Food in Parks...Clarification please!

[2angelsinheaven]

Bring two little ones tomorrow and the by ourselfs sat/sun wondering what policy is on food... I'm sure it's been stated on here before but forgive its sooo late I didn't want to sort through to find it.
We'll be bringing a backpack, would like to take bottled waters/fruit drinks and some snacks (small bags of chips, fruit snacks, cookies) etc in the bag. Is this ok... just a small back pack not roller type or cooler. I know no coolers, but outside food??? Please help. BTW, I'm hypoglycemic so I need food/drink often and don't want to spend $$$ everytime I get a little weak. Plus with the little ones its much easier to pull out an uncrustables then buy a child's dinner they would never eat anyhow.
One more thing... our godchildren are just 2 and 2yrs 10 months... will we have a problem? I know under 3 is free, do we just walk to gate with our ap's and go in or do we need a "free" children's ticket??? Thanks...

 

[wdw4us2]

I'm sure you'll hear from plenty of people on this board - no outside food or drinks - that's the rule.

However one of my friends, who I frequently travel to WDW with, is also hypoglycemic and she always has water and snacks in her backpack. When the backpack is checked by security, they have never said anything to her about it.

As far as the toddlers are concerned, you do not need any type of ticket for them, under age 3 is free.

Have a great time!

 

[2angelsinheaven]

Would I need a GAC? If questioned by CM or other WDW staff would I need a GAC to show that I do need to carry food/drinks? I also have astma and require water when I take my inhaler which can happen anytime, on ride or in show or just walking around... I don't want to get there and have to turn around and put things back in car... =o(
I could get a hypoglycemic moment anytime and couldn't wait to get to a food location, order and wait for food... could I explian this to the CM?

Thanks...

PS: Anyone ever get in trouble for food in the park... not sit down dinners, but waters/snacks?

 

[RescueRanger]

You should have no problems with snacks. We have always brought snacks into the parks. Security would even joke with us like, "Hey mind if I have a bite". Have a great trip.

 

[2angelsinheaven]

Thanks all... DH to be was worried we would be questioned about older godchild, she's 2 yrs 10 months... but she is pretty smart sounds older, but is small... size 2t still... only 26 pounds... I think we will be ok, he was worried... anyone ever have problems?

 

[ladypoo]

Last May my DGD was 35 months and we had no problem getting her in the parks, We would tell the CMS that this was her last FREE trip. Getting the last one in before her birthday, they said nothing to us. We also carried in Cheerios and other snacks for her.

 

[sunking]

as long as you are not trying to bring in a cooler or anything like that, you will be fine...we often bring in our own water and light snacks with us and have never been given any grief by security when going thru the bags...but, as it was noted, the rules state no outside food/beverage so be prepared if someone does say something...
have a great time...counting the days myself...
sunking

 

[lentesta]

Yesterday in Adventureland I saw three folks make a salad using bagged ingredients they'd brought into the Magic Kingdom. They had at least a quart-sized bag of shredded lettuce, tomato and croutons. Plus dressing. If you're brining in anything short of a Thanksgiving turkey, I think you'll be ok.

Len

 

[crisi]

You won't have any trouble with your older godchild. There are plenty of nearly three year olds that are much bigger and don't have a problem. Ours was 2 1/2 for her first trip, but is a sturdy girl - I know she was in a 4T and weighed 35 lbs, and no one looked sideways.

 

[FatCow]

So I guess Chicken a'la King and a pot of Lobster Bisque is out of the question?

 

[oogieboogie]

While walking down Main Street, this guy in front of me was wheeling this monstrous cooler on wheels. I mean this thing was as wide as a double stroller. Packed to the brim too.

I've always brought in water bottles and snacks wherever I go. With 2 picky eaters, its just easier. Actually I bring 2 water bottles, one filled with water for me and one filled with juice for the kids.

