and then head back to swim and eat dinner at Mimis. My backpack is going to be full every day with 3 DDs!!

 

[TravelinGal]

Interesting. Thanks for the heads up on the prices.

 

[rentayenta]

Thank you for clarifying! That's going to help me save bigtime since we are staying at HOJOs and taking afternoon breaks. I think we'll just eat breakfast, have snacks and a Mickey Bar and then head back to swim and eat dinner at Mimis. My backpack is going to be full every day with 3 DDs!!

You'll love Mimi's food. Their service is not as good as the other Mimi's I've been to but I am guessing they are far busier as well.

 

[toocherie]

I've never had a problem and this is what I typically take in with me:

Smuckers uncrustables for the kids (frozen so then they thaw while there)
trail mix
crackers (wheat thins, or peanut butter crackers)
cookies
fruit snacks
granola bars
water bottles

Everything is in an individual snack size, so I don't think they care. I wouldn't try to bring in a cooler, or a full lunch. I doubt they'd like that.

Like I said, after eating a large breakfast at the hotel, that's enough to tide us over during lunch, so then all we need to buy in the park is dinner.

ETA: I've heard that Sea World and the Zoo is much more picky about what people bring in because of the animals and things getting into their cages. Not sure if that's true, but that's what I was told.

One time when I was there recently, the people at the table next to me pulled out ready-made sandwiches (like you would buy in the deli at a grocery store) along with a tub of carrot/celery sticks . . . . . I was amazed, remembering years ago when I was a Girl Scout and we were not allowed to bring a single homemade sandwich into the park . . . so I think policies have definitely changed . . .

 

[nunzia]

I do agree with this so I will continue to eat lunch/dinner and snacks inside the park but we do bring in our own water and sodas. I do however; think Disney is a multi million $ company and they shouldn't try to SCR*W you at the park. We have already paid an arm and a leg to get in the place and spend a bundle on souvenirs, come on give us a little break here.

Same goes for staying on the property IMO, off subject I know. The prices are outrageous!!! We would really love to stay at GCH or DLH but there is just no way for us to afford it (ok we could but I just won't spend $250/night at the hotel, at least not until my kids are old enough to appreciate it). But people continue paying them and they are constantly booked so I guess they will continue to rise as well.

I don't really see them as sc**ing people. There are choices. We bring in water and snacks, and the kids meals fill me up just fine. However, it's my choice to pay the ridiculous prices at Blue Bayou..and they are ridiculous, but when I stayed in Washington DC the hotel breakfast was nothing and cost as much as anything at Disney. The price for water is ridulous, but when we went to a show in Denver (Pre Broadway Little Mermaid) the water prices rivaled Disney's. The hotels per night are ridiculous, but a bargain when you compare them to staying downtown NYC. The beauty of Disney is you can choose. For years we stayed off site very cheaply, but now the atmosphere and location are worth it, so we're one of those who will pay GC prices.(and I'm a big cheapskate in my 'real' life) If you look around you in the park, you might feel the ticket prices are pretty cheap..I do. Look at the place, the landscaping, the cleanliness, the quality of rides, and parades and shows. I don't mind the food prices..I'm just careful since I like to choose my splurges.
Things cost just as much at Sea World or other theme parks..it isn't a Disney only thing, and you can make it as reasonable or outlandish as you wish.

 

[rentayenta]

I too have seen Disney prices outside of Disney. The movie consessions, biggest skrew in town.

 

[pixiewings71]

quick fyi, the lockers aren't huge, they will hold a smaller lunch sized cooler but nothing huge. Didn't want anyone to show up with a full sized cooler and not be able to put it in a locker.

 

[mommaU4]

quick fyi, the lockers aren't huge, they will hold a smaller lunch sized cooler but nothing huge. Didn't want anyone to show up with a full sized cooler and not be able to put it in a locker.

I hadn't rented a locker in many years, since I was a teen. One of the last times we went we rented one and I was shocked at how small they were. And I think it was like 10 bucks too.

I haven't rented one since.

