SolitaryPhoenix
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jun 20, 2005
- Messages
- 441
Okay. I've read this whole thread. 
I wrote Disney about bring food into the parks, to wit: "Are we allowed to bring food into the parks? [Snacks, lunch, beverages]". This was the whole answer:
Dear Karen,
Thank you for contacting the Walt Disney World Resort.
With the exception of food items for guests with specific dietary restrictions, we do not permit guests to bring food and beverage items into our theme parks. Generally, however, plastic bottles for water, juice, etc. are allowed.
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!
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Sincerely,
Debbie Grant
WDW Online Communications
PLEASE NOTE: All information is subject to change without notice.
The last sentence is the most telling one to me, giving them an out, because basically, they're saying this is the answer now, but we can change it any time we like.
If they had said it was okay to bring food in, my reply would've asked where they wanted the outside food eaten, but, no such luck.
One person had a very sensible thought that I don't think anyone followed up on, that it's entirely possible that you aren't even supposed to bring outside food into an eating establishment [and yes, I'm sorry, whether it's on Disney property or not, it's still a restaurant, and there's some things they have to comply with!]; I don't know whether that would extend to inside and outside seating or not, but it makes sense. I tried to look it up on the Florida statutes, but, sheesh, what a pain if you don't know exactly which part to look in!
So -right now!- if people are going in the parks with anything other than plastic bottles, security is at fault for allowing it, although Disney might want to take a stand and post it somewhere.
Working for a large corporation myself, I can totally understand the right hand not knowing what the left is doing, but that doesn't make it right. Personally, I really don't have an issue with food being brought into the parks [although having read this whole thread , I'd want them to plan for it a little better, obviously!], but I'd have a huge issue with someone bringing outside food at the expense of a paying customer of that restaurant not having a table because of someone having brought their own in; of course, I would see those having 'melded' meals, like 2 differents Disney restaurants, or those with baby food or specific dietary medical restrictions as exceptions. I did read something about vegetarian meals, and that kind of threw me, because most of the food establishments I've been in at Disney do have vegetarian choices. And, IMHO, if the tables outside are clearly designated for that restaurant's guests, yes, I'd include those as part of that restaurant. A restaurant is a restaurant, and I wouldn't bring my own meal into any restaurant.
As many people have pointed out if Disney were to allow food in the parks, then designated areas for those seeking to picnic should be provided. As for clean-up, which was a problem several people pointed out, yes, ideally Disney would need to police the area. But really, if you're bringing your own food in, should they really have to clean up after you on a regular basis? Can you not throw your own trash out?
This is something I have an issue with, the way people create messes, then can't manage to clean up after themselves, ranging from just plain out public littering, to those leaving their trays, napkins, etc, in the food courts [and yes, I know there are bussers at all the food courts, but come on, especially if it's crowded, will it kill you to toss the trash in the garbage can and put the tray on the handy-dandy tray holder?
] to the things done in bathrooms. I mean, yes, we're paying to be there, but do we have to make sure it gets dirty? Would you leave a paper towel you dropped on the floor in your bathroom at home on the floor for someone else to clean up? I wouldn't, and if I drop one at an outside bathroom, I pick it up and file it. I also check the seat after I'm done, and make sure the toilet flushed. Okay, too much information, and I digress; leave that all for another day, another topic. 
I also think Disney needs to add more outside seating all over the parks; both for the restaurants so everyone can eat comfortably, and in general; there are many areas that could use additional benches, including the bus stops. I mean, if you buy an ice cream or soda, you don't always want to trudge around with it, and if I'm waiting for the more exitement-seeking members of my family outside a ride, I'd really like to be able to sit sometimes, but it can really be tough finding an empty, nearby bench.
Oh, well, this is way too long, and keep in mind it's JMHO, and I'd really prefer not to be flamed
, but after reading this whole d*mn thread, I had to reply. 
