Gripe - Food in the Parks

[Laurajean1014]

This has been an ongoing gripe with me and my family almost every time we go to WDW. We tend to go during busy seasons and it never fails that sometime on every trip we'll go to a busy counter service resturant (the resturant by Star Tours at MGM is the best example) and find little or no seating but see a family who has brought their own food eating at one of the tables. We don't personally bring any food into the parks, and don't have a gripe with those who do, but do feel that if you are paying for food in a resturant that you should have preference over those that are not.

I'm not soliciting flames, but wanted to see if we're crazy or if others agree.

How is this a gripe with WDW? All parks: Seaworld, Universal, Six Flags, Cedar Park have always allowed food into the parks. Where do you suggest these people eat their food? I think it would be discriminating to have a "bought your food here than you can sit here" vs. "didn't buy your food here, then you can't sit here."

I'm sorry, but I think this is a peeve of yours and that you should look for an opening table. Have someone sit there, while you get the food and enjoy your meal.

We've been able to find nice areas outside the food area to eat in a more relaxed setting, especially at MGM. Get creative and find a nice spot for you and your family to dig in without the hassle!

 

[KatheeME]

I agree with you Amy, but I don't know how cms would deal with it ...

 

[C.Ann]

DMRick, it must only be me, DH and my sis spotting them all. But then most people aren't on the lookout for such odd things.

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I'll be down there late March - early April.. I'll keep an eye out and report back.. If it is a common occurence, I should be able to spot them quite easily because when I was down there last year (the first week of April) the parks were very crowded..

 

[DMRick]

DMRick, it must only be me, DH and my sis spotting them all. But then most people aren't on the lookout for such odd things.

I'm sure others see them as well..but there are thousands upon thousands in the parks each year. Are you saying a large percentage are toting coolers? Or one a day? I'm just not seeing that, and as adults in our 50's, who go often, we do a lot of people watching (we don't do any of the thrill rides, so we have lots of time), and sitting, just checking out the people and shows. Maybe if I actually looked just for them, I would notice (I'll be back in May, and you can bet I'll be paying more attention ). Especially since people would have to be dragging them, and parking them at rides.

 

[Laurajean1014]

Heck, I don't care if you are sitting at a table just to rest your feet! It's there to be used. There are other chairs, seats, benches and tables to use.

If they are all taken at the time you arrive, then wait or search somewhere else.
Or, next time, schedule a meal a bit earlier to later.

These are very simple problems that maybe being blown out of proportion.

 

[lillygator]

nope, I wouldn't say a large percentage...we'll be looking in May too!! 5/16-5/21, we are also going over for ESPN weekend....but I won't be looking for coolers!
Also, I see more at MK and AK than Epcot and MGM.

 

[lillygator]

Heck, I don't care if you are sitting at a table just to rest your feet! It's there to be used. There are other chairs, seats, benches and tables to use.

If they are all taken at the time you arrive, then wait or search somewhere else.
Or, next time, schedule a meal a bit earlier to later.

These are very simple problems that maybe being blown out of proportion.

so paying customers of the establishment should have to schedule their meal earlier to accomodate those bringing in their own food? I am confused?

 

[88Keys]

Just to be clear, this is one of those rules that is being made up by DISers, and not a Disney rule, right? I mean, Disney doesn't have signs anywhere saying seats are reserved for paying customers only, do they?

So for those that want to make up the rule, can you clarify exactly what the rule is.

Which tables are off-limits?

How much food are you required to buy to sit down?

Can I have my baby with me if she is eating jar food, or does she have to wait outside?

Can I have my nephew with me, who is a picky eater and won't eat any Disney food, or does he have to wait outside with the baby?

How long do I get to sit at the table? Do I have to get up the minute my food is gone, or can I linger? Can I get up and leave, or do I forfeit the table the minute I'm gone?

Exactly--- there is no Disney rule ANYWHERE that says that I can't sit in a counter-service area without buying food. Nowhere. And as long as it is not crowded and I do pick up after myself, it doesn't even come close to being discourteous IMHO. And, if I do make a mess and don't clean it up -- who cleans it -- a Disney employee, just like they would if I was sitting on a bench outside, so it is wrong to say it puts the emplyees out (except for the rudeness of not cleaning up one's mess, but my point is that Disney cleans it inside or outside). I love the DIS, but I do laugh at the self-appointed rule makers. We all should be kind and courteous, but only on the DIS am I told that an 8 year old should not be in a stroller. Only on the DIS am I told that to use a FastPass ouside of its time window is wrong, even though Disney policy is to allow you to return after your time is up. I don't even bring lunches in (the food is part of the fun) so it is not an issue for me. And, BTW, the "you wouldn't bring food into Wendy's" argument is not analogous because you are not a Wendy's customer (also, there is usually a rule at those type of places about not bringing food in) whereas my $3000 Disney trip makes me a Disney customer and unless the rules state otherwise, I think I am allowed to sit and rest in a food court.

