Food & Drink - What can I bring in the parks?

[AndreAggie]

We're going to have a rental car when we first get to town and are planning on stopping at Target or Walgreens and loading up on drinks and snacks before we have to return the car. What are we allowed to bring in the parks?? We're fine purchasing meals, but I'm looking for snack options. I know we'll indulge in park snacks too, but I'm trying to save a little money too! Are perishable foods like fresh fruit ok? Also, can we bring canned/bottled soft drinks?

 

[crystal1313]

No glass is allowed in the parks. We've brought cans of soda, and water bottles and a huge backpack full of snacks and have never had an issue. I've heard if you make your own sandwiches, you need to pre-make them. They won't allow a loaf of bread, jar of PB and jelly, etc. I've also seen people carrying in McDonalds and Subway and not have any issues.

We bring our own snacks and drinks every trip and you really save a lot of money! Plus, my kids are grazers, and eat constantly! We usually let them have one treat a day that we buy at the parks. Sometimes 2. Have fun!

 

[bcla]

Officially nothing except for special dietary needs.

Realistically, the rules only exist so that they can stop the most egregious cases. Bring a bag of chips or a bag from McDonald's and they won't care. I've brought sodas in cans and plastic bottles, using a small cooler the side of a six pack.

The one thing that many note is that people bringing in loose sandwich fixings will be asked to dump them. Certainly don't bring a picnic lunch and try to set it down somewhere other than outside in the picnic area outside the parks.

 

[AndreAggie]

Our hotel has free breakfast, so I thought about grabbing an apple and banana maybe (if available), then snacks would include fruit pouches, granola bars, jerky, etc. Then we'd have our water bottles to fill and maybe a juice box and soda. Sounds like we should be A-Okay with this plan. My biggest concern is the soft drinks...I wasn't sure if these would be allowed.

 

[bcla]

Just as a reference, here's the official policy on outside food and beverages:

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/faq/dining/outside-food-in-park/

Most regulars know that it's simply not enforced except for specific cases.

 

[Briverma]

We visited with a group of 12 (4 adults, 8 kids) and one evening the guys walked to Mimi's to bring back dinner -- huge, family style meals in 2 grocery-sized bags, and the only comments they got reentering DCA was "Mmm, smells good!" We ate it at Pacific Wharf and with the Mickey sourdough loaf from the Bakery to go in the soup, that was one of the best meals of the trip!

 

[SweetAlex]

We've always brought in snacks and water bottles and never had an issue. I think Disney realizes that enforcing a "no outside food" policy would be unreasonable as so many people scrimp and save their money to buy park tickets but couldn't also afford to buy all their food while there.Whether they carry their own food or buy it there, Disney is still ahead.

I'm glad they do that. It means more people can enjoy it!

 

[figment_jii]

I agree that for the most part, they'll let you bring in most any food and drinks you want with the exception that you cannot bring in components to make sandwiches, anything in glass jars/bottles (except baby food), and alcohol.

 

[awdsmama]

Our hotel has free breakfast, so I thought about grabbing an apple and banana maybe (if available), then snacks would include fruit pouches, granola bars, jerky, etc. Then we'd have our water bottles to fill and maybe a juice box and soda. Sounds like we should be A-Okay with this plan. My biggest concern is the soft drinks...I wasn't sure if these would be allowed.

We took in bananas without any problem. Also took granola bars, caprisuns, string cheese, jerky etc.

The guidelines the others gave you are all spot on (no glass, alcohol, separate fixings etc)

 

[corinne76]

When we went last summer, we would bring a small foldable cooler, the ones that fit a 6 pk of cans. We brought in capri sun and water bottles. We also had a plastic shopping bag with premade sandwiches wrapped in foil, some snacks and fruit. We were there 5 days and never had a problem. I did read that you can bring a small collapsible cooler but not a big, hard one.

 

[rentayenta]

We're going to have a rental car when we first get to town and are planning on stopping at Target or Walgreens and loading up on drinks and snacks before we have to return the car. What are we allowed to bring in the parks?? We're fine purchasing meals, but I'm looking for snack options. I know we'll indulge in park snacks too, but I'm trying to save a little money too! Are perishable foods like fresh fruit ok? Also, can we bring canned/bottled soft drinks?

We bring water, Capri Suns, and snacks. No glass like others have mentioned. I also avoid items that melt or squish easily. Beef jerky, nuts, and Smarties are some of our favorites.

 

[princesshalo22]

My friends and I bring food and drinks in a backpack almost every time we go and we have never had a problem Saves us a lot of money

 

[geminimagk]

I've heard if you make your own sandwiches, you need to pre-make them. They won't allow a loaf of bread, jar of PB and jelly, etc. I've also seen people carrying in McDonalds and Subway and not have any issues.

Why do you think they allow pre made sandwiches, but not the things to make them with?

 

[crystal1313]

geminimagk, I'm really not sure! I've read that so many times on the Dis....I'm just guessing they might think you would try to sell the sandwiches?? But that seems silly, but I cannot think of any other reason why?

We even brought a large (48 can) soft sided cooler in July and nothing was said about it. I thought they might say we had to take it to the picnic area or only have a 6 pack size, but they never said a word.

 

[bcla]

Why do you think they allow pre made sandwiches, but not the things to make them with?

It looks bad, it takes time, and it gets noticed. Also - people who are looking to make their own sandwiches tend to take up a lot of space. If you bring out a picnic blanket and try to set up, you're going to be asked to put it away.

If you've got a sandwich that's ready to go, you pull it out, eat it, and toss the bag.

 

[sacteach]

I brought in a huge duffle bag (large locker size) with about 250 snacks in it - I took 80 middle school students with me from Nor Cal and stocked up at Costco - crackers, cookies, rice crispie treats, granola bars, trail mix, etc. At each check-in, they could get a snack or two from the bag. It saved them money. I also gave them each a large water bottle when they got off the bus that they could refill throughout the day if they wanted.

I got a giggle going through security, but there were no issues.