I wrote Disney about bring food into the parks, to wit: "Are we allowed to bring food into the parks? [Snacks, lunch, beverages]". This was the whole answer: Dear Karen,
Thank you for contacting the Walt Disney World Resort.
With the exception of food items for guests with specific dietary restrictions, we do not permit guests to bring food and beverage items into our theme parks. Generally, however, plastic bottles for water, juice, etc. are allowed.
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!
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Sincerely,
Debbie Grant
WDW Online Communications
PLEASE NOTE: All information is subject to change without notice.
The last sentence is the most telling one to me, giving them an out, because basically, they're saying this is the answer now, but we can change it any time we like.
If they had said it was okay to bring food in, my reply would've asked where they wanted the outside food eaten, but, no such luck.One person had a very sensible thought that I don't think anyone followed up on, that it's entirely possible that you aren't even supposed to bring outside food into an eating establishment [and yes, I'm sorry, whether it's on Disney property or not, it's still a restaurant, and there's some things they have to comply with!]; I don't know whether that would extend to inside and outside seating or not, but it makes sense. I tried to look it up on the Florida statutes, but, sheesh, what a pain if you don't know exactly which part to look in!
So -right now!- if people are going in the parks with anything other than plastic bottles, security is at fault for allowing it, although Disney might want to take a stand and post it somewhere.
Working for a large corporation myself, I can totally understand the right hand not knowing what the left is doing, but that doesn't make it right. Personally, I really don't have an issue with food being brought into the parks [although having read this whole thread , I'd want them to plan for it a little better, obviously!], but I'd have a huge issue with someone bringing outside food at the expense of a paying customer of that restaurant not having a table because of someone having brought their own in; of course, I would see those having 'melded' meals, like 2 differents Disney restaurants, or those with baby food or specific dietary medical restrictions as exceptions. I did read something about vegetarian meals, and that kind of threw me, because most of the food establishments I've been in at Disney do have vegetarian choices. And, IMHO, if the tables outside are clearly designated for that restaurant's guests, yes, I'd include those as part of that restaurant. A restaurant is a restaurant, and I wouldn't bring my own meal into any restaurant. As many people have pointed out if Disney were to allow food in the parks, then designated areas for those seeking to picnic should be provided. As for clean-up, which was a problem several people pointed out, yes, ideally Disney would need to police the area. But really, if you're bringing your own food in, should they really have to clean up after you on a regular basis? Can you not throw your own trash out?
This is something I have an issue with, the way people create messes, then can't manage to clean up after themselves, ranging from just plain out public littering, to those leaving their trays, napkins, etc, in the food courts [and yes, I know there are bussers at all the food courts, but come on, especially if it's crowded, will it kill you to toss the trash in the garbage can and put the tray on the handy-dandy tray holder?
] to the things done in bathrooms. I mean, yes, we're paying to be there, but do we have to make sure it gets dirty? Would you leave a paper towel you dropped on the floor in your bathroom at home on the floor for someone else to clean up? I wouldn't, and if I drop one at an outside bathroom, I pick it up and file it. I also check the seat after I'm done, and make sure the toilet flushed. Okay, too much information, and I digress; leave that all for another day, another topic. I also think Disney needs to add more outside seating all over the parks; both for the restaurants so everyone can eat comfortably, and in general; there are many areas that could use additional benches, including the bus stops. I mean, if you buy an ice cream or soda, you don't always want to trudge around with it, and if I'm waiting for the more exitement-seeking members of my family outside a ride, I'd really like to be able to sit sometimes, but it can really be tough finding an empty, nearby bench.
Oh, well, this is way too long, and keep in mind it's JMHO, and I'd really prefer not to be flamed
, but after reading this whole d*mn thread, I had to reply. 
??? Duck, before the responses come
) just to rest. Done the same at resort CS, too! AND, I've sat in the couches at WL while visiting, the chairs at POLY while exploring the beach and the rocking chairs at Beach Club when I walked down to check out the resort store. 