I think security is more concerned with guns/weapons than food items. Now... if you bring a turkey, trimmings and maybe the turkey fryer they might stop you. Other than that, they're pretty forgiving.

When we went, my son was a week shy of his 3rd birthday. We walked right in. No one questioned how old he was. Just a word of caution... when entering the park, when you present your ticket and go through the turnstile, make sure the two young ones go in under or over. Do not make them turn the turnstile, because if you put your ticket in then they go first, you'll get stuck! Trust me... this happened a couple of times to us. So carry them over or let them duck under the turnstile.

Have fun...

 

[FatCow]

Darn! I was thinking about bringing a deep-fryer.

But seriously, do you think I need a doctor's note that I'm hypoglycemic just in case?

 

[oogieboogie]

Originally posted by FatCow
Darn! I was thinking about bringing a deep-fryer.

But seriously, do you think I need a doctor's note that I'm hypoglycemic just in case?

No.. my dad-in-law is diabetic and he brought in his whole medicine kit. Security asked him to open it and once they say what it was, just waved him through.

However, it's a good idea to have it just in case you get an attack or something like that.

 

[donac]

The last two times we have been there we always packed water and a few snack bags to tide us over till lunch. We were never stopped at security even if I had 6 snack bags of goldfish in my backpack. They just asked me to move them so they could check my bag. It saved us a lot of money. Last year I went with a mom who was on a tight budget and had 3 kids with her.

Dona

 

[tazz23]

I didnt know you weren't allowed outside food! We took snacks and drinks into the disney parks and noone said a thing so yes I think it'll be fine!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

It is a "paper" rule. Rarely enforced.
Security is NOT there to check for food, they are there to check for weapons, etc.

 

[Jackie H.]

Thats right, don't worry about it. We always have carried food in. My kids are getting older now, and it isn't so much of a necessity. But, we still carry the bottled water.

Just don't carry anything in in a glass container. We never tried that, but I have heard they do get that stuff. It is understandable - they don't want broken glass anywhere.

We've even gone through the turnstiles eating and never has a word been said to us. I don't think they care at all. Have a great time, carry the food and drink you need and don't give it a second thought!

Furthermore, if you are staying at a WDW resort they don't care if you have a cooler and get the ice from the ice machines. I even had a CM help me do that once.......

 

[lentesta]

Yesterday in Adventureland I saw three folks make a salad using bagged ingredients they'd brought into the Magic Kingdom. They had at least a quart-sized bag of shredded lettuce, tomato and croutons. Plus dressing. If you're brining in anything short of a Thanksgiving turkey, I think you'll be ok.

Len

 

[sha_lyn]

Just don't carry anything in in a glass container. We never tried that, but I have heard they do get that stuff. It is understandable - they don't want broken glass anywhere.

They will allow glass babyfood jars, formula etc.

The exceptions to the policy when asked (according to e mails that have been posted here) is that water, and foods for special dietary needs are allowed.

Its seems however that the policy has dissapeared from print in the last yr or 2. It did at one time appear on their site and in the official guide book. I think it also appeared on older park maps, but I might be wrong.

While walking down Main Street, this guy in front of me was wheeling this monstrous cooler on wheels. I mean this thing was as wide as a double stroller. Packed to the brim too.

I really have a hard time believing this,since even in the 2 parks that allow coolers (Blizzard beach and Typhoon lagoon) there is a huge sign out front that repeats (I believe word for word) what is on their official site
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wa...DWParksAndMoreFAQGrping#WPFoodAndBeveragesFAQ

Coolers of a size that may be safely carried are permitted. No glass containers or alcoholic beverages allowed. There are no storage areas for coolers.

note... the answer above is in refference to the water parks, not the 4 major parks.

 

[katerkat]

They really don't like glass (though will allow baby stuff).

I wouldn't bother with a doctor's note - my mother and I have had no trouble bringing in water and foods to go with our medications. If it'll make you feel better, get it, but they won't ask for it!