I mean, c'mon -- if you take the argument one step further, then we should not be allowed to crowd Disney gift shops unless we are actually intending to buy something.


Peace.

 

[rie'smom]

I've been going to WDW since the year after it opened. WDW definitely used to have a no outside food rule. When that changed I don't know. If I'm buying a meal @ a counter service restaurant you better believe I'll be annoyed if someone with outside food is taking a table.
About the comment If it's raining.... of course get out of the rain but common courtesy dictates that you would give up your table to someone who has just bought their lunch.
You know what: using manners,being courteous and thoughtful of others sure would take care of alot of these gripes. I sound like my grandmother but what has happened to common courtesy?

 

[robinb]

DMRick, it must only be me, DH and my sis spotting them all. But then most people aren't on the lookout for such odd things.

I log about 20-30 days a year in Disney parks. I have only seen large coolers a couple of times. By large, I mean over a 12-pack size and they were the deadly tag-along kind with wheels. I have never seen a FULL SIZE cooler! I have seen plenty of 6-pack and 12-pack size coolers in strollers and being carried around. Personally, there would be no way I would carry a cooler all around the park with me! My DD's sandwich fits quite easily in our backpack.

 

[lillygator]

Here is the response....

Dear Vanessa,

Thank you for contacting the Walt Disney World Resort.

We would also like to mention that as an exception to our standard policy, guests who have specific
food allergies are welcome to bring their own small snack items with them into the theme parks.
However, picnic baskets, ice chests, and coolers are not permitted.

If you have questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact us.

Please include your full name, E-Mail address, and reservation number if applicable on all
correspondence.

Thank you!

Sincerely,

Peggy Bishop

WDW Online Communications

 

[lillygator]

so it would seem they are overlooking the policy at the gates.

 

[Hannathy]

I have a question for 88keys I like the atmosphere at coral reef but I can't afford it can I take my PB&J from home in and eat at their tables? I did pay to get into Disney right? I think it is just common sense that there are areas within Disney that you are to use if you are a customer in that area. The tables are there for food purchases only. If you need to sit there at least buy a drink or move if paying customers need the table. common sense, common courtesy

 

[In a hurry]

I have a question for 88keys I like the atmosphere at coral reef but I can't afford it can I take my PB&J from home in and eat at their tables? I did pay to get into Disney right? I think it is just common sense that there are areas within Disney that you are to use if you are a customer in that area. The tables are there for food purchases only. If you need to sit there at least buy a drink or move if paying customers need the table. common sense, common courtesy

Well, that is an interesting stretch. Not 88keys, and really no personal concern in this issue, but I would say that the tables in restaurants that take ADR's are theoretically always reserved, if that makes sense?

As for the original discussion, I think that courtesy for others is paramount. If there were empty tables (offseason, mid morning, etc) and my kids were eating pb&j's while I had a warm cup of coffee, I would sit at a table.

If it were prime season, and even the paying customers couldn't find seats, I wouldn't even consider the idea. I would take them and my coffee and find someplace to settle for a bit.

 

[AmyBWV99]

How is this a gripe with WDW? All parks: Seaworld, Universal, Six Flags, Cedar Park have always allowed food into the parks. Where do you suggest these people eat their food? I think it would be discriminating to have a "bought your food here than you can sit here" vs. "didn't buy your food here, then you can't sit here."

I'm sorry, but I think this is a peeve of yours and that you should look for an opening table. Have someone sit there, while you get the food and enjoy your meal.

We've been able to find nice areas outside the food area to eat in a more relaxed setting, especially at MGM. Get creative and find a nice spot for you and your family to dig in without the hassle!

It's not a gripe with WDW, it's a gripe with the people that eat at a table at a crowded restaurant at which they didn't purchase any food. I completely agree - it is discrimination. But discrimination is the Disney way! Ever noticed how if you stay at a the GF you get a view of the castle, monorail service, far-and-away superior service and more Disney employees per guest than anywhere else? Disney is all about 'the more you pay, the better we treat you'. Look at check-in at the All-Stars versus check-in at the GF. If your argument holds true, then you should be able to go to Victoria and Albert’s with your PB&J and not encounter any issues. If you tried, I think you would be summarily dismissed from the premises.