 

[mommaU4]

One time when I was there recently, the people at the table next to me pulled out ready-made sandwiches (like you would buy in the deli at a grocery store) along with a tub of carrot/celery sticks . . . . . I was amazed, remembering years ago when I was a Girl Scout and we were not allowed to bring a single homemade sandwich into the park . . . so I think policies have definitely changed . . .

Huh. I'd be afraid to bring in a complete lunch like that for fear I'd be the one they tell to leave it outside in the lockers. LOL Also if it was a hot day I'd be concerned about keeping the deli meat at a proper temp.

Not that it matters, because my picky kids are strictly PB&J kids.

On a side note, I've been many times and depending on the line and the CM you get when you go through the bag check area, sometimes I've had to take out almost everything.
And others they barely peek inside.

 

[awdfan]

I don't really see them as sc**ing people. There are choices. We bring in water and snacks, and the kids meals fill me up just fine. However, it's my choice to pay the ridiculous prices at Blue Bayou..and they are ridiculous, but when I stayed in Washington DC the hotel breakfast was nothing and cost as much as anything at Disney. The price for water is ridulous, but when we went to a show in Denver (Pre Broadway Little Mermaid) the water prices rivaled Disney's. The hotels per night are ridiculous, but a bargain when you compare them to staying downtown NYC. The beauty of Disney is you can choose. For years we stayed off site very cheaply, but now the atmosphere and location are worth it, so we're one of those who will pay GC prices.(and I'm a big cheapskate in my 'real' life) If you look around you in the park, you might feel the ticket prices are pretty cheap..I do. Look at the place, the landscaping, the cleanliness, the quality of rides, and parades and shows. I don't mind the food prices..I'm just careful since I like to choose my splurges.
Things cost just as much at Sea World or other theme parks..it isn't a Disney only thing, and you can make it as reasonable or outlandish as you wish.

Okay, good, I'm not the only one that feels that way. I've been comparing the prices on some of the Disney menus (not BB, but some of the other more popular places) and they're not that far off, if at all, from say Rainforest Cafe or Mimi's. I do think some of the prices are high--soda, for example, but it's a choice and I don't see it as being any higher than at a professional sporting event, the movies, other theme parks.

 

[teacups]

The only way in the future for me, is to hit the AM/PM station on Ball and Disneyland Dr. and get a couple of large Dasani waters and throw them in the backpack..$3.00 for a small 8 ounce bottle is outrageous. Or how about an apple for $2.75! LOL

Ok, this is OT a bit, but I laughed when I read your post and had to mention this... I was at Home Depot today and they had a special on baby apple tree's... $2.75!!!

 

[EnnEss]

Ive always found portion sizes massive at DL and myself and gf often get a couple drinks and one meal and we're fine. Not at all having to skimp or anything, if we got two for lunch we'd throw out half. Sometimes we'll get a meal plus a salad. Usually comes to maybe 15 bucks for 2, for a meal that's actually reasonable.

 

[toocherie]

Ive always found portion sizes massive at DL and myself and gf often get a couple drinks and one meal and we're fine. Not at all having to skimp or anything, if we got two for lunch we'd throw out half. Sometimes we'll get a meal plus a salad. Usually comes to maybe 15 bucks for 2, for a meal that's actually reasonable.

We feel the same way . . . . we would rather split a meal and if we get hungry later have a snack (or even split another meal!) We just can't each finish one of the meals in one sitting . . . ..

 

[mommy2allyandaveri]

I too have seen Disney prices outside of Disney. The movie consessions, biggest skrew in town.

LOL, so true! Popcorn and a soda is like $10.

 

[mAlien13]

I too have seen Disney prices outside of Disney. The movie consessions, biggest skrew in town.

This is so true! Whenever we are tempted to go see a movie in a theater, we do 'Disney' math...one trip for the four of us, $34 for tickets, $15 for popcorn and drinks if we can convince the kids to share, and $7 for one candy for each of them...$56 is enough for lunch and dinner (two meals split two ways) at DLR! We plop the cash into our family piggy bank and watch one of our DVDs or something on cable!