It is a peeve of mine. That's why I started the post. My gripe is that there are no open tables. If there were, there wouldn't be an issue.

So, using this logic, I should go to Pecos Bills, ask for my meal to go, wander the park until I find a nice sport to sit and enjoy it there? Or should I take the entire tray with me? To me, it's fairly black and white. If I pay for food in a restaurant, I should have preference over those that who do not.

I can understand someones frustration at trying to find a table, but getting angry at another guest, or even worse classifying them as "cheapskates" for trying to save a few dollars is ridiculous. Anger should be at Disney for not providing enough seeting area for the people that, under their policies, are allowed to sit there.

I re-read my posts and don't remember seeing anything like this in any of them. Maybe I've misinterpreted what I wrote...

 

[DMRick]

Can we see your original letter that you wrote to them? And what did she mean "we would also like..etc" What came before the also? I ask because I wrote guest services (not online communications), and my response is significantly different from yours and came with a number at the bottom of the letter, in case I needed to respond back..which I intend to with a copy of your letter..but I would need the response number that comes at the bottom of guest services letters. Heck, I'm impressed that you heard back so fast. That has to be a record LOL

Thanks

Here is the response....

Dear Vanessa,

Thank you for contacting the Walt Disney World Resort.

We would also like to mention that as an exception to our standard policy, guests who have specific
food allergies are welcome to bring their own small snack items with them into the theme parks.
However, picnic baskets, ice chests, and coolers are not permitted.

If you have questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact us.

Please include your full name, E-Mail address, and reservation number if applicable on all
correspondence.

Thank you!

Sincerely,

Peggy Bishop

WDW Online Communications

 

[C.Ann]

Here is the response....

Dear Vanessa,

Thank you for contacting the Walt Disney World Resort.

We would also like to mention that as an exception to our standard policy, guests who have specific
food allergies are welcome to bring their own small snack items with them into the theme parks.
However, picnic baskets, ice chests, and coolers are not permitted.

If you have questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact us.

Please include your full name, E-Mail address, and reservation number if applicable on all
correspondence.

Thank you!

Sincerely,

Peggy Bishop

WDW Online Communications

--------------------------------------------------

That response doesn't make any sense.. "We would also like to mention that as an exception to our standard policy.." What is the "standard" policy? Was it mentioned before the "We would also"? If not, then it appears they never said what the "standard" policy is..

"However, picnic baskets, ice chests and coolers are not permitted." No mention of food and no mention of the fact that they have lockers available for "small coolers"..

What email address did you use? I'd like to give this a shot myself (although I'm still waiting for a response to an email I sent them last April - LOL)..

I will be very specific with my questions (which I will post here) and perhaps we can get a definitive answer - rather than a vague response..

Starting to feel as though I'm stuck in a Nancy Drew mystery here.. LOL Sure wish the search function was working here - I have seen more than one response to emails questioning if it was okay to bring food into the parks, but none like the one you have posted.. Seems like they left out an entire section - LOL..

 

[luvitmoreachtime]

I can see both sides. We have never brought food in but we do bring in drinks and drink them with the food we have purchased from the food court. Don't automatically think that because you see outside drinks that the food is outside too. I also have a very picky 3 year old eater and can sometimes not find anything she will eat, so we do always keep a pack of nabs (cracker with peanut butter) in her bag. I do agree that when you spend the money for admission you should be able to sit anywhere outside that there is a seat and I do think WDW should have more seating in their food areas and clean up the tables quicker between guests but WDW does so much more that is SOOO right that I can overlook lack of seating.
But thats just IMO

 

[luvitmoreachtime]

BTW, I asked the CM at PC and ASMo if coolers were permitted at the parks and they said yes. I took one everyday for 7 days and presented at the bag check area and never once got a negative remark. Unless this change was made since
Oct 2004, I think the policy is being overlooked at every park and resort.

 

[minijeanie]

this is one of the many reasons I don't do counter service.

I hate having to save a table
and the prices for sit down service are realistically only a $1 more PP
so why would anyone want to order at a counter, get all your condiments and then try to fight for a table...


Disney might do well to establish an outside area where people can picnic ....they would probably do well with all the groups they bring in to offer an outside vending service to feed